Amidst reports in recent weeks suggesting Jan Vertonghen could finally be set for a Tottenham exit, it’s no surprise to see the north London side being linked with a move for a new centre-back.
The latest man to be reportedly on the club’s radar? Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer.
According to Norwegian publication Sporten, Spurs are set to step up their interest in the defender, and when you look at the kind of player he is, it really does seem like it would be a smart piece of business on the part of the Lilywhites.
Standing at an imposing 6 foot 5, Ajer is comfortably taller than any defender on Spurs’ books, and that physical profile arguably makes him a perfect fit for someone like Jose Mourinho.
Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
You just have to look at the kinds of signings he has made in his time in the Premier League, with the likes of Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Costa all upwards of 6 foot and with a real physical presence to them.
It’s become almost a hallmark of Mourinho’s teams that they are invariably more physically dominant than the opposition, and can represent an intimidating presence both on and off the pitch.
And Ajer fits the bill to perfection. His height advantage has seen him be a dominant force for Celtic, winning a very impressive 3.3 aerial duels per game in the Europa League for the Bhoys – that average is a lot better than any Spurs player has managed in the top-flight this season (Japhet Tanganga comes closest with three per match).
No clues whatsoever: Which seasons do these iconic Spurs images belong to?
Players signed from Scottish football in recent seasons have eventually proven themselves to be good value for money – you only have to look at Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson who both came from the Scottish Premiership and are now part of the reigning Champions League holders.
Ajer could be yet another player who fits that mould, and it is exactly why this would represent a smart piece of scouting from Steve Hitchen. Described as a “real leader” by current Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, the Norway international is a must-swoop for Spurs.
Meanwhile, Spurs must prioritise a new contract for this ace.
