Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on an out-of-favour Barcelona defender ahead of January, but the Lilywhites may not be the favourites for his signature.
The speculation has already begun intensifying regarding which players Tottenham could potentially target in the January window.
It seems fairly clear that Spurs are prioritising adding a top-class number nine to their squad, with neither Omar Marmoush nor Dominic Solanke firing this season.
However, there have also been suggestions that the Lilywhites could look to strengthen their backline, with one young Barca full-back said to be on their radar.
Tottenham target Alejandro Balde
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Liverpool could have an advantage over Tottenham in Alejandro Balde race
A few days ago, Sport reported that Tottenham were one of several Premier League clubs in contact with Alejandro Balde’s agent Jorge Mendes, who is trying to find the left-back a new club.
Barca are hoping to sell Balde for around €40m (£33.3m) in the winter, but would also be open to a loan move with an option/obligation to buy.
The report added that the 23-year-old has made up his mind to leave Camp Nou and that Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa had also been spoken to by Mendes.
GiveMeSport now gives its own information on Balde’s future, pointing out that Liverpool will likely need a new left-back as Milos Kerkez is yet to convince while Konstantinos Tsimikas’ deal runs out next summer.
The website claims that the prospect of bringing the Spain international to Anfield could thus appeal to Andoni Iraola, especially given that the player is thought to be available for around £36m.
The report further suggests that Liverpool would have an advantage over Spurs and Balde’s other suitors, and not only because Iraola is Spanish.
The Reds have a strong existing relationship and just recently agreed a deal for Ronald Araujo to move to Merseyside on an initial loan deal in the summer. Liverpool could use this to their advantage to move to the front of the queue to sign the Barca left-back.
Statistic Balde Udogie Robertson
Appearances 3 5 9
Minutes played 100 179 668
Goals 0 0 0
Assists 0 0 2
Expected assists (xA) 0.25 0.28 1.40
Key passes 2 1 14
Big chances created 1 0 4
Tackles 4 2 7
Interceptions 1 4 4
Pass accuracy 92% 89% 86%
Crosses 2 3 43
Is Spurs’ patience with Destiny Udogie running out?
If it is true that Tottenham are seriously interested in Balde, that may suggest that the club are losing faith that Destiny Udogie can stay fit consistently for a run of games.
The Italy international has not managed to do so since the 2023-24 season and has had a stop-start year this time out as well.
After returning from his knee injury to make a substitute appearance against Crystal Palace, the former Udinese man was left out of the matchday squad against Leeds.
Curiously, though, Udogie took to social media on Saturday to inform Spurs fans that he had not suffered any new injury.