One area of Tottenham Hotspur’s squad that demands upgrading in the summer transfer window is their defence.
Ange Postecoglou might have no choice but to agree as his Spurs side have shipped 39 goals in 27 games in the Premier League this season.
Conceding 1.4 goals per league game this campaign, Tottenham have been far too leaky at the back — which is one of the reasons why they are languishing in 13th place in the table with two-and-a-half months of the campaign still left to play.
A school of thought is that Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup is too gung-ho to make his side defensively stable.
But it is also important to consider that Tottenham’s backline has been hampered by persistent injuries, which has not made life any easier for them defensively. Dean Huijsen’s camp have spoken to Tottenham as the North Londoners might need a new centre-back to come in due to both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven being quite injury-prone.
But despite having two right-backs in Pedro Porro and Djed Spence on their books, Tottenham were keen on Kyle Walker-Peters’ return as well. Another right-back who Tottenham are interested in signing is Andrei Ratiu, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Tottenham eyeing Andrei Ratiu but Barcelona have met his agents
Ratiu, 26 made his name at last year’s European Championships for his signature blue hair at the time and more importantly, how solid he was for Romania.
This season, the Aiud-born defender has been a mainstay for Rayo Vallecano, who have been La Liga’s ultimate surprise package this season as they sit in seventh place after finishing 17th in the previous campaign.
Ratiu has started 23 out of 26 games in the league for Vallecano this campaign and impressively, Inigo Perez’s side have conceded less than a goal per match when he has started (22).
But aside from Tottenham, even fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in securing the La Liga full-back’s services.
But the worry for Spurs is that Barcelona have already held a meeting with Ratiu’s representatives about signing him — who has a release clause worth €25 million (£20.6 million).
Sporting director Deco was present during the negotiations, with the Spanish giants “following him with great interest.”
Andrei Ratiu stats compared to Pedro Porro and Djed Spence
With Porro plotting a move away from Tottenham, it will be interesting to discover whether Ratiu is viewed as a potential replacement for him.
Speaking of both as well as Spence, who has been terrific in a Lilywhites shirt this season, here is the statistical comparison between all three.
Based on the stats, Spence is the clear standout in some regards — as he makes the most clearances (3.05) and wins the most aerial duels (1.32) per match. Porro, on the other hand completes the most. Porro, on the other hand attempts the most passes (68.44) and makes the most tackles and interceptions (3.5) per game.
However, where Ratiu could particularly help Tottenham is the way he progresses the ball, via progressive carries (3.42 per game) and successful take-ons (1.99 per 90).
With the form the Tottenham target is in as well, he could prove to be a solid option at the back and most importantly, add much-needed depth to an often wafer-thin defence, with Spence also capable of playing as a left-back at a high level.