Tottenham Hotspur have made some impressive dealings in recent years, but none more so than the signing of Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus back in January 2022.
The Swedish talent spent 18-months on loan before his £29m permanent deal became active, with such a move now looking to be a bargain nearly four years since his arrival.
He’s racked up over 140 appearances between the two spells, subsequently scoring 25 times whilst laying on 30 assists - with his best season coming under Ange Postecoglou last time around.
However, he’s been out with a knee injury since May 2025, with current boss Thomas Frank unable to call upon the 25-year-old to help save his job in North London.
The hierarchy now have just a couple of days to improve the current squad before the window closes, with numerous players appearing on their shortlist at present.
Spurs prepare late move to land £50m sensation
Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been named as one of the clubs interested in a move to land Manchester United talent Joshua Zirkzee this January.
The Dutchman has also appeared on the radar of Crystal Palace over recent days, with the Red Devils currently wanting to keep hold of the attacker until at least the summer.
However, it hasn’t stopped Frank’s men from reaching out and making contact with Michael Carrick’s men over a possible deal before the window slams shut.
Zirkzee isn’t alone on their shortlist ahead of the closure of the window, with Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche another option currently being considered by the hierarchy.
According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are considering a late move for the attacker, who’s already registered eight combined goals and assists across all competitions.
The report also states that the Ligue 1 outfit don’t want to lose the 23-year-old this window, but could do potential business if a £50m fee is presented this month.
It also confirms the Lilywhites have constantly been monitoring in recent months, even being spotted watching him in Ligue 1 over the last couple of weeks.
Why Akliouche would be Spurs’ best January deal since Kulusevski
In recent years, Spurs have often splashed the cash during the January window to try and save their season, with Pedro Porro joining the club back in January 2023.
The right-back has been a constant under various managers since his arrival, as seen by his tally of 139 appearances and 34 goal contributions in the last three years.
Over the last couple of seasons, the activity in the winter window has continued, with the likes of Kevin Danso, Antonin Kinsky and Radu Dragusin all making the move to North London.
However, despite the big-money being spent on the aforementioned talents, none of which have been able to reach the levels set by Kulusevski in the Premier League.
A deal for Akliouche could certainly triumph such a transfer, especially if he can replicate the numbers that he’s produced during his current campaign at Monaco.
At just 23, the attacking midfielder has bags of time to reach the next level in his career with the Lilywhites, but it’s safe to say, he’s already made a fine start to his career in France.
His tally of eight combined goals and assists to date showcases the talent he possesses in the final third, with his underlying figures further reaffirming the quality he has in his locker.
Akliouche, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Eduardo Hagn, has created 1.4 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.4 of which being defined as big chances.
Such figures showcase his talent to create carnage for the opposition in the final third, with the latter of the aforementioned figures ranking him in the top 15% of all players in the division.
He’s also completed 85% of the passes he’s attempted, with 4.3 of the passes he’s made per 90 being made into the final third of the pitch - reaffirming his talent in attacking areas.
However, despite his ability to provide for those around him, Akliouche has also showcased his ability to go alone in front of goal, subsequently placing 31% of his shots on target this season.
Other stats, such as 29% crosses completed and 48% dribbles completed, also highlight his incredible ability with the ball at his feet - subsequently backing up Hagn’s comments on the star.
£50m would be another statement of intent from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could see them land a versatile attacking option in their hunt to rise up the Premier League.
Given Monaco’s stance on the youngster, a deal could be somewhat tricky to complete, but it’s one that the hierarchy must work tirelessly on to find a solution.
Should he make the move to North London and get anywhere near the levels of Kulusevski, such a deal would be one of the best in recent times - subsequently setting the side up for future success.