Report: Spurs enter £22m race with Inter Milan for ‘next Vincent Kompany’
Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing Belgian defender Koni De Winter, with negotiations underway with Serie A side Genoa over a potential £22 million transfer.
The 23-year-old has become one of the most talked-about defensive prospects in European football, earning comparisons to Vincent Kompany—a benchmark that De Winter embraces with both pride and ambition.
Known for his ability to play both as a centre-back and full-back, he has drawn praise for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and technical ability, making him an ideal candidate for a modern, ball-playing backline.
While no official bid has been tabled yet, Spurs have made contact with Genoa, showing serious intent to compete for De Winter’s signature. However, they’re not alone.
Inter Milan have already advanced further in their talks with the Italian club, giving them a clear edge in what is quickly becoming a competitive transfer race. The Belgian defender is said to be settled in Italy, which could sway the decision in Inter’s favor.
Yet, De Winter has openly expressed admiration for the Premier League, suggesting a move to England remains firmly on his radar.
Tottenham must act decisively. With Champions League football on the horizon and new head coach Thomas Frank preparing to put his stamp on the squad, reinforcements in defense are not just wanted—they’re necessary.
The recent £55 million signing of Mohammed Kudus has injected some optimism into the fanbase, but strengthening the backline remains a key priority if Spurs are serious about contending on multiple fronts.
De Winter’s profile fits Tottenham’s current transfer strategy: young, versatile, and available at a relatively modest fee in a summer market filled with inflated prices.
His arrival would allow the club to preserve resources for high-cost targets such as Adam Wharton, whose £80 million valuation has proven difficult to negotiate. Meanwhile, the drawn-out saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White has only added to the complexity of Spurs’ summer dealings, with a Premier League complaint still unresolved.
De Winter offers more than just tactical versatility. His leadership traits, ability to build play from the back, and natural athleticism make him an asset for any side that values structured possession and high defensive lines.
At £22 million, he would be a calculated risk worth taking, especially given Spurs’ tendency to miss out on key targets due to slow-moving negotiations.
Supporters are already raising important questions: is De Winter intended to be a starter or a rotational option? Will the club follow up its interest with the urgency that’s so often lacked in previous windows?
For many fans, the answer lies in the club’s response over the coming days. Arsenal continue to spend, Liverpool are bolstering their ranks, and Aston Villa are showing real ambition. Tottenham must not allow hesitation to define another transfer window.
This moment presents an opportunity for Spurs to send a clear message—not just to rivals, but to their own dressing room.
By securing a talent like De Winter, they’d not only add depth and quality to their defense but also demonstrate that they’re serious about competing at the highest level. If Tottenham truly want to rise, they must back their ambition with swift, decisive action.