Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race to sign Udinese centre-back Thomas Kristensen, with the Serie A club valuing the Danish international at £16.5 million. According to Football Insider, Spurs face competition from Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen, who are also keen on acquiring the highly-rated 22-year-old in the January transfer window.
Kristensen’s Impressive Rise in Serie A
Kristensen has garnered attention for his solid performances in Italy since joining Udinese from Aarhus in 2023. Despite being just 22 years old, the towering centre-back has quickly adapted to Serie A and demonstrated a combination of physicality and technical skill. Over his burgeoning career, he has made 79 senior appearances, contributing two goals and one assist.
While injuries have limited his involvement this season, Kristensen’s height and defensive instincts have made him an appealing prospect for clubs looking to bolster their backlines. His attributes could also help Tottenham address their vulnerability to set pieces, a persistent weakness this season.
Spurs’ Defensive Needs
Ange Postecoglou is eager to strengthen Spurs’ defensive ranks as part of the club’s broader rebuild. Kristensen’s physical presence and ability to play out from the back make him a strong candidate to fit Postecoglou’s system. However, with Kristensen under contract at Udinese until 2028, negotiations are expected to be challenging.
Competition from Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen
Tottenham are not the only club eyeing the Danish defender. Leicester City, seeking reinforcements to boost their promotion push back to the Premier League, and Bayer Leverkusen, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the Bundesliga, are also in the race. Both clubs are likely to push Spurs for Kristensen’s signature, adding urgency to Tottenham’s pursuit.
A Swift Decision Required
With competition mounting, Tottenham must act quickly to secure the young defender. Kristensen has the potential to become a cornerstone of Spurs’ defensive rebuild and could address several key issues in their backline.
Thomas Kristensen’s strong performances in Serie A and potential fit in Ange Postecoglou’s system make him an exciting prospect for Tottenham. However, with Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen also vying for the 22-year-old’s signature, Spurs will need to move decisively to avoid missing out on a player who could play a pivotal role in their future defensive plans.