Tottenham are planning to add to their defensive unit in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer recruitment planning is already on track, despite the club dropping to 18th on Friday following West Ham’s 4-0 win over Wolves at home.
With seven games remaining, new head coach Roberto De Zerbi faces the tall task of keeping the Lilywhites in the top flight. He starts his mission on Sunday against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Simultaneously, it cannot be ignored that the Italian’s influence over transfer decisions is already being felt at the boardroom level.
Tottenham couldn’t sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool in the winter transfer window. Robertson is a club target and was wanted by former boss Thomas Frank, so things could have changed following De Zerbi’s appointment. Well, it hasn’t, and after Liverpool announced that the Scot will leave at the end of the season, Spurs have placed themselves in a pole position to sign the left-back on a free transfer this summer.
This demonstrates the transfer planning happening behind the scenes. Apart from the desire to sign Robertson from Liverpool, the club bosses are keeping an eye on a highly-rated defender in the Bundesliga.
Tottenham have scouted RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba
Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Castello Lukeba is expected to leave RB Leipzig this summer. The defender wants a new challenge, and RB Leipzig are expected to consider bids. He has an €80m release clause, but that price can be negotiated and lowered.
Castello Lukeba has impressed for RB Leipzig since moving from Lyon in 2023. The one-cap France international has quietly established himself as a composed centre-back with solid technical ability in the Bundesliga in the last couple of years. He has racked up 98 appearances for RB Leipzig, netting two goals.
The 23-year-old, described as “very athletic” by Bundesliga expert Tobias Kroger of Transfermarkt, is being eyed by several clubs. According to a report from The Daily Mail, Tottenham have watched Lukeba (who plays a bit like Josko Gvardiol) in action this season, alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. It is understood that the German club will consider offers around £40m to allow them to balance the books while keeping hold of their other prized young talents.
A Micky van de Ven replacement?
Spurs brought in Micky van de Ven from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023. When fully fit and running, Van de Ven has been a reliable presence for Tottenham, forming a strong partnership with Cristian Romero at the back. The Netherlands international’s performances have led to him becoming a target for several European clubs.
Even if the Lilywhites manage to preserve their top-flight status, Van de Ven appears likely to leave in the summer. A left-footed centre-back with progressive instincts, Lukeba would be an ideal potential replacement for the Dutchman. He is capable of both building play and defending spaces, thanks to his technical skills, reading of the game and pace. The Frenchman’s ability to step into midfield, carry the ball and distribute under pressure aligns very well with De Zerbi’s system.
All in all, Tottenham must push for Lukeba’s signature if Van de Ven departs.