Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer window has not exactly gone to plan in the way they may have wanted, arguably not actually strengthening in any positions they needed to.
The marquee addition for Thomas Frank’s side was former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. He joined the club from Atletico Madrid, though he is perhaps not the progressive midfielder they currently lack in the squad.
They were also strongly linked with Andy Robertson, but that deal fell through. The only other addition Spurs made was talented Brazilian left-back Souza, who is a signing for the present and future.
Why Spurs fans can get excited about Souza
There is certainly not a lack of depth in Frank’s squad at left-back. Destiny Udogie is arguably seen as the first choice, with Ben Davies, who is out for some time with injury, and Djed Spence, also options. Yet, Souza adds to the depth on that side and is a signing for the future.
We are yet to see the Santos academy graduate in that famous white shirt. He was on the bench against Manchester City this weekend in the 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but was not called upon by his manager.
He played 38 times at senior level for Santos, having a key role in 2025 before his move to North London. He made some good contributions going forward, too, with one goal and four assists in those appearances.
There is certainly a lot to like about Souza, with the 19-year-old already showing some standout attributes. Scout Ben Mattinson praised him for the fact that he “defends in wide channels well” and explained he is “technical on the ball.”
The ex-Santos star is an exciting player, but there is another youngster on the books who could be an even bigger talent.
Spurs have already signed a better talent than Souza
The central defensive stocks at Spurs are perhaps a little thinner on the ground than Frank would like. Mickey van de Ven and Cristian Romero are first choice, with Kevin Danso a more than apt understudy.
However, it has not been an easy ride at the club for Radu Dragusin, who was notably poor against Man City on Sunday. Now, Spurs might have someone who can leapfrog him in the pecking order. It will surely not be long before we see Luka Vuskovic donning a white shirt.
Described by Spurs analyst Seb Martin as a “freak of a talent,” he has shone on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga this season. The 18-year-old has played so well that he is now an established member of Croatia’s national team.
He’s been a constant figure at the heart of the defence for the German side, playing 17 times in the top flight. He’s played 90 minutes in every single game, chipping in with four goals, including a stunning effort in December.
Looking at his underlying numbers, you can see exactly why Vuskovic is so highly rated. He has won an average of 7.74 duels and made 8.53 clearances per 90 minutes this term. Those numbers place him in the top 6% and 11% of Bundesliga defenders.
It is hard to see a way back for Dragusin once Vuskovic returns from his loan. He has had limited minutes and injury issues, and given the Croatian's talent, it is impossible not to see him falling down the pecking order.
It is certainly exciting that the Lilywhites will soon have the teenager at their disposal again. In Vuskovic and Souza, they have defensive quality depth for the future, but you could certainly make the case that the centre-back is the best talent at the club.