Spurs now favourites to sign £40m defender

The last few seasons in the Premier League have been ones to forget for Tottenham Hotspur, as the club ended both of the last two years in a measly 17th position.

The Lilywhites have lost 39 matches during such a period, subsequently suffering a defeat in over 50% of the top-flight encounters they have entered since August 2024.

Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival has handed the supporters a newfound sense of optimism, after the Italian only lost two of his seven games after replacing Igor Tudor.

However, this summer will be a crucial period for the 47-year-old during his tenure in North London, as he tries to identify players who can bolster his senior ranks.

A huge recruitment drive is expected during the coming months to avoid a repeat of the last two seasons, with big-money expected to be splashed by the hierarchy.

Spurs leading the race to sign £40m star this summer

With rumours of a potential departure for centre-back Cristian Romero this window, it’s no surprise to see Spurs targeting numerous defensive reinforcements.

Brighton & Hove Albion star Jan Paul van Hecke has been mentioned as one potential target, but any move for his signature could cost a pretty penny this summer.

The Seagulls are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £70m for his signature, but it’s unclear if De Zerbi’s side will match such an asking price this window.

He’s not the only player currently being considered by the board at present, with Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez another on the club’s shortlist ahead of the window opening.

According to the Daily Briefing, Spurs are said to be leading the race for the Ecuadorian’s signature, but they aren’t alone in the pursuit of his signature at present.

The report also states that the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are considering a move for the 22-year-old, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.

A figure in the region of £40m has been mooted for the youngster’s signature, but like with Van Hecke, it’s unclear if the Lilywhites will meet the current asking price.

Why Ordonez would be a better signing than Van Hecke for Spurs

Spurs’ interest in signing Van Hecke this summer has been no secret, with De Zerbi’s men already having an offer rejected for the 26-year-old in the last few weeks.

The Lilywhites could help secure a reunion between the player and the current manager, after the pair enjoyed a successful partnership together at the Seagulls.

However, Fabian Hurzeler’s men are reluctant to offload their star defender this summer, hence the mammoth price tag being placed on his head in recent weeks.

£70m would be a club-record deal for Spurs this summer, but given the huge asking price, De Zerbi’s men desperately need to walk away from the current negotiations.

A move for Ordonez would be somewhat of risk for the club given his lack of Premier League experience, but the £30m price difference is nothing short of remarkable.

The Brugge star has managed to outperform Van Hecke in countless key defensive areas in 2025/26, arguably making him a better option without the ball for De Zerbi’s men.

Ordonez, who’s been dubbed “remarkable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, won 60% of the aerial duels he entered in 2025/26 – a tally higher than that of the Brighton star.

The aforementioned tally highlights his ability to dominate without the ball, something which is desperately needed within the current Lilywhites backline.

The Ecuadorian international also managed to make more ball recoveries per 90, whilst also making more defensive contributions per 90 – reaffirming his phenomenal defensive talent.

Even with the ball, Ordonez managed to better the Dutchman, subsequently achieving a better pass completion rate than the £70m transfer target last term.

De Zerbi’s system demands that players be comfortable with the ball at their feet, with a move for the Brugge star undoubtedly handing him the top-level talent he’s hunting for.

£40m would be a superb price point for a player of the 22-year-old’s quality, not to mention the potential he possesses to reach the next level in the years ahead.

Van Hecke is a superb option for the Lilywhites this summer, but given the mammoth price difference between the pair – a move for Ordonez should be a no-brainer.