Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for VfB Stuttgart star Hiroki Ito, according to Sponichi Annex.
Ange Postecoglou, who was recently confirmed as Spurs’ new head coach, wants to add a new centre-back and believes the 24-year-old to be a perfect fit.
Ito is an academy graduate of Japanese outfit Jubilo Iwata where he made 63 appearances in all competitions, with four goals and two assists to his name.
His performances in his home country attracted the attention of Stuttgart who signed him last summer.
The young defender made a solid start to life in Germany, featuring in 30 Bundesliga games and making two goal contributions.
Ito mainly plays as a centre-back but can also be deployed as a left back and even holding midfielder.
He posted impressive numbers in the German top-flight last season, averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game (as per Whoscored).
The 24-year-old’s current contract at the Mercedes-Benz Arena will expire in 2025 but he is expected to be sold this summer. In fact, Stuttgart are already looking to sign a replacement for the player.
Tottenham endured a disappointing 2022-23 campaign as they finished a lowly eighth in the Premier League table.
One of the big reasons for their league struggles was their defence, with the North Londoners conceding an incredible 63 goals.
Ange Postecoglou’s side clearly need defensive reinforcements and Ito could be a good addition for them.
The centre-back is quite young and so there is room for improvement in his game.
He has proved his abilities in the Bundesliga and could also be a success in the Premier League.
