Tottenham Hotspur have kept the fewest clean sheets in the Premier League this season, two, along with bottom place Norwich City. After conceding in 20 of their matches so far, Jose Mourinho could use his first transfer window with the club to bolster Spurs’ defensive capabilities. One potential target is Getafe centre back Djene Dakonam, but The Sun have reported Tottenham would have to beat off competition from rivals Arsenal, along with Everton, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Monaco.
The Ligue 1 side have reportedly already had a bid of £12.8m rejected for the Togo international, with Getafe holding out for £22m. Such a value is well within Spurs’ price range, and they might be wise to secure the defender’s signature to end their defensive woes. Dakonam is of proven quality and has appeared at the back in the La Liga Team of the Season for the past two consecutive editions, appearing alongside Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, defenders of that ilk are rarely available for such a competitive fee.
Dakonam has been particularly impressive in the Europa League this season, where he has averaged more interceptions than Davinson Sanchez, Juan Foyth and Toby Alderweireld have in the Premier League. Furthermore, the Togolese defender has recorded more clearances per game than Jan Vertonghen or Foyth have managed, Dakonam’s defensive attributes suggest he could fit straight into the Spurs first team if Mourinho required him to do so.
Further positive news for any potential buyer is that Dakonam appears to be over the disciplinary issues which have previously been holding him back. Last season he racked up 11 yellow cards along with a further two red cards in the domestic league alone, adding to his nine yellows from the previous campaign. However, halfway through this term, he has just two cautions to his name, as the centre back appears to have turned a corner.
If Spurs are searching for an addition in the centre of defence this month, then they should look no further than Dakonam. His excellent performances over the past two and a half seasons prove the Togolese defender is the genuine article. He is reportedly available for around half of the £42m Tottenham paid for Sanchez and Spurs should stump up the funds for the centre back rather than risk missing out.
