Tottenham target Genk defender dubbed the "next Marquinhos" | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for the January transfer window, with reports suggesting that Ange Postecoglou is keen to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities.

Despite showing moments of promise this season, Spurs' inconsistency has highlighted the need for reinforcements, particularly at centre-back.

Tottenham target Genk defender dubbed the "next Marquinhos"

SOCCER JPL DAY16 STVV VS KRC GENK / JOHAN EYCKENS/GettyImages

One name on the radar is Matte Smets, a young Belgian defender who has been turning heads at Genk.

Smets, just 20 years old, has already made a significant impact in the Jupiler Pro League. The defender has played 14 of Genk’s 16 league games this season, helping his team climb to the top of the table.

With his composed performances and technical skills, the Belgian international has quickly become a key player for his club, and it seems Premier League scouts have taken notice.

Although Smets is unlikely to leave Genk in January, Tottenham are keeping a close eye on him.

According to The Spurs News, transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed that the young centre-back has been added to Spurs’ shortlist, highlighting the club’s intent to secure his services in the near future.

Born in Bilzen, Belgium, Smets began his football journey at Genk’s academy before moving to Sint-Truidense in 2018.

After excelling at the Limburg-based club, he returned to Genk in 2024 for a reported fee of £2 million.

His rapid development culminated in his debut for the Belgian national team, playing 45 minutes in a UEFA Nations League match against Israel last November.

A star with Marquinhos potential

Smets’ reputation extends beyond Belgium. Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has praised the defender as a complete and elegant centre-back, even likening him to Marquinhos, the Brazilian captain of Paris Saint-Germain.

Such comparisons are no small feat and demonstrate why clubs like Tottenham are eager to invest in his talent.

With Tottenham’s defensive line in desperate need of depth, Smets appears to be an ideal candidate for the long term.

Spurs' decision not to strengthen their backline in the summer has proven costly, but they now seem intent on rectifying that mistake.

While a January move for Smets seems unlikely, Tottenham’s interest signals their commitment to building a stronger squad.

For Spurs, the prospect of a young, talented defender joining their ranks offers a glimmer of hope for the future.

Only time will tell if Smets becomes the cornerstone of Postecoglou’s defensive plans, but one thing is certain: Tottenham won’t be the only club vying for his signature.