Tottenham Hotspur are currently facing a defensive crisis and require defensive reinforcement this winter. Despite this, the latest reports suggest that no signings are imminent.
The defensive struggles facing Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s defensive set-up is currently stretched to breaking point, exposing Spurs’ vulnerability against top-tier opposition.
Eighteen-year-old Archie Gray, a promising midfielder by trade, has been deployed at centre-back in recent weeks, showcasing his adaptability but also underlining the lack of defensive options available.
Similarly, Djed Spence, who was frozen out of the squad last season, has been thrust into a starting role at left-back, adding to the feeling of improvisation rather than stability.
These makeshift solutions have had predictable consequences, with Tottenham enduring a five-match winless run in the league, conceding a worrying 13 goals in the process.
As the January transfer window provides a glimmer of hope, the pressure is on the club to find reinforcements capable of addressing their defensive shortcomings and reigniting their campaign.
What is being said about Spurs signing a new centre-back
Amidst the growing clamour for defensive reinforcements, journalist Mike McGrath offered his perspective on Tottenham’s situation during an appearance on Last Word on Spurs.
McGrath painted a less-than-optimistic picture of Spurs’ chances of securing a new centre-back this month, describing the current transfer market as a significant obstacle.
“I think that it is a really difficult market for them. At this moment in time I am not hearing that Spurs are close on a centre-back. I am sure they have targets from across Europe who are gettable and available, but it’s extremely difficult. You look at players who are available and it’s players who are not in the team really,” McGrath explained.
Tottenham remain confident about January signings
Despite the hurdles, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with several potential defensive recruits during this transfer window.
The names in the mix suggest that the club is exploring a range of options, though no deal appears imminent.
Ko Itakura, the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender, is among those reportedly on Spurs’ radar, while earlier this month, Tottenham were in talks to sign PSG’s Milan Skriniar.
Both players would represent significant upgrades to the current backline, but as McGrath’s comments suggest, these negotiations are far from completion.
Despite all of these, Ange Postecoglou remains confident that in the next few weeks, the club will make more signings, he said: “As confident as you can be. It is tricky as all clubs are finding. And I guess traditionally it ramps up in that final week so we’re approaching there for all clubs.
“It’s even trickier in January because once you try to acquire a player, the club wants to replace that player. So there’s all sorts of logistics involved.”