Transfer news: what next for Edmond Tapsoba?

After an excellent season, Edmond Tapsoba played a major part in Bayer Leverkusen's revival under Xavi Alonso, last year. The Burkina Faso international played 47 games in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing one assist. His performances in the Bundesliga, and especially in the Europa League, have caught the eye of clubs including FC Barcelona and Tottenham.

Tottenham the clear favourites 

Although Edmond Tapsoba is highly sought after, his most likely destination at present remains Tottenham. Fabrizio Romano revealed on 24 July that the London club were strongly interested in the Burkina Faso defender. According to the Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Harry Kane's transfer could unlock the situation. The England international is being pursued by Bayern Munich. Having taken charge at Tottenham this summer, Ange Postecoglou has made the Stallion his main target to strengthen his defence. 

Physically imposing, the young defender offers another quality that is in high demand in the modern game: playing out from the back. More and more teams build from the back, and to do that they need very technical defenders who can cope with the opposition press. The Burkina Faso international has those qualities and was one of the key components of Xabi Alonso's system last season. He also has a big frame (1.94m, 85kg) that seems made for the Premier League. He would bring defensive presence to the north London side, but would also contribute to attacking play thanks in particular to his technical quality and his heading ability. It is a profile that could also appeal to FC Barcelona.

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A move to the Camp Nou this summer?

Reigning Spanish champions FC Barcelona are looking to strengthen in several areas. That is particularly the case in defence, where several players including Éric Garcia, Marcos Alonso, Clément Langlet and others have not met expectations. The Stallion  was also spotted at the Catalan club's offices on 17 June. The purpose of his visit was not disclosed. He has long been represented by the former Portugal midfielder Deco, who could ease his arrival at Barça. Also a former player of the club, Deco is tipped to become the club's next sporting director. That could make things much easier, especially as the two men have worked together. However, the agreement of the German club, who reportedly want to keep him, would be needed.

Won over by Leverkusen's project?

Xavi Alonso's arrival on the bench at Bayern Leverkusen last October gave the club fresh impetus. The Spaniard lifted the team from 17th to 6th place, securing a European spot. Leverkusen also reached a Europa League semi-final under him (eliminated by Roma). It was a more than successful first season, and one in which the Burkina Faso international shone. With 47 appearances, including 45 starts, Edmond Tapsoba is central to the German club's project. The club, very ambitious this season, have no intention of letting him go.

"It's clear that at some point there are always limits. But Edmond is a very important player. He is one of the best players in our team, without a doubt. He still has a long contract. Therefore, we have no reason to think about selling him", Simon Rolfes recently told Kicker. He is the Managing Director of Bayern Leverkusen.

Tied to the club until 2026, the Stallion may well continue his adventure in Germany. The team's performances last year bode well. What's more, they are strengthening. Experienced Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka arrived in July from Arsenal. Jonash Hoffmann (midfielder), Alejandro Grimaldo (full-back) and Victor Boniface (striker) have also arrived. Edmond Tapsoba could build on what he has achieved and commit to a new project that is already starting to bear fruit.

Understand Tottenham have started concrete contacts to be informed on Edmond Tapsoba as new CB. 🚨⚪️ #THFC

He’s on the list since long time — and Spurs are now exploring conditions of the deal on both player and Bayer 04 side.

Nothing advanced yet — Tapsoba, keen on the move. pic.twitter.com/S2nbKKqNTi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023