Tottenham and West Ham must now identify alternative targets after missing out on a free transfer for Matthias Ginter, as Freiburg have signed the Borussia Monchengladbach star.
The Breisgau-Brasilianer confirmed on Wednesday that Ginter will return to the club at the end of the term once the 28-year-old’s Fohlen contract expires. He joined the Europa-Park Stadion outfit in his youth, before breaking through to the first-team and playing 81 times.
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Ginter went on to play for Borussia Dortmund from 2014, and joined Monchengladbach in 2017 for €17m (£14.5m) plus add-ons. The centre-back has been a fixture of the Borussia-Park backline since switching North Rhine-Westphalia side, but is out of contract this year.
Tottenham and West Ham have explored signing Ginter in a free transfer ahead of the 46-cap German’s Borussia Monchengladbach contract expiring. Sky Sports report the London rivals, Aston Villa and Juventus have scouted the defender as they consider their targets.
But Freiburg have won the race for Ginter’s transfer, leaving Tottenham and West Ham in need of alternative targets to the Borussia Monchengladbach ace, so who could they sign?
Alessio Romagnoli transfer can serve as Tottenham’s Ginter alternative
Of the centre-backs set to be free agents this summer, AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli can serve as Tottenham’s alternative to Ginter as Spurs target defensive upgrades over off-season. The north Londoners have already shown an interest in the Italian’s services, too.
Reports by 90min back in December claimed Tottenham were ready to make Romagnoli a pre-contract to join Antonio Conte’s side. The 27-year-old remains up for grabs as it is very unlikely that he stays at the San Siro, per Calciomercato, who add Newcastle are also keen.
The Magpies have contacted Romagnoli’s agent to discuss a switch to St James’ Park this summer. Tactical calls by Stefano Pioli and a few injuries have restricted the €6m-a-season (£97.5k-a/w) star’s game time this term, starting just 16 of 18 Serie A appearances so far.
Romagnoli would offer Tottenham added leadership at the back as an alternative target to Freiburg-bound Ginter. Paolo Maldini once hailed the Rossoneri rock as ‘one of the best ever’, as well, for the high defensive capabilities the 12-cap Italy international has shown.
West Ham can find low-cost Ginter alternative amid interest in Jeremiah St Juste
West Ham can sign a low-cost alternative to Ginter with a transfer for Mainz star Jeremiah St Juste this summer. Bild journalist Christian Falk has cited the Irons and Leicester City as showing interest with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in the Dutchman in April.
The 25-year-old is likely to fall on shortlists around Europe at the end of the season as he enters the final year of his current contract. Bild, via Bulinews, also noted in February that Die Nullfunfer did not have plans to discuss fresh terms, so will accept €12m (£10m) bids.
St Juste would add immense pace to the London Stadium backline with a transfer to West Ham this year. He has registered the fastest top speed of any Bundesliga player so far this season at 36.63 km/h (22.76 mph). But injuries to both shoulders have derailed his term.
Mainz boss Bo Svensson has only fielded St Juste in eight German top-flight fixtures so far this term. The centre-half – who Svensson praises as he ‘gives absolutely everything’ – only returned to the bench on April 30, having played twice since October after two operations.
Now, St Juste could be heading for the Mainz exit door, with Bild reporting Sporting Lisbon are in talks for his transfer. But the defender is undecided on the move to Portugal and is expected to hold off on accepting their offer to see if a Premier League offer also comes in.
Tottenham rekindle Pau Torres interest but face high fee for Villarreal star
Tottenham explored adding a centre-half with a move for Villarreal ace Pau Torres in 2021. AS even reported Spurs had a deal agreed with his La Liga side. But he told The Guardian: “The pull of playing the Champions League with the team from my town was bigger.”
That journey ended in the semi-finals with defeat to Liverpool, and now Spurs are back on the scene for the Spaniard. The Daily Mail report Tottenham scouted Torres against Jurgen Klopp’s side as he is now ready to leave Villarreal, where Torres has a £55m release clause.
El Submarino Amarillo will push for as close to the break clause as possible before selling the 25-year-old. He played every minute of their UEFA tour this term, is a regular for Spain and has proven he has the physicality to cope with the demands of Premier League action.
Mainz have an even cheaper option West Ham admire in Moussa Niakhate
West Ham could do a lot of business with Mainz in the summer transfer window as David Moyes targets centre-backs, and another alternative to Ginter could be Moussa Niakhate.
According to The Telegraph, the Hammers and Everton are sounding out the 26-year-old’s situation at the MEWA Arena. The Frenchman enters the final year of his contract this June and is likely to be available for just £8m, as Die Nullfunfer fear the 6 ft 3 ace going for free.
Newcastle have also tracked the Mainz captain’s performances this term, while Everton’s interest hinges on staying in the Premier League. The former U21 international has played 28 Bundesliga games so far, while also hitting goals against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.
West Ham or Tottenham can make Arsenal rue with Konstantinos Mavropanos bid
West Ham also have another target on their radar in Konstantinos Mavropanos, who could be of interest to Tottenham as a Ginter alternative, as well. Football.london note the Irons and Borussia Dortmund are among a number of clubs tracking the 24-year-old Greece star.
Mavropanos has shone for Stuttgart on loan from Arsenal and will complete a permanent move to Germany this summer. Die Roten hold a £2.5m obligation to buy the centre-half, on top of a £415k loan fee. The Gunners will obtain a sell-on clause in the region of 10%.
But Mavropanos’ form could see the Mercedes-Benz Arena outfit bank a substantial profit straight away. That’s because Heidenheimer Zeitung note Stuttgart value the nine-cap ace at €25m (£21m). Yet their valuation may half if Stuttgart cannot avoid relegation this term.
Stuttgart sit in the Bundesliga relegation play-off spot ahead of visiting champions Bayern Munich on Sunday. Arminia Bielefeld could overtake Die Roten if they win at Bochum this Friday to overturn a two-point deficit. Hertha Berlin are currently safe by just four points.
Tottenham could see Stuttgart’s uncertain status as a chance to improve Conte’s defence and make rivals Arsenal rue with a transfer for West Ham target Mavropanos this summer, having both now missed out on Borussia Monchengladbach’s free Freiburg-bound Ginter.
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