The summer transfer window is rushing toward its conclusion, and for Tottenham Hotspur, the focus is shifting with every passing hour.
For the majority of the off-season, the club’s attention was firmly fixed on adding more firepower and creativity to the attack. That primary objective appears to have been successfully met with the impending arrival of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, a deal worth around £52 million that signals real ambition from the North London club.
The Dutch playmaker is set to undergo his medical, and his signing represents a major coup for manager Thomas Frank.
However, with that piece of business nearly complete, the club’s strategy has evolved. The recruitment team is now directing its efforts toward a different area of the pitch: the defense. In a surprising and exciting late twist, Tottenham have entered talks with Manchester City over not one, but two of their experienced defenders.
The first name to emerge was Manuel Akanji, with reports suggesting a £15 million fee could be enough to secure the Swiss international. But a new and perhaps even more compelling target has since surfaced: Nathan Aké.
This sudden push for defensive reinforcement might seem unexpected, but it makes perfect sense. While the team has started the new Premier League season in impressive form, keeping clean sheets in victories over Burnley and Manchester City, the long campaign demands depth and quality.
Adding a player of proven pedigree would provide crucial insurance and competition, especially with a return to European football on the horizon.
The interest in both Akanji and Aké presents an interesting dilemma. While Akanji would be a solid and cost-effective addition, a closer look suggests that pursuing his Dutch teammate would be the smarter, more impactful move.
Aké is not just a defender; he is a Premier League veteran with extensive experience from his time at Chelsea, Bournemouth, and now Manchester City. This familiarity with the pace and physicality of English football is an invaluable asset that cannot be overstated.
Perhaps his greatest strength is his versatility. Aké is equally comfortable playing as a left-sided central defender in a back four or operating as a full-back. This flexibility would give Thomas Frank numerous tactical options, allowing him to adapt his system based on the opponent or to manage squad rotation without a significant drop in quality. In a modern game where adaptability is key, Aké’s skill set is extremely valuable.
The statistical comparison between the two players from last season further underscores why Aké would be the superior signing. The data reveals that he outperforms Akanji in several key defensive metrics, suggesting he would offer a more commanding and proactive presence in Tottenham’s backline.
The table below provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of their per-90-minute statistics from the 2024/25 Premier League season, highlighting Aké’s all-around contributions:
| Metric (per 90) | Nathan Aké | Manuel Akanji |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 10 | 26 |
| Minutes Played | 678 | 2014 |
| Pass Accuracy | 94% | 93% |
| Tackles Won | 0.9 | 0.5 |
| Tackle Success Rate | 67% | 64% |
| Blocks Made | 0.9 | 0.4 |
| Clearances Made | 2.9 | 2.8 |
| Aerials Won | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| Aerial Success Rate | 57% | 54% |
As the data shows, Aké demonstrated a stronger defensive presence across the board. He won more tackles, made significantly more blocks, and was more dominant in aerial duels.
These qualities would instantly improve Tottenham’s resilience. Furthermore, his slightly higher pass accuracy indicates he would also be comfortable in a system that encourages playing out from the back.
Of course, any deal for Aké would likely require a larger financial outlay than the one proposed for Akanji.
However, for a player of his quality, experience, and tactical intelligence, the investment would be justified. He is a proven winner, having claimed multiple Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, who has himself described the defender as “incredible.”
For Tottenham, securing a player of Nathan Aké’s caliber would be a statement signing. It would show a commitment to building a balanced squad capable of challenging on all fronts.
While the move for Xavi Simons addresses the need for creativity, a deal for Aké would solidify the foundation—and that could make all the difference in the long season ahead.
