Tottenham are expected to reinforce their defensive unit in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur will surely be in the summer market for reinforcements after another disastrous domestic campaign. There are several problematic areas in the squad that would need addressing.
Spurs have struggled defensively after starting the campaign well. This is perhaps down to the considerable dip in performance levels of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Interestingly, Romero and Van de Ven, the club’s first-choice centre-back pairing, have been linked with an exit from White Hart Lane.
Should Romero and Van de Ven push to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium even if the Lilywhites manage to beat the drop, the club bosses would have to then replace them adequately in the squad. Tottenham would ideally not want to lose them together in one transfer window, but if the situation arises, the N17 chiefs have to be ready.
Tottenham eye move for Borussia Dortmund defender
According to an exclusive report from SportsBoom, Tottenham are set to battle Premier League rivals Aston Villa and West Ham for the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton. Anton is described by the Bundesliga website as someone who plays a bit like Eric Dier.
Waldemar Anton’s strong performances at Stuttgart led to a move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024. The 29-year-old has been a reliable performer for Borussia Dortmund, forming a strong partnership with Nico Schlotterbeck at the heart of their defence. The 12-cap Germany international has been a key player for Dortmund in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League this term.
The report adds that Anton could cost around €40 million in the summer. The German club have no rush to sell the centre-back, which will likely drive the price if Tottenham, West Ham and Aston Villa ignite a bidding war. Aston Villa are the frontrunners for his signature, and they are understood to be preparing an opening bid to test Dortmund’s resolve early in the summer transfer window.
Of course, Villa, who are currently fourth in the Premier League and considered favourites to win the Europa League, would be a more attractive option for Anton than either Spurs or West Ham. The London duo are separated by just a point in the relegation battle, which gives them slim chances to sign Dortmund’s defensive wall in the summer. Even if they manage to stay in the Premier League, both Tottenham and West Ham would find it tough to compete with Villa for his signature.
For a player who has gained solid experience in the Bundesliga over the years, competed in the Champions League, and is at the peak of his powers, a valuation of around €40 million will be seen as almost a low-risk market opportunity within Tottenham’s offices. However, for Spurs to have any hope of luring Anton to N17 from Dortmund, they will have to stay in the Premier League, at least.