Tottenham Hotspur have been looking for defensive reinforcements when the winter transfer window comes around, with the Lilywhites being subject to links with a move for Leeds United centre back Pascal Struijk, who played with Spurs sensation Archie Gray during their shared time at Elland Road before the latter eventually moved to White Hart Lane last summer.
There have been ample injuries at Hotspur Way at the moment, and with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven serving the sidelines, Ange Postecoglou has had to rely on makeshift options like Archie Grey (who started at the heart of defence in the Lilywhites 1-1 draw against Rangers in the midweek and in 5-0 over Southampton yesterday), which has left defensive depth exposed and the Australian head coach short of options.
Levy eyes Leeds defender Pascal Struijk
Daniel Levy has been looking at a possible replacement for Struijk, who has been an integral figure in Daniel Farke’s Leeds United, where he is not only marshalling the troops but also excelling as a distributor, with the latter being an asset that the former Celtic manager in charge of Tottenham will love to use in an all-attacking style of play.
The Belgium-born defender who went on to represent the Netherlands in U17s is primarily a left-footed centre-back who is versatile enough to be deployed in the left-back as well as defensive midfield role, and he brings a blend of defensive solidity and technical ability to the side, both of the qualities that suit Postecoglou’s high-tempo playing style.
The 25-year-old is only entering his prime and not only offers Premier League experience but also tactical depth and flexibility to the Lilywhites if they are to snap his signature. Moreover, his ability to play as a left-sided centre-back would complement Spurs’ existing setup while providing much-needed cover for Van de Ven, who has a bit of hamstring problems every now and then.
Graeme Bailey backs Tottenham move for Leeds defender
And transfer expert Graeme Bailey has backed the Lilywhites to move for the defender in 2025, saying (via. Leeds United News):
“Struijk is coming into his prime and has really been under the radar to a lot of people—not Leeds fans—but he is very much on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs.
“A left-sided defender, and he is real quality, and I am told Tottenham are amongst those who have checked on him. Clearly Leeds want him to stay and will look to tie him down to a new deal, but him staying long-term will be dictated by Leeds getting back to the Premier League.”
It is to be seen if Daniel Levy can sit down with Leeds United and negotiate a deal for the defender, given the Whites are also keen to tie down the 25-year-old to a new contract.
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