Tottenham Hotspur continue to be interested in Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake
Tottenham’s defensive depth has been stretched thin in the opening months of the season. And with that in mind, the club’s already moving with intent to avoid another scramble when January comes around.
TEAMtalk report that Spurs have earmarked funds for a new centre-back and are planning at least two additions in the next window, with a wide forward also on the agenda. The issue saw itself laid bare when Joao Palhinha had to fill in at centre half during the Carabao Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers. With the club chasing trophies on multiple fronts, there is a growing feeling that they cannot afford to take similar risks heading into the business end of the season.
Frank is also rightly juggling the workloads of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. They are two of the most important players in the squad, and Spurs know that losing either for a stretch could derail progress. Ben Davies remains unavailable, Radu Dragusin is still working back to full sharpness. Kevin Danso’s also only viewed as cover. Kota Takai has also spent spells out with injury, which has left gaps in rotation.
Who to sign? Who not to?
Recruitment staff have already circled names. Spurs looked at Manchester City’s defenders in the summer and that interest has not faded. Nathan Ake remains a player they rate and he has not started a league match this season, featuring only from the bench. The situation could open a door if City decide to cash in on a squad player. Manuel Akanji was also explored but his move to Inter on loan has paused that angle.
Brentford’s Nathan Collins is another option they have tracked. Frank knows him well from their time together and there is a belief he could settle quickly if a deal becomes possible down the line. Even if that one waits until 2026, the club have not taken their eyes off him.
Supporters want to see proper planning rather than panic decisions. Tottenham lifted the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou last season and that winning momentum matters. Disrupting the squad with scattergun signings would pull the group backwards. Frank has only just begun shaping the team in his image and too many changes would unsettle the progress that is already visible.
Tottenham need stability at the back and a January addition would give them that without ripping up what is working. The spine looks strong when the first-choice names are fit, but one injury forces square pegs into round holes. Getting the right profiles and making sure they have the winning mentality will be key to how the rest of the season pans out for the Lilywhites.
