Fabrizio Romano has said that Tottenham will now have to pay more to sign Edmond Tapsoba after the centre-back signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
While Spurs did strengthen their backline with the addition of Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg during the summer, some Tottenham fans will feel that the club could have done more to revamp their options in central defence.
With Davinson Sanchez now having joined Galatasaray, the Lilywhites are short of options at the back and might have to turn to young Ashley Phillips or Eric Dier in case there is an injury to one of their two starting centre-backs.
One defender who reportedly featured high on the North London club’s wishlist during the summer was Tapsoba (GiveMeSport) but the 24-year-old stayed put at Leverkusen.
In what came as a blow to Spurs, the Bundesliga outfit officially confirmed on Monday that the Burkina Faso international had put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the club.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 09: Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Romano does not know if Spurs still want Tapsoba
Romano has said that the likes of Spurs and Manchester United would need to pay significantly more than the previously reported €40m- €45m (£34.1m-£38.4m) fee to sign the centre-back.
The journalist told CaughtOffside: “Edmond Tapsoba – As revealed yesterday, Edmond Tapsoba has signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen after speculation over a move away this summer.
“This now means that he will be more expensive if any club want to move for him in 2024. Bayer Leverkusen believe he’s a top player and worth more than the reported €40/45m fee.
“Honestly I can’t predict for now if Manchester United and Spurs will be back in for him – nothing is decided now for 2024, and so we will see based on this season.”
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There is no indication that Tapsoba’s contract contains any release clause. The likelihood is that Bayer will demand £60m or over for the 24-year-old, particularly if he has another impressive campaign at the Bay Arena.
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