Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to land LOSC Lille star Sven Botman in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, North London giants Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race for LOSC Lille star Sven Botman ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.
Antonio Conte’s arrival has brought a new wave of optimism at N-17. The Italian was vocal about the need for reinforcements, and Spurs almost made a real hash of the January transfer window. They fell short in the chase for Adama Traore and Luis Diaz, and appeared to have blown the opportunity to bring in players in the window.
However, deadline day deals for Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur salvaged the window to an extent. Tottenham will, however, need a lot more than the two players to challenge the top Premier League sides going ahead. The ease with which Liverpool swooped in to land Diaz from under Spurs’ noses was a telling example of where they stand at this moment in time.
Conte is also keen to strengthen his side’s defence and appears to have earmarked Botman as a potential solution. The Duchman played a key role in Lille’s Ligue 1 triumph last season and is amongst the best young centre-backs in Europe today. He was linked with moves to AC Milan and Newcastle United last month but eventually stayed put at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
When fit, Cristian Romero is arguably Spurs’ best defender. Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon make up the other options available to Conte at centre-back. Dier and Sanchez are decent yet inconsistent, while Rodon could be on his way out. It is evident that an overhaul is needed at the back, and bringing in Botman would be an excellent opening move.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Lille in 2020. The Dutch international is technically proficient with the ball at his feet and a force to be reckoned with in the air. A modern-day defender, he would be tailor-made for sides who like to play out from the back.
Conte’s 3-5-2 formation uses three centre-backs who anchor the defence, allowing the full-backs to push forwards. As things stand, Spurs are in no position to execute the Italian manager’s ideals to the maximum effect. A solid summer where Conte can add to his backline both in terms of quality and quantity could aid him in that process.
Botman is certainly a player who is an upgrade over Spurs’ defensive options. However, with other teams also keen, it remains to be seen if Tottenham will get their man or watch on as another side swoop in to steal him at the eleventh hour.