Tottenham have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Galatasaray star Victor Nelsson as they look to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window. The defender was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the summer but was ultimately denied the opportunity to make the move to England.
Spurs have made a sensational start to the season, with Ange Postecoglou completely reshaping the team into an attacking-minded, free-flowing side that could challenge for the Premier League title if they continue to improve.
Having won eight of their opening 10 matches of the campaign, Tottenham will be looking to add quality to their squad in January to ensure that they have the depth to cope with any injury problems further down the line. Thus, Postecoglou is keen to address his lack of options in defence.
Spurs are hopeful of signing a defender to provide cover for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, and it is reported that Nelsson is still high on their shortlist. According to Aksam, the centre-back is ‘preparing to leave’ Galatasaray in the January transfer window and remains frozen out of their plans.
The 25-year-old opted not to extend his contract with the club earlier this summer, publicly admitting that he could not imagine staying beyond 2026. Nelsson’s admission prompted Galatasaray to freeze him out of their plans and he has not made an appearance for the club since.
The Denmark international said: “I have had some talks with them (Galatasaray). I informed them after the last international break that I do not want to extend my contract. I have three years left on my contract and I just couldn’t see myself extending an extra year.”
Galatasaray are expected to entertain offers for their No 25 in January as a result, fearful of his value depreciating whilst he remains away from the first team. It is speculated that an offer in the region of £17million would test the resolve of the Istanbul side, though a bid of £13m would certainly prompt internal discussions.
It remains to be seen whether Spurs opt to act on their interest in the winter window or decide to target an alternative defender who could be signed in less complicated circumstances. Postecoglou is also expected to be in the market for a striker in January, with Gift Orban and Ivan Toney both being heavily considered.
