Paul Robinson identifies ideal replacement for Jan Vertonghen

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Samuel Umtiti would be a shrewd summer signing.

Robinson earlier this week urged (Football Insider) the Lilywhites to accept Barcelona’s rumoured offer of Umtiti and Nelson Semedo in exchange for Tanguy Ndombele (Sky Sports).

Robinson claimed that it was too good an offer to turn down as both players would improve Jose Mourinho’s squad.

The former Spurs shot-stopper has once again called for his former club bring Umtiti to North London this summer.

The former England number one insisted that the Barcelona ace would be the perfect replacement for Jan Vertonghen.

The Belgian’s contract with the club runs out this summer and reports suggest that he is likely to move to either La Liga or the Serie A in the coming months after rejecting Tottenham’s one-year extension offer.

When asked who Tottenham need to bring in during the transfer window, Robinson told Football Insider: “Umtiti is what they need.

“Vertonghen has not been himself. Whether it has been the contract, but it looks like he has always had it in mind to leave.

“He has looked disheartened at times, you could see it in his body language. He has not been himself.

“Someone like Umtiti, who is only 26, would be ideal if Vertonghen is leaving.

“If he does leave it is a position they will have to look at. I suspect they will strengthen with more than one but Umtiti fits the bill. He would be a great signing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I disagree with Robinson on this. It is important to remember that the only reason Barcelona want to get rid of Umtiti is that they are fed up with his poor fitness record. There is no doubt that he is a top player when he is at his best but his terrible injury record would make him an extremely risky signing.

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