Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Bologna’s young defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japanese international has been with the Italian side since 2019, having joined from Belgian club Sint-Truiden.
Football Insider have reported that Spurs are preparing a bid of £17 million for the 22-year-old. The North London side initially offered a fee of £15.5 million for the Japanese international.
Tomiyasu, who moved to Bologna for a fee of £9 million, has gone on to make 63 appearances for the club. He has two years remaining on his current deal at the club. Tomiyasu is a Japanese international who recently represented his country in the Olympics in his home country.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: A good option for Nuno?
Tottenham’s new manager Nuno Espirito Santo seems to have prioritised strengthening the defence ahead of the Premier League season. Spurs have agreed a mega deal to bring Cristian Romero to the club from Atalanta and are now targeting another young defender in Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japanese defender is a versatile player who is comfortable in both centre-back and right-back positions. Tomiyasu is a strong and powerful defender who is good with the ball at his feet, while also brilliant in the air. The 22-year-old won an average of 2.9 aerial balls per game in Serie A last season, while also making 1.5 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game.
His speed with and without the ball helps him to attack while going forward, and make vital interceptions while defending. As a full-back, Tomiyasu likes to sit deep and play long balls, and occasionally swing in crosses from wide positions. He is equally capable in both positions and can slot into the Spurs backline and perform well centrally or out wide.
Spurs sold Toby Alderweireld ahead of the upcoming season, while reports have suggested that centre-back Davinson Sanchez and right-back Serge Aurier are also up for sale. Takehiro Tomiyasu is someone who can could act as an alternative in both those positions for the North London side as a squad player.
Matt Doherty will be Santo’s first-choice right-back, while Romero and one of Eric Dier or Joe Rodon could play in central defence. Tomiyasu can deputise for them and may even get more first-team opportunities if he settles in the team quickly.
The Japanese defender could also be a very useful player if Nuno Espirito Santo switches to a three-man backline. Tomiyasu’s speed, passing and aggression could allow him to play that role well. The Bologna defender is young, but has a lot of experience under his belt, and is a decent option for Spurs who have already spent big in defence.
