'May be going to Spurs'- Tottenham branded favourites to land highly-rated Wolfsburg star

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have formed an excellent partnership at the back, contributing significantly to Spurs’ eight clean sheets this season. Their pairing is arguably among the best in the Premier League. But the drop in quality when either player is rested highlights the urgent need for additional cover in the centre-back position.

Tottenham ready to battle for Wolfsburg prodigy Konstantinos Kouleirakis’ signature

Last season’s injury crisis exposed Tottenham’s vulnerability in defence, which is why the club is prioritising depth at centre-back in the upcoming transfer window. Recent reports suggest the North Londoners are interested in signing Wolfsburg talent Konstantinos Koulierakis after monitoring his development in the Bundesliga. They view him as a long-term successor to Micky van de Ven.

However, Spurs must fend off competition from Liverpool for his signature. The Reds have concerns at the back as well, and a single injury could derail their progress under Arne Slot. With Geovanni Leoni sidelined by an ACL rupture and Ibrahima Konaté facing an uncertain future, Liverpool have made signing a new centre-back a major priority.

But former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes Spurs remain favourites to land Koulierakis. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said,

“Well, I’ve got to say, there are five or six potential targets that Liverpool have got now. He is another one to be added to the list. However, I don’t know if he’s going to Liverpool. I think Spurs are another one in the race. They already have Micky van de Ven, who has been incredible recently. I mean, what an athlete he is.”

The football expert added,

“Koulierakis, who is at Wolfsburg at the moment, is definitely one of the top young defenders and will attract a lot of attention. But I think he may be going to Spurs, that’s what I’m hearing, rather than Liverpool.”

Wyness suggests Liverpool have a long list of defensive targets, meaning Koulierakis is not among their top priorities. Spurs, on the other hand, view him as an ideal long-term understudy to Van de Ven and plan to offer him more regular minutes than he would likely receive at Anfield.  

Koulierakis joined Wolfsburg from PAOK in 2024 and quickly showcased why he is considered one of the brightest young defensive talents in world football. He made 30 appearances last season, making impressive progress despite Wolfsburg’s underwhelming campaign. Naturally left-footed, he combines technical ability with physical strength, making him well-suited for the Premier League.

At just 21, he has all the attributes to develop into one of the best defenders in the world if nurtured properly under Thomas Frank. He would serve as a like-for-like replacement for Van de Ven, offering additional flair and depth at the back. His ability to progress the ball and break opposition presses would also help Spurs maintain a high line and continue playing proactive, front-foot football.