IPP20210124 Football - soccer: Serie A, Hellas Verona - SSC Neapel, Nikola Maksimovic s Verwendung nur in Deutschland - GERMANY ONLY *** IPP20210124 Football soccer Serie A, Hellas Verona SSC Napoli, Nikola Maksimovic s use only in Germany GERMANY ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxONLY
According to Spazio Napoli (h/t The Sun), Tottenham could enter the race to sign Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic. The Serbian is in the final six months of his contract at the Italian side but a summer exit looks more likely. Spurs manager Jose Mourinho is keen to add to his defensive regiment.
Tottenham have been linked with Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar. This was due to the departure of long-serving veteran Jan Vertonghen last summer. But the North Londoners eventually ended up signing talented Welshman Joe Rodon from Swansea City. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Spurs to bring in another talented defender in January or next summer.
Davinson Sanchez hasn’t quite delivered on his potential after joining Spurs back in 2017. With Juan Foyth farmed out on loan and apparently not featuring in the manager’s plans, Tottenham ideally need to polish another up and coming defender to take over the reins from Alderweireld.
Eric Dier has been shifted to a central defensive role by Mourinho this season but question marks remain over the England international’s ability to do a job at the back on a consistent basis.
Toby Alderweireld signed a long-term contract last year but the Belgian is set to turn 32 before the end of the season. Therefore, Jose Mourinho will need to dive into the market for a replacement sooner than later.
The Serbian international has made more than 100 career appearances in the Serie A for Torino and Napoli, while also proving his worth in the Champions League. That, coupled with his towering 6ft 4in frame means Maksimovic has the physicality to complement his experience at the highest level, which should make it easier for him to cope with the rough-and-tough nature of the English game.
Tottenham need to look for a long-term solution to end their centre-back woes and Nikola Maksimovic ticks plenty of boxes to come through the door as a solid addition to the club’s defensive unit.
The Serbian still has a few years remaining in his prime at 29. Spurs would be well within their rights to eye a cut-price deal for the defender in January, considering his contract situation at Napoli or sign him in the summer on a free transfer.