Tottenham weigh up summer move for Burkina Faso defensive anchor Edmond Tapsoba

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly placed Bayer Leverkusen centre‑back Edmond Tapsoba on their summer recruitment shortlist as they seek to reinforce a defence in transition ahead of the 2026‑27 season.

The Premier League side are preparing for the potential departure of key defender Cristian Romero, and Spurs’ scouting network is understood to be prioritising experienced central defenders capable of immediate impact. According to multiple reports, the Burkina Faso international has emerged as one of the top targets.

Tapsoba, 27, has been a consistent figure in Leverkusen’s back line since joining the club in 2020, blending physical presence with competence on the ball in the Bundesliga. His performances have attracted interest from several major European clubs, with Tottenham among a group that includes Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and potentially Real Madrid. That competitive landscape could influence Spurs’ strategy and negotiating position in the months ahead.

Bayer Leverkusen are understood to be open to discussing a sale, but their valuation remains a key hurdle. Reports suggest the German club would consider bids starting around €40 million, and that more realistic valuations could sit closer to €60 million, reflecting Tapsoba’s status and contract security through June 2028.

Tottenham’s willingness to meet that asking price – or to escalate their offer amid rival interest – is likely to shape the prospects of any deal. For Spurs, adding a commander at centre‑back is becoming imperative if Romero departs, as suggested by multiple transfer sources.

With his blend of aerial strength, positional discipline and ball‑playing ability, Tapsoba would fill a gap in Ange Postecoglou’s squad that has been exposed by inconsistency this season. Whether Tottenham are prepared to allocate significant funds to secure the defender remains a developing story through the mid‑season build‑up to the summer window.

Edmond Fayçal Tapsoba has carved out a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable defensive presences, and his potential switch to the Premier League would mark a major step in both his career and Tottenham’s ambitions.