Bournemouth are reportedly in talks with Tottenham over a move for 23-year-old defender Japhet Tanganga, who is available for a transfer this summer.
According to The Athletic, Bournemouth are among two Premier League clubs currently in talks with Tottenham Hotspur for Japhet Tanganga, with the two clubs ironing out what type of deal, if any, would be pursued for the English defender. At present, both a loan and a permanent move remain options for the Cherries, who are seeking creative ways to land the 23-year-old.
A product of the Tottenham academy, Tanganga is one of the most talented players to make the grade out of Spurs’ youth setup in recent years. He made his breakthrough under Jose Mourinho in the 2019/20 season and has been tipped to become a regular Premier League starter. But either injuries or a slump in form has kept him from taking the next step.
While the 23-year-old still has three left on his contract, his Tottenham career is at a crossroads, with Antonio Conte running the rule over his uncertain future. The young defender’s versatility is an asset as he can play out wide or in central defence, which enabled him to earn respectable minutes last season.
Tanganga featured in 19 games across all competitions in what was a mixed bag of a season for him personally as he was constantly in and out of the squad for one reason or the other under both Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte.
Conte typically preferred to stick with a back three of Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies. And with Clement Lenglet arriving through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it seems like an impossible task for the 23-year-old to force his way back into the manager’s plans moving forward.
Despite his lack of playing time last season, there appears to be no shortage of suitors for Tanganga, with no less than three Premier League clubs, including Everton, Southampton and Bournemouth, approaching Spurs to ask about his availability. Italian clubs are also keen, with both AC Milan and Napoli keeping tabs on the English defender’s situation at Tottenham.
With Bournemouth in discussions with Spurs, the deal could benefit all three parties involved if it goes through. The Premier League new boys need new defenders, and Tanganga will provide Scott Parker with a solid option as he already has some top-flight experience. Parker is familiar with Tanganga’s talents, having previously worked with him when he was with the Tottenham academy.
The 23-year-old will likely be a regular staple at the Vitality Stadium, which would benefit his long-term development at a specific position rather than sticking around at his current club for few minutes here and there. Meanwhile, Tottenham would be able to cash in and make room for their other targets as well as reap the benefits of the extra cash.
