Son Heung-min (33) praised defender Ben Davies (32, Tottenham) as 'really special,' and now he has caught the attention of Leeds United.
Leeds United, who have returned to the Premier League, are considering signing the veteran defender Ben Davies from Tottenham Hotspur. The British outlet 'Tribal Football' reported on the 25th (Korean time) that "Leeds is exploring the possibility of signing Davies, citing information from Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold."
Leeds won the Championship with 100 points in the 2024-2025 season, returning to the Premier League after two years.
Ahead of their first year back, manager Daniel Farke, in urgent need of defensive reinforcements, has already turned his sights to Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, but Solomon's side has indicated that "they want to seize an opportunity with Tottenham next season." In response, Leeds has shifted its focus to another resource.
Gold noted in the podcast 'Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham' that "Tottenham exercised their option to extend Davies' contract by one year, but this is more about the club's 'value protection' than guaranteeing his stay," and added, "With Japanese defender Takai Gota joining, if a good offer comes for Davies, there is a possibility that Tottenham will allow a transfer, and Leeds is one of those teams."
Davies has been guarding Tottenham's goal since transferring from Swansea City in 2014 for 11 seasons. He has 313 matches of Premier League experience and contributed to the team's victory by participating in 8 matches in the Europa League last season. He shares a special bond with Son Heung-min, having made him the 'lend' of his son Ralph. Son Heung-min has also stated, "Davies is truly a special friend."
The background behind Leeds wanting Davies also involves his chemistry with Joe Rodon. The two players have played a total of 57 matches together for Tottenham and the Wales national team, showcasing a seamless partnership. If manager Farke brings Davies in, he can transplant the Wales duo center-back combination with Rodon directly onto the Premier League stage. Additionally, Davies can also play as a left-back, making him an attractive option as a replacement for the uncertain Junior Firpo.
Tottenham protected Davies' value with the contract extension, but with younger alternatives like Takai ready, it remains to be seen whether the hero of the Europa League will take on a new challenge or continue as a backup and mentor for another season, depending on the club's squad adjustment direction.
Meanwhile, as Leeds faces difficulties in signing Solomon, they plan to raise their squad experience with the Davies card. It remains to be seen whether manager Farke's 'rational bet' to capture three factors: Premier League experience, versatility, and leadership will be realized.
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