Approach made: Tottenham now make contact to sign new £40m+ “top” defender for Ange
Tottenham Hotspur has initiated contact to secure a versatile defender for Ange Postecoglou as the club looks to strengthen its squad in the coming months. This move comes amid mounting pressure on Postecoglou following another Premier League defeat, this time against Leicester City, a team battling relegation.
Spurs currently sit precariously above Everton in the league standings, and their recent form has dashed hopes of qualifying for European competitions next season. Despite the setbacks, the club remains supportive of Postecoglou as they navigate an ongoing injury crisis.
Reports from Alasdair Gold suggest that Tottenham is sticking with Postecoglou for now while actively seeking reinforcements. So far, the club has only managed to bring in Antonin Kinsky this transfer window, but plans are underway to secure at least one more signing before the deadline.
Spurs have struggled to maintain momentum, collecting just five points since their emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester City in November. While relegation seems improbable, the team’s current trajectory is concerning as they slide further down the table.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures include challenging encounters against Brentford, Manchester United, Ipswich Town, Manchester City, and Bournemouth.
The club faces a critical period where performances and results will be closely scrutinized. However, Spurs are already looking beyond this season and preparing for a more competitive campaign next year.
One potential target who has captured Tottenham’s attention is David Hancko, a left-footed defender currently playing for Feyenoord. Hancko showcased his versatility during Euro 2024, where he impressed in a left-back role against England.
His performance against Bukayo Saka was particularly notable, as he successfully nullified one of England’s most dangerous attackers. Hancko won five of his six tackles, prevailed in 10 of his 20 duels, and limited Saka to just one created chance and a single shot on goal.
Hancko’s defensive prowess extends beyond international duty. Recently, he played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich, where he kept Harry Kane unusually quiet. Kane, a former Tottenham legend, had the fewest touches of any outfield player to complete 90 minutes during that match. Hancko’s ability to dominate against high-caliber opposition has made him a sought-after player.
Previously, Liverpool passed on the opportunity to sign Hancko due to his age and price tag. The Slovakian defender revealed that Liverpool’s transfer philosophy worked against him, stating, “Age was one issue, the other was price.
Both factors were negative for me.” However, 12 months later, the Premier League could still be in Hancko’s future, with Tottenham and Chelsea both expressing interest. Both clubs have reportedly inquired about his availability, but Feyenoord is demanding a fee of approximately €50 million (£42 million) for his services.
Hancko has been a standout performer in the Netherlands, earning praise from former Feyenoord defender Tim de Cler, who described him as “so stable” and “a top defender all-round.”
De Cler added that Hancko has the quality to thrive at clubs just below the elite level in Europe, mentioning Atletico Madrid and Liverpool as examples. Such endorsements highlight Hancko’s potential to bolster Tottenham’s defensive line.
Given Micky van de Ven’s recurring fitness struggles, Hancko’s arrival could provide a significant boost to Spurs’ backline. His combination of versatility, physicality, and composure would offer much-needed stability to a defense that has been plagued by injuries this season.
As Tottenham explores its options, securing a player of Hancko’s caliber would send a strong signal of intent for the future.
While Tottenham faces immediate challenges on the pitch, their proactive approach to long-term squad building demonstrates a commitment to addressing weaknesses and competing at a higher level.
Hancko’s potential transfer represents a step toward strengthening the team’s core and ensuring that Tottenham remains competitive in domestic and European competitions.
For now, much depends on how Spurs manage their current crisis and whether they can secure the reinforcements necessary to turn their season around.