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Tottenham Hotspur have been told to replace under pressure Thomas Frank with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, with TEAMtalk revealing why that scenario could actually become a reality.

The Italian spent 18 months at Stamford Bridge before leaving on New Year’s Day after a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s owners.

During his time at Chelsea, Maresca won the Conference League and Club World Cup and had a win rate of almost 60%, and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara wants his old club to act now, given the 45-year-old is being tipped to eventually replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has also reacted to talk of Manchester United turning to Maresca, if they sack Ruben Amorim in the near future.

O’Hara, however, is adamant over another Chelsea manager taking over in north London, following the more recent appointments of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Asked if he would have Maresca at Spurs, he told talkSPORT Breakfast: “Yes, I would have him.

“I think if we could get Enzo Maresca I’d go and get him right now. I think he’s a good manager.”

“He’s won the Club World Cup and the Conference League. I’ve watched Chelsea play and they battered Barcelona, battered Arsenal. They’re a good side. I think they [Chelsea] made a mistake.”

Comparing current Tottenham chief Frank to Maresca, O’Hara added: “He’s alright. He’s a good manager.

“I don’t know if he’s a great manager and I think Enzo Maresca is going to be a great manager.”

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Why Tottenham could turn to Maresca

Former Brentford boss Frank has been in charge of Tottenham since the summer after replacing Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou on a three-year deal.

However, Spurs currently sit 12th in the Premier League after their goalless draw with Brentford on New Year’s Day was met with utter derision from fans.

Frank has been accused of being way too pragmatic during the first half of the season, although he has been missing his top two creative stars during that time, in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, while summer signing Xavi Simons has struggled to fully adapt to English football.

Despite a run of just three wins in 11 games in all competitions, our sources have told us Frank’s position is not immediately under threat.

That being said, TEAMtalk insider Fraser Fletcher has given insight on the possibility of Maresca actually replacing the Dane in north London.

He told us: “He is someone that Spurs are interested in. The fact he is now a free agent and will be snapped up by the likes of City (should Pep leave) also makes him more of a pressing option.”

One to watch for sure, if results do not improve for Frank at Tottenham.

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More Tottenham news: LaLiga striker chase; seven targets named

Tottenham are reportedly checking on the possibility of signing a top LaLiga forward talent in the January window, after offloading Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Elsewhere, Spurs believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly checking on the possibility of signing a top LaLiga forward talent in the January window, after nearing a deal to offload Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Thomas Frank’s men looked completely clueless in the attacking third, not for the first time this season, as they drew 0-0 at his former club Brentford on Thursday.

The display led to calls from the away end of ‘boring, boring Tottenham’ and ‘we want our money back’ as Spurs earned a point at their London rivals in what was their first goalless draw in 137 Premier League outings.

The absence of the banned Xavi Simons and injured Swede Lucas Bergvall, to add to that of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, is certainly not helping Frank try and develop Tottenham‘s play in the final third. However, some Spurs supporters are growing tired of the continued pragmatism and would prefer a change of manager, just six months into the Dane’s tenure in north London.

Adding fresh attacking talent in the January window could help, though, and the latest reports suggest a move for Levante striker Etta Eyong could be on the cards.

According to a report from MailOnline, Tottenham have checked on Eyong as they look to bolster Frank’s forward options, particularly centrally and on the left, in the winter window.

Eyong has scored five goals and laid on one assist for Levante in LaLiga this season, while he also contributed with three goals and assists combined for Villarreal before leaving the club over the summer.

While those stats don’t particularly jump out, Eyong is regarded as a real talent who would give Tottenham more dynamism and power in the No.9 position, especially in Dominic Solanke’s continued absence.

Indeed, he’s already making enough of an impact in Spanish football that Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his progress, while at international level, Eyong is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

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‘Dangerous’ Eyong could provide Tottenham spark

While not exactly viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Palace-bound Johnson, Eyong could give Spurs more attacking thrust if Solanke’s absence is prolonged.

Richarlison remains an enigma who misses chances quality No.9s would not, while Randal Kolo Muani’s loan move has been pretty disastrous so far, with his only two goals coming in the Champions League against his parent club PSG.

Former Cameroon coach Marc Brys, who was sacked just before AFCON began, certainly believes Eyong has the talent to be an elite striker in European football.

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Brys said: “He’s a very good player, Very modest and humble, which is a gift.

“He’s not an egocentric striker; he plays for the team. I like that: he’s hard-working, he draws attention so others can takeEtta Eyongpop advantage of the space. He played one game with us and did well, even though he didn’t score. He was an important addition to the squad. He has a good heart, he’s polite, and he has no negative attitude. That’s what makes him special.

“He needs to continue developing, to integrate more fully, but he has the potential to score a lot of goals. He’s already shown that, although he hasn’t yet reached his full potential.

“He’s dangerous, unpredictable, and can surprise anyone. And that’s valuable for any top team.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Goretska swoop; Palhinha signing re-think

Arsenal are reportedly in the mix with rivals Tottenham to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretska this month, as sources reveal Thomas Frank’s stance on the 30-year-old.

Elsewhere, Spurs have not yet decided whether to make Joao Palhinha’s deal permanent heading into 2026, but the player has made it clear to the club he wants to stay, TEAMtalk understands.

Finally, Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.

Arsenal are reportedly in the mix with rivals Tottenham to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretska this month, as sources reveal Thomas Frank’s stance on the 30-year-old.

The Gunners are pushing to lift their first Premier League title since 2003 and while Mikel Arteta is happy with his squad, opportunistic signings are not off the table.

Goretzka, an experienced performer who’s run out 67 times for Germany, could leave Bayern this month. His influence in Munich has diminished since Vincent Kompany took charge last season.

Though he does still start fairly regularly in the Bundesliga, when he does, he’s often hauled off on the hour mark. He has also not started a single game in the Champions League this term.

Goretzka’s agents are looking to find him a new club this month, and according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal could be in the mix to sign him, which would come as a shock given their plethora of quality midfield options.

The report claims that his representatives have been in contact with Arsenal, as well as Manchester United and Tottenham.

‘Everything depends on whether Bayern are willing to sanction a January exit rather than wait until the summer’, the report notes, but we understand that Spurs are the most likely club to take a chance on Goretzka, rather than the Gunners.

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Thomas Frank ‘interested’ in Arsenal-linked star

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, exclusively told us earlier this week that Goretzka has indeed been offered to several sides, and crucially, Tottenham boss Frank is an admirer of his.

“There have been a few stories linking Spurs with Goretzka and there is something in it,” confirmed Jones.

“The player is keen to explore a move to the Premier League and since Spurs have been sounded out, there have been a few people willing to consider the idea.

“I’m told Thomas Frank is actually one of the interested parties, as he views him as one of the more dependable players they have been offered at a time when they are seriously looking at midfield options for 2026.”

However, there is no guarantee that a transfer happens, as Jones adds that the idea of signing Goretzka has not been universally accepted by all behind the scenes at Spurs.

“My hunch is that such a move won’t actually go ahead because I get the impression enough other people are not convinced this is the right move for them as they attempt to remodel the team and build for the future.

“But it’s a sign of movement and a sign that Spurs are active in the market for a player in that area.”

Tottenham are looking to bring in a replacement for Brennan Johnson quickly, as Fabrizio Romano confirms that the Welsh international is set to join Crystal Palace, with his medical underway.

Palace had been competing with Bournemouth to sign Johnson, who has struggled for form and regular playing time under Thomas Frank this season.

The Eagles had agreed a transfer fee with Spurs earlier this week, and it was down to the 24-year-old to approve the transfer before it could go through.

Now, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has given his ‘here we go’ approval to the deal, confirming how much Palace will pay to sign Johnson.

“Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, here we go! Deal agreed also on player side with personal terms in place,” Romano posted on X.

“£33.5m transfer fee to Tottenham, first part of medical taking place right now. #CPFC finalise important signing for long-term project.”

Johnson has scored only four goals so far this season but Palace will hope he can rediscover his form from last term, when he notched a very impressive 18 goals.

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Tottenham identify potential Johnson replacements

Tottenham want to bring in a new winger to replace Johnson and our transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, has already confirmed two targets for the club.

We understand that RB Leipzig’s exciting young winger Yan Diomande remains firmly on the radar.

Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian international, is open to a Premier League move this winter, according to sources close to him.

He joined Leipzig from CD Leganes over the summer for around €20million and has since impressed in the Bundesliga and Champions League with his pace, dribbling and flair. He’s notched seven goals and four assists so far and is widely considered one of the most promising talents in Germany.

However, sources confirm that recent reports suggesting that he could be available for as little as £50m are well wide of the mark – he will be far more expensive, and Leipzig want to fight off approaches.

The second, more attainable target revealed by Fletcher is Manchester City star Oscar Bobb, who could be allowed to leave the Etihad this month.

The 22-year-old Norwegian attacker is stylistically similar to the Savinho profile Spurs chased last summer, with the player also having admirers in north London.

Bobb’s limited minutes at City this season, compounded by recent injury setbacks, could open the door for a loan or permanent switch.

Two more Man City stars on the shortlist

Meanwhile, our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, has also reported that Man City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush are also on Tottenham’s radar, but they could prove difficult to sign this winter.

“It will be interesting to keep an eye on dialogue between Man City and Spurs because a decision to agree to sell Brennan Johnson is a clear indicator that they are going to be bringing in at least one attacker,” Jones exclusively told us.

“We’ve been reporting across recent weeks how they have turned back to Savinho as a transfer candidate and that is something that is likely to remain active, but they like to monitor uncertain situations and Omar Marmoush is someone they have had eyes on.

“Obviously he has a different playing profile, but a lack of certainty over his fit at City has really raised intrigue about whether they could attempt a deal.

“Our sources suggest any such interest will be knocked back as City don’t want to entertain offers for him – but that doesn’t mean Spurs won’t test the water.

“January is all about improving their goal threat and Thomas Frank is involved in helping with the decision making.”

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Tottenham Hotspur have not yet decided whether to make Joao Palhinha’s deal permanent heading into 2026, but the player has made it clear to the club he wants to stay, TEAMtalk understands.

The 30-year-old joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich in the summer, making an immediate impact with his outstanding performance in the 2-0 win at Manchester City.

But, as Thomas Frank’s new-look side struggle for an identity, it remains to be seen whether Palhinha will be central to his plans going forward. And Frank’s view of Palhinha will play a significant role in whether he stays…or not.

Tottenham have a deal in place with Bayern worth around £27million, but taking on Palhinha’s wages would put him on par with the club’s highest earners.

We can confirm that Palhinha’s people have spoken to Tottenham and made it clear how happy the former Fulham man is to be back in London and he wants to remain.

However, despite the fact Palhinha would not be a huge outlay, we are told the club are yet to make any decision.

They do not want to block up the first-team pathway for the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, and we understand that another midfielder is in their sights in January.

Should Spurs add to their engine room, having already given Rodrigo Bentancur a new contract in October, then the future of Palhinha would be far from certain.

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Bentancur-Palhinha axis an issue for Frank

One of the big issues for Frank is that the Bentancur-Palhinha midfield axis has rarely worked this season, with the duo too defensive-minded and not dynamic enough in what is a high-energy area of the pitch.

That is largely why the Portugal international has found himself on the bench more often than not lately, with Bentancur partnering Gray, Bergavll or to a lesser extent Sarr, who is now away at AFCON.

Frank’s reliance on Bentancur, who has still to hit the same heights he reached before suffering an ACL injury in February 2023, is most definitely playing a part in Palhinha’s lack of game time as a result.

To that end, it’s no surprise to see why a potential re-think is on the cards, even if the player is keen on remaining in north London.

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More Tottenham news: Seven attacking targets revealed; Conor Gallagher move latest

Tottenham believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored – including the highly-rated Yan Diomande.

Elsewhere, Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.

Finally, the agent of outstanding FC Koln attacker Said El Mala has dropped a major update on the future of the German talent, amid growing interest from a number of clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.

Gallagher is allowed to leave the Spanish club if he can find an agreement that suits all parties. He has wanted to fight for his place as he wants to be a success in Spain, but he may have to be open-minded with the transfer window now open.

Sources indicate though that the player’s high wages mean a loan switch is not straight forward.

It is thought that any club looking to sign him will want a loan with option to buy in the summer.

But Gallagher earns up to £200,000-a-week and whether that figure is subsidised could make a difference to whether he lands back in the Premier League.

In addition to Man Utd and Spurs, Newcastle United and Inter Milan have also been linked with a move.

Atletico would be open to a straight forward permanent move for the midfielder but it is thought that a loan is going to be more likely.

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What sources are saying about Conor Gallagher

On Monday, my colleague Graeme Bailey revealed that Gallagher had spoken with his manager Diego Simeone about his future prior to the Christmas break.

Simeone would prefer to keep Gallagher but acknowledges he wants to go to the World Cup and may not be able to guarantee him the regular gametime he would need to be in contention for that.

A source close to the situation explained to TEAMtalk: “Atletico acknowledge they can’t give Conor the football he wants and deserves.

“That is the key issue, and they know he is too good to sit on the bench and they don’t want to wreck his chances of going to the World Cup.”

And yesterday, my colleague Fraser Fletcher explained that Gallagher would be keen on a move back to the Premier League.

Atletico’s asking price for a permanent transfer would be in the region of €30million (£26.2m / $35.3m).

Which other midfielders are Man Utd and Spurs linked with?

Aside from Gallagher, Man Utd are doing work on a variety of options in midfield, where they want to sign two new players in 2026: one in January and one in the summer.

Names like Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have been doing the rounds for some time.

Another option touted is Ruben Neves, although we understand he would only be seen as a last-minute backup plan.

A new name on the radar is AZ Alkmaar prospect Kees Smit, but sources have elsewhere played down the chances of Everton’s James Garner returning to the club.

Tottenham believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored – including the highly-rated Yan Diomande.

If their plan comes together, there is genuine belief the season can finally have lift-off under Thomas Frank, who has come under pressure in north London in recent weeks.

Tottenham have been scouring the market well in advance of both this month and the summer of 2026, with recruitment staff maintaining a keen eye on players capable of adding invention and unpredictability to Frank’s frontline.

Sources indicate Tottenham are actively assessing a number of high-upside attacking options, with Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, Manchester City winger Savinho and RB Leipzig’s young forward Yan Diomande all on the shortlist as the club search for a player who could change the course of their season.

Spurs have also been monitoring several other profiles, including Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Oscar Bobb, Juventus star Kenan Yildiz as well as Said El Mala, as they weigh up both immediate impact and long-term value.

Tottenham are understood to be ready to show intent in the market this month, while also remaining flexible should preferred targets prove unattainable.

With agents expected to begin offering new opportunities as the window progresses, Spurs hope patience could still present value further down the line.

There is, however, an acceptance internally that top January business will come at a premium. Selling clubs are aware Tottenham are seeking a game-changing addition and have funds available, which could inflate asking prices – particularly at this stage of a season.

Despite that, Spurs are confident the right attacking signing would significantly enhance the goal output of Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke, once the striker returns to fitness. There has been some speculation about Solanke but I’m told Frank is excited about the prospect of having him.

The belief is that improved creativity and service could unlock the trio’s full potential during the second half of the campaign.

Tottenham’s sales pitch will play a crucial role in negotiations, though recruitment efforts are complicated by disruption behind the scenes as Fabio Paratici expects to officially depart.

Even so, the club remain determined to reinforce their attack and give Frank the tools needed to push Spurs back into contention for a European-placed finish.

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Diomande signing hopes hit hard

One of the players on that list of top targets is Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who is a player Tottenham are particularly excited about, but sources continue to believe he will be off-limits in January.

The interest in Diomade is genuine but there is a realisation that they face a test of patience to sign him.

Manchester United are being linked too, but I’m told there is almost no chance of signing him right now.

He’s only been at his current club for five minutes and RB think they have uncovered a gem. Indeed, the money they would want for him in this moment is massive – probably close to £100million. And that’s too risky for a player who is talented but has no real body of evidence to show if he can maintain this rise.

There will be competition to sign him, for sure, and while I am in no doubt Spurs have been blown away by how well he has been playing this season, I just struggle to believe it’s going to happen.

From what I have heard, it’s a transfer more likely to come around in the summer.

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More Tottenham news: Frank backing; Gallagher, El Mala chase

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has told Spurs chiefs to stand by under-fire manager Thomas Frank and urged them to revamp a transfer policy that has halted the club’s progress for the last two decades.

Elsewhere, the agent of outstanding FC Koln attacker Said El Mala has dropped a major update on the future of the German talent, amid growing interest from a number of clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has told Spurs chiefs to stand by under-fire manager Thomas Frank and urged them to revamp a transfer policy that has halted the club’s progress for the last two decades, while also firing the club a warning over the future of Micky van de Ven.

Sherwood has pointed an accusing finger at the club’s transfer decision makers, as he suggested their policy of signing second tier players is the primary reason why they are coming up short in the Premier League once again this season.

Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager last summer, despite ending the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy when he lifted the Europa League and secured their qualification to this season’s Champions League.

Now his replacement, Thomas Frank, is under huge pressure after a woeful start to the season, with the Danish coach struggling put his mark on a team that has come up short time and again.

Rumours that the club’s sporting director, Fabio Paratici, is set for a shock exit is adding to the chaos at Tottenham and while there have been calls for Frank to be replaced, Sherwood has suggested the club’s refusal to splash the cash on proven top level players has been a recurring flaw in their strategy that is threatening to derail the ambitions of their latest manager.

Frank is one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager to lose his post, but Sherwood, who was Tottenham boss between 2013 and 2014, has insisted another managerial change now is not what the club needs.

“They need to back Thomas Frank and give him signings that will fit into the system of a Tottenham team he is in charge of,” Sherwood told TEAMtalk with BetWright Betting UK.

“They got rid of Postecoglou after what I believe was a successful season. I know they finished 17th, but that is because they focused on the Europa League and that was the right decision because they won it. Ange’s job was to end the long wait for a piece of silverware and he delivered on that, but still got that sack.

“Where did that leave Thomas Frank when we went in? What is success for the next Spurs manager if the previous one got sacked for winning a major European trophy?

“For me, you have to stick with this manager and back him properly in the transfer market and that has not happened for a long time at Tottenham.

“Instead of signing players for £20m or £30m, put all the money in to sign a £100m player who can make the difference.

“Tottenham have not done that down the years and I look at the squad they have now and a lot of the players who are all at a similar level.”

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Spurs get Van de Ven warning as four ordinary midfielders are named

“Micky van de Ven is the only player who could play for most Premier League clubs and after that, I don’t see any player who I would call world class or even touching that.

“Midfielders like [Pape] Sarr, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, Archie Gray and [Joao] Palhinha are all good players, they will do a job for you, but they are not game changers.

“Then you look at forward like Richarlison up front and I’m not sure he is a player who will make a big difference.

“So go and sign a player who will make a difference in January and not just add to what they have already got.

“Too many players are signed these days from showreels of their highlights, but I could put together a showreel of the most average players and make them look good. That’s not what Tottenham need right now.”

With Daniel Levy removed from his position as Spurs chairman earlier this year, the upcoming transfer window will be the first to be overseen by a new management structure and Sherwood suggests they need to deliver.

“All eyes will be on Tottenham in this transfer window,” states the former midfielder, who was Blackburn’s Premier League title-winning captain back in 1995. “We are waiting to see if it is going to be any different from the way Daniel Levy ran things.

“As a club, they have always spent money, but there have always been big question marks on the players they have spent it on.

“Bring in a player who makes a difference rather than two or three players who might be what I would call stocking fillers.”

Sherwood went on to fire out a warning that defensive talisman Van de Ven may look to move away from Tottenham next summer unless they are playing Champions League football.

The Dutch centre-back has been the shining star of the Spurs team since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2023, but Sherwood suspects bigger clubs may come calling for him.

“I think they will find it very hard to keep hold of Van de Ven at the end of the season,” added Sherwood.

“If they don’t finish in the Champions League spots, and they will probably have to win this season’s Champions League to do that, then Van de Ven will probably look to join a team that can give him that top-level football.”

Tottenham latest: Leipzig livewire targeted; Johnson’s £35m exit dilemma

One man who could fit the agenda of the ‘£100m difference maker’ that Sherwood is demanding is RB Leipzig flyer Yan Diomande and sources can reveal that the exciting RB Leipzig winger is a player firmly on the Spurs radar ahead of the January window.

Spurs are also understood to be showing an interest in Manchester City star Oscar Bobb, with the Norwegian potentially free to leave the Etihad once the Cityzens push through the £65m of Antoine Semenyo.

City are expected to finalise the transfer of the Bournemouth livewire soon after the window officially opens for business on New Year’s Day.

In the meantime, Spurs have also made it clear that Brennan Johnson is free to leave.

The Wales winger, last season’s top scorer with 18 goals, has fallen down the pecking order under Frank and our sources exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning how the club were open to his £35m departure.

With Palace now agreeing to meet that fee, the player has been given a major decision to make over his future.

The agent of outstanding FC Koln attacker Said El Mala has dropped a major update on the future of the Moroccan talent, amid growing interest from a number of clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

In the bustling world of European football, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of a rising star fending off the allure of bigger clubs.

El Mala, the 23-year-old Moroccan midfielder, has become the heartbeat of FC Köln since his arrival two seasons ago. With his dazzling footwork, pinpoint passes, and a knack for scoring from midfield, El Mala has not only helped the Billy Goats climb the Bundesliga standings but has also turned heads across the continent.

As we close out 2025, his performances have been nothing short of superb, earning him a spot in the league’s top assist providers and a call-up to Morocco’s national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Yet, despite the mounting interest from heavyweight clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, El Mala remains steadfast in his loyalty to Köln.

Indeed, his agent, Martin Comona, recently addressed the speculation: “A change is not an issue for Said at the moment.” His focus is on FC Köln and becoming a star player there, despite the amount of interest around him.

El Mala’s journey to this point is one of grit and determination. Born in Casablanca, he honed his skills in the youth academies of Raja Casablanca before making a bold move to Europe at 19, joining Köln’s reserves.

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El Mala taking his game to new levels

His breakthrough came last season with a stunning hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund, a match that announced him as a force to be reckoned with. This year, he’s added defensive steel to his game, averaging 3.2 tackles per match while maintaining an 88% pass accuracy.

Köln’s sporting director, Thomas Kessler, praised him post-match after a recent 2-0 win over RB Leipzig: “Said embodies what this club is about – passion, talent, and unwavering commitment.”

Off the pitch, El Mala is equally grounded. He’s involved in community initiatives in Cologne, supporting youth programs that mirror his own path from humble beginnings. “Football gave me everything,” he shared in a club podcast earlier this month. “I owe it to Köln to give back and grow here.” This mindset has endeared him to the RheinEnergieStadion faithful, who chant his name with fervor during home games.

As the January transfer window looms, the rumours will undoubtedly intensify.

Scouts from top leagues have been spotted at Köln matches, and information suggests bids could reach €40 million. But if Comona’s words hold true, El Mala’s story at Köln is far from over. In an era where loyalty is often fleeting, his dedication stands as a beacon.

For now, the focus remains on the pitch—pushing for a top-six finish and etching his name into Köln folklore. With El Mala leading the charge, 2026 could be the year the Billy Goats roar louder than ever.

Latest Tottenham, Arsenal news

Conor Gallagher is very keen on a move back to the Premier League in January, sources confirm, with Tottenham and Man Utd leading three other English sides in the race to sign him.

Arsenal have made a major decision on a potential loan exit for Ethan Nwaneri in the January transfer window, with sources revealing where the player currently stands in terms of his future in north London after a tough time so far this season.

Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk how Tottenham Hotspur are planning a late January transfer window move to fix a growing concern in Thomas Frank’s squad.

Conor Gallagher is very keen on a move back to the Premier League in January, sources confirm, with Tottenham and Manchester United leading three other English sides in the race to sign him.

Gallagher joined Atletico in a £35million deal just 18 months ago, but he has found consistent regular starts hard to come by under Diego Simeone this season, managing limited minutes amid competition from the likes of Pablo Barrios and summer arrivals.

As my colleague, Graeme Bailey, revealed yesterday (December 30), Gallagher held discussions with Simeone and club officials over Christmas, paving the way for Atletico to consider offers in January – provided their valuation is met.

Tottenham, managed by Thomas Frank, see Gallagher as an ideal addition to their midfield.

The north London club have long tracked the energetic box-to-box player, and insiders suggest he would be enthusiastic about a move to Spurs, given his London background and the club’s participation in the Champions League this term.

United, under Ruben Amorim, are also firmly in the picture. The Red Devils view Gallagher’s versatility and leadership qualities as a boost for their injury-hit midfield, with sources indicating interest in a loan deal – though Atlético prefer a permanent transfer for around €30million (£26.2m / $35.3m).

United’s pursuit adds a layer of intrigue, as Amorim seeks Premier League-proven talent to stabilise the engine room, but other sides are also in the mix.

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Premier League battle for Conor Gallagher erupts

Newcastle remain keen observers of Gallagher, and can offer European football this season at least.

We understand that Joelinton, who scored against Burnley last night, is a potential departee in January amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, and a replacement will have to be signed by Eddie Howe should he be sold.

Everton and West Ham have been mentioned as outsiders in the race for Gallagher by sources. The midfielder’s priority appears to be consistent playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he aims to reclaim his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

His Premier League credentials are undisputed: standout spells at Crystal Palace and Chelsea showcased his relentless work rate and goal threat from midfield.

A return could reignite his career and inject vitality into any suitor’s lineup.

As the transfer window beckons, negotiations are expected to intensify. Atletico’s willingness to accelerate an exit signals a potential blockbuster move that could reshape the midfield landscape back in England.