Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive woes have been a recurring theme throughout a disappointing season. The North London outfit currently hold one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, a key reason why they find themselves struggling in the bottom half of the table. Manager Ange Postecoglou has been unable to find a reliable formula to shore up the backline, and clean sheets have become increasingly rare for Spurs.
Injuries to key defenders have only exacerbated the problem. At one stage, both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were sidelined with long-term injuries, forcing the club to sign an emergency centre-back during the January transfer window. But the injury crisis has continued. Radu Drăgușin has suffered an ACL injury, and new signing Kevin Danso has also been ruled out for an extended period. With first-choice and backup options falling away, Tottenham’s defence has been left exposed, underlining the urgent need for reinforcements and stability at the back.
Tottenham target Jarrad Branthwaite opens contract talks with Everton.
Adding to Tottenham’s defensive crisis is the bizarre yet telling case of Ben Davies, who has also spent the majority of the season on the sidelines. His absence has left Ange Postecoglou scrambling for options, with the club often forced to play without a natural centre-back for extended spells. In one of the most desperate measures, 18-year-old Archie Gray, a player with no prior experience in central defence, was deployed as a makeshift centre-back, highlighting the sheer depth of the club’s injury woes.
This has been the unfortunate pattern of the season for the Lilywhites, a campaign marred by injury setbacks, makeshift solutions, and defensive instability. It’s no surprise that many around the club are calling it a season to forget at N17, as Tottenham look toward the summer with the hope of a much-needed reset.
Jarrad Branthwaite to hold contract talks amid Tottenham transfer speculation
Tottenham have already set their sights on securing a world-class centre-back ahead of next season. The Lilywhites are actively working behind the scenes to offload fringe players, freeing up both funds and squad space to make room for a statement defensive signing. With the club desperate to resolve their long-standing issues at the back, this move could be crucial in rebuilding the spine of the team and boosting their chances of finally securing silverware in the near future.
As reported earlier this month, that Spurs were aiming to land Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton for around £50 million. The Lilywhites were hoping to sign the world-class defender in the bid to bolster their defence and hunt for their first major trophy in 17 years.
However, the Lilywhites have been handed a major blow in their pursuit of the England international. GIVEMESPORT now reports that Everton are in line to extend the 22-year-old’s contract and extend his stay at Merseyside. GMS also reports that Everton manager David Moyes is a fan of the player and is keen to keep him at the club for a long time.
What does this mean for Tottenham?
Jarrad Branthwaite has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in the last 18 months. The 22-year-old has been a consistent performer in an inconsistent team. As per Sofascore, the defender has an average rating of 7.02 in the Premier League this season. Branthwaite also ranks 2nd in clearances per game, with 6.32 average clearances in 22 league games.
Tottenham target Jarrad Branthwaite opens contract talks with Everton.
Sky Sports recently reported that Tottenham defender Cristian Romero wants an exit for N17 and is willing to move to Atletico Madrid. If Spurs fail to sign a replacement of the same calibre, then there will be a massive outcry amongst the fans.
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All eyes are now on Jarrad Branthwaite and the decision he makes regarding his future. If there’s even the slightest opportunity to secure the England international, Tottenham Hotspur should have no hesitation in going all out to land his signature. A player of Branthwaite’s calibre would bring immediate stability and long-term quality to Spurs’ fragile backline. It would be a win-win situation, a defensive upgrade for the club and a major career move for the player. For a team seeking to rebuild and contend again, this is the kind of signing that sets the tone for ambition.