According to Sky Sports, Bologna have rejected Tottenham’s bid for Takehiro Tomiyasu. The highly-rated centre-back is apparently courted by Fabio Paratici, but his offer of around €15 million plus €3 million in add-ons does not match Bologna’s €20 million. Talks are ongoing over a potential deal, although Spurs are looking at other alternatives as well.
Who Is Takehiro Tomiyasu?
A product of the Avispa youth academy in his native Japan, Takehiro Tomiyasu moved to Italy in 2019, for a fee of €7 million. He has since enjoyed a swift rise to prominence, becoming the club’s first-choice defender.
Indeed, Tomiyasu has notched up 63 competitive appearances for Bologna, 31 of which have come in the 2020/21 campaign. His defensive partnership alongside the likes of Lorenzo De Silvestri, Danilo and Adama Soumaoro played a key role in helping the club achieve a mid-table finish in the league.
A centre-back by trade, Tomiyasu has turned a lot of heads with his performances for Bologna. His imposing 1.88m frame has made him an intimidating figure for the opposing attackers while the defender is also a threat from set-pieces.
However, what makes Tomiyasu such a sought-after prospect in Italian football is his versatility. He can play as a right-back, in addition to his favoured centre-back slot, with the Japanese international also having the experience of operating in holding midfield prior to his career at Bologna.
Is Tomiyasu A Smart Option For Tottenham?
Following a week of uncertainty, Tottenham Hotspur have finally announced its new manager in Nuno Espirito Santo. It is perhaps needless to say that the former Wolves mastermind is a very defence-oriented coach, someone who likes discipline and defensive identity.
The addition of Tomiyasu should make a lot of sense in that regard. Spurs’ top-choice centre-backs in Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier haven’t provided much quality to the table, whereas Toby Alderweireld is nearing the final phase of his respective career.
From a sporting perspective, Tomiyasu’s imposing frame might make him an ideal fit in the physically astute nature of the Premier League. But, most importantly, he can offer that versatility Tottenham have been lacking in their defensive unit for quite some time.
Indeed, the Japanese international can compete with Sanchez and Dier while also pushing for a starting role in the right-back position, where both Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty have struggled this past season. At the age of 22, Tomiyasu has age on his side and for a fee of just €20 million, he could indeed be a smart coup for Tottenham Hotspur.
