Tottenham transfer plans heat up with interest in Feyenoord defender

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive woes could soon be eased as the North London club are eyeing a key January transfer window signing who has proven his mettle against some of Europe’s finest attackers.

Tottenham defensive crisis makes for important transfer window

Ange Postecoglou’s second season at Tottenham Hotspur has been marked by an array of defensive injuries, leaving the Australian tactician scrambling for solutions amidst a campaign that promised much but has been hindered by fitness issues.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies have all been sidelined for extended periods, creating a significant void in the heart of Spurs’ defence.

This defensive frailty has not gone unnoticed, as the need for a left-sided central defender to deputise for the injured van de Ven has become glaringly apparent.

The club’s commitment to addressing these challenges is evident not just in their pursuit of new talent but also in their attempts to secure existing players, such as Romero, whose contract discussions have reportedly centred on making him the club’s top earner.

However, Romero’s desire for Champions League football has added another layer of complexity to Tottenham’s strategic planning.

David Hancko emerges as Tottenham’s January target

TBR Football has now revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have identified David Hancko, Feyenoord’s Slovakian international centre-back, as a prime candidate for their January shopping list.

Hancko, who played a pivotal role in troubling Erling Haaland earlier this season, is seen as an ideal addition to bolster Spurs’ defensive line and provide reliable backup for the injured Micky van de Ven.

Sources close to the club have indicated that Hancko’s price tag, initially set at £35 million during the summer transfer window, is expected to have dropped, making a January deal more viable.

The 27-year-old defender, whose current contract with Feyenoord extends until 2028, has impressed with his composure, physicality, and ability to neutralise high-calibre opposition.

What David Hancko’s stats reveal

An analysis of David Hancko’s per 90 statistics from his performances in the Eredivisie paints a promising picture of the defender’s capabilities.

According to fotmob, Hancko boasts an impressive 81.8% tackle success rate, winning 1.13 tackles per game, his ability to dominate duels is reflected in his 65.3% win rate across 4.13 duels per match, while his aerial prowess is demonstrated by a 64.3% success rate in aerial battles, winning 1.69 per game.

In addition to his tackling and duelling efficiency, Hancko contributes to defensive recoveries with an average of 4.81 recoveries per 90 minutes, his interceptions (1.06) and low number of fouls committed (0.38) further underscore his disciplined approach to defending, while his ability to block shots (0.38 per game) and maintain positional awareness make him a well-rounded option for Tottenham’s backline.

Should Tottenham secure Hancko’s services in January, his defensive attributes, coupled with his experience at both club and international levels, could provide the stability and depth that the North London side desperately needs to mount a strong finish to the season.

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