Tottenham Hotspur are emerging as serious contenders to sign Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck, as the German centre-back grows increasingly interested in a Premier League move.
Reports from Italy suggest that Bisseck, who was the subject of a rejected bid from West Ham United last summer, is now open to joining Spurs as he looks to take the next step in his career.
The 23-year-old has caught the eye of several top European clubs following a strong spell with Inter, but Tottenham appear to be leading the chase.
Under new manager Thomas Frank, Spurs are planning a busy January transfer window, which will also mark the first official collaboration between sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange.
Paratici, who previously served as managing director before stepping down in 2023 due to a FIFA suspension, has now been reinstated in a senior role after the end of his worldwide ban.
Despite former chairman Daniel Levy’s departure, Tottenham’s new leadership team, headed by CEO Vinai Venkatesham, has decided to reunite Paratici and Lange, who will share responsibilities in shaping Spurs’ recruitment policy.
While Lange is expected to focus on talent identification, youth development, and data-driven scouting, Paratici will act as the dealmaker, leveraging his deep network and negotiation experience to secure big-name signings.
The duo are already assessing transfer targets for the winter window, with a new centre-back at the top of their agenda.
Tottenham’s defensive depth has been tested this season. Radu Dragusin is close to returning from a serious knee injury sustained in the Europa League earlier this year, while Kevin Danso has stepped up well when called upon.
However, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero forming the first-choice pairing, any setback to either could expose a lack of depth at the heart of defense.
This is where Bisseck comes into the picture. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, the German defender combines physical presence with composure on the ball, fitting perfectly into Frank’s vision of a balanced, possession-based backline.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bisseck is intrigued by Tottenham’s project and would welcome a move to North London, even if it means initially playing as a backup to Romero and van de Ven.
During his debut season at Inter, Bisseck made 46 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists from defense a testament to his versatility and aerial dominance.
Despite being in and out of Cristian Chivu’s lineup this season, his performances have not gone unnoticed. Italian media have referred to him as a “diamond,” highlighting his potential to become one of Europe’s top defenders in the coming years.
However, price remains the biggest hurdle. Inter are reportedly seeking around £44 million for the defender a figure that might be too steep for Spurs, especially for a player not guaranteed to start.
While Tottenham have recently received a £100 million capital injection from the Lewis family to bolster their transfer plans, spending nearly half of that on a rotational defender would require careful consideration.
Still, Tottenham’s growing appeal as a club on the rise could work in their favor. Bisseck’s camp is said to admire the project Frank is building, emphasizing a balance of attacking football and disciplined structure.
The opportunity to train under a tactically astute manager, alongside elite defenders like Romero and van de Ven, could be exactly what the young German needs to take his career to the next level.
Here’s a brief look at Fabio Paratici’s notable Tottenham signings and their transfer costs — a reminder of his ability to spot and secure long-term assets for the club:
| Player | Transfer Fee | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Cristian Romero | £42.5m | Key defensive leader and World Cup winner |
| Dejan Kulusevski | £25.5m | Reliable creator and attacking engine |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | £21.5m | Midfield stability and tactical intelligence |
| Pedro Porro | £40m | Dynamic right-back with attacking flair |
| Djed Spence | £20m | Young talent with long-term potential |
If Tottenham can negotiate a more reasonable deal for Bisseck, he could represent a strategic signing a player young enough to develop but experienced enough to step in when needed.
His desire to test himself in the Premier League aligns perfectly with Spurs’ growing ambitions under Frank and Paratici.
The January window is shaping up to be crucial for Tottenham, not just for strengthening their defense but also for reinforcing the club’s intent to compete among Europe’s elite.
Whether or not Bisseck joins, the pursuit itself signals Spurs’ determination to continue evolving blending smart recruitment with a clear long-term vision.
If the deal materializes, Tottenham would gain not only a talented defender but also a player eager to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages.
For now, all eyes remain on how negotiations with Inter Milan unfold but one thing is certain: Yann Bisseck’s interest in Tottenham is real, and the feeling from North London seems mutual.
