Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are in the picture to sign RC Lens’ Ismaëlo Ganiou this summer.
The 21-year-old is a product of the Ligue 1 side’s academy and left them for Padova in January 2025. The latter immediately sent him on loan to Annecy before letting him return to Lens permanently later that year.
The decision has paid off as the centre-back not only enjoyed regular minutes but caught Tottenham, Crystal Palace and other clubs’ attention.
He played 2,541 minutes from 29 matches and his league stats per game are as follows:
- Appearances: 23
- Starts: 22
- Minutes per game: 88
- Interceptions: 1.3
- Tackles: 1.7
- Possession won (final third): 0.09
- Recoveries: 5.1
- Clearances: 4.9
- Blocked shots: 0.6
- Duels won: 5.3
Tottenham and Crystal Palace face competition
Flashscore report the France-born Burkina Faso international is courted by the Premier League duo and Borussia Dortmund.
They claim it’s their own information on these three clubs’ interest in Ismaëlo Ganiou.
Taking his performances this into account, the outlet says the defender is one of RC Lens’ most promising young talents.
He could leave this summer and Spurs, Crystal Palace and the Bundesliga side are among his options.
BVB in particular are keen on the player, who is also courted by the two London clubs. The French club, for their part, are asking for €35m to part ways with Ganiou.
There’s no indication if any of the suitors are willing or at least get close to their demand. Both Roberto De Zerbi’s side and the UEFA Conference League winners would have the funds to sign him.
Crystal Palace are in the process of appointing Lens boss Pierre Sage as Oliver Glasner’s successor. The new manager’s arrival may give the Eagles an edge in the transfer race.
Our take: Tottenham dragged into mix
Spurs have Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Drăgușin as their four recognised centre-backs. Ben Davies, who can also operate in the same position, signed an extension earlier today.
Both Romero and Drăgușin could leave while Tottenham Hotspur have an agreement with free agent Marcos Senesi. They are also keen on Jan Paul van Hecke and are optimistic of finding an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The centre-back position should be well covered, making it difficult for Ismaëlo Ganiou to find space if he were to join Spurs.
We feel Tottenham get a mention as Ganiou’s suitor to create a hype rather than there being a concrete interest.
