Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements is intensifying ahead of the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou reportedly eyeing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey as a versatile full-back option.
The Spurs boss is seeking to bolster his defensive ranks, targeting a centre-back and an adaptable full-back who can cover both sides of the defence. Lamptey, who has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic full-backs in the Premier League, is now in Tottenham’s sights, amid growing concerns over the future of Pedro Porro.
Lamptey, 24, has struggled for consistent game time this season due to the fine form of Joel Veltman at right-back for Brighton. However, his potential departure from the Amex Stadium could open the door for several suitors, including Tottenham, West Ham United, and Everton. With his contract set to expire next summer, the Seagulls are reportedly open to a sale in January to avoid losing the Ghanaian international on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
The news comes at a time when Spurs are evaluating their squad, particularly the future of Spain international Pedro Porro. The 25-year-old, who joined the club permanently in the summer after a successful loan spell, has failed to replicate the same high-level performances he delivered last season. Despite not being in his best form, Porro has remained a key part of Postecoglou’s system, though rumours of Real Madrid’s interest persist. With Porro’s long-term future uncertain, Tottenham’s move for Lamptey could signal a shift in their right-back strategy, especially considering Lamptey’s ability to operate on both the right and left side of defence.
Tariq Lamptey’s versatility is one of his most appealing attributes, which aligns with Postecoglou’s preference for players who can offer tactical flexibility. The former Chelsea academy product is primarily a right-back but has frequently been deployed as a right wing-back and even as a left-back. This adaptability makes Lamptey a highly attractive option for Tottenham, providing Postecoglou with the kind of depth and versatility he values in his squad.
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However, Tottenham will face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham and Everton, who are also reportedly keen on securing Lamptey’s signature. West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, is said to have placed Lamptey high on his wishlist for January, indicating that the Hammers are ready to challenge Spurs for the Brighton defender. Lamptey’s potential move to either club will depend on various factors, including Brighton’s asking price and the player’s preference for his next destination.
Brighton’s willingness to part ways with Lamptey in January is likely driven by his limited playing time this season. Lamptey has made only four appearances in the current campaign, and with Veltman cementing his place in the starting lineup, the opportunity for the Ghanaian to secure regular minutes at the Amex is increasingly unlikely. Brighton may look to cash in on the full-back now, especially with his contract running down and the risk of losing him for nothing in the summer.
For Tottenham, Lamptey represents a more experienced option compared to some of their other full-back alternatives. Spurs could benefit from his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, whether providing width in attack or covering defensively. His electric pace and dribbling ability make him a threat on the break, and his tenacious defending can be an asset for a Tottenham side aiming to compete at the highest level.
However, any potential move for Lamptey could signal the end of Djed Spence’s time at Tottenham. Spence, who joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in 2022, has struggled to make an impact under Postecoglou, with limited opportunities in the first team. Despite a solid pre-season, Spence has been largely relegated to the fringes of the squad and has not featured in Spurs’ Europa League squad. Though Spurs extended his contract recently, the 24-year-old remains on the outside looking in.
Spence’s lack of opportunities under Postecoglou raises questions about his long-term future at the club. If Lamptey were to arrive, Spence’s chances of breaking into the first team could be further diminished. Postecoglou has yet to give Spence the regular playing time many hoped he would receive, despite several loan spells at Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa. Spence’s future at Tottenham appears increasingly uncertain, and a move for Lamptey could effectively signal the end of his time in North London.
While Spence’s situation at Tottenham remains complicated, the club’s interest in Lamptey highlights their desire for a more proven, adaptable option in defence. Lamptey’s Premier League experience and his ability to perform in various roles across the backline would provide Postecoglou with much-needed flexibility, especially with the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
Lamptey’s potential arrival at Tottenham would add to an already exciting squad under Postecoglou, who is continuing to implement his dynamic, attacking style of football at Spurs. With a Premier League title challenge still in the cards, strengthening the defence with a player like Lamptey could prove vital for Spurs as they look to remain competitive throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Tottenham’s January transfer activity will be one of the most talked-about storylines as Postecoglou seeks to make the final tweaks to his squad. If the club moves for Lamptey, it would mark a significant step in their pursuit of a more balanced and versatile defensive unit. With both Spurs and West Ham eyeing the full-back, it will be interesting to see where Lamptey’s future lies, and whether Tottenham can outmuscle their rivals for the Brighton star’s signature.
For now, Spurs will continue to monitor the situation closely, weighing up whether Lamptey is the right fit to strengthen their squad, particularly as questions surrounding Pedro Porro’s future continue to swirl. Lamptey’s potential to make an impact at Tottenham is undeniable, and if Spurs can secure his services, it could prove to be one of the most astute signings of the winter window.
As the January transfer window approaches, Tottenham’s pursuit of Tariq Lamptey will certainly be a saga to watch closely, with much depending on Brighton’s willingness to part ways with the full-back and the competition from other Premier League clubs. However, for Spurs, Lamptey represents the kind of player who could not only bolster their defence but also provide the tactical flexibility needed to push for silverware.
