Their answer to Saliba: Spurs enter race to sign “phenomenal” £21M sensation for Ange
Tottenham Hotspur have faced a challenging season, compounded by their recent defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby. Ange Postecoglou’s team entered the game with little to lose and a chance to hinder Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions.
Despite taking the lead through Son Heung-min’s goal, Spurs struggled to make an impact against a dominant Gunners’ defense led by Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba.
The Brazilian defender showcased flair, while the French international reaffirmed his reputation as one of the world’s best center-backs. Interestingly, Tottenham has been linked to a defender often compared to Saliba—AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori.
Reports suggest Tottenham is actively searching for defensive reinforcements and has shown interest in Tomori. Alongside Spurs, clubs like West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa have also expressed interest in the AC Milan star.
Serie A powerhouse Juventus reportedly plans to submit a formal offer of approximately €25 million (£21 million). However, it remains uncertain if this sum would convince Milan to part with Tomori, especially since their manager, Sergio Conceição, reportedly values the player as a critical component of his tactical setup.
Securing Tomori’s signature could be both complicated and costly, but his talent and comparison to William Saliba make him a worthwhile target.
According to FBref, a platform that analyzes player performance across Europe’s top leagues, Saliba ranks as the second most comparable center-back to Tomori over the past year. This comparison stems from various performance metrics, including passing accuracy, tackles, clearances, and more.
Comparative Statistics: Tomori vs. Saliba
| Statistic | Tomori | Saliba |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Accuracy | 92.9% | 94.0% |
| Expected Assists | 0.01 | 0.04 |
| Tackles Won | 1.22 | 1.30 |
| Tackles + Interceptions | 2.44 | 2.80 |
| Clearances | 2.68 | 2.95 |
| Fouls Drawn | 0.49 | 0.47 |
These numbers highlight the similarities between the two defenders, particularly in their defensive capabilities and ball distribution. Tomori’s ability to mirror Saliba’s attributes makes him a natural fit for Tottenham’s backline, which has struggled with consistency this season.
Beyond the statistical comparisons, Tomori’s extensive experience makes him an appealing prospect. At 27 years old, he has played in both the Premier League and Serie A, won domestic trophies, and secured a league title with Milan.
Such a pedigree would introduce a winning mentality to Postecoglou’s squad, which has been sorely lacking in recent campaigns. George Benson, a well-known content creator, has described Tomori as “phenomenal,” underscoring his potential impact on the Spurs’ defense.
Tottenham’s current struggles stem from defensive frailties that have left them vulnerable in key matches. Adding a player of Tomori’s caliber would not only bolster their defensive unit but also instill confidence throughout the squad.
His versatility, experience, and ability to thrive under pressure make him an ideal candidate for a club aiming to climb back into contention domestically and in Europe.
However, completing the deal may require substantial effort from Tottenham’s management, led by Daniel Levy. With competition from other Premier League clubs and Juventus, Spurs must act decisively to secure Tomori’s services.
His addition could prove transformative, strengthening the defense and providing a solid foundation for Postecoglou to build upon.
In conclusion, signing Fikayo Tomori would represent a significant step forward for Tottenham Hotspur. His comparison to William Saliba, combined with his experience and winning mentality, highlights his potential value to the team.
While the transfer may present challenges, Tottenham should prioritize this move to address their defensive issues and enhance their prospects for the remainder of the season and beyond.