22 hours ago
36
Tottenham must now pivot quickly after missing out on Johnny Cardoso, with the club still in desperate need of bolstering the holding midfield role this summer. Here are six defensive midfielders Spurs could turn to, including Richard Rios, who has impressed at the Club World Cup.
One could argue that while Tottenham Hotspur are keen on strengthening their attack, with reports consistently linking Spurs with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo, the defensive midfield area requires similar attention.
Yves Bissouma was inconsistent last season, leaving Tottenham with 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall as their number one option in the holding midfield role.
While the Swedish youngster did impress, it is clear that he alone cannot be Tottenham’s main option in that position, especially if Bissouma is sold this summer.
Tottenham had a £21 million release clause available for Johnny Cardoso, but recent reports suggest that the American international is headed to Atletico Madrid instead.
But with Tottenham now missing out on the 24-year-old Real Betis man, who are their other holding midfield options this summer? Here are five holding midfielders Spurs could consider this transfer window.
Morten Frendrup on Tottenham radar as Real Betis circle
Perhaps the best player Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with for that holding midfield role this summer is Morten Frendrup, who is currently plying his trade at Genoa.
It was exclusively revealed to Spurs Web that Frendrup is a player on Tottenham’s radar as they look to strengthen their midfield with two different profiles of midfielders.
The Genoa man is ideal for Spurs, given he has experience playing at a high level, with over 200 career appearances already under his belt at just 24 years of age.
| Central Midfield | 148 |
| Defensive Midfield | 62 |
| Left Midfield | 7 |
| Right Midfield | 6 |
| Right-Back | 4 |
| Left-Back | 2 |
The Dane is also capable of filling in at full-back – a trait managers typically value highly. Valued at £17 million, Frendrup is a potential bargain, though Real Betis have now added him to their shortlist of replacements for Cardoso.
Palhinha could bring Champions League experience to Spurs
While Tottenham have not been officially linked with Joao Palhinha of Bayern Munich, the uncertainty around his future should have piqued the interest of Spurs, who need a midfielder in the Portuguese international’s mould.
Palhinha, 29, has a wealth of experience, having been capped 34 times by Portugal and previously played in the Premier League during his time at Fulham.
It is reported that Bayern Munich could sanction his exit this summer, and while his estimated value sits at €30 million (£25.3m), he may yet come cheaper.
Should Tottenham move for him, they would be signing someone who Bergvall could learn from, and who has the added bonus of Champions League pedigree.
| Tackles | 300 |
| Tackle success % | 53% |
| Blocked shots | 24 |
| Interceptions | 92 |
| Clearances | 113 |
| Headed clearances | 53 |
| Recoveries | 407 |
| Duels won | 542 |
| Duels lost | 359 |
| Successful 50/50s | 25 |
| Aerial battles won | 113 |
| Aerial battles lost | 71 |
| Errors leading to goal | 0 |
Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana admired by Tottenham
While Tottenham have been linked with Frendrup, Amadou Onana is another name being considered, although a move from Aston Villa is unlikely at the moment.
It is understood that Tottenham are admirers of the midfielder, who only joined Villa last summer. Onana made 34 appearances for the club last season, building a strong reputation as a physical midfield enforcer across both the Premier League and Champions League.
However, a transfer appears improbable unless Aston Villa’s financial situation forces their hand. Still, should the opportunity arise, Onana would be a no-brainer – he is still young, with top-level experience from his time at Everton and now at Villa Park.
Tottenham consider move for Hayden Hackney
Tottenham have also set their sights on Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough. While he lacks Premier League experience and is far from a household name, the 22-year-old remains a player with plenty of upside.
Hackney has been linked not just with Spurs, but also Porto, Stuttgart and Crystal Palace. Valued at £20 million, it is believed Middlesbrough would only sanction a sale for a higher price.
A move to Tottenham would see Hackney join a squad that already boasts several talented players in his age bracket, including Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. However, relying on three youngsters to fill such a vital role is a gamble, and for that reason alone, Spurs may tread cautiously.
James Garner among Tottenham’s cheap summer options
James Garner is another player Spurs could explore for the holding midfield position, and he may be available for a cut-price fee, with only a year left on his Everton contract. Tottenham showed interest in Garner back in the January 2024 transfer window.
The 24-year-old made 21 appearances in the Premier League last season, though he did miss parts of the campaign with a back injury. Spurs would undoubtedly need to weigh up his fitness record, especially after last season’s injury crisis.
Still, with his contract ticking down, Garner could represent a shrewd option. Being homegrown adds appeal, but it is unclear how much Everton would demand, and there remains the possibility of him extending his stay on Merseyside.
Spurs remain keen on Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios
While Tottenham are not featuring in the Club World Cup, Richard Rios and his Palmeiras side have certainly caught attention with their performances in the tournament.
Palmeiras topped Group A to reach the next stage, and Rios has emerged as one of their standout players, attracting renewed interest from European sides, including Spurs.
Tottenham have previously been linked with Rios, and reports even claimed that a Spurs bid for Richard Rios had been rejected back in January.
The north Londoners could return with another offer for Rios this summer, but they are no longer alone in the race, with two other Premier League clubs now watching the midfielder closely. Rios, now approaching his peak, would be a smart addition to the Tottenham squad.
The post Six holding midfielders Tottenham could sign after missing out on Johnny Cardoso appeared first on Spurs Web.
English (US) ·