Report: Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to sign 19-year-old defender
Spurs step up Souza pursuit as January plans gather pace
Tottenham’s intent for the January window is beginning to crystallise. As reported by The Standard, Spurs have submitted a second bid for Souza, the Santos defender identified as a priority target to strengthen the left side of the squad.
Standard Sport understands discussions have remained active following an opening offer of around £8m being rejected. Spurs have now returned with an improved proposal worth £13m, a figure that signals growing confidence a deal can be reached. The player is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, which has helped talks progress.
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Left-back search intensifies
Tottenham’s interest is driven by clear squad needs. Destiny Udogie has only recently returned to training after a hamstring injury, leaving a gap that has been filled in improvised fashion. Djed Spence, naturally a right back, has often deputised, while Ben Davies, now 32, stepped in for the 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the weekend.
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Souza’s profile fits Tottenham’s broader recruitment approach. Despite having a release clause of €100m, £87.1m for overseas clubs, he is viewed at Santos as a high potential asset rather than an immediate cash out. He broke into the first team last season and made 24 appearances as Santos avoided relegation from Brazil’s top flight.
Broader January priorities emerge
While left back remains a focus, it is not the only area under review. The departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, coupled with Mohammed Kudus suffering a thigh injury, has sharpened the need for attacking reinforcements.
Head coach Thomas Frank has already indicated this will be a busy month. With Spurs sitting 13th in the league, questions have been raised about whether their position could deter targets. Frank dismissed that suggestion.
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“I think we are very attractive in many ways. I think Spurs is a fantastic club with a huge potential,” he said.
“I think some of the boxes you need to tick is, of course, the stadium and the training ground and the potential.”
Confidence despite competition
Frank acknowledged the realities of the market, adding: “Of course, if we compete against the three teams that are clearly ahead of us, City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, unfortunately, then those three clubs are probably more attractive right now.
“That’s not to say that we can’t attract some of the players that also want to go to those clubs.
“It depends a little bit if there is a spot available for the player to play in those clubs and here, for example.”
Souza’s case may test that belief, but Spurs appear determined to make him their first January signing.
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Left back has been an obvious weak point whenever Destiny Udogie has been unavailable, and relying on makeshift solutions has felt unsustainable across a long season. Seeing Tottenham return with an improved bid suggests intent, not hesitation.
Fans will like the profile of Souza. Young, ambitious, already tested in a demanding environment, and keen on the Premier League. That hunger matters. Spurs supporters have grown weary of short term fixes and ageing cover. A signing like this points towards competition and development rather than simple cover.
There is also an understanding that January will not be straightforward. Sitting 13th is not where Spurs want to be, but the infrastructure, stadium, training ground, and long term vision remain powerful selling points. Frank’s comments will resonate with supporters who still believe Spurs are closer to challenging than the table suggests.
If Souza arrives, it will feel like a sensible first move in what needs to be a decisive window, not a statement signing, but a foundation piece.
