Why Fulham signing Juan Foyth would bolster their backline
According to Twitter claims from The Athletic journalist Peter Rutzler, Fulham are ready to pursue a permanent deal for out-of-favour Tottenham centre-back Juan Foyth.
The reputed insider adds that the Cottagers are very much in the market for central defenders and have also identified Watford star Craig Dawson as a loan target.
Foyth had been linked with a move to fellow top-flight newcomers Leeds United earlier this summer but nothing has come of it yet. (h/t The Sun)
Profile
Born in La Plata, Argentina, Juan Foyth started his professional career with Estudiantes in his homeland and made just 9 first-team appearances for his boyhood club before completing a move to Tottenham in the summer of 2017.
The 22-year-old has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for the Lilywhites due to stiff competition for places, featuring 32 times in all competitions. Foyth also boasts of 10 senior international caps for Argentina and represented La Albiceleste at the 2019 Copa America as a first-team regular.
Foyth would add more quality to Fulham’s backline
Fulham have tried to strengthen their squad with some effective low-cost signings this summer following their promotion to the Premier League. Kenny Tete, Ola Aina and Antonee Robinson have been roped in to add more depth to the backline but the Cottagers are yet to bring in any central defensive reinforcements.
The Cottagers’ defensive frailties cost them their top-flight status during the 2018-19 season, where they conceded 81 goals and finished rock-bottom of the standings. Scott Parker was handed a timely reminder of those issues in his team’s 3-0 hammering at the hands of Arsenal on the opening day of the campaign.
Michael Hector started alongside veteran Tim Ream at the heart of the defence against the Gunners but neither of them looked particularly comfortable in dealing with the opposition’s attacking forays. Maxime Le Marchand and Denis Odoi had a rather easy outing against Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup but one does get the feeling that Fulham need more quality at the back.
Juan Foyth presents a young and hungry option with plenty of untapped potential. The Cottagers shouldn’t hesitate to take a punt on the Tottenham starlet as they bid to avoid another defensive debacle in the top-flight this time around.
The 22-year-old’s career hasn’t really taken off at Tottenham due to lack of game but he looks capable of shining in the Premier League if provided with regular minutes. The fact that he has already established himself as a regular for Argentina speaks volumes of his progress while Foyth’s versatility to operate as a right-back is also something that should appeal to Fulham.
Read more
- Fulham join Leeds in the race for Florentino Luis – A bargain move to add depth?
- Why Fulham must secure a loan deal for Ethan Ampadu
- Why a permanent move for Anthony Knockaert is good for Fulham
Verdict
Juan Foyth could be a really handy option for Fulham, who desperately need some fresh faces to add more depth and quality to their central defensive unit. Having said that, the 22-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and the Cottagers raiding their London rivals for the Argentine international would be a shrewd piece of business.
