Tottenham are planning defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur may have completed a massive squad overhaul during the summer, but there is a feeling that there are still some glaring weaknesses in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
Spurs’ defensive options look strong after the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Tosin Adarabioyo. However, the defence continues to leak goals. Spurs have conceded eight goals in five Premier League matches, with three of those coming in the home loss to Aston Villa before the international break.
Van Hecke was blasted after the Aston Villa game, while Micky van de Ven hasn’t shown his best form yet this season. The Lilywhites’ defence arrangement still doesn’t seem right, and further changes are needed in 2027 to get them where they want to be.
Tottenham in transfer race for Benfica defender
According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are eyeing a deal for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo. He is claimed to be on the radar of several Premier League clubs, but it’s Man United and Chelsea who are most keen.
A part of Benfica’s academy since 14, Tomas Araujo enjoyed his breakthrough in the senior team back in the 2023/24 season. Since then, he has grown in stature and become a mainstay in Benfica’s defence. The Portugal international has made 118 appearances thus far, netting four goals and supplying six assists.
The 24-year-old recently signed a contract extension until 2031 (h/t Transfermarkt), committing his future to Benfica. This makes a January exit unlikely; however, with a release clause valued at £68 million, clubs could pursue a move for Araujo.
Araujo has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League. The Benfica star’s versatility to operate at both centre-back and right-back adds to his appeal, and his age, experience and international pedigree has given enough reason for the English top-flight clubs to keep tabs on him.
Spurs may not invest in a new centre-back in January
The North Londoners brought in three central defenders in the summer to offset the departures of Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and Luka Vuskovic. Tottenham are yet to have a watertight defence that De Zerbi craves, but given that the likes of Van Hecke, Senesi and Tosin are new to the club and system, it will take time for them to gel and build camaraderie with their teammates on the pitch.
This is why we believe Tottenham will not spend big on a central defender in the mid-season trading period. Araujo appears to have caught the N17 chiefs’ attention, but his high release clause worth £68 million is likely to scare us off.
