Tottenham Hotspur have turned their attention towards Granada centre-back Domingos Duarte, after missing out on other targets. The Portuguese defender has been at the Spanish club since 2019, having moved from Sporting Lisbon for €3 million.
IDEAL has reported that the North London club are readying a bid of £8.5 million for the 26-year-old. Spurs had previously targeted a move for Pau Torres and Jules Kounde, but failed in their endeavors. Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is now pursuing a deal to bring compatriot Domingos Duarte to the club. Spurs could possibly be looking at adding a striker in this transfer market which is why they want a cheap option in Duarte.
The Portugal international, who has played twice for his national team, still has two years remaining on his contract.
Domingos Duarte: Will he solve their defensive issues?
Tottenham have already added one centre-back in the current transfer window, signing Cristian Romero from Atalanta. Their pursuit of another centre-back indicates that the Spurs manager may be looking to go to his tried-and-tested three-man backline, or that one of the current defenders – Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, or Joe Rodon, is not good enough for his squad. Nuno could also move Dier back to defensive midfield which is why he may require another central defender.
Domingos Duarte is a towering defender who stands at 6’4″, who is good in the air, but is equally good at covering ground and dispossessing opposition attackers. The Portuguese centre-back is quick for a player his size and uses his speed to press and win the ball back. He is a combative defender who likes to put in last-ditch tackles.
Duarte is also good with the ball at his feet, capable of bringing it out from defence, and even playing long balls from the back. The 26-year-old is a leader at the back, who can organise the defence and take the initiative to clear the danger. He could be a decent addition to the Spurs squad, but he isn’t at the same level as the North London side’s other alternatives – Torres and Kounde. While Duarte has shown great promise over the last two seasons, it would be a lot to ask of him to solve Spurs’ defensive issues.
If Sanchez stays at the club, he could be given an opportunity to show what he’s capable of, alongside Romero. Domingos Duarte could be a backup option for Spurs and maybe try to push his way into the starting XI.
