Tottenham are eyeing defensive reinforcements amid the uncertain futures of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Roberto De Zerbi has becomeTottenham Hotspur’s new boss, tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League by hook or by crook.
Spurs fans will hope that De Zerbi is at the club for the long haul, having signed a five-year contract with no relegation clause. In fact, the 46-year-old has also pledged to stay committed to Tottenham even if they get relegated. This means the Italian is expected to play a decisive role in reshaping the squad he’s inherited from Igor Tudor, who was shown the door after overseeing just one win in seven games in all competitions.
The North Londoners’ squad boasts some highly rated young talents, whom De Zerbi would love to work with and nurture. Adding to that roster in the summer would be key, and the club officials appear to be heading towards the direction of their youth-centric recruitment policy, given their recent links with a Bundesliga defender.
Tottenham add Werder Bremen prodigy to their shortlist
Reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romero recently revealed that Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly is wanted by several European clubs, with Newcastle United the chief Premier League side in the race. The teenager is open to a new challenge in the summer.
Karim Coulibaly, at just 18 years old, is already thriving in the high-intensity and competitive Bundesliga, racking up 22 appearances for Werder Bremen. He has also scored a goal in what has been his breakthrough campaign. The youngster’s stock is on the rise, putting a whole host of European clubs on red alert.
Now, according to an exclusive report from Football FanCast, Tottenham have added Coulibaly to their shortlist ahead of De Zerbi’s first summer transfer window. The Lilywhites are considering moving for the German youth international regardless of their status at the end of the season, accepting that he is one of the best young defenders in Europe.
The report adds Werder Bremen could demand up to €50million for their star kid due to him having a contract until 2029 (Transfermarkt).
🚨⭐️ Big race started to sign Werder Bremen 18 year old centre back Karim Coulibaly in the summer.
Newcastle are involved as BILD reported with 5 more clubs around Europe also very keen.
German youth international, prepared for a new chapter in the summer. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/o8X7Iwccr1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 3, 2026
Tottenham are set to battle Newcastle United for Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are expected to push for an exit from Spurs in the summer due to the lack of European football next season. Also, it is clear that the Lilywhites cannot depend on Radu Dragusin throughout the campaign if they want to have a rock-solid backline next term. That is perhaps why they are planning to move for a quality young defender with high potential in the form of Coulibaly.
However, securing the Bremen talent’s signature will not be easy. Newcastle United are also competing for the defender’s services. The Magpies have been leaky at the back this season, and with Fabian Schar spending several months on the sidelines, and Dan Burn turning 34 next month, they want to strengthen their defensive unit with Coulibaly.
From Bremen’s perspective, selling Coulibaly for around €50million would represent strong business. The player himself is also keen to consider new opportunities if the right project presents itself. At this moment, Newcastle appear to be ahead of Tottenham in terms of their project, stability and environment. Plus, they are competing for European spots under Eddie Howe, so the Toon Army can potentially provide the German youth international with a chance to play in Europe.
This makes it difficult for Spurs to compete with Newcastle for the 18-year-old. Unless the North Londoners guarantee their stay in the Premier League, Newcastle should be considered in a strong position to lure Coulibaly away from Bremen.