Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has openly admitted that the club is in need of a new centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window. This admission comes as no surprise, as Spurs have been struggling with a lack of cover in defensive positions. Mickey van de Ven is currently sidelined until next year due to a thigh injury, and the club allowed Davinson Sánchez, Japhet Tanganga, and Joe Rodon to depart during the summer, with the latter two going out on loan.
One interesting aspect is Postecoglou’s apparent reluctance to trust Eric Dier in his starting line-up. As a result, Tottenham have recently fielded makeshift central defensive pairings. Full-backs Emerson Royal and Ben Davies have been deployed in the heart of the defense during recent matches, primarily due to Cristian Romero’s three-match ban for a red card against Chelsea. Romero returned to partner Davies in last weekend’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. When asked about the possibility of the Royal-Davies partnership continuing in upcoming fixtures, Postecoglou commented on Davies’ adaptability, stating that he has done remarkably well. However, the manager emphasized the need for exceptional attributes in the center-back position, particularly in Tottenham’s tactical structure.
Postecoglou expressed his gratitude for Davies’ ability to fill in at center-back, praising his understanding of the game and his willingness to absorb tactical instructions. The presence of Romero alongside him and the leadership of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario have also provided support. However, the manager stressed that another center-back signing remains necessary for the club. The current lack of depth leaves Tottenham vulnerable, as any potential injury or setback could leave them exposed.
According to sources, Tottenham is considering several options for a new center-back. Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are among the names on their radar. Although no specific details regarding the pursuit of these players have been revealed, the club is actively exploring potential signings to bolster their defensive options.
Postecoglou also reflected on the club’s absence from the Champions League this season, acknowledging the negative impact of not participating in European competition. With Tottenham finishing in eighth place last term, they failed to secure a place in any continental tournaments. Not being involved in European football has hindered the squad’s development, as the experience and game time gained from such competitions can accelerate growth. Postecoglou expressed his desire to see Tottenham compete at the highest level once again, highlighting the unique challenges and benefits that European football brings.
In other team news, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso will be unavailable for the upcoming game against Nottingham Forest due to a minor issue sustained in training. The exact details of the injury have not been disclosed.
Tottenham Hotspur’s need for a new center-back is apparent, as confirmed by manager Ange Postecoglou. The defensive cover is currently lacking, and the reliance on makeshift solutions may leave the team vulnerable to setbacks. As the club continues its pursuit of potential transfer targets, the hope is to secure a new signing in the upcoming January window. Additionally, Tottenham’s absence from European football this season has been a setback in terms of squad development, highlighting the desire to return to the continental stage in the future.