Betting on the youth and developing players has been two of Tottenham Hotspur's main priorities in recent seasons.
Signing players younger than 25 years-old in the Premier League is a gamble, but Spurs could really find a new centre-back for years to come if they act quickly during this year's summer transfer window.
A player who could transform Tottenham's back line is the Danish defender, Joachim Andersen from Ligue 1 side, Olympique Lyonnais.
Background
Prior to Lyon, the Denmark native spent time with Eredivisie's FC Twente and Serie A's Sampdoria.
Andersen, who signed a signed a five-year contract with Lyon in 2019, spent the 2020 / 21 campaign in England, playing for Premier League club Fulham on a season-long loan.
The 24 year-old is a very skilled defender, capable of playing in both right and left side of the central defense, and even in defensive midfield.
Although Fulham ended up being relegated from the Premier League, Andersen showcased his talents against the best teams in the world, and was even nominated for the league's Player of the Month award for February 2021.
Andersen is also teammates with Spurs midfielder, Pierre-Emile Hojberg, in the Denmark national team.
Spurs defense
Tottenham's defense was the main reason why the team failed to win trophies this season under Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason.
Spurs finished the season seventh in the Premier League in large part thanks to a significant number of individual errors, mostly by defenders Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Serge Aurier.
Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Gareth Bale all combined for 77 goal contributions in the Premier League, but Spurs still only managed to qualify for the newly-formed, UEFA Conference League.
Rodon + Andersen
Andersen would be Tottenham's first signing since Joe Rodon, Welsh centre-back who had a great first season in North London despite being only 23.
'Young' Rodon played 19 games for Spurs across all competitions this season, and showed great potential, making his presence felt against top-tier teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
As a left-footed CB, there's no doubt Rodon would make a great duo in the Spurs back-line with Andersen.
Although there's more experienced players in the squad such as Toby Alderweireld or Dier himself, Andersen has proved himself in the best league in the world.
According to Tranfermarkt, Andersen is valued at only £22 million, therefore it is a reality that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy could persuade him to switch locations in London.
Clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton are all said to be interested in Andersen.