Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly considering making a move for either Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg or Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster their defense. The club is looking to revamp their backline after conceding 63 Premier League goals last season.
Spurs have already secured the services of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli for £17 million and midfielder James Maddison for £40 million. They are also expecting to sign winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer later this week. To complete their defensive overhaul, the club aims to bring in a new center-back before their summer tour to Australia, Thailand, and Singapore on July 14.
The club has held talks with both Van de Ven and Tapsoba, with reports suggesting that negotiations over personal terms with Van de Ven are at an advanced stage. Manager Ange Postecoglou has allegedly spoken to the Dutch player about a potential move to North London.
Van de Ven, 22, has attracted strong interest from Spurs due to his impressive performances in the Bundesliga. Standing at 6ft 3ins, the center-back possesses pace that aligns with Postecoglou’s desire to have a high-pressing defensive line. He can also play as a left-back if needed, making him a highly versatile asset. Van de Ven’s reported value is around £30 million, and Liverpool is also believed to be eyeing the young Dutch talent.
On the other hand, Tapsoba, 24, is viewed as a more experienced addition to Postecoglou’s defense. The Burkina Faso international has made 100 Bundesliga appearances, as well as featuring in the Champions League and Europa League. Tapsoba’s value is higher than Van de Ven’s, with some reports suggesting it to be around £50 million.
While Spurs consider their options, they are also interested in signing 25-year-old Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The English center-back is in the final year of his contract at Fulham and could be a cost-effective homegrown option for Tottenham.
The club’s aim is to bring in at least two new center-backs this summer, and there are also rumors of a potential permanent deal for Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet. However, as of now, it remains uncertain whether Spurs will pursue Lenglet, as they consider the price and weigh other options available.
In terms of departures, Cristian Romero is anticipated to be a good fit for Postecoglou’s system, while Eric Dier intends to stay at Tottenham for the coming season. Spurs are open to offers for Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon, and Japhet Tanganga, with the latter’s departure potentially creating space for bringing in Adarabioyo.
Overall, Tottenham is focused on strengthening their defense and ensuring a more solid performance in the upcoming season. With several potential targets in consideration, it is clear that Postecoglou aims to create a very different backline compared to last season.
