The £45m powerhouse defender who Tottenham could sign this summer - if they act fast

Tottenham made a magical move last summer when they signed Mickey Van de Ven, who ended up being the club’s Player of the Season. His freshness and sharpness were a breath of fresh air, and he continued to excel even when more experienced heads dropped midway through the campaign.

There is now a chance to build on that and bring in Joe Gomez, who sources say is desperate to leave Liverpool this summer. At 27, Gomez is at the age where he needs consistent playing time, and he would provide incredible competition to both Van de Ven and World Cup winner Cristian Romero at the heart of Tottenham’s defence.

Every top team should have at least four top central defenders, and Spurs currently have two, with a promising one in Romanian Radu Dragușin. At some stage last season, they were forced to play Emerson Royal as a central defender, and even though his effort can’t be questioned, having a natural central defender at the peak of his career is non-negotiable if you want to compete and win the Premier League.

Gomez wants to leave Liverpool for a new challenge, and Spurs would be an ideal place for him to get just that. He would also add to the homegrown quota. In January, Spurs lost Eric Dier and have barely replaced him, so there is space for a defender to come in and kill two birds with one stone.

Crucially, Liverpool are also open to letting Gomez leave as they eye other targets to freshen up their squad under their new manager Arne Slot. This is a deal that Spurs can get done in a matter of days if they act fast. For £45 million, signing an England international with the ability to play as both a central defender and a capable fullback is a no-brainer.

Additionally, Gomez brings valuable experience of success, having won multiple trophies at Liverpool. For a club looking to win its first trophy since the Carling Cup in 2008, having someone who understands what it means to win silverware is always a plus.

For Gomez, this move would provide a challenge to prove that he can move away from his first big club and thrive in a competitive environment. When Gomez, formerly of Charlton Athletic, first came through the ranks at Liverpool, the expectation was that he would be the long-term replacement for Virgil Van Dijk, but injuries have often prevented him from getting the consistent time he needs to be an absolute game-changer.

A move like this could be the platform he needs to get back on track. He also has an underrated passing range, and his ability to pick the right pass and organise the backline will solve several issues for Spurs on the field. His mentality would help rebuild the foundations of the club, especially after Ange Postecoglou hinted last season that the mindset within the club is fragile.