Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing a young centre-back as a potential long-term replacement for Cristian Romero, according to a report.
Tottenham’s defensive criticism
Since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham in June 2023, an entertaining brand of football has been on offer, and the Australian has received praise from members of the media for introducing a style of play that is so easy on the eye:
However, a heavy focus on the attacking side of the game can come at a cost, and Paul Robinson has been critical of his former club’s defensive structure under the helm of Postecoglou, saying:
“He changed the style of play and changed the way the fans view this team. However, people are getting frustrated because everybody watching the game can see it, they’re so wide open and the defensive frailties are there.There are silly mistakes as well which aren’t necessarily down to the manager, but the tactics and style of play are absolutely down to the manager.
It’s the regularity with which Tottenham are conceding goals, that’s the issue. They leave the defence so exposed and they’re being found out, week-in-week-out. At some point, he’s going to have to change things.”
Although Postecoglou has a range of quality options at his disposal, including the likes of Romero and Micky van de Ven, transfer insider Graeme Bailey believes that signing a new centre-back will be the priority in the January transfer window.
Now, The Boot Room are reporting that Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande is emerging as a potential option for Spurs, with Tottenham viewing him as a long-term replacement for Romero, who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, north London rivals Arsenal are also interested in the 20-year-old and have recently made an approach, so Spurs could have a fight on their hands to get a deal over the line this January. Furthermore, he may not come cheap, with a £68m release clause said to be included in his contract.
Diomande impressing for Sporting
It is clear to see why some of the Premier League clubs are queuing up to sign the youngster, as he is showing signs he could be a top-quality modern-day centre-back, ranking in the 99th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 over the past year.
The Ivorian has also received high praise from members of the media:
Diomande could be an excellent signing for Tottenham, but fans will be hoping they can also keep hold of Romero, given that the defender has been one of their best-performing players this season.
MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS
Tottenham now preparing bid for £40m+ youngster who’s “going to be a star”
Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing to lodge a bid for a Premier League youngster who’s “going to be a star”, according to a report.
Tottenham transfer rumours
Speaking to Spurs News, transfer insider Graeme Bailey recently detailed that signing a left-sided defender is likely to be Ange Postecoglou’s main target in the January transfer window, saying:
“From what I’m hearing, I think especially now a left-sided centre-back looks to be the priority because that’s the area they are most short in. They cannot afford another major injury there.”
However, it is clear that Postecoglou is keen to bolster his squad in a number of other areas too, with Manchester City winger Jack Grealish now on the radar, while Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson has also been linked with a switch to N17.
A number of players are clearly being considered by Postecoglou, and one of the Premier League’s breakout stars could potentially be in line for a move to the capital as well if reports from Spain are to be believed.
Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte, who is currently on loan at Leicester City, has now emerged as a subject of interest for Tottenham, with the club willing to fight to ensure they win the race for his signature.
The report states that a Spurs bid is currently being prepared, with the Seagulls apparently willing to let the 19-year-old leave for a fee of €50m (£41m), amidst interest from several other clubs, including current employers Leicester.
At the moment, Buananotte is enjoying his time on loan at Leicester, and it is clear to see why, given that he has made a flying start to the Premier League campaign, recording five goal contributions in his opening nine games.
Buananotte destined for the top
Some members of the media have tipped the midfielder to go on to great things, with talkSPORT’s Jack Johnson suggesting that he is “going to be a star” after an impressive performance earlier this season.
