BREAKING NEWS- Spurs set for new 22-year old arrival, as Italian club agrees an astonishing first BID from Tottenham to make it first completed summer deal
Tottenham Hotspur have officially stepped up their efforts to strengthen their defence ahead of the summer transfer window by making a formal proposal to sign Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter. With defensive fragility having plagued Spurs throughout the season, the club is eager to bolster its backline—and De Winter has now emerged as a serious target.
Defensive lapses have been a consistent issue for the North London club during the 2024–25 Premier League campaign. The Lilywhites have managed just six clean sheets in 37 league matches, highlighting the instability and lack of cohesion at the back. These defensive shortcomings have repeatedly cost the team valuable points in the race for European qualification.
A major contributor to Tottenham’s struggles this season has been the frequent absence of their first-choice centre-backs. Both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have endured long spells on the sidelines due to injury, disrupting the defensive pairing that had shown promise earlier in the campaign. This lack of continuity has undermined the team’s ability to build a solid foundation from the back.
In response to these ongoing issues, Spurs took action in the January transfer window by securing the services of Austrian international Kevin Danso on loan from RC Lens. The club holds an obligation to make the deal permanent, which is expected to be activated in the coming days. However, despite Danso’s arrival, manager Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy are well aware that further reinforcements are necessary—especially if Spurs are to mount a serious challenge for a top-four finish next season.
As part of their search for defensive reinforcements, Tottenham have turned their attention to 22-year-old Belgian defender Koni De Winter. The Genoa starlet has been on the club’s radar for some time, and recent reports indicate that Spurs have now made their first official bid to sign him. According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, Tottenham have submitted a £20 million offer in an effort to secure De Winter’s signature ahead of rival suitors.
Juventus and Inter Milan have also expressed interest in the young defender, but it is Tottenham who have taken the initiative and made the first concrete move. The bid is believed to be close to Genoa’s valuation of the player, with the Italian club reportedly willing to consider offers in the range of €25–30 million (approximately £21–25 million).
De Winter has seen his stock rise steadily since moving from Juventus to Genoa in 2023, initially on loan before the move was made permanent. Over the past year, he has racked up 56 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and an assist. Despite suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over two months, he has bounced back strongly and has been an integral part of Patrick Vieira’s squad since returning to action in late December.
The Belgian’s versatility adds to his appeal. In addition to his primary role as a centre-back, De Winter is also capable of playing as a right-back and even stepping into midfield when needed. This tactical flexibility makes him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s system, which values players who can adapt to multiple roles.
With his contract at Genoa running until 2028, the club is under no immediate pressure to sell. However, the Serie A side is believed to be open to a sale if the right offer comes along—especially if it allows them to reinvest in their squad. Tottenham’s opening bid signals their serious intent and could set the stage for more advanced negotiations in the coming weeks.
Spurs are also mindful of potential departures in their defensive ranks. Cristian Romero, despite his importance to the team, has attracted interest from clubs abroad, including Atletico Madrid. In this context, securing a young, high-potential player like De Winter could serve both as a long-term investment and a contingency plan.
Overall, Tottenham’s approach to De Winter reflects a proactive transfer strategy. By making the first official offer, the club has shown they are not content to wait on the sidelines while rivals circle. Whether or not Genoa accepts the bid remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Spurs are serious about strengthening their defence, and Koni De Winter is now firmly on their radar as part of that plan.