Tottenham have a problem in signing new centre-back – Tim Sherwood

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive frailties have been a focal point this season, but while many clamour for reinforcements in January, former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood has suggested the club will be better off without reinforcements.

Tottenham’s centre-back crisis

The 2024/25 campaign has been a rollercoaster for Ange Postecoglou in his second season at the helm of Tottenham Hotspur, and nowhere has the challenge been more evident than in the heart of the defence.

With Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies all sidelined due to injuries, Postecoglou has been forced to improvise, fielding makeshift options such as Archie Gray alongside Radu Dragusin, the only fully-fit senior centre-back.

This precarious situation has inevitably led to speculation about Spurs’ plans for the January transfer window.

Many argue that recruiting a capable centre-back to provide cover and bolster the squad depth is not just advisable but necessary.

However, Spurs’ options are complicated. A mid-season signing would need to not only address the current injury crisis but also fit into the team’s long-term strategy.

Amidst this backdrop, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has added his voice to the conversation, questioning the logic of entering the market for another defender.

Tim Sherwood’s perspective on Tottenham’s January dilemma

In a candid interview with Lucky Block, Tim Sherwood expressed his doubts about Tottenham’s potential move for a centre-back during the January transfer window, cautioning that such a decision could backfire if not handled strategically.

Sherwood’s comments reflect his belief that Spurs should avoid signing a defender unless they are certain of the player’s ability to elevate the team’s performance.

“Tottenham have an issue in the January transfer window,” Sherwood told Lucky Block. “If they make a defensive signing, by the end of the window you will likely have Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero back to full fitness, what do you do then with the player you’ve brought in?

“Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies will also be back in the squad as backup options, so unless they can find someone better than the two starting options, then it doesn’t make sense to me. You can’t collect players just because you are having an injury crisis in that moment!”

Evaluating the logic behind Sherwood’s stance

While Tim Sherwood raises valid points, his assessment appears to overlook some critical factors that Tottenham must weigh.

First and foremost, the injury records of key players like Micky van de Ven cannot be ignored.

The Dutchman’s physical fragility suggests that the likelihood of another setback before the end of the season is significant, and Tottenham’s defensive stability could suffer greatly without quality depth.

Adding a defender capable of pushing Romero and van de Ven for a starting place might seem extravagant in the short term, but it aligns with the long-term vision of squad building.

A like-for-like replacement for van de Ven, who combines pace, aerial ability, and composure on the ball, is something Spurs currently lack.

Moreover, Ben Davies’ contract situation looms large, and planning for his potential departure should be a consideration.

Tim Sherwood though, was quick to offer praise to a youngster that has risen to the occasion this season.

He said: “Archie Gray just gets on with it, he’s such a great player for the manager to have as you can ask him to play anywhere, and you know he will give you anything. I’ve been hugely impressed with him since he joined the club.

“He’s got such quality, and I see him as a central midfielder down the line, and a great one at that. To play as many games as he has at his age is incredible and I think he will continue to develop and become an important player for the club in the future.”

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