Two Replacements For Kevin Wimmer Who Tottenham Can Target
Tottenham Hotspur were one of the most disciplined sides in the Premier League last season but they only managed to finish 2nd behind Chelsea. However, Pochettino does not seem fazed and is ready to make wholesale changes to the squad this summer. He wants to revamp his defence next season and reports suggest that he is ready to get rid of fringe defender Kevin Wimmer.
With just ten appearances in all competitions last season, Wimmer has not been able to impress Pochettino, who is now ready to sell him for around £20m. Southampton are one of the few clubs who are already interested and it looks like Wimmer is set to quit the Spurs this summer.
So how should Pochettino replace him? Here are two players Pochettino should look at this summer:
Alfie Mawson (Swansea)
Already linked with a move to Tottenham, Mawson was one of the very few bright spots for the Swans, in what was a disastrous campaign at the back for them. They conceded more than 60 goals in 38 games in the league but it could have been a lot more, if not for Mawson. The English defender is slowly establishing himself at the highest stage and at 23, could act as an understudy to the Belgian first team duo at Spurs, helping him improve as a player. And if he can impress Pochettino, he will surely get a chance to replace either of the two Belgians in the first team in the years to come.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
At the other end of the spectrum is Manchester United outcast Chris Smalling, who has no place at Old Trafford. Also linked with a move to West Ham and Arsenal, Smalling is reportedly available at just £10m and at 27, is an established star. Though not many Spurs fans will want a United outcast at the club, the English defender’s experience with club and country could be the difference in Spurs taking the next step. His price is not too steep and having failed with the likes of Wimmer, Pochettino might have to look at more established stars to cover his back line and very few options are better than Smalling.
Both players are cheap but offer completely different sets of skill and experience. There is no doubt that Pochettino needs a defensive addition and if he lets Wimmer go, he should definitely look at either of the two, before deciding to spend on a centre back.