Spurs linked with PSG defender | OneFootball

According to recent reports from Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Paris Saint Germain defender Milan Skriniar, and are a “leading candidate” to sign him.

Spurs linked with a move for 29 year old central defender

Fans may remember the transfer saga with Skriniar, then at Inter Milan, back in 2020. At the time, the defender was out of the starting XI at Inter, and they were willing to listen to offers. Spurs signed Joe Rodon from Swansea instead, whilst Skriniar made his way back into the team, and helped win the 20/21 Serie A title.

The Slovakian international swapped Milan for Paris in the summer of 2023, as he joined PSG on a free transfer. However, he started just 17 Ligue 1 games last time out, and has only totalled 381 minutes in the league so far this season. Furthermore, he has been an unused sub for all six of their Champions League games.

Last summer, Skriniar was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, but a deal could not be agreed, and they moved to sign a defender from elsewhere. However, with his game time deteriorating even further, he could look to move this window.

When linked in 2020, the now 29-year old would have been a good signing — a great box defender, he would have been great for the style of play under Jose Mourinho, with his role being a lot more simplified.

However, the defender was not the quickest then, and he certainly isn’t now. In an Ange side, where he will be playing on the half way line, this feels very similar to Radu Dragusin. Fine defenders, but not suited to playing in a high line.

The reason he had lost his place in the Inter side, thus allowing negotiations with Spurs, was because Antonio Conte was not sure on his channel defending as a right sided centre back. Imagine what it would be like under Ange.

Furthermore, with the defender turning 30 in February, he doesn’t really fit the age profile that Spurs have used to recruit since Ange Postecoglu took charge.