Tottenham eye summer swoop for £50m-rated PL starlet – Would he be a smart addition?

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Tottenham should plot a summer swoop for Norwich’s Ben Godfrey

According to the Express, Tottenham are eyeing a summer swoop for Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey.

Ben Godfrey, 22, was a key member of the side which achieved promotion to the Premier League as Championship victors last season. He has made only 20 Premier League appearances so far this term, missing numerous games during the festive period with a knee injury.

Despite Norwich City reeling at the bottom of the table, the defender has once again impressed. The report adds that the Canaries value Godfrey at £50million. Having said that, should Tottenham match Norwich’s value for the star defender? Yes.

Ben Godfrey (R) in action against Bournemouth (Getty Images)
Ben Godfrey (R) in action against Bournemouth. (Getty Images)

Tottenham lost three consecutive games before being held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich in the FA Cup, but Tim Krul saved two efforts to put the Canaries into the quarter-finals of the competition. Spurs have slumped to 8th place in the Premier League table after the 1-1 draw against Burnley.

The North Londoners have lacked any kind of stability at the back this season. There have been a lot of changes in defence, with Jose Mourinho opting three at the back. The constant chopping and changing in defence has seen Tottenham leak 39 goals in 28 games.

Also, Vertonghen is out of contract at the end of the season. The Belgian is likely to move on when his contract expires, with Ajax one of the clubs thought to be keen on landing the defender on a free transfer in the summer (h/t The Daily Star). Thus, Mourinho must make it an absolute priority to strengthen his defence over the summer and he should land Godfrey.

Norwich City's Ben Godfrey in action. (Getty Images)
Norwich City’s Ben Godfrey in action. (Getty Images)

It’s been a bittersweet season so far for Godfrey, who has shown he has what it takes at Premier League level. Norwich are at the foot of the Premier League table at the moment with 21 points from 29 matches. With Vertonghen likely to move on at the end of the season, Godfrey would be ideal to step into the Spurs squad.

The Englishman is also capable of playing in a holding midfielder’s role or at left-back when required and such versatility could come handy for a master tactician like Mourinho. Godfrey’s addition to the Tottenham squad would also bring in a healthy competition, which can be a good sign for the team’s progress.

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Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho celebrates with his players. (Getty Images)
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho celebrates with his players. (Getty Images)

The 22-year-old can be a crucial player for the North London outfit if he is able to replicate the same form and learn under the guidance of Mourinho. At just 22, he has ample time on his side to further develop his game and the presence of an experienced defender like Alderweireld would certainly benefit him.

Verdict

With Norwich looking like being relegated this term, it seems perfect for Tottenham to raid the Norfolk club for Godfrey in the summer.