5 bold predictions for Tottenham's January transfer window

5 bold predictions for Tottenham’s January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur's Italian head coach Antonio Conte gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on December 5, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Tottenham Hotspur’s Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on December 5, 2021. /

3. A starting centre back will be the most expensive purchase

Conte’s tactics have drastically improved Tottenham’s defence already, but it’s clear he doesn’t have the ideal group of centre backs to implement his demanding system. In particular, Davinson Sanchez’s erratic play has been a real issue for Spurs during Conte’s early days.

The good news for Spurs is that Eric Dier and Ben Davies seem to have locked down the other two starting centre back spots at the moment. Cristian Romero should return from his long-term injury in February, but Tottenham cannot afford to rely on Sanchez until the Argentine returns to full fitness.

That’s why Conte’s biggest purchase in January will be to acquire a top-class centre back who can slot right into his starting back three. It’s too early to specify exactly who that will be, but Tottenham supporters should keep a close eye on strong Serie A defenders who caught Conte’s eye during his tenure at Inter.

Over the long haul, Tottenham need more quality options at centre back if they’re always going to deploy three at the back. Look for Spurs to land a big addition to their back line just before the January window slams shut.

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