Tottenham hoping to sign £46m rated Bayer Leverkusen star
Tottenham’s disastrous 2024/25 campaign has exposed shocking defensive frailties, with injuries decimating Ange Postecoglou’s backline and leaving Spurs languishing in 14th position.
The North London club’s defensive crisis has become so severe that chairman Daniel Levy faces mounting pressure to authorize a major summer spending spree, with Bayer Leverkusen’s title-winning center-back Edmond Tapsoba emerging as the primary target to revitalize their rearguard.
This season’s injury catastrophe has seen first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario sidelined for two months with a fractured ankle, while defensive stalwarts Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have struggled with recurring fitness issues.
The situation worsened when backups Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso suffered season-ending injuries, exposing Tottenham’s alarming lack of depth.
Ben Davies’ prolonged absence further compounded the defensive nightmare, leaving Postecoglou to field makeshift backlines throughout the campaign.
With Romero likely departing this summer, Tottenham have identified Tapsoba as the ideal replacement.
The 26-year-old Burkina Faso international has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph and their current campaign, featuring in 37 matches across all competitions while maintaining a 7.00 average rating and contributing to 13 clean sheets.
His composure in possession, exceptional passing range (completing 89% of passes this season), and recovery pace make him perfectly suited to Postecoglou’s high defensive line.
Why Tapsoba Represents the Perfect Solution
- Proven Winner: Core member of Leverkusen’s “Invincibles” Bundesliga title team
- Ball-Playing Ability: Completes 4.3 progressive passes per game (FBref)
- Physical Presence: Wins 63% of aerial duels in domestic competitions
- European Pedigree: 22 Champions League appearances with Leverkusen
Tottenham face stiff competition from Chelsea, Brighton, and Newcastle for Tapsoba’s signature, with Leverkusen demanding £46 million for their defensive lynchpin.
The potential acquisition would signal Tottenham’s ambition to rebuild their defense around elite-level talent rather than stopgap solutions.
While the fee appears substantial, Tapsoba’s prime age, title-winning experience, and stylistic fit make him a calculated investment for a club desperate to regain top-four contention.
As Postecoglou fights to retain his job, securing Tapsoba’s services could prove pivotal in reshaping Tottenham’s defensive identity.
The Burkina Faso international’s ability to excel in multiple systems – whether a back four or three-center-back setup – offers tactical flexibility that has been sorely lacking this season.
With Tottenham’s scouting network having monitored Tapsoba since his Vitoria SC days, this long-term admiration may finally culminate in a transformative summer signing that could help restore the club’s defensive solidity and competitive edge.