Tottenham could see a missed summer opportunity come back to haunt them in the Champions League against Monaco.
Thomas Frank would’ve been pleased with how his side’s summer recruitment went after replacing Ange Postecoglou at the helm.
Mohammed Kudus signed for Tottenham from West Ham and is arguably the Lilywhites’ best player.
Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly already considering signing Joao Palhinha on a permanent transfer, a couple of months after he arrived in North London on loan from Bayern Munich.
However, with the Lewis family prioritising Tottenham’s sporting success, one failed transfer could become a problem as he provides an update on a potential move to Hotspur Way.
MORE SPURS STORIES
That is, of course, Maghnes Akliouche.
Maghnes Akliouche would be tempted to play in the Premier League
Tottenham were linked with Monaco forward Akliouche before Xavi Simons arrived in North London.
The Dutchman has failed to impress since, with fans already fantasising about what could’ve been if the Ligue 1 star had been signed instead.
Supporters will be able to see him in action when Tottenham take on Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on 22 October.
But as to whether a future move to Tottenham and the Premier League is possible? He may have given fans an answer in a recent press conference before the European confrontation.
In quotes provided by Sky Sports on 21 October, he said: “It was very flattering to have these kinds of stories and links, but I am a Monaco player and I am playing against Tottenham tomorrow, so I will give my best.
“In terms of whether I want to play in the Premier League in the future? Why not, but we’ll see. What is important for me is tomorrow’s game.”
After netting twice in Ligue 1 this season and likely hoping to net his first in the Champions League this season on Wednesday, the Lilywhites could regret not signing him while they had the chance.
Why Maghnes Akliouche could be Tottenham’s biggest problem vs Monaco
Tottenham are the favourites to defeat Monaco in the Champions League on Thursday. However, Akliouche could make a victory hard to come by.
On the surface, the right-winger does not seem to be a huge threat. His European form has been unsatisfactory according to Sofascore.
However, the France international is arguably the creative powerhouse of his team when looking at his stats in all competitions.
Indeed, he has accumulated 1.55 expected assists in Ligue 1, which is the highest number recorded of all their starting attackers. Meanwhile, he has created two big chances, which also rank highly among his teammates and has registered 1.3 in key passes per game.
What Akliouche lacks in goals, he makes up for in creativity. And judging by Spurs’ attacking woes, it’s something Frank could’ve done with this season.
Therefore, while Ansu Fati’s goalscoring form will be something to look out for, Tottenham may have better success cutting off his supply.