Spurs enter race to sign £20m defender

Even the most optimistic of Tottenham Hotspur’s fan base will have had some trepidation going into last weekend’s trip to Burnley.

Victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League gave Thomas Frank a respite from the heavy criticism that has descended on him and the team, but life returned to normal with Tottenham’s draw in the Premier League.

At Turf Moor, Cristian Romero saved a point with a late goal. Perhaps he saved Frank’s job as well. It was an improved display, but Martin Dubravka found inspiration between the sticks.

However, they conceded two more goals. Spurs need a defender before the January transfer window closes in less than a week.

Spurs plan to sign defender after Robertson hit

Negotiations with Liverpool took place quickly. It quickly became clear that a deal for Andy Robertson could be achieved this month. However, Liverpool are struggling to bring Kostas Tsimikas back from his loan spell at AS Roma, so the Scottish left-back is currently unlikely to move to north London this month.

However, with Ben Davies out injured and Destiny Udogie’s fitness level unreliable, a back-up may still be needed, and ENIC Group are certainly looking at a potential signing.

Tottenham have joined Everton in the race to sign Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno, with their sights set on the Spaniard after their bid for Robertson was rejected, according to TEAMtalk.

Worth £20 million, Bueno is one of Old Gold’s most valuable assets. Wolves do not want to sell him this season despite relegation from the Premier League almost certain, but interest is growing and Bueno is keen to stay in the Premier League.

Technical director Johan Lange may try to arrange a deal before the end of the January deadline, but it is thought a bid could be upheld this summer.

Why Bueno is a better contract than Robertson

Bueno is only 23 but has played in the Premier League with the maturity and composure of an older, more experienced manager. Wolves are doomed, but Bueno maintains an interesting level of consistency on the left side of the backline.

According to FotMob, Bueno averages 1.41 chances created, 2.15 crosses and 1.21 successful dribbles per game, which puts him in the 15% of all three percentiles. His development has been immense since joining the youth academy in 2022, with former technical director Matt Hobbs praising his “incredible” development.

Everything inside the sinking Molineux ship. It’s clear that the Iberian defender is talented and has the skillset Spurs need. Furthermore, it’s a style of play reminiscent of Robertson in his Liverpool heyday, and it could be the way down for Frank and co, especially given that Liverpool signed Robertson as an up-and-comer from Hull City, who had just been relegated from the top flight.

Robertson is one of the most assisting defenders in Premier League history, but has scored just two goals since the start of last season.

Although his creative influence is waning, Bueno’s form suggests he can help raise the bar for playmaking in N17 and beyond, which needs to be raised.

One of the most notable elements of Robertson’s decline at Liverpool has been his declining athleticism. The Scotland captain is no longer bouncing up and down the left flank and has averaged 0.2 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season, according to Sofascore.

Robertson’s leadership and experience will be a valuable asset to Tottenham. Perhaps these attributes are what helped get him signed.

However, Robertson is not the defender he once was at Anfield, and in Bueno Frank will be signing a talented left-back who has what it takes to develop into one of the most solid players in English football. He is a player who can serve for many years to come, rather than commanding an army in the short term.