When Xabi Alonso took over as manager of Real Madrid a year ago, I was sure that he would bring his 194 centimeter tall powerhouse Edmond Tapsoba with him from Bayer Leverkusen. Now he is on the agenda again, this time to Chelsea who will surely listen better to Aloso’s wishes than was the case at Real Madrid.
Chelsea are considering a gigantic summer transfer for Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. The club is trying to fulfill one of the most important transfer wishes of new manager Xabi Alonso.
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Alonso has been confirmed as the new Blues coach on a four-year contract. The Spaniard has been given the green light to have a major influence on the transfers at Stamford Bridge – completely different from his predecessors.
Quality over quantity
Chelsea’s focus this summer is expected to be on quality, not quantity. Alonso will strengthen himself in three positions in particular: a new goalkeeper, a new striker and a ball-playing centre-back. All three are high on the wish list.
The Blues may be well equipped in central defence, but Alonso is said to have his doubts about the club’s current options.
Why he wants Tapsoba
Sources can reveal that the Burkina Faso international appears to be a very real option when Chelsea reshape their squad ahead of Alonso’s first season. Tapsoba is 1.94 meters high – a pure powerhouse.
He did sign a new long-term contract with Bayer Leverkusen in April, valid until 2031. But TEAMtalk understands that it has not scared away potential buyers. They are still investigating whether a deal could be possible as early as this summer.
Leverkusen in dissolution
Leverkusen are preparing for a hectic transition period after a disappointing Bundesliga season. The team only finished in sixth place. Sources state that the German team is also expected to part ways with head coach Kasper Hjulmand, and the uncertainty is spreading to several of the team’s profiles.
TEAMtalk writes that Tapsoba is among the players whose future could come under increasing scrutiny in the future, not only from Chelsea, but also from Bundesliga rivals.
Chelsea have had their eyes on him for a long time.
Chelsea’s interest in Tapsoba is actually much older than Alonso’s deal to join the club. But the arrival of the Spaniard has only increased the internal enthusiasm for the defender. Chelsea tried their luck in the winter window just over a year ago and then it was ironically their new manager who put his foot down for a transfer. With Edmond Tapsoba, Xabi Alonso, in what was his first managerial job, completed winning the Bundesliga without losing a single game.
The Blues are expected to part ways with several players this summer. The recruitment team prioritizes quality and experience over just filling in with more names. TEAMtalk can confirm that Tapsoba is internally seen as someone who fits perfectly with that particular strategy.
Knows Alonso’s system from before
His experience operating in Alonso’s tactical structure at Leverkusen is considered a huge advantage. Chelsea believe knowing the Spaniard’s requirements can help get the new ideas out on the pitch faster. Tapsoba’s composure in possession, pace and ability to play comfortably in aggressive defensive systems – all these are qualities Chelsea greatly admire.
Need more leadership behind the
There is also a growing recognition within the club that Chelsea’s defence could use more leadership and experience, especially alongside the younger stoppers already in the squad. Tapsoba is seen as someone who can bring both stability and tactical intelligence.
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Price tag: Not cheap
Leverkusen are not pushing the defender towards the exit, but the Bundesliga club expects a significant sum if serious bids come – especially after the recent contract extension. – Transfermarkt thinks Edmond Tapsoba is worth €45 million, but Chelsea certainly won’t get away with that.
Chelsea are aware that a possible transfer will not be cheap. But the club believes Tapsoba’s profile, age and experience make him one of the most exciting defensive options that could actually be available this summer.
Accelerating plans
With Alonso now officially underway at Stamford Bridge, TEAMtalk understands that Chelsea’s recruitment planning is accelerating rapidly. Tapsoba is a name that is getting more and more attention behind the scenes. A new centre-back is high on the list – and on Wednesday morning, a report reported that Enzo Fernández has also recommended that the Blues sign one of his teammates in a highly controversial deal.
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