Report: Tottenham are now the favourites to sign ‘exceptional’ player after Liverpool decide they don’t want him

In what could prove to be a pivotal summer transfer coup, Tottenham Hotspur have surged ahead in the race to sign Monaco’s highly-rated Brazilian full-back Vanderson, with Liverpool unexpectedly withdrawing from contention for the £30 million-rated defender.

This development comes as both clubs address their right-back requirements through markedly different approaches, despite their contrasting Premier League fortunes this season.

While newly-crowned champions Liverpool have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, Tottenham have identified Vanderson as the ideal candidate to bolster their defensive options.

The 22-year-old Monaco star, previously described as “exceptional” by scouts, was heavily linked with a move to North London last summer before negotiations stalled.

Now, with the path clearer following Liverpool’s decision to pursue alternative targets, Spurs find themselves in pole position to secure a player coveted by several European giants.

Tottenham’s interest in Vanderson persists despite possessing two competent right-backs in Pedro Porro and Djed Spence.

The Brazilian’s potential arrival signals Ange Postecoglou’s desire for increased competition and tactical flexibility in defensive positions, particularly after a Premier League campaign that exposed the squad’s limitations.

Vanderson’s profile as an attack-minded full-back with proven Ligue 1 experience makes him an intriguing fit for Postecoglou’s system, which demands defenders capable of contributing significantly in forward areas.

The financial aspect of the deal appears manageable for Tottenham, with reports suggesting Monaco would accept an offer in the region of £30 million – a reasonable sum for a player of Vanderson’s age and potential.

This valuation becomes particularly attractive when considering the inflated prices often commanded by Premier League-proven alternatives.

While Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona remain interested parties, none have yet advanced their pursuit to the same stage as Tottenham.

Liverpool’s surprising withdrawal from the race offers Spurs a clearer run at their target, though the Merseyside club’s assessment of Vanderson may give some observers pause.

Their preference for Frimpong suggests the Dutch international’s superior attacking output – 14 goals and 12 assists for Leverkusen last season – outweighed Vanderson’s more balanced defensive attributes in their analysis.

For Tottenham, this potential acquisition represents more than just squad depth; it’s a statement of intent to rebuild intelligently after a disappointing domestic campaign.

Vanderson’s versatility to operate as both a traditional full-back and wing-back would provide Postecoglou with valuable tactical options, especially if Spurs secure European football through their Europa League final against Manchester United.

As negotiations potentially accelerate in the coming weeks, this transfer saga exemplifies the divergent strategies of two clubs at different stages of their development.

While Liverpool reinforce from a position of strength following their title triumph, Tottenham seek to rectify their shortcomings through targeted acquisitions – with Vanderson emerging as a potentially transformative figure in their defensive line for years to come.