Top Tottenham transfer target Micah Richards has been praised by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, who also praised his speed.
Spurs may sign these center backs in January.
According to reports, Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham, and Johan Lange, the sporting director, have made the acquisition of a left-sided central defender a top priority for January. Due to the recent inability of summer acquisition Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero to play, the north Londoners were left severely short-staffed in defense for a while.
Tim Sherwood of the Toronto Premier League
Now that Romero has served his suspension, van de Ven is still sidelined with a hamstring injury and won’t play for Tottenham until after the new year. They were a great team at the center of Postecoglou’s defense, and following Spurs’ 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the previous month, their absence was much felt.
After suffering four losses in five Premier League games without a victory, the Lilywhites ended their winless streak last weekend with a commanding victory over Newcastle. Postecoglou is still a strong contender for the Champions League, but they really need to address their issue of insufficient defensive depth.
Sebastian Caceres of Uruguay, Ben Godfrey of Everton, Radu Dragusin of Genoa, Morato of Benfica, and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon are just a few of the center backs linked to Spurs as Lange and chairman Daniel Levy try to strengthen Postecoglou’s defense.
Daniel Levy of the Toronto Premier League
Priority one for Tottenham, according to Sky Sports, is a new central defender. Another source claims that Jarrad Branthwaite, the star of Everton, is the top choice.
After rejoining PSV Eindhoven on loan, the 21-year-old has blossomed under Sean Dyche. Now a dependable player, Branthwaire is essential to the Toffees’ defensive strategy as they move out of the relegation zone.
This week, Football Transfers revealed that Branthwaite is a top transfer target for Spurs for the upcoming month. Former Man City defender Richards may support this move.
Richards gives Branthwaite “very top” advice.
After hearing that Spurs truly want Branthwaite, the Sky pundit claims the player is headed for the “very top” in an interview with the Rest is Football podcast (via Liverpool Echo).
Everton, Branthwaite, and Jarrad.
Richards stated this week, “Young Branthwaite at the back was amazing [against Chelsea].” His decision-making is exceptional; he understands the game well, moves quickly, and makes the best choices.
Together, they deserve all the credit because he has an experienced manager who loves the defensive aspect of the game and James Tarkowski at his side.
Everton’s defense stats for Jarrad Branthwaite in 2023–2024 (source: SofaScore)
pristine sheets—5
Per-game interceptions: 1.8
2.1 tackles every game
Recovered balls per game: 6.9
Each game’s clearances: 5.1
The Englishman is someone to keep an eye on, and if he continues on this impressive streak, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate might consider adding him to the national team. In fact, Branthwaite’s potential is so great that Everton reportedly values him at a staggering £75 million.
