Tottenham ready to offer £8m defender the chance to return to Spurs on a free transfer

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to bring Kyle Walker-Peters back to the club as his contract with Southampton nears its expiration. The full-back, who left Spurs in 2020 in search of regular first-team football, has established himself as a key player at Southampton.

Despite a strong individual campaign, Southampton’s season has been underwhelming, and with only six months left on his contract, Walker-Peters appears set to depart as a free agent.

Walker-Peters recently rejected a move to Turkish club Galatasaray, who had agreed to meet Southampton’s £8 million asking price. Instead, he has opted to keep his options open, signaling that a move away from St Mary’s is imminent. Leicester City also showed interest in signing the versatile defender but decided against meeting Southampton’s valuation earlier in the transfer window.

Crystal Palace have also expressed interest, yet it is Tottenham that now appear best positioned to secure his signature. Spurs have closely monitored Walker-Peters for some time and are prepared to offer him a return to North London, a move that is reportedly appealing to the England international.

Having already made 24 senior appearances for Tottenham before his departure, Walker-Peters remains highly regarded by the club. His ability to play on either side of the defense makes him an attractive option, particularly given Tottenham’s need for defensive reinforcements.

The prospect of returning to a club where he developed through the youth system and playing under a more progressive tactical setup is believed to be a key factor in his decision-making process.

Reflecting on his departure from Spurs in 2023, Walker-Peters revealed that leaving the club was a difficult decision but one that was necessary for his growth. He credited former manager Mauricio Pochettino for having a long-term vision for his development, stating that he was always encouraged to believe he would eventually become a regular for Tottenham.

However, the managerial change that saw José Mourinho replace Pochettino shifted the trajectory of his career.

Walker-Peters spoke openly about his conversations with Mourinho, describing the Portuguese coach as honest and transparent about his role in the squad. While Mourinho did not push him out of the club, he made it clear that regular first-team football would be hard to come by.

At the age of 22, Walker-Peters decided that consistent playing time was crucial to his career progression, leading to his move to Southampton. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the club that had been his home for so many years but ultimately felt that stepping out of his comfort zone was necessary to prove himself.

His time at Southampton has allowed him to develop into a reliable Premier League defender, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Tottenham see him as a natural fit for their squad, and with the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer, the club is eager to bring him back. The move aligns with their strategy of securing high-quality players without excessive transfer fees, making Walker-Peters a logical target.

As the summer transfer window approaches, discussions are expected to intensify, with Tottenham leading the race for his signature. His familiarity with the club, combined with his proven ability at the top level, makes this a move that benefits both parties.

While other clubs may continue to express interest, Tottenham’s long-standing relationship with the player and their willingness to reintegrate him into the squad put them in a strong position.