Tottenham are interested in signing another central defender after announcing Marcos Senesi’s capture.
It’s part of a busy summer for Tottenham Hotspur, as Roberto De Zerbi and the recruitment team have prioritised defensive rebuild over other positions.
Two deals have already been sealed in the backline, with Marcos Senesi being the latest. Spurs announced the capture of Senesi on Wednesday afternoon after he departed Bournemouth on a free transfer at the end of the season. Being left-footed, the Argentine could be viewed as a back-up to Micky van de Ven next season.
Roberto De Zerbi wants to add a second central defender to his squad in the form of Jan Paul van Hecke, who he worked with during his spell as Brighton and Hove Albion boss. Tottenham have already thrashed out personal terms with Van Hecke and are working hard to agree on a fee with Brighton.
Surprisingly, links with another central defender has now emerged.
RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba on Tottenham’s radar
According to a report from Fussball Daten, Tottenham are among multiple clubs interested in RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba who plays a bit like Josko Gvardiol. They will face competition from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Castello Lukeba has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga in the last couple of years. He again proved to be a rock at the back for RB Leipzig, albeit an injury-hit campaign, making 29 appearances in all competitions. The Frenchman’s overall performances since arriving at RB Leipzig from Lyon has been solid, leading to several clubs now wanting him in their defensive ranks.
However, signing Lukeba will not be easy, as his contract with RB Leipzig runs until the summer of 2029 and is said to include a mammoth release clause worth €90 million. But the report adds that RB Leipzig has an internal agreement with the 23-year-old to allow his departure for a fee of €60-65 million.
Castello Lukeba’s link to Tottenham makes no sense
Tottenham came into the off-season looking for a new centre-back, preferably a left-footed player who is composed in possession while offering physicality at the back. They have added one in the form of Senesi to cover and compete with Van de Ven.
Lukeba is of the same profile, but with Van de Ven expected to stay at the club and Senesi becoming a part of De Zerbi’s project, there is no need for another left-footed centre-half. This makes links with the Leipzig star pointless, or rather, it could be that his agent is drumming up interest across the European market.