Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for defensive additions this summer and one target is now emerging as a priority for Ange Postecoglou.
European football is returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a fifth-place finish in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season at the club.
Missing out on the top four was a touch frustrating, but there were more than enough encouraging signs over the course of Tottenham’s season.
Now heading into the third transfer window of the Postecoglou era, Tottenham need to make important additions this summer.
A right back is likely to be a top priority with Tottenham keen to add real competition for Pedro Porro.
Emerson Royal hasn’t really suited Postecoglou’s approach and a new option will be wanted in this window.
Tottenham Hotspur in pole position for Lutsharel Geertruida
Tottenham have already been linked with a number of right back options and reports in June suggested that Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida was a key target.
Now heading towards the final year of his Feyenoord contract, Geertruida is expected to leave De Kuip following Arne Slot’s departure for Liverpool.
The Mirror (23/06, p73) claim that Tottenham are now in ‘pole position’ to sign Geertruida this summer.
New Liverpool boss Slot is a huge fan of Geertruida but is wary of bringing players from Rotterdam to Anfield.
Slot has watched Erik ten Hag come in for criticism at Manchester United for signing his former Ajax players, so Slot wants to avoid similar issues.
That leaves the door open in the race for Geertruida and Tottenham are thought to be ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig in the race for his signature.
The 23-year-old hails from Rotterdam and has come up in the Feyenoord ranks, recording nearly 200 appearances for the club.
Currently in Germany with the Dutch national team at Euro 2024, Geertruida featured as a substitute against France.
Capable of playing at right back, centre back or in holding midfield, Geertruida’s versatility makes him very appealing to Tottenham.
Geertruida offer tabled
The reports surrounding Geertruida to Tottenham go even further.
Caught Offside claim that Tottenham have actually tabled a contract offer to the Dutchman.
It’s stated that Spurs are willing to hand Geertruida a deal until 2029 or 2030, but are yet to find an agreement with Feyenoord.
The Dutch side want around €25million (£21million) for Geertruida, a fee which shouldn’t be out of reach for Tottenham this summer.
Geertruida being involved at Euro 2024 may somewhat complicate matters and may leave Tottenham with something of a wait before being able to get a deal done.
The news emerging in the last 24 hours is encouraging though with Tottenham seemingly moving in for Geertruida.