---
title: "Tottenham: Spurs could now ‘turn attention to signing’ de Vrij"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-spurs-transfer-rumours-stefan-de-vrij/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2023-02-15T12:42:55Z"
modified: "2023-02-15T12:42:55Z"
---

# Tottenham: Spurs could now ‘turn attention to signing’ de Vrij

**[Tottenham](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/) ‘could now turn attention to signing’ Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij after missing out on Milan Skriniar.**

### The Lowdown: Spurs chase central defender?

The north Londoners are reliably thought to be targeting new central defenders this summer with the likes of [Marc Guehi and Alessandro Bastoni](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/premier-league-spurs-fabio-paratici-antonio-conte-alessandro-bastoni-transfer-update/) on their agenda.

[Antonio Conte](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/antonio-conte/)‘s side have shipped more [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) goals than any side in the top half, highlighting the real need for defensive reinforcements.

Spurs were [linked](https://www.90min.com/posts/inter-struggling-to-agree-new-contract-premier-league-transfer-target-milan-skriniar) with a move for Skriniar, but after the Slovakian’s [decision](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1621900004846718976?lang=en-GB)to join Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain on a free deal, it appears the north Londoners could target his teammate instead.

### The Latest: Lilywhites turn towards de Vrij?

According to [Football Insider,](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-tottenham-blown-out-of-the-water-in-milan-skriniar-chase-as-rivals-agree-deal/) Netherlands international de Vrij may now become a transfer target for Spurs and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

It is claimed that Tottenham ‘could now turn attention to signing’ the 31-year-old who, like Skriniar, also sees his Inter deal expire at the end of this season.

[![Tottenham latest news](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-tottenham-fans.jpg)](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-4/)

### The Verdict: Get it done…

On a free transfer, de Vrij represents real value for money in a very similar vain to Skriniar.

The colossal centre-back has attracted huge praise in recent seasons for his Serie A performances and is also very familiar with Spurs boss Conte.

The pair worked together at Inter during the Nerazzurri’s 2020/2021 title-winning campaign, and if Conte stays past this season, de Vrij could certainly contribute towards reinforcing Tottenham’s backline.

According to [WhoScored,](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/75/Show/Italy-Inter) while the player hasn’t featured as regularly as in previous seasons, he has impressed statistically when available.

Indeed, de Vrij has averaged [more interceptions and clearances per 90](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/75/Show/Italy-Inter) than any Inter player this campaign, backing the real endorsements he’s received over the last few years.

Members of the media, like podcaster [Alex Donno](https://twitter.com/AlexDonno/status/1225099001248256000), have even once called him ‘Europe’s most underrated centre back’.

Former [Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson,](https://www.footballinsider247.com/tottenham-tipped-to-sign-world-class-dier-replacement-after-perfect-source-reveal-pundit/) meanwhile, said de Vrij is the ‘absolutely perfect fit’ for Conte’s side.