Tottenham Hotspur are considering signing VfB Stuttgart centre-back Hiroki Ito, who also has the potential to play as a left-back. according to The Sun.
Having recently announced the release of three defenders – Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga and Ryan Sessegnon – Ange Postecoglou's side are expected to bring in some replacements and Ito has become a target.
The paper says Tottenham are considering a move for the centre-back this summer and Ito has a release clause in his contract that could be worth up to £25m, so a deal wouldn't break the bank.
Ito's Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga last season, one place above Harry Kane's Bayern Munich, and will be a surprise entrant in next season's UEFA. Champions League.
After a great campaign, the Japanese international has become the Lilywhites' target, as Postecoglou has a “good knowledge” of the Asian country's top flight, having coached Yokohama for three years, between 2018 and 2021.
Interestingly, Ito played for Jubilo Iwata in his home country for four seasons until 2022, meaning Postecoglou has possibly faced the 25-year-old in the past.
The Spurs could kill two birds with one stone
Tottenham's signing of Ito could mean they bring in a player who can be deployed as both a centre-back and left-back, two positions they need to strengthen this summer.
With a reasonable investment, the Lilywhites would sign a player who had excellent numbers in the Bundesliga.
Ito won 94.7% of his tackles per 90, had 1.17 interceptions and five recoveries, according to FotMob. His passing would also prove to be an advantage, as he had an accuracy of 89.4% in the 2023/24 season.
It remains to be seen whether or not Ito is interested in moving to the New Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as he would not play in the Champions League next season if he moves to Spurs.
However, the North Londoners can easily afford him, and an extraordinary wage package could be enough to convince Ito to join despite his absence from the European Cup.
