‘They struggled’ – Journalist suggests Spurs need three new defenders this summer

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke believes that Tottenham should prioritise strengthening their backline this summer, insisting that the club lack sufficient cover for their back four.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham are expected to have a busy summer transfer window as Ange Postecoglou looks to put his own imprint on the squad.

Last week, The Times claimed that Spurs want to take advantage of the fact that they are in a good position with respect to PSR, unlike other Premier League sides who have to sell before they can buy.

The report added that Postecoglou has made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that the club should prioritise moves for a striker, a midfielder and a centre-back when the transfer window opens next month.

Tottenham need defensive reinforcements this summer

O’Rourke has said that the Lilywhites are in desperate need of addition at the back, pointing out that they have struggled whenever any of their first-choice back four has been out injured this season.

He told Football Insider: “It’s the back four, defensively. Van de Ven and Romero, the cover that they need. Dragusin has come in and we’ve not really seen much of him.

“With Van de Ven’s injury record, and Romero’s injury record and suspensions, we know they’re not going to play a full season. The full-back areas as well. I think they struggled with Ben Davies at left-back when they played against Arsenal. Bukayo Saka caused him a lot of problems.

“When Udogie and Porro are not fit, the strength in depth that they’ve got in these areas, the manager needs to rejuvenate the squad. He played against Manchester City with four full-backs across the back four. That’s obviously an area of glaring need.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that Tottenham do need to add more options at centre-back and full-back. Postecoglou would ideally want someone like Joe Gomez, who can play at centre-back as well as right-back.

However, I suspect that the 58-year-old’s priority this summer would be to sign a top-class number six and a wide forward who is adept at beating his man.