European football expert urges Tottenham to sign Alexsandro Ribeiro
European football expert, Alex Barker, believes that a Ligue 1 centre-back will be the perfect solution to Tottenham’s issues in central defence.
Tottenham’s defence has been decimated by injuries
Tottenham are not short of numbers at centre-back on paper, having four recognised options in Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies, while Archie Gray has also shown that he can do a decent job in the position.
However, Romero, Van de Ven and Davies have all been sidelined for significant spells this season, and one cannot put that down to just bad luck.
Spurs’ two starting centre-backs have questionable fitness records, with Van de Ven’s tendency to pick up hamstring injuries now a clear pattern in his short career.
That is why Tottenham are thought to be prioritising adding reinforcements in central defence this month.
Tottenham told to sign Lille star Alexsandro Ribeiro
Alex Barker has now told The Athletic that Lille’s Alexsandro Ribeiro would be the ideal fit for Ange Postecoglou‘s system.
The 25-year-old has grown considerably since joining the Ligue 1 club two and half years ago and is now developing into one of the most complete centre-backs in French football.
Barker has explained that the Brazilian’s ability to win duals, defend one vs one, and his quality in possession, will help him slot seamlessly into Tottenham’s backline.
Watch his explanation below:
Ribeiro deal may not be possible in January
Ribeiro is contracted to Lille until 2028 and there is no indication that the Ligue 1 club are open to letting him leave.
Given his importance to Bruno Genesio’s side, one would expect them to fight to keep hold of the defender until the end of the season.
Lille could demand a sizable fee for the pacy centre-back, which Tottenham might not want to pay, given that they are only after cover rather than a starter.
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