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Tottenham pursue double left-back deal as planning accelerates

Tottenham’s January intentions are becoming clearer, and louder. According to reporting by TeamTalk, Spurs are actively pursuing a double defensive deal that hints at deeper thinking around squad balance, durability and the long term outlook at left back.

The strategy centres on two very different profiles. Luca Netz of Borussia Mönchengladbach has been tracked for some time, admired for his composure and progressive instincts. Alongside him sits Souza, the highly rated Santos defender viewed as a longer term project with upside.

The pairing feels deliberate rather than opportunistic, experience balanced with development, security offset by potential.

Netz opportunity shapes January thinking

Netz, now 22, is approaching the final months of his contract in Germany. That reality has sharpened Tottenham’s interest. While he could arrive as a free agent in the summer, Spurs are exploring the possibility of accelerating the move this month, with early conversations already taking place and a modest fee under consideration.

Photo IMAGO

The appeal is obvious. Netz brings Bundesliga seasoning, tactical education and immediate competition, a player capable of stepping into Premier League rhythms without excessive bedding in time. Tottenham see value in acting early rather than waiting for the market to crowd.

Souza bid underlines long term vision

Running parallel is the pursuit of Souza, whose rise in South America has drawn attention well beyond North London. Tottenham scouts see him as a long term investment, a defender with athleticism and attacking intent who could be developed rather than rushed.

Photo IMAGO

Santos, however, are negotiating firmly. An opening bid of around €9.2m, £8m was rejected, with sources indicating the Brazilian club are seeking closer to €20m, £17.3m. On Wednesday afternoon, Spurs returned with an improved offer of €15m, while Santos continue to push for a sell on clause. Souza is open to the move, which has kept discussions alive.

Udogie concerns influence direction

This dual approach inevitably circles back to Destiny Udogie. Since arriving from Udinese in 2022, the Italian has been a fixture, but recurring injuries and uneven form this season have raised questions internally.

Photo: IMAGO

Club officials are weighing future options, including the possibility of a loan or permanent exit in the summer to make room for reshaping. That context explains the urgency. Tottenham’s ambitions in the Premier League and Europe demand depth and resilience, areas that have been repeatedly tested.

Head coach Thomas Frank has stressed the need for squad strength after recent injury hit campaigns. January now feels less like a window of reaction, and more like a moment of intent.

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Left back has been a problem area whenever injuries strike, and Spurs fans have watched makeshift solutions too often over the past two seasons. Seeing the club pursue two options at once suggests planning rather than panic.

The Netz angle makes particular sense to supporters. A player entering his prime years, available at a reduced cost, with experience in a top league, feels like smart business. Souza, meanwhile, represents belief in development, something Spurs fans value when it is paired with patience rather than expectation.

There is also realism around Udogie. Fans still rate him highly, but availability matters. Football at the top level does not pause for recovery cycles. If the club believe competition or succession is required, supporters understand the logic.

Most importantly, this feels like coherence. Not chasing headlines, but addressing a clear positional need with both short and long term thinking. Spurs fans want progress built on structure, and this double move points in that direction.