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'Seems odd'- Tottenham urged to back out from signing imperious English defender amid transfer links

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Jarrad Branthwaite might decide to stay put at Everton amid Tottenham transfer links

There is no surprise that Tottenham need to bring in defensive reinforcements in the summer after enduring a disastrous domestic campaign. The lack of squad depth and the injury crisis in the backline meant that the Lilywhites finished the Premier League season just a place above the relegation zone. That costed Ange Postecoglou his job as well after the North London club failed to carve out positive results in the league.

At one point, the entire first-choice backline was forced to sit on the sidelines due to long-term injuries. Key defenders like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven missed crucial parts of the season, and the difference in the team’s performance was clear to see in their absence.

Backup defender Radu Dragusin was also forced to sit out after suffering an ACL injury midway through the season. The Lilywhites did sign Kevin Danso from RC Lens in January as there were no fit centre-backs in the club’s ranks to fill the void left behind by Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. But luck just wasn’t on their side as the Austria international also injured himself immediately after signing for the club.

Tottenham are interested in signing Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite

Tottenham are aiming to bolster their defence for next season as they look to kickstart a new era at N17 under Thomas Frank. It was reported earlier that Spurs are interested in signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton in the summer. Daniel Levy views him as a perfect replacement to fill the void left behind by Cristian Romero, if the Argentine leave the club in the coming weeks.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that Spurs should not pursue a deal to sign the Everton centre-back. Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham said,

“For me, this is a strange one. Branthwaite is a left-footed, left-sided central defender, and we’ve got Micky van de Ven in that position already. It seems odd that Tottenham would invest heavily in a player who would be an understudy to van de Ven. We’re not Manchester City; we’re not going to spend big money on someone unless they’re going straight into the team. As a result, I don’t really believe those rumours.”

John Wenham has suggested that Tottenham should not sign Jarrad Branthwaite as he a left-sided centre-back and Spurs already have Micky van de Ven in that position. The Lilywhite Rose owner insisted that the North London club should not spend a significant amount of the funds on a player that would be Van de Ven’s understudy. Wenham also believes that the rumours linking the Everton defender to N17 are not true as Daniel Levy would only sign a player that would instantly get into the starting eleven.

It remains to be seen what the Spurs chairman decides to do in the coming weeks. The Lilywhites are also interested in signing Lazio star Mario Gila in the summer if the club miss out on Jarrad Branthwaite. With Cristian Romero heading towards a potential exit, fans will hope that Daniel Levy brings in a new centre-back before pre-season starts so that Thomas Frank can decide his ideal starting eleven for next season.

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

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