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PSG sensation rejects contract talks amid Tottenham Hotspur interest
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PSG might lose Axel Tape to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive frailties have been a major factor behind their dismal campaign. Ange Postecoglou has failed to shore up the backline, and the club’s inability to remain solid at the back has cost them dearly. With only six clean sheets in the Premier League all season and 51 goals conceded, the Lilywhites have struggled to find any sort of defensive consistency.

Their current run of eight consecutive league games without a clean sheet underscores the depth of the problem. A relentless injury crisis hasn’t helped either, with key defensive figures like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Guglielmo Vicario all spending extended spells on the sidelines. Their absences have further exposed the squad’s lack of depth and left Spurs vulnerable when it mattered most.

Daniel Levy faces a pivotal summer as he looks to steer Tottenham Hotspur out of one of their most disappointing campaigns in recent memory. Addressing the team’s persistent defensive issues must be a top priority. The club cannot afford to carry underperforming players into another season and should instead focus on a significant rebuild. A clear-out of ineffective personnel, coupled with smart, targeted signings, is essential if Spurs are to mount a serious challenge for silverware next season.

One of the first moves expected is the permanent signing of on-loan defender Kevin Danso. The Austrian centre-back has impressed during his stint in North London, and Spurs are prepared to trigger the clause to secure his services as soon as the campaign concludes. Danso’s physical presence and composure at the back could be a crucial piece in rebuilding a more resilient and competitive defence for 2025/26.

Paris Saint-Germain youngster Axel Tape is linked with a move to Tottenham

This has sparked interest from several top European clubs, who are closely monitoring the situation. With Axel Tape yet to commit his future to Paris Saint-Germain, clubs across England, Germany, and Italy are reportedly preparing to swoop in should he become available on a free transfer, according to Fabrice Hawkins via X. For a 17-year-old defender already exposed to first-team football at such a high level, Tape represents a rare opportunity.

Tape’s composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and physicality at a young age have made him a standout in youth competitions, and his brief senior appearances have only reinforced the belief that he has the potential to become a top-level defender. His refusal to sign with PSG suggests he’s prioritising a path to consistent first-team football, a factor that may shape his next destination. Any club willing to offer a clear development plan and regular minutes could find themselves landing a future defensive star.

The French defender has garnered interest from a few clubs and is already considering a potential exit from Paris. Tottenham are believed to be in the mix for the young centre-back and want to bring him to N17. The Lilywhites also face competition from Bayer Leverkusen. Spurs will have to act quick if they want to sign the young prodigy.

With Cristian Romero’s likely departure, the Lilywhites are in urgent need of bolstering their defensive ranks, and securing a top teenage talent like Tape could prove a smart investment for the future. Spurs’ proven record of integrating young players into the first team, especially this season, may give them an edge in convincing Tape and his camp of their development plan.


However, the post-Brexit regulations present a notable challenge. As Premier League clubs cannot register foreign players under 18, Spurs would need to loan Tape out until he turns 18 in 2026. While this delay might complicate the logistics of the transfer, it also offers a silver lining: the chance to place Tape at a partner club in a competitive environment where he can develop with regular minutes, perhaps in Belgium or the Netherlands, two common loan destinations for English clubs navigating similar hurdles.

If Spurs can ensure the right developmental path and maintain contact with the player, signing Tape now and integrating him in 2026 could prove to be a masterstroke. The project’s clarity and the opportunity to eventually feature prominently in North London could be enough to convince Tape to make the switch from Paris.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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