Tottenham Hotspur are once again navigating the transfer market with a sense of urgency after a summer of change.
The north London club, fresh off their first European trophy in over 40 years, are preparing for a Champions League campaign that promises both excitement and challenge.
However, their squad has been left short of creative midfield options following a series of departures and injuries.
The departure of Son Heung Min to LAFC marked the end of an era for Spurs, leaving a gap in attacking output that the club have been eager to fill.
Compounding this issue, James Maddison, who was expected to provide the creative spark in midfield, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in a pre-season match against Newcastle in South Korea.
Manager Thomas Frank now faces the dual challenge of maintaining Spurs’ attacking intensity while integrating new signings capable of thriving in the Premier League and on the European stage.
Spurs targeting top young talent
With Tottenham having invested heavily over the summer, including the £60m signing of Mohamed Kudus from West Ham and ongoing negotiations for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, the club are clearly intent on ensuring their squad can compete on multiple fronts.
The urgency is amplified by Maddison’s absence, which has created a pressing need for a technically gifted midfielder who can operate in various attacking positions and inject creativity into the team’s play.
Spurs are reportedly willing to enter the market again before the transfer window closes, aiming to secure a player capable of bridging the gap left by Maddison.
In recent days, reports from TEAMtalk have linked Tottenham with a move for highly-rated young midfielder Harvey Elliott.
Described by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor as a “special talent,” Spurs are ready to meet Liverpool’s valuation of around £40m for the 22-year-old, who has expressed enthusiasm about a move to north London following discussions with Thomas Frank.
The player’s profile has attracted interest from several clubs, with Crystal Palace reportedly viewing him as a potential replacement for Eze - should the Palace star depart for Spurs.
German side RB Leipzig have also been monitoring the situation after Liverpool’s depth in midfield has limited the youngster’s regular game time.
How Harvey Elliott compares to James Maddison
Statistics from the previous season illustrate why Tottenham are pursuing this deal.
The player featured 18 times in the Premier League, scoring once and contributing two assists.
He also made a significant impact in the Champions League, scoring three goals in five appearances, including a decisive winner in a 1-0 victory over PSG at the Parc des Princes.
His performances on the international stage, particularly in England’s back-to-back U21 European Championship wins, further underscore his potential to develop into a central figure for both club and country.
Spurs’ willingness to meet Liverpool’s demands reflects their determination to secure a player who can immediately contribute at a high level, mitigating the absence of Maddison and ensuring their Champions League campaign begins with strength and creativity in midfield.
The pursuit of this young midfielder appears to be a strategic attempt to fill the creative void left by the former Leicester star.
While Maddison, now 28, brought experience, vision, and a proven goal contribution record to Spurs, the prospective signing offers a dynamic and progressive style of play, with a profile that aligns closely with modern Premier League demands.
Comparisons have been drawn between Elliott and other top young talents such as Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo at Barcelona, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
His ability to operate on either flank, though most comfortable centrally, provides Frank with flexibility in attacking patterns and formation setups.
Looking at the statistics, the differences between the two players are notable. The youngster averages 2.44 progressive carries per 90 compared to Maddison’s 2.24, and 10.7 progressive passes per 90 versus Maddison’s 8.16.
These metrics suggest a player capable of moving the ball forward effectively while actively involving teammates in attacking sequences.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
His pass completion rate of 82.2% slightly edges Maddison’s 81.3%, while his progressive passing distance per 90 (247.8) is comparable to Maddison’s (250.1), indicating a similar ability to transition play from midfield to attacking positions.
Shot creation is another area where the young midfielder shows promise. With 4.48 shot-creating actions per 90, he is a consistent source of opportunities for his team, slightly higher than Maddison’s output.
Although still developing, his defensive contributions are also respectable, with interceptions and clearances per 90 ranking in the upper tiers for young Premier League midfielders.
What makes the player particularly appealing for Tottenham is his versatility.
He can function effectively in multiple attacking roles, whether on the flank or through the centre, offering Thomas Frank the tactical flexibility to adjust formations and strategies mid-game.
Given Spurs’ current European ambitions, having a midfielder capable of performing in high-stakes matches against elite continental opponents is crucial.
Additionally, the young midfielder’s career trajectory shows a pattern of success at youth and senior levels, both domestically and internationally.
He has demonstrated an ability to perform in high-pressure scenarios, such as Champions League fixtures against top-tier teams and in international tournaments with England’s U21 squad.
This experience is invaluable for a Spurs squad balancing domestic and European competitions, particularly with a new manager implementing a system that requires both technical proficiency and tactical understanding.
While Maddison brought experience and a track record of goal involvement, the new signing offers a blend of creativity, energy, and adaptability that could complement Tottenham’s evolving squad.
With ongoing negotiations progressing, Spurs appear committed to finalising a deal that strengthens the squad, provides cover for injuries, and injects fresh attacking impetus to a side preparing to make a mark in both the Premier League and the Champions League this season.