Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to bring in a new centre-back in the ongoing summer transfer window, as the North Londoners are in desperate need to bring in some quality at the heart of defence, given how Ange Postecoglou had to play makeshift defenders for a considerable while in the last season. And this is where the links with a move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite made sense, given that he would bring in that Premier League-proven quality complemented by his exceptional potential that would be in line with the project that the Lilywhites are building at Hotspur Way.
But the England international has signed a new contract with the Merseysiders, putting an end to all the rumours linking him with a move away from Everton and, in turn, an end to the North Londoners pursuit of his signature.
Now the incoming manager, Thomas Frank, has to dip back into the market to recognise the potential targets that Tottenham can bag in the ongoing window.
Chelsea enter the race for Tottenham Hotspur target Jarrad Branthwaite.
Tottenham were considering a swoop for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite before he signed a new deal with his current employers.
Three alternatives for Branthwaite that Tottenham can consider
Marc Guehi
Tottenham are interested in Marc Guehi
Tottenham are interested in Marc Guehi alongside Liverpool.
The Cobham academy graduate has been linked with a move away from Crystal Palace in the off-season, with Tottenham and defending champions Liverpool being the front runners to attain his signature. Now he is one of those players in the market who has exceptional potential and is Premier League proven, just like Branthwaite, if Levy is looking for that.
Moreover, he is technically really sound and possesses that defensive intelligence; both of these traits should come in useful for any defender playing under Thomas Frank (given how the Dane head coach values compactness and anticipation).
Guehi is also quite strong when it comes to one-on-one duels, and the fact that he rarely dives in makes him ideal in a mid-block setup that the former Brentford manager is expected to implement at Tottenham.
He is also a leader and has that maturity beyond his age, which could make him a natural successor to Cristian Romero if the Argentine does end up moving away from Hotspur Way this summer
John Lucumi
Tottenham are interested in signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi
Tottenham are interested in signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi who can be a cheaper alternative to Branthwaite.
Another player that Tottenham can land this summer is the Bologna centre-back who has been subject to links with a move to Tottenham across the summer now. His left-footed ability, complemented by how he has been tactically refined himself over the past years, would be ideal for a possible N17 transfer.
He is someone who is quite physically dominant but also understands zones, which should be ideal for playing under Frank. This positional discipline is what Tottenham have lacked in the backline, and given how the Dane head coach would want to put through a compact system, Lucumi would be an interesting option.
He is a ball-playing defender who has that capacity to feature in a ball-playing role, and given he is left-footed, opens up a few symmetrical options for the North Londoners. And more importantly, if the Lilywhites want a defender with a massive physique who can fit into the North Londoners framework, then they could be looking at Lucumi, given how he will be a more economical option than someone like Jarrad Branthwaite.
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Goncalo Inacio
Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio can be an interesting alternative to Branthwaite.
I think another underrated move could be bringing the 23-year-old Portuguese from Sporting Lisbon. Given how he has been showcasing his ability in the Primeira Liga over the years, he would be an interesting option.
The left-footed centre-back is really good at progressive passing where he breaks the line with the ball and switches play. He is quite comfortable when he is playing under pressure and stepping into midfield, which ends up suiting the fluid 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 shapes that Tottenham are expected to play under Frank.
He also has that leadership quality which can be a long-term upside.
But the thing is, he has not played outside Portugal, so going from there and stepping into the physical side of the Premier League would be a massive step up.
Author Verdict
If Tottenham are looking to bring in a domestic, plug-and-play option, the . Marc Guehi should be the obvious option. But if you want a more cost-effective choice, then Lucumi would be a smart buy. And if you want a technical passer, then Inacio would be a worthy gamble.