Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive crisis has left Ange Postecoglou searching for reinforcements, and a familiar name has resurfaced as a potential solution.
The festive fixture list is often unkind, and for Tottenham Hotspur, it has brought not just defeats, but also a mounting injury crisis that has left the heart of their defence in tatters.
Radu Dragusin, a summer signing of last season, brought in with the intention to bolster the squad’s depth, became the latest casualty after suffering an ankle injury during the Boxing Day encounter.
This setback compounded the absences of key defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies, leaving Postecoglou with few natural options to marshal his backline.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Postecoglou and technical director Johan Lange are already plotting how best to strengthen the squad.
The situation demands decisive action, and reinforcements at centre-back are rapidly becoming a top priority for a team that started the season with aspirations of securing Champions League football.
Tottenham Hotspur are now seriously considering a renewed pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura as they look to address their defensive concerns.
Sources close to GIVEMESPORT have confirmed that while the Japan international is not the club’s top target at this stage, the north Londoners are weighing up a potential formal approach when the transfer window reopens on January 1.
Itakura, who is currently earning a modest £30,000-per-week at Monchengladbach, is entering the final 18 months of his contract.
This contractual situation presents Tottenham with an opportunity to test the Bundesliga club’s resolve, potentially negotiating a favourable deal that could see the 27-year-old make his Premier League debut.
Tottenham’s interest in Itakura is not a new development. The club had previously monitored the central defender closely in 2023 but ultimately turned their attention elsewhere due to an untimely injury.
This time, with the defensive ranks stretched thin, the situation appears more urgent. Itakura, who has drawn comparisons to Spurs legend Jan Vertonghen for his composure and versatility, could be the ideal fit for Postecoglou’s high-pressing, ball-playing system.
However, Tottenham are not the only club vying for Itakura’s signature. Serie A giants Napoli and Dutch heavyweights PSV Eindhoven have also been tracking the defender, and their interest underscores the quality and reputation he has built since moving to Germany.
Whether Spurs can fend off this competition and secure their man remains to be seen.
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