Spurs open talks to sign £46k-per-week defensive powerhouse—he could be their own Van Dijk

Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest struggles this season are easy to pinpoint.

 

The most significant issue has been the sheer number of injuries they’ve endured. However, a close second is their defensive frailty.

 

For instance, despite sitting in 14th place, Ange Postecoglou’s side has scored the second-most goals in the Premier League.

 

But defensively, they rank among the worst, conceding more goals than all but seven teams in the league.

 

Clearly, reinforcing the backline should be a priority when the summer transfer window opens.

 

Tottenham Hotspur’s Defensive Target

Even when their injured players return, it’s evident that Spurs must strengthen their defensive options.

 

Recent reports suggest they are actively pursuing this goal, with one player—compared to Virgil van Dijk—now linked with a move to North London.

 

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are among several clubs highly interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.

 

Liverpool, in particular, have reportedly “already initiated contacts” regarding a potential deal.

 

Although the German defender was previously expected to join Barcelona, the Spanish club’s ongoing financial difficulties have given other teams a chance to make their move.

 

While facing competition from both Liverpool and potentially Barcelona isn’t ideal, there’s good news for Spurs.

 

Tah’s current £46,000-per-week contract is set to expire in the summer, making the transfer financially viable—even if he demands a significant signing-on fee.

 

Securing this deal ahead of Liverpool and Barcelona will be a challenge, but given Tah’s immense ability, it’s a battle worth fighting. If successful, Spurs could land their own version of Van Dijk.

 

Why Tah is Compared to Van Dijk

Before diving into the many reasons Spurs should pursue Tah, it’s important to examine where the Van Dijk comparison comes from.

 

This link is primarily based on FBref’s player comparison model, which evaluates footballers across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the Champions League and Europa League.

 

The model identifies the ten most statistically similar players in each position, and in this case, it has determined that Van Dijk is the most comparable centre-back to Tah.

 

A deeper look at the numbers further supports this.

 

The two players have remarkably similar metrics in key defensive and possession-based areas, including progressive carries and passes, passing accuracy, blocks, interceptions, expected assists, and aerial duel win percentage—all measured per 90 minutes.

 

While being statistically aligned with arguably the world’s best centre-back is a compelling reason to sign Tah, it’s not the only one.

 

What Tah Would Bring to Tottenham

Beyond his technical and defensive capabilities, Tah would offer Tottenham a much-needed physical presence in the heart of their defence.

 

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he has been described as a “battleship” by former teammate Christoph Kramer.

 

His imposing stature, coupled with his strength and aerial dominance, would add an essential ingredient to Spurs’ defensive unit—especially given the physical nature of the Premier League.

 

Additionally, Tah brings a wealth of experience that would benefit Postecoglou’s young and promising squad. Over his career, he has amassed:

 

20 appearances for Hamburg

 

23 appearances for Düsseldorf

 

393 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a crucial role in their league and cup double-winning campaign last season

 

35 caps for the German national team

 

 

Despite not being a household name in England, Tah has built an impressive career in Germany and has consistently performed at a high level.

 

His defensive skillset, leadership, and experience make him an ideal candidate to bolster Tottenham’s backline.

 

A Signing Worth Fighting For

Ultimately, while Tah may not be the biggest name in the Premier League, his talent is undeniable.

 

If Spurs can secure his signature, he would undoubtedly strengthen their defence and provide the stability they desperately need.

 

For Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy, this is a transfer pursuit that deserves full commitment.

 

If they succeed, Tah could prove to be a transformative addition—one who, much like Van Dijk at Liverpool, could elevate Spurs to new heights.