Tottenham Eye Centre-Back Drawn Comparisons to Jan Vertonghen
Tottenham's Defensive Crisis Spurs Postecoglou to Revisit Familiar Transfer Target
Defensive Struggles at Tottenham Hotspur
The festive period has proven harsh for Tottenham Hotspur, bringing not only defeats but also an escalating injury crisis that has severely weakened their defensive core.
Radu Dragusin, signed last summer to enhance squad depth, became the latest casualty after sustaining an ankle injury during the Boxing Day match.
His setback adds to the absences of key defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou with limited natural options to organize his backline.
With the January transfer window approaching, Postecoglou and technical director Johan Lange are strategizing on how best to reinforce the squad.
Strengthening the center-back position has become a pressing priority for a team that began the season aiming for Champions League qualification.
Tottenham Revive Interest in Ko Itakura
In light of their defensive concerns, Tottenham Hotspur are seriously considering reigniting their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura.
According to sources close to GIVEMESPORT, the Japanese international, while not yet the club’s primary target, is under serious consideration.
Spurs are weighing a formal approach once the transfer window opens on January 1.
Itakura currently earns a modest £30,000 per week at Monchengladbach and has 18 months remaining on his contract.
This situation gives Tottenham an opportunity to test the Bundesliga club’s willingness to negotiate, potentially securing a favorable deal that would bring the 27-year-old to the Premier League.
Stiff Competition for Itakura’s Signature
Tottenham’s interest in Itakura is not new. The club previously monitored him in 2023 but opted to pursue other targets after an untimely injury disrupted their plans.
Now, with their defensive ranks stretched thin, the need for reinforcements has intensified.
Itakura’s calmness and versatility have drawn comparisons to Spurs legend Jan Vertonghen, making him a strong candidate for Postecoglou’s high-pressing, ball-playing system.
However, Spurs are not the only team eyeing the defender.
Serie A giants Napoli and Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven have also expressed interest, highlighting the reputation Itakura has built since his move to Germany.
Whether Tottenham can outmaneuver their competition and secure Itakura’s signature remains to be seen as the January transfer window looms.
