Tottenham want to sign Spain international who Lionel Messi called ‘fantastic’.
At present, many Tottenham Hotspur supporters would likely agree that manager Ange Postecoglou’s primary focus in the upcoming January transfer window should be strengthening the team’s defense. This necessity became particularly evident in the recent North London Derby against Arsenal, where Tottenham’s defensive resources were stretched thin.
Among the first-choice defenders, only Pedro Porro was available for selection. However, Porro, known more for his attacking instincts than his defensive solidity, was hardly an ideal option. Meanwhile, Postecoglou was forced to rely on an improvised backline, with Archie Gray partnering Radu Dragusin in the heart of the defense and Djed Spence filling in at left-back for the entire match. The absence of key defensive players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie has undoubtedly exposed Spurs’ vulnerabilities at the back. Until their return, bolstering the defense in January seems imperative.
Surprisingly, recent reports suggest that Tottenham’s transfer focus may be leaning towards attacking reinforcements instead. According to Sport, Spurs are once again pursuing Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, a player who was heavily linked with the north London club before opting to join Brighton & Hove Albion on loan last season.
Tottenham’s Renewed Interest in Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati’s previous loan spell in the Premier League was far from ideal, but that hasn’t deterred Tottenham from reigniting their interest. Sport claims that Barcelona has informed the 22-year-old that he is not part of their long-term plans and are open to sanctioning a six-month loan deal for him. The arrangement would reportedly only require Tottenham to cover Fati’s wages, making it a relatively low-risk financial investment.
Fati, once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi at Barcelona, has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations set during his teenage years. Messi himself described Fati as “fantastic,” but recurring injuries have derailed his development. Since returning to Barcelona this season, Fati has made just eight appearances, amassing only 186 minutes of playing time under head coach Hansi Flick, who appears unconvinced by the winger.
Tottenham’s potential pursuit of Fati isn’t without competition. The report notes that West Ham United is also keeping tabs on the Spanish international, whose talent and promise make him an intriguing prospect despite his injury history.
A Cautious Approach to Fati’s Mixed Record
While Fati’s natural ability is undeniable, his recent track record raises concerns. During his loan stint at Brighton, he made 30 appearances across all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League, contributing just four goals and one assist. A calf injury disrupted his time on the south coast, and the overall perception of his loan spell was underwhelming.
Given Tottenham’s current struggles, it’s unclear whether Fati is the right fit for Postecoglou’s system. Former Spurs winger Aaron Lennon recently criticized Postecoglou’s tactical approach following the North London Derby, underscoring the importance of addressing the squad’s defensive frailties. The addition of an injury-prone winger like Fati, no matter his potential, might not align with the club’s immediate priorities.
Defensive Reinforcements Should Take Precedence
While Fati could bring creativity and flair to Tottenham’s attack, his profile doesn’t address the pressing need for defensive reinforcements. With Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie sidelined, the lack of depth in Spurs’ backline has been glaring. If Tottenham intends to solidify their position in the top four, Postecoglou must prioritize signing reliable defenders capable of providing stability at the back.
Although Fati represents an intriguing opportunity to add a once-promising talent to the squad, Spurs should weigh the risks carefully. Postecoglou’s focus in January should remain firmly on shoring up the defense rather than gambling on an injury-prone attacker who has yet to rediscover his best form.
