Advertisement
Wimmer challenges Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the ball. Frank Augstein
WIMMING

Tottenham's shaky defence has just been given a boost

A 22-year-old Austrian has signed a five-year contract.

SPURS HAVE SIGNED Austrian centre-back Kevin Wimmer on a five-year contract from Bundesliga club Cologne for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be around £4m.

Despite rallying to finish ahead of Liverpool and secure automatic qualification for the Europa League, Spurs had the joint-fifth worst defensive record in the Premier League this season. They conceded 53 goals in 38 matches and have moved quickly to secure the 22-year-old defender, who has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in Germany.

“Kevin’s gone on to become a regular in the Cologne defence, as they earned promotion to the German top-flight,” a statement on the Spurs website  said.

“He was a standout performer in their first season back in the Bundesliga.”

Pochettino tried several different combinations at centre-half this year, with Vlad Chiriches, Younes Kaboul, Federico Fazio, Eric Drier and Jan Vertonghen all featuring. But despite their options in this area of the pitch, Spurs regularly looked weak at the back.

Wimmer told Cologne’s website that he is relishing the challenge of breaking into Spurs’ first team.

“Tottenham is a huge chance for me. Nonetheless, it won’t be easy saying goodbye to Cologne,” he said. “I experienced wonderful moments here, such as the promotion and the Klassenerhalt (staying up).”

“I want to thank the training staff, my team-mates, and all those involved in the club for their extraordinary support. FC and its fantastic fans will always remain something special for me.”

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City - White Hart Lane Pochettino believes it's important Spurs do their business early. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Wimmer has made one senior international appearance for Austria and has been named in the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier with Russia in Moscow on 14 June.

The 6ft 2in defender is Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing of the summer. But further additions are expected with Spurs linked to players like Danny Ings and Morgan Schneiderlin in recent weeks.

Do you think Wimmer is a good signing by Spurs or do they need to concentrate on players with proven Premier League quality? 

Originally published at 12.45

Tim Sherwood confirms Benteke has a buy-out clause in his contract

We could watch Ian Madigan’s drop goal conversion over and over and over again

Your Voice
Readers Comments
7
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.