Spurs make approach to replicate Romero masterclass in £35m deal

Tottenham Hotspur misplaced to a superior Manchester Metropolis aspect within the FA Cup fourth spherical on Friday night time to all however finish Ange Postecoglou’s hopes of gleaning silverware in his maiden marketing campaign in English soccer.

Having did not qualify for this season’s European competitors and fallen on the first hurdle within the Carabao Cup, Spurs will solely compete within the Premier League over the subsequent a number of months, although the fifth-placed aspect are presently eight factors behind high crew Liverpool.

Postecoglou mentioned: “It is honest to say that they have eight or 9 years on us” in his post-match press convention, with such phrases pronounced pragmatically, somewhat than being tinged with bitterness after a chilly cup defeat.

Off the again of that, it is very important keep in mind that this thrilling Tottenham system is in its fledgling section and that the blistering begin to life this season went far past expectations after such a dour 2022/23 time period.

Harry Kane’s summer time sale to Bayern Munich, in fact, contributed towards this, however Postecoglou has proved his savvy means and welcomed many thrilling signings to kickstart a brand new period.

This month, depth was clearly wanted and centre-back Radu Dragusin and versatile ahead Timo Werner – previously of Chelsea – have been welcomed to spice up the probabilities over the approaching months. Now, with the switch window in its late stage, a ultimate transfer is being lined up.

Spurs eyeing last-gasp transfer

In accordance with Soccer Insider, Tottenham are persisting of their bid to signal Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, however the Blues are unwilling to promote and have slapped an £80m price ticket on the England worldwide, so a deal will likely be sophisticated, to say the least.

As such, maybe the Lilywhites might now advance their curiosity in Atalanta’s Ederson, with Corriere Torino – through Sport Witness – revealing that Spurs have made an method for the Brazilian midfielder.

Whereas the Serie A membership are decided to carry onto their central fulcrum, it is understood that a proposal of round £35m might tempt them to money in, and chairman Daniel Levy might now lodge a proper provide earlier than the top of the month.

Why Spurs are thinking about Ederson

Praised for his “versatile” nature in midfield by South American soccer professional Tim Vickery, Ederson first rose to prominence in Italy after taking part in a number one position in Salernitana’s exceptional escape from relegation in 2021/22, and since transferred to Atalanta in July 2022 and chalked up 64 appearances for his present membership.

As per Sofascore, the 24-year-old has scored 5 objectives from 20 outings in Serie A this time period to ice a rounded method that has seen him full 84% of his passes, succeed with 76% of his dribbles, win 59% of his duels and common 2.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 5.6 ball recoveries per recreation.

Energetic and progressive, Ederson is a dependable influencer of attacking play however does are inclined to make his mark by driving the ball ahead himself somewhat than dazzling together with his distribution, however provided that Tottenham have some beautiful central ball-players in Yves Bissouma and James Maddison, this could possibly be the proper further dimension.

As per FBref, Ederson ranks among the many high 15% of midfielders throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous 12 months for objectives scored, profitable take-ons and interceptions, in addition to the highest 4% for blocks per 90, with the stats-based web site truly linking Gallagher as a comparable participant.

Whereas Tottenham are presently exterior the highest 4, the progress made below Postecoglou’s management has certainly been commendable, and Ederson can be yet one more piece of the puzzle to proceed the revival, with defensive metrics that bespeak his all-encompassing nature.

On condition that the £42k-per-week star can be comparatively reasonably priced in comparison with a few of the exorbitant figures floating across the market, it is a enterprise effectively value taking for Postecoglou and co, particularly contemplating their current success in plucking abilities from Italian soccer.

Spurs’ Serie A hit

Tottenham’s taking part in squad boasts a few of its best high quality from Serie A, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski each signed from Juventus in January 2022, and Future Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin all making their debuts this season after departing Italy.

All are effective gamers able to making a marked influence on Postecoglou’s legacy as Spurs boss, however none extra so than Cristian Romero, who truly accomplished a £42m switch from Atalanta again in 2021.

The Argentinian defender has accomplished 81 appearances for Spurs and has been praised for his “unimaginable” performances by soccer.london’s Alasdair Gold, with compatriot Lionel Messi additionally remarking that he’s the “greatest defender on the planet proper now” following La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph.

Within the Premier League this season, whereas Romero has missed a number of matches as a consequence of accidents and suspension, he has been one of many best centre-halves round, scoring 3 times from solely 16 outings, finishing 93% of his passes, successful 70% of his duels and averaging 2.2 tackles and 5.9 recoveries per fixture.

The £165k-per-week titan additionally ranks among the many high 11% of centre-backs for objectives scored, the highest 12% for shot-creating actions, the highest 13% for cross completion and passes tried, the highest 16% for progressive passes, the highest 5% for tackles and the highest 15% for interceptions per 90.

With a equally tenacious and aggressive method to his craft, Ederson could possibly be a welcome addition to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Postecoglou might repeat a trick in bringing him to the membership to hitch his South American counterpart.

It will be yet one more layer of depth to a squad that hints at actual success down the road, and Tottenham should now make a last-gasp January swoop to make sure that Champions League qualification is achieved by the top of the time period.