Emerson Royal’s exit from Tottenham in the summer had raised questions about the team’s viability at right-back. But the fact that Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, and Djed Spence could occupy those roles meant Spurs could still make do.
In the months since Royal’s departure, however, two of the players have been surrounded by uncertainty regarding their future at the club, while one is not preferred by the manager.
And so, Spurs are in a position where they need to reinforce their right-back slot regardless of what happens to their players.
Tottenham targetting Tariq Lamptey amid Pedro Porro exit speculation
As reported by TeamTalk, Tottenham are considering making a move for Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey.
Spurs’ situation at the right-back slot is particularly dire. Their leakage of goals has not been fixed since Emerson Royal’s departure, and both Pedro Porro and Archie Gray have been subject of exit speculation from North London in recent days, with Djed Spence all but a fringe presence in the first team.
Under new head coach Fabian Hürzeler, Lamptey has featured sporadically, having registered a goal and assist each in four matches across all competitions. He has been nursing persistent injury issues over the past two seasons.
The 24-year-old’s £35k-per-week contract at Brighton expires at the end of the season. He is currently valued by Transfermarkt at €12 million.
Tottenham Hotspur have been having quite a difficult time putting qualitative defenders on the pitch of late, given the injury concerns to Micky van de Ven, complemented by how Cristian Romero only narrowly escaped a long-term injury just ahead of the international break. Ange Postecoglou doesn’t have much defensive cover at the heart of defence, with Radu Dragusin being the only attributable cover for both of the aforementioned defenders.
Spurs do have a veteran presence in Ben Davies, who can play as a cover backup; however, playing him does compensate with Ange Postecoglou’s playing style in a way.
And as options are thin in the centre-back role, Spurs are prepared to make a move to bring in a new defender in the upcoming winter transfer window, per Football Insider.
The report suggests that the Lilywhites have put aside a ‘huge’ fee to bring in a new center-back, as Daniel Levy deems it critical to ensure that the club can stay competitive along the second half of the season.
The North Londoners did target a new defender in the previous summer transfer window; however, they weren’t able to explore a deal for the right player at the right price. And with the team now facing an increased risk of defensive injuries, the Spurs will be looking to strengthen the roster at the back to ensure that there isn’t any qualitative loss owing to any injuries
The club has already been subject to links with potential targets as Spurs faithful remain hopeful that the club’s winter recruitment strategy will bring in a new central defender and address this pressing need.
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