Tottenham Intensifies Bid for Santos Left-Back Souza

Tottenham Hotspur is amplifying its efforts to acquire Santos left-back Souza, having submitted a €15 million ($17.5 million) bid, according to sources reported by ESPN.

Initially, Tottenham’s opening bid of approximately €13 million was rejected; however, they have now returned with an enhanced offer that has generated optimism regarding the potential completion of the deal. If finalized, Souza would become Tottenham’s first signing of the January transfer window.

Santos retains 75% of the player’s economic rights, and Souza is contracted with the club until December 2028. As negotiations progress, it is anticipated that Souza will miss Santos’ inaugural Campeonato Paulista match against Novorizontino this Saturday, with reports from Brazil indicating that he has requested not to be included in the matchday squad.

Tottenham is eager to bolster their left-sided defensive options, especially with right-back Djed Spence having to fill in, while Destiny Udogie is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Although Ben Davies made a return in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Sunderland, scoring Spurs’ first-half goal, the addition of Souza would introduce valuable competition for positions if the deal comes to fruition.

During the previous season, Souza made 29 appearances for Santos, contributing two assists and scoring one goal.

The information for this report was contributed by ESPN Brasil’s André Hernan, Bruno Andrade, Felipe Silva, and Nathalia Ferrão.