Reliable journalist: Tottenham targeting “complete” centre-back as Lange works under the radar

Tottenham Hotspur has made identifying a “complete” center-back a top priority for the January transfer window. With technical director Johan Lange quietly orchestrating recruitment efforts, the club seeks to address a growing injury crisis that has left the defense severely depleted. Reliable journalist Dan Kilpatrick from Standard Sport has confirmed that Spurs are actively targeting new talent to stabilize their backline.

Tottenham’s Boxing Day defeat to Nottingham Forest brought more than just a loss on the scoreboard. Late in the match, Spurs fans were dealt a crushing blow when their last fit senior center-back, Radu Dragusin, limped off with an ankle injury.

Manager Ange Postecoglou now faces the grim prospect of entering Sunday’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers without a single fit senior central defender. The Romanian’s condition remains uncertain, with Postecoglou confirming it’s too early to determine his availability.

Postecoglou Reflects on January’s Importance

Postecoglou addressed the escalating injury crisis during a pre-match press conference, acknowledging the critical importance of the upcoming January transfer window.

“This is a significant window for us,” Postecoglou said. “Our league position isn’t where we want it to be, but it’s a tight competition. We’re still in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, performing well in Europe, and in the FA Cup. There’s everything to play for this season, but the players need help, and we’re working hard to make that happen.”

The Australian tactician emphasized that bolstering the squad is essential to maintaining competitiveness across all competitions, particularly given the current shortage of defensive options.

Tottenham’s Mounting Injury List

Spurs’ defensive depth has been severely tested, with multiple key players sidelined.

• Radu Dragusin: Nursing an ankle injury sustained against Nottingham Forest.
• Micky van de Ven: Expected to return no earlier than 2025.
• Cristian Romero: Also sidelined until the new year.
• Ben Davies: Suffered a setback in his recovery, further limiting Postecoglou’s options.

This leaves Tottenham dangerously exposed, particularly with a congested fixture schedule on the horizon.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League games could define their season:

With key matches against Newcastle and Arsenal looming, Tottenham urgently needs reinforcements to remain competitive.

Among Tottenham’s potential targets is RC Lens center-back Abdukodir Khusanov. The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international has impressed in Ligue 1 and is reportedly available for a fee of around £25 million. Lange is said to be working “under the radar” to finalize signings, with Khusanov emerging as a prime candidate.

Lens head coach Will Still has praised Khusanov, describing him as a well-rounded athlete. “Kodir is very, very fast,” Still noted. “We joked that he could have represented Uzbekistan in multiple Olympic sports. He’s so complete.”

Khusanov’s athleticism and versatility make him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system, and Tottenham has reportedly already expressed interest. However, they face stiff competition from Newcastle United, who are also tracking the young defender.

Lange’s methodical and discreet approach to recruitment could be key to Tottenham’s success in January. Known for identifying emerging talent, the technical director is focused on finding players who align with the club’s philosophy and budget.

While Khusanov stands out as a priority, Lange is expected to explore other “under the radar” options to ensure Tottenham addresses its defensive shortcomings.

As injuries continue to mount, Tottenham’s January transfer window strategy will play a crucial role in salvaging their season. The potential addition of Abdukodir Khusanov, alongside other reinforcements, could provide the stability needed to navigate upcoming challenges.

Postecoglou and Lange must act decisively to strengthen the squad, ensuring Spurs remain competitive in domestic and European competitions. With everything still to play for, this transfer window could define Tottenham’s trajectory for the remainder of the campaign.