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Pete O Rourke says Tottenham’s pursuit of Vanderson depends on one player’s potential departure
Tottenham have been eyeing a move for AS Monaco right-back Vanderson as a potential replacement for Pedro Porro
It was a joyful occasion for the Tottenham Hotspur fans at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on May 21 as they celebrated their first European trophy in 41 years. All the woes of their Premier League season was wiped away following Spurs’ 1-0 win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.
Ange Postecoglou has delivered what he promised back in September, and while his future may not be in his hands, he has made no secret of wanting to stay at the club and continue his project. By guiding them to Europa League success, the Lilywhites have also clinched Champions League qualification for next season and that could prove key in landing their summer targets.
Addressing the defensive problems has to be the club bosses’ priority considering how the season has panned. A combination of injury problems and irregularity at the back have hurt Ange Postecoglou’s side massively, limiting them to keep only six clean sheets in 37 Premier League fixtures.
Tottenham are seeking a new right-back in the wake of Pedro Porro’s exit rumours, and they have revived their interest in AS Monaco star Vanderson. The Lilywhites were keen on Vanderson last year to replace Emerson Royal, who left the club to join AC Milan. However, a deal did not materialise, and he stayed at AS Monaco.
The Brazilian has enjoyed another strong season in Ligue 1, registering a goal and three assists in 29 appearances. He has been a consistent presence in the AS Monaco backline, delivering some eye-catching displays. While Spurs are considering a £25million deal for Vanderson, Football Insider senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke says a deal will be dependent on Pedro Porro leaving the club. At this moment, a deal for Vanderson looks unlikely.
“Obviously, he’s been a target for Tottenham in the past,” Pete O’ Rourke told Football Insider.
“He’s been a target for several other Premier League clubs as well. A lot will be dependent on the future of Pedro Porro.
“He’s impressed at Monaco, a Brazil international, and a number of Premier League clubs have been looking at him over the years. He’s still got three years left on his contract at Monaco, and Monaco will be demanding a decent fee of probably £25million to let him go.
“Tottenham, now with Champions League football, will be looking to strengthen their squad and will have money available. So, I’m sure he is somebody who is still on their list, but I don’t think he’s a priority right now.”
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Presently, reinforcing the right-back position is not deemed a priority. Porro has been one of the rare consistent performers this season, and his form and fitness levels have caught the attention of Barcelona. Tottenham’s current stance is not to sell the Spaniard, although their resolve could be tested if a €60m plus offer is tabled.
Thus, until and unless Porro is sold, there is no point in adding another right-back to the defensive ranks. In short, signing Vanderson can happen in the latter stages of the transfer window.
