Ledley King has retired from Tottenham Hotspur, so what are their options in defence now?
The good news in Ledley King’s retirement, if there is any, is that Spurs are reasonably well stocked in the central defensive department.
They this month signed Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen, with King’s impending decision in mind, to add to Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul.
William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong remain options, but we don’t expect either to be at the club when the transfer window closes.
Leaving one more central defensive spot available. Who will take it? Here are three candidates…
Jonas Olsson
Swedish centre-back Olsson was an excellent performer for West Brom last season, and has spoke of his desire to move to a top club. He is due to hold talks with new Baggies manager Steve Clarke over the coming days, who is hoping to convince him to stay. The sticking point – he has just one year left on his contract, and is unlikely to sign a new one now. At 29, his options will only improve next summer as a free agent, and if Tottenham are interested this summer, he could be available for around £5 million. Harry Redknapp was interested before he was sacked, but it remains to be seen whether he is a player Andre Villas-Boas wants.
Ricardo Carvalho
Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane as part of a deal for Luka Modric, and Spurs would be wise to snap him up. The Portuguese defender may be 34, but he has long been underrated, and is one of the best defenders of his generation. He was excellent at Chelsea, causing Jose Mourinho to bring him to Real Madrid, but his knowledge of London life would see him settle quickly at Spurs. He made just seven La Liga starts last year, with Sergio Ramos and Pepe preferred, and would be an upgrade on Gallas if Tottenham can bring him on board on a short term deal.
Steven Caulker
This is the other option for Tottenham, don’t sign anybody, and promote Caulker to the first team squad. Many fans would love to see this happen, touting him as the natural replacement for Ledley King. Caulker was on loan at Swansea City last year, and was a key man for them, even keeping captain Garry Monk out of the side. The Swans would happily take him back, but it will depend on what Villas-Boas sees as best for Caulker’s progression. How much will he feature next year? Does he need to continue playing regularly, if so he will be loaned out, and if Spurs sign another centre-back it is a certainty. If the new boss sees him as important to his plans then expect him to excel given the opportunity.
Which of the three do you want to see as part of Tottenham’s squad next season? Are we wrong to discount Gallas and Bassong?
image: © Jan S0L0
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