Tottenham are eyeing a summer swoop for Atalanta defender Isak Hien
Defensive frailties have plagued Tottenham Hotspur throughout the season, and it’s an area the club are desperate to strengthen in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The North Londoners have leaked 45 goals in the Premier League in 31 games and kept just two clean sheets at home—a worrying stat that underlines their vulnerability at the back. A glut of injuries to key defenders has compelled Ange Postecoglou to constantly chop and change things at the back.
First-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have spent significant chunks of the campaign on the sidelines. Romero, in particular, has been linked with an exit from the club. The Argentine defender could reportedly be prised away from Tottenham for a cut-price £50m fee this summer, as both Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa continue to circle for him.
It looks like this is Romero’s last season at White Hart Lane. Tottenham have perhaps internally sensed this as well and started planning for his departure. Now, according to a report from Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Spurs have set their sights on Atalanta defender Isak Hien as a potential replacement for Romero.
Isak Hien has established himself as one of the most accomplished defenders in Italy. Making 26 appearances in the latter half of last season, the Sweden international was part of the Atalanta team that went onto win the Europa League last term, playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin back in May.
The 26-year-old has impressed with his ball-playing, aerial ability, strength and tactical awareness in Serie A this season, racking up 25 appearances. This fine form has prompted the North London outfit to monitor the player, and they’re now interested in adding him to Big Ange’s defensive ranks.
At 26. Hien is operating at the peak of his powers and would be a strong option to replace Romero, who is heading to the exit door. He has proven himself in Serie A and is at the right age to test himself in the hustle and bustle of Premier League football. The Swede would become a smart addition to the Lilywhites’ backline, bringing quality, experience and leadership.
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Hien has played in a back-three system for La Dea under Gian Piero Gasperini, so he could take time to adjust when operating in a flat back four at White Hart Lane. Otherwise, he is a reliable defender, and Tottenham must not hesitate to splash the cash on Hien in the event of Romero’s departure.
