Tottenham’s defensive solidity in the early stages of the season earned plenty of praise from supporters and sections of the media. The Lilywhites kept four clean sheets in their first five matches in all competitions, making it clear that Thomas Frank was intent on making his side difficult to break down against tricky opponents.
But recent weeks have presented a very different challenge for the North Londoners. Spurs have conceded far too many goals, with many fans fearing that the team’s pragmatic approach is contributing to their struggles at the back. Both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have also suffered setbacks in recent weeks, making it difficult for Frank to find defensive stability due to limited options in those positions.
Kevin Danso has done a respectable job filling in for Romero in the starting XI, but the Austrian still has some flaws in his game that expose his weaknesses in obvious ways. The lack of depth in defence remains a major concern and continues to trouble Thomas Frank as he attempts to keep his backline fresh throughout the season.
Tottenham face an uphill task of landing Marc Guehi in January
It is no surprise, then, that Tottenham are looking to strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the campaign. The upcoming January transfer window provides an ideal opportunity for the Lilywhites to bring in reinforcements as they look to bolster their squad and give Thomas Frank a fair chance of competing with top clubs for European qualification this season.
Recent reports suggest Spurs are prepared to test Crystal Palace’s resolve for captain Marc Guehi in January. The England international’s contract expires next summer, making a winter transfer a realistic possibility. The Lilywhites are keen on securing his signature, and Frank is believed to be a huge admirer of the defender. They are confident he would instantly become a starter at N17 as the club looks to build on last season’s Europa League success.
However, securing the centre-back’s signature will not be straightforward. According to Ekrem Konur (via X), Barcelona are attempting to reach a pre-agreement with Guehi as they look to wrap up a deal before other clubs make their move. The Blaugrana may even push for an immediate transfer in January if Ronald Araujo remains unavailable for the second half of the season.
Do Tottenham need Marc Guehi?
Signing Marc Guehi should be a straightforward decision for Tottenham. The England international has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League this season, helping Crystal Palace climb to fourth in the table. He has already written his name into the club’s history books by helping the Eagles win the FA Cup against all odds last season. His performances over the past year show that he is ready to take the next big step in his career.
Bringing in the 25-year-old would immediately elevate Spurs into potential title contenders next season. He would be an ideal long-term replacement for Cristian Romero in the starting XI, offering a calm and composed presence at the back. Guehi excels at playing out from defence, and his positional awareness makes him a standout performer for Palace. A player of his calibre is difficult to find, let alone available for a potential transfer in the coming weeks.