news-engine

Tottenham want to remove highly-rated defender from the transfer market. There appears to have been a big shift in Tottenham Hotspur’s stance regarding one of their highly-rated youngsters, amidst growing interest in the defender. The Lilywhites have moved on players who were not going to be a part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in the upcoming season. Brighton and Hove Albion paid a club-record £46 million fee for highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic, while Alfie Devine moved to Preston North End permanently after an impressive loan. There are going to be some more departures in the coming weeks, but Spurs have seemingly made a U-turn on Souza’s future. Tottenham plan to keep Souza Souza has not featured in the pre-season friendlies thus far. The 20-year-old has been linked with an exit from Tottenham, with FC Porto trying to sign him. The Portuguese club were reportedly in negotiations with Spurs over the signing of the left-back, who is keen for regular game time. However, according to Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos on X, Tottenham have turned down two permanent transfer bids and a loan offer from FC Porto for Souza. It has been suggested that Roberto De Zerbi is backing the Brazilian defender to be a ‘game-changer’ for the North London club in the upcoming season. Spurs fought off competition from several clubs to land Souza from Santos in the winter transfer window. He struggled for game time with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence ahead of him in the pecking order, making just four Premier League appearances. His first start for the Lilywhites came in the home defeat to Crystal Palace. Getting regular minutes for the 20-year-old could become even more difficult in the 2026/27 season following the arrival of experienced left-back Andy Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool. Yet, De Zerbi and Co. have plans to keep Souza and not sanction his temporary departure. The Italian boss perhaps had private discussions with Souza and explained what his role in the side would be. Those talks with the player and his agent seemingly has been fruitful, leading to the North Londoners rejecting several approaches from FC Porto. Spurs have cooled talks over a potential departure for the Brazilian youth international after De Zerbi internally made it clear he wants him to remain at the club. The North London club’s decision-makers are prepared to follow the 47-year-old’s recommendations and remove Souza from the transfer market. For the talented left-back, that could be enough cause for him to want to stay at White Hart Lane and compete for a place in the side.