Destiny Udogie’s injury threatens Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive depth. With the winter transfer window open, Spurs need to sign a left full-back urgently. But who should they target? Let’s find out.
It has been no secret that Tottenham Hotspur entered the 2024/25 season with precariously thin defensive options.
With only seven players to cover the backline—Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Radu Dragusin as centre-backs; Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, and Djed Spence as full-backs—the margins for error or injury have always been slim.
The assumption among fans and pundits alike was that the club would bolster its defensive ranks in the summer transfer window, either by acquiring a versatile full-back or an additional centre-back to complement Davies’ adaptability.
However, those expectations were unmet, and now Tottenham find themselves in a precarious position.
Recent injuries have exacerbated these concerns. Four of their seven defenders are currently sidelined, with the versatile Archie Gray now deployed as a makeshift centre-back.
The latest blow came when Udogie sustained a suspected hamstring injury during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This development leaves the North London club with only two fully fit full-backs—Porro and Spence—and the out-of-favour Sergio Reguilón, whose future at the club is uncertain.
With Udogie’s injury coinciding with the opening of the January transfer window, Tottenham have a chance to rectify what has been widely criticised as a major oversight in their summer recruitment strategy.
The decision to forego additional reinforcements in defence has not only left the squad stretched but also placed undue strain on players like Udogie, who has logged 1,816 minutes across the Premier League, Europa League, and EFL Cup this season.
Ordinarily, a first-choice full-back would be rested during less crucial cup games to preserve their fitness for the season’s business end.
However, the lack of viable alternatives has forced Udogie into an unsustainable workload, contributing to his recent injury.
This, combined with Gray’s redeployment to the centre of defence, underscores the club’s lack of depth on the left flank.
The Lilywhites now find themselves at a critical juncture. As the January window opens, there is a growing consensus that Tottenham must act decisively.
Potential targets have already emerged, but the urgency is clear: without immediate reinforcements, the club risks further derailing what has already been a poor campaign so far.
It is not all doom and gloom for Tottenham Hotspur, as the January transfer window offers a timely chance to address their defensive frailties.
One standout option is Patrick Dorgu, the Lecce left-back who was recently named Danish Young Player of the Year for 2024.
While Tottenham’s previous summer approach for Dorgu was rebuffed, reports suggest that the player is expected to leave Stadio Via del Mare in 2025.
If the Lilywhites reignite their interest, they may yet secure a player whose tactical profile, physical attributes, and potential align perfectly with Postecoglou’s system.
Another intriguing option is Tyrick Mitchell, currently plying his trade with Crystal Palace. With three assists to his name this season, Mitchell has been a consistent performer, and his future at Selhurst Park is uncertain as his contract runs down.
For Tottenham, this presents an opportunity to secure a proven Premier League defender at a cut-price rate.
Both Dorgu and Mitchell represent viable solutions for a Tottenham side in desperate need of reinforcements.
While there is no denying the challenges posed by Udogie’s injury, the January window offers a chance for the club to turn a potential crisis into an opportunity to strengthen their squad and perhaps turn a curve on what has been a really poor first-half of the season.
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