Tottenham Hotspur have suffered yet another setback in the transfer market, but there remains a small window of time to identify and sign a quality number 10.
Thomas Frank must have known what he was getting himself into by agreeing to become the Tottenham Hotspur manager. However, he could be forgiven for failing to anticipate their inability to complete three major transfers in his first summer at the club, despite lengthy negotiations.
Eberechi Eze is the latest player Spurs look to have missed out on. A deal for Tottenham to sign Eze was said to be nearing completion, but shortly afterwards, it was reported that Spurs had lost out to Arsenal on Eze.
With the 27-year-old heading to the other side of North London, here are five players Tottenham could sign instead.
Morgan Rogers would be as good a signing for Tottenham as Eberechi Eze
It has already been reported this summer that Tottenham were keen on Morgan Rogers. However, the rumours soon went quiet, with Spurs turning their attention to Eze.
Aston Villa’s asking price likely played a role in this, a fee believed to be around £100m. It is hard to see an offer anywhere near that figure being placed, but Rogers would definitely improve the Tottenham first-team squad.
He has succeeded in every competition, with eight goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last season. In the Champions League, the 23-year-old registered four goals and three assists and he managed two goals and two assists in the FA Cup. Rogers would be just as good a signing as Eze or Morgan Gibbs-White.
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Bilal El Khannouss is a strong younger option for Spurs
If Tottenham are looking to spend less money, but still want a player who could one day reach Eze’s level, Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City is a good choice. He already has two assists in the Championship this season and would only cost in the region of £30m. This would leave Spurs with the finances to invest in a quality left winger too.
The Morocco international achieved a modest two goals and three assists in the top flight last season, but his performances were good enough to attract interest from Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Tottenham would have to act quickly, as Crystal Palace see El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Eze. However, Spurs have been linked with El Khannouss on more than one occasion, so the foundations are there for Daniel Levy to initiate contact.
Spurs and Leicester have exchanged James Maddison, Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks in recent years, so the clubs ought to have a good relationship when it comes to negotiating.
Tottenham could attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons could be an even better signing for Tottenham than Eze. Arsenal supporters could see this as a statement of bitterness, but they can read all about how in June, we said Tottenham should prioritise a move for Simons over Eze.
The RB Leipzig midfielder is both a creator and a goal threat and he has age on his side, being just 22 years old.
The issue with Simons is that he has been strongly linked with Chelsea and is believed to be in favour of the move. Tottenham have made contact with Simons, but it will take some convincing to persuade him to join Spurs instead of the Club World Cup winners.
Harvey Elliott would count as a homegrown midfielder for Spurs
It has already been detailed that Tottenham need to address their massive homegrown problem in the summer transfer window. Both Gibbs-White and Eze are from England, which indicates that Spurs would prefer their next attacking midfielder to be a homegrown player.
Harvey Elliott fits the bill and he was highly impressive for Liverpool during the 2023/24 season. While he saw less game time during their most recent campaign, Elliott showed what he is capable of at the UEFA Euro U21s tournament. He helped England win the competition with five goals, including one each in the quarter-final and final, as well as a semi-final brace.
Again, Spurs will have to act quickly if they want Elliott because RB Leipzig could wrap up a deal if Simons departs for Chelsea.
Maghnes Akliouche has already been linked with Tottenham
Tottenham were plotting a move for Maghnes Akliouche after missing out on Savinho. The expectation was that he would play on the left wing, but the Monaco man traditionally plays as an attacking midfielder. This makes him a viable alternative to Eze and like the other players listed, he is younger too.
Akilouche lacks experience outside of Ligue 1, but his stats are still impressive. His 10 assists last season showed he knows how to help his team score more goals. He has the potential to form a good relationship with Richarlison and even help Dominic Solanke find his form in front of goal.
The Frenchman would not be as cheap as Elliott or El Khannouss, but Spurs would not have to splash as much cash as they would have done on Eze or Gibbs-White.
Our top picks for who Tottenham should sign
Rogers would be an incredible signing for Spurs and while he would cost a sum which could be considered too high, he would take their attack to the next level. Simons is the next best option, but it is difficult to see what Tottenham would be able to do to stop him from joining Chelsea.
Should Spurs miss out on both those players, Elliott should be the one they turn to. He helps out on the homegrown front, is only 22 and has already shown he is good enough for the Premier League.