Tottenham have now taken a significant step as they attempt to sign a defender compared to Real Madrid legend Marcelo.
Spurs are on the lookout for someone who can provide competition and cover for Destiny Udogie – while depth on the right may also be needed amid doubts over the future of Emerson Royal in N17.
Now – however – Tottenham have made an offer to a player who can actually operate in both positions…
Tottenham offer Lutsharel Geertruida a contract
A story from Caught Offside now claims that Tottenham have offered a contract to Feyenoord No.4 Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Netherlands international – who is currently playing at UEFA EURO 2024 – shone in the 2023/24 campaign under Arne Slot, scoring nine goals while also providing five assists in 47 appearances from defence.
Geertruida made most of those appearances on the right – 35 to be exact – although he also played in the centre on nine occasions, and on the left three times.
Caught Offside believe the Dutchman is valued at €25m (£21m) by Feyenoord, and while Tottenham are yet to agree a fee with the Eredivisie outfit, the north Londoners have put a contract on the table for the 23-year-old to consider.
As aforesaid, Geertruida has been compared to Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo by FBref – a statistics page who found that the South American is the most similar player in Europe to the Tottenham target, highlighting their progressive passes and attacking intent as comparable traits.
Perfect utility man for Ange Postecoglou
In our view, if Spurs can secure Geertruida for around the £20m mark, it has potential to be the signing of the summer, especially as he is just 23 years of age.
The man from Rotterdam is clearly comfortable playing anywhere across the backline, so much so that he even found time to register 14 goal involvements last season, while also helping Feyenoord concede only 26 times across 36 Eredivisie outings.
With a lack of depth behind Udogie – Oliver Skipp even played on the left of defence at the end of last season – and doubts over Emerson Royal, this would seemingly be an ideal signing for Ange Postecoglou.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou says he is so impressed by how brave Tottenham youngster is on the ball
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation – however – with Liverpool also believed to be keen on securing Geertruida’s signature this summer as Slot eyes a reunion…