Title: Spurs in the Race: Tottenham Closely Eye Brugge’s Rising Star Aleksandar Stanković
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly stepping up their interest in 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aleksandar Stanković, currently plying his trade at Club Brugge – but they’re not alone. Newcastle United are also circling, making this one of the more intriguing midfield battles in the Premier League transfer rumour mill. (Spurs Web)
A Promising Talent in Brugge
Stanković made the move to Club Brugge in July 2025 for approximately €10 million, having previously been at Inter Milan. (Football Italia) The switch has certainly paid off for him: he has become a regular starter in Belgium and has already made his mark in the Champions League. (SempreInter.com) Known for his strong defensive presence, aerial ability, and composure on the ball, he is being viewed as a high-potential anchor in midfield. (Sports View)
His versatility is another plus: besides playing as a pure No. 6, Stanković can also operate as a centre-back, giving any suitor tactical flexibility. (Wikipedia)
Why Tottenham Are Interested
For Spurs, the appeal of Stanković is evident. While they currently have a more experienced figure in Joāo Palhinha, they might see the Serbian as a long-term successor or understudy—someone to build around for the future. (Sports View) His disciplined style and maturity at such a young age make him an ideal fit for that No. 6 role.
Tottenham are reportedly keeping a close eye on him, with scouts believed to have tracked his performances in Belgium. (SempreInter.com) Landing him would represent a strategic investment in youth, perhaps balanced with their more immediate midfield needs.
The Competition: Newcastle United and Inter Milan
Newcastle United are pushing hard to land Stanković as well. Reports suggest that they have sent scouts to monitor him in action, particularly in his games for Brugge. (NUFC Blog) Like Tottenham, the Magpies see him as a bright young talent who could anchor their midfield in the years to come.
Complicating matters further, Inter Milan retain strong control of Stanković’s future. When they sold him to Brugge, Inter inserted two buy-back clauses: one for €23 million in 2026, and another for €25 million in 2027. (Football Italia) According to reports, Inter are seriously considering triggering that first clause. (tribuna.com) Their long-term plan could be to re-integrate him into their squad as a successor to more senior midfielders, or potentially to generate a profit if they decide to flip him again. (sports.yahoo.com)
What This Could Mean for Tottenham
If Spurs are genuinely serious, they may need to act quickly. Time could be of the essence, especially if Inter decide to re-sign him. (Spurs Web) Acquiring Stanković could serve as a strong statement of intent: a youth-first recruitment strategy, combined with securing a long-term defensive midfield option.
However, Tottenham would likely face a tricky negotiation. Not only do they need to fend off Newcastle, but they may also have to contend with Inter’s buy-back clause. Even if Brugge are open to selling, the price could be driven up by Inter’s future options. (SempreInter.com)
Conclusion
Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Aleksandar Stanković underscores the club’s appetite for building a midfield for the future. The Serbian defensive midfielder, already proving himself in Belgium, offers a blend of physical strength, tactical intelligence, and technical ability that could benefit Spurs in the long run.
But with Newcastle United also pursuing him, and Inter Milan still very much in the picture via their buy-back clauses, securing Stanković will not be straightforward. For Tottenham, it’s a high-reward gamble — if they win it, they could land a cornerstone for their midfield for years to come.
