Tottenham Hotspur target defensive trio on January shortlist as Ange Postecoglou prioritises young players
The defensive trio of Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, and Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is of interest to Spurs. The North London club is also interested in Al Ittihad forward Jota and Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.
In the January transfer window, Tottenham will prioritise acquiring exceptional young players as Ange Postecoglou works to implement his vision for a team shaped in his likeness.
The primary areas that Spurs are targeting to bolster are centre defender, left winger, and central midfielder. Players under the age of 24 are preferred. Spurs are trying to add depth to the squad.
James Maddison self-diagnosed his injury, but Ange Postecoglou, the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, joked that he didn’t believe it.
Postecoglou has recently taken into account the cost of Micky van de Ven’s long-term injury and Cristian Romeo’s ban, therefore he has used two full backs in Ben Daves and Emerson Royal in place of those players. A centre back is the priority.
Under Sean Dyche, Branthwaite is essential to Eveton’s attempt to stay afloat. Guehi and Todibo are also essential to their teams, particularly the latter as Nice makes an unexpected run for the Ligue 1 title this year.Due to his injury issues, Spurs had reportedly cooled their interest in Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, whom they had contemplated a move for on deadline day in the summer. The same might be said for another summer target, Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly. This information was published by Sky Sports News last month.
One of the wingers that Spurs are keeping a close eye on is Samuel Iling-Junior of Juventus. An England U21 international, he came to Italy from Chelsea’s academy in 2020 and is represented by the same agency as James Maddison, Heung-Min Son, and Postecoglou, CAA Base.Spurs may have to consider loan options like the former Celtic winger Jota, who is currently playing at Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, as they do not have a large transfer budget at their disposal without selling players first and with centre back being the priority.
A central midfielder would complete their dream roster, but this also depends on outgoings. A third January addition would do this.Spurs may let Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg go for a good offer and an assured successor, and they will also let Eric Dier go for a price after he was passed over for a spot at centre defender by Royal. Hugo Lloris is another player who can leave.