Tottenham’s Defensive Ace Outvalues Failed Transfer Target

Tottenham Hotspur’s season has faced numerous challenges, particularly in defense due to injuries. While the club managed to sign Antonín Kinský and Kevin Danso in January, they fell short in their pursuit of other defensive targets.

On deadline day, Spurs reportedly made attempts to sign several defenders, including Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. However, the failed transfer bid may not be as significant a setback as initially thought, given the club already possesses a defensive stalwart worth considerably more.

Tottenham’s Defensive Search

The January transfer window saw Tottenham prioritize signing at least one center-back. They secured Kevin Danso on loan with an obligation to buy for £20.9 million. Yet, even after this acquisition, links to other defenders persisted, suggesting the club felt more reinforcement was needed.

Reports indicate Tottenham made a substantial £70 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, which was rejected. The club also revived interest in Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, valued at around £32 million, but the move did not materialize.

Tottenham’s Hidden Gem

Despite missing out on these targets, Tottenham can take solace in already having a defender worth significantly more – Micky van de Ven. The Dutch international, signed for £43 million, has rapidly increased in value to an estimated £57 million, £25 million more than Disasi.

Van de Ven’s impressive performances have earned him descriptions as a “complete & dominant” defender. His stats place him in the top percentiles for various metrics among Premier League center-backs, including assists, ball recoveries, and passing.

Additionally, Van de Ven’s exceptional speed – setting a Premier League record with a sprint of 37.38km/h – makes him crucial to Postecoglou’s attacking style of play.

While signing Disasi could have provided defensive depth, Tottenham already possess one of the league’s best defenders in Van de Ven. His rapid development and increasing value demonstrate the club’s astute business in the transfer market, potentially offsetting the disappointment of missed deadline day targets.