Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in a highly-rated Everton star
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When it comes to giving managers time, Tottenham Hotspur have rarely been the most tolerant and patient. They've hired and fired 17 managers alone in the Premier League era, and that’s without including the various interim head coaches they’ve had in between those appointments.
Thomas Frank recently became the 18th manager to take on the Tottenham’s manager job - and though things initially started splendidly with three wins from four league matches, it’s clear already that the tide is starting to turn against the former Brentford boss, leaving him with plenty to do if he’s to get the fanbase on side again. Admittedly this is the start of a very different era for Tottenham after more than 20 years under a chairman in Daniel Levy, who divided opinion with large sections of the support.
However, the defeat to Fulham and the fact that many Tottenham players, including Vicario were booed off by their own supporters, is never a good sign - and it’s something which will only compound the need for Frank to deliver results sooner rather than later.
The January transfer window could prove a watershed moment for Tottenham, both to get the crowd back on side and to inject a bit of quality in a team which, barring the Europa League triumph, has had a torrid time domestically in terms of performance and results.
Thomas Frank has golden opportunity to strengthen in January
According to Foot Mercato, Tottenham are one of the front-runners to sign Everton playmaker Iliman Ndiaye.
The Senegal international has been in top form for Everton this term with four league goals and one assist, leaving him well on course to eclipse last season’s impressive tally of nine league goals. Tottenham have been criticised for a lack of entertainment under Frank, despite being the third highest scorers in the league with 21 goals.
This in many ways is backed up by the XG table, with Tottenham sitting sixth lowest, suggesting that the Lilywhites are taking more of their chances than expected and that they are relying on individual moments more than repeated periods of pressure, something which perhaps isn’t sustainable over the course of the campaign.
Ndiaye would bring a great deal to Tottenham that they’ve been missing in Dejan Kuluveski’s absence. He’s among the top three players for successful dribbles leading to a shot attempt (7), has a 62.5% shot on target rate which is higher than any Spurs player this term and crucially presses exceptionally well, winning the 13th most tackles of any player in the entire league and the most for any attacker in the division.
He’s been crucial to Everton under David Moyes and is integral to his style of play. However, Tottenham could offer him the allure of Champions League football and a chance to show what he can do on the big stage. It’s far from a simple deal though, with Liverpool bizarrely emerging as contenders to sign a player from their bitter rivals along with Manchester City.
Everton need a striker
Tottenham have a lot of forward thinking players already when everyone is fit and available. Dominic Solanke, the club’s record-signing at £65m, has barely kicked a ball this season.
Mathys Tel has been signed as one for the future. He was a centre forward at Bayern Munich but has at times done a job on the wing. Randal Kolo Muani also joined in the summer and is capable of playing in a number of roles. Meanwhile, Richarlison has often led the line under Frank since his arrival. The Brazilian is currently on five league goals for the season and has often been the first choice, but whether that remains the case once Solanke returns remains to be seen.
Richarlison hasn’t really hit the heights expected of him at Tottenham despite a bright start to this season, but one club where he remains a fan favourite is Everton, despite his decision to leave for £60m more than three years ago. When he left Everton, the forward posted on X: “It's very difficult to say goodbye to a place that has become my home; fans who welcomed as if I were one of them; and a club that treated me kindly and helped me develop my sense of community and empathy. Neither all the love I have is enough to thank you. Love you!”
Furthermore, Football Insider has claimed that Tottenham are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old, who has just 13 months remaining on his deal in north London.
Everton were linked with Richarlison over the summer, and may well still be in the market for a striker. Their current options Beto and Thierno Barry have only scored once between them in the league this season despite having one of the most creative players in the league in Jack Grealish playing behind them. They won’t want to lose Ndiaye, but if the player does want to leave, a smart compromise could be to try and get a big fee for the Senegalese international and a Richarlison return as part of the deal.