Tottenham accelerate signing of 2-cap England int’l to solve defensive crisis

Tottenham Hotspur are working on a January transfer to bolster their defensive ranks by bringing a familiar face back to the Premier League. According to reports, Spurs have approached Atalanta regarding the potential signing of Ben Godfrey, a former Premier League defender who moved to Serie A last summer.

The club’s persistent injury issues at the heart of defense have forced them to act decisively, with a new defender now a top priority as the winter transfer window approaches.

The injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven have left Tottenham short of reliable options at center-back. Both players have faced multiple spells on the sidelines this season, and Ben Davies, who has increasingly operated as a center-back in recent years, is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

These absences have left manager Ange Postecoglou with limited options, forcing him to deploy Archie Gray out of position alongside Radu Dragusin. This pairing has struggled, with Spurs conceding nine goals in their last two matches, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcements.

Football Insider reports that Tottenham have identified Ben Godfrey as a suitable candidate to address their defensive woes. The 26-year-old joined Atalanta from Everton in an £11 million deal last summer but has struggled for game time under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Godfrey has managed just 93 minutes of action across all competitions for the Serie A leaders, making only five substitute appearances. Despite his versatility and ability to play across the backline, Godfrey has found himself low in the pecking order, with Odilon Kossounou and Isak Hien establishing themselves as key defensive figures for Atalanta.

Giorgio Scalvini’s return from injury has further limited Godfrey’s opportunities, leaving him as a fourth or fifth-choice option at best.

Tottenham are reportedly pursuing a six-month loan deal for Godfrey, allowing him to finish the season in north London. There is growing confidence that an agreement can be reached, and Spurs are believed to be the frontrunners for his signature.

The deal would represent a low-risk solution for Tottenham, providing much-needed depth and experience without committing to a permanent transfer. For Godfrey, the move offers an opportunity to resurrect his career and showcase his talents in a familiar league.

In a separate development, Tottenham are also linked with Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli. Reports from Italy suggest that the player, valued at €25 million, is tempted by a move to Spurs, which he views as a more prestigious option compared to other interested Premier League clubs. Tottenham’s interest in Fagioli underscores their desire to strengthen multiple areas of the squad in January.

Meanwhile, the club is considering a £20 million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. This comes in the wake of Fraser Forster’s high-profile errors in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and the long-term injury to first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Strengthening the goalkeeping department appears to be another priority for Postecoglou as he looks to address the vulnerabilities in Tottenham’s backline.

Postecoglou, visibly frustrated by questions about Tottenham’s defensive struggles, has pointed to the club’s injury crisis as the primary reason for their recent poor form. In a fiery response to reporters, he emphasized the significance of missing key players, including a goalkeeper, two center-backs, and a left-back.

He criticized the narrative that overlooks these challenges, insisting that the team’s issues stem from circumstances beyond his control. Postecoglou’s comments reflect the mounting pressure to find solutions quickly, with January signings seen as essential to stabilizing the team’s performance.

Godfrey’s move from Everton to Atalanta was one of the more surprising transfers of the summer. Known for their shrewd recruitment, Atalanta seemed to have made a smart investment in the versatile defender.

However, the York-born player has struggled to make an impact, and with Atalanta flying high at the top of Serie A, there has been little incentive to disrupt a winning formula. Gasperini has shown greater trust in Kossounou and Hien, while Scalvini’s return adds further competition for places.

At 26 years old, Godfrey is approaching the prime years of his career. A return to England would give him the chance to reignite his development and prove himself at the highest level.

His ability to play as a center-back or full-back makes him an attractive option for Tottenham, who need versatile players to navigate a congested fixture schedule.

Tottenham’s defensive struggles have highlighted the need for depth and quality at the back. A loan move for Godfrey could be the ideal solution, providing immediate reinforcements while allowing the club to assess his suitability for a long-term role.

For Godfrey, the chance to return to the Premier League offers a fresh start and an opportunity to regain the form that once earned him two England caps in 2021.

As Tottenham prepare for a busy January transfer window, the potential acquisition of Godfrey could be a pivotal moment in their season. With the right reinforcements, Postecoglou can stabilize the defense, address the team’s vulnerabilities, and maintain their push for success in domestic and European competitions.

Godfrey’s arrival would not only strengthen the squad but also offer a glimpse of Tottenham’s intent to build a resilient and competitive team under Postecoglou’s leadership.