The January transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur is nearing its close (deadline around early February), and the club is in a tough spot: sitting around 13th-14th in the Premier League, dealing with a lengthy injury list, poor home form, and attacking struggles. Manager Thomas Frank has already made some moves, but more are needed.
Confirmed Activity So Far
Incomings: Conor Gallagher (£35m from Atlético Madrid) for midfield energy and leadership; Souza (£13-15m from Santos) as a young left-back to provide competition/cover for the injury-prone Destiny Udogie, and with Ben Davies sidelined.
Outgoings: Brennan Johnson, sold to Crystal Palace (£35m), which funded some incomings but depleted attacking options. Various loans out for youngsters/prospects.
Key Needs and Priorities
Spurs have been ravaged by injuries (e.g., Mohammed Kudus out until April with a quad issue, plus issues to Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and others in attack/midfield). The squad lacks depth, creativity, and a clinical edge, leading to struggles scoring and winning (only a few wins in recent months).
Main areas Spurs need to address before the window shuts:
Attacking reinforcements (highest priority) — Especially wide/forwards after Johnson’s sale and Kudus’ long-term injury. The team desperately needs goals and flair from the wings or as a No. 9.
Linked targets include Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace, around £40m as a “proper number nine”), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco, ~£43m for right-wing/versatile attacking threat), and late interest in others like Jorgen Strand Larsen or Omar Marmoush.
There’s talk of pursuing a late move for a striker if Randal Kolo Muani (on loan at Spurs) potentially leaves for Juventus.
Midfield depth/upgrade — Gallagher adds athleticism and work rate, but there’s criticism that Spurs keep signing “combative” types without enough creativity/passing quality. No more midfielders seem imminent this window, though summer targets like Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are eyed long-term.
Defensive cover (left-back and center-back) — Souza helps at left-back, but with Udogie’s injuries and Davies’ ankle issue, more competition is useful. Center-back depth is thin if Radu Dragusin leaves (interest from Roma), and a left-footed CB (e.g., Castello Lukeba or El Chadaille Bitshiabu) has been discussed, though likely more summer-focused.
Overall, the emphasis is on attacking talent to provide an immediate lift amid a tough fixture run and pressure on Frank. The club has funds (from Johnson’s sale and reportedly up to £150-200m budget availability), but January is tricky—deals often come late or not at all. If no more signings happen, summer will be massive for addressing creativity, finishing, and leadership.