FootballFanCast.com

He'd send Dragusin packing: Spurs in contact to sign £42m sensation

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur managed to pick up a much-needed and hard-fought win in the Europa League on Thursday night, but any hope of an uptick in form was quickly squashed on Sunday afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou's side played out a dismal 2-1 defeat to the relegation-threatened Leicester City in the Premier League, and it's starting to look like the club could genuinely be pulled into a relegation battle.

In the manager's defence, he has been forced to play a makeshift backline consisting of a young midfielder in Archie Gray, an ageing full-back in Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin, who is now clearly below the standard required to even be a backup for the Lilywhites.

Fortunately, recent reports have touted a far more accomplished centre-back for a move to the club, a centre-back who could send the Romanian international packing.

Tottenham target defensive titan

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several teams to have registered their interest in Feyenoord star David Hancko.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League side Chelsea have also asked the Dutch side for information on the Slovakian, while Juventus and Atlético Madrid are also mooted as potential suitors.

However, the report explains that the Eredivisie outfit are adamant that their defender is not for sale this month but is expected to have an asking price of around €50m for him in the summer, which is about £42m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given how well Hancko has played in recent seasons and the dismal form of Dragusin, it's one well worth pursuing.

How Hancko compares to Dragusin

So, the first thing to say is that, when fit, the starting centre-back pairing for Tottenham next season will almost certainly still be Cristan Romero and Micky van de Ven, as the nous and leadership of the former and the breathtaking speed and athleticism of the latter make them a truly formidable partnership.

However, with both of them being somewhat injury-prone and playing an incredibly intense style of football under Postecoglou, the need for a reliable and skilful backup who does not drop the level too much is a necessity, and we have seen over the last year or so that Dragusin is most certainly not that.

Therefore, should Daniel Levy and Co sanction the signing of Hancko in the summer, he'd initially come in to challenge and hopefully usurp the Romanian as that first-choice backup, but how do the two centre-backs stack up when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers?

Unsurprisingly, it's the Feyenoord star who comes out victorious and, unfortunately for the Spurs man, it's not even close.

For example, the Slovakian titan comes out ahead in almost every metric, including, but not limited to, actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, key passes, passes into the penalty area and final third, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles won, interceptions, clearances and more, all per 90.

Moreover, while the 27-year-old has the height to be a central defender, coming in at 6 foot 2, he's no slouch with the ball at his feet, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a "freak technician" who's no stranger to "carrying the ball from deep," "interchanging with midfielders," and "driving into the box," which makes him sound like the perfect player for Postecoglou.

Finally, he has worn the captain's armband a number of times for Feyenoord this season, and with 48 senior caps to his name as well, he's no stranger to the biggest stages.

Ultimately, while Dragusin has put in some reasonable performances for Spurs over the last year, they have been far and few between, and if the club want to progress, they'll need stronger options at the back.

Therefore, while it would represent a significant investment, Levy and Co should do what they can to sign Hancko this year.

He could dethrone Son: Spurs plot move for incredible £49m speedster

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

The transfer window is set to close in a week, and so far, Tottenham Hotspur have not done enough business.

Daniel Levy and Co spent £12.5m on Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinský, and while that was a necessary purchase, the need for reinforcements elsewhere on the pitch is just as acute.

Ange Postecoglou's defence has been ravaged by injury, and now the attack isn't looking much better following last week's news that Dominic Solanke is set to be out for at least a month and a half.

On top of that, the iconic Son Heung-min, who has been one of the club's shining lights for years, is looking less and less effective by the week.

Fortunately, Postecoglou may soon be able to rest the South Korean superstar more often, as recent reports have touted an incredibly exciting winger with a move to N17 this month.

Tottenham target incredible winger

According to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are now one of several teams keen on signing Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams this month.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Lilywhites are now willing to pay the Spanish winger's €58m release clause, which comes to about £49m.

However, it's not that simple, as the story has also claimed that North London rivals Arsenal are also now willing to activate the 22-year-old's release clause, which could lead to quite the showdown before the window closes.

In all, it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams' ability and potential, it's one well worth fighting for, especially as he'd be the perfect replacement for Son.

Why Williams would be the perfect Son replacement

So, the first thing to say is that Son is unquestionably a Premier League great and one of the most dangerous attackers the league has seen over the last decade.

However, what is also true is that he's set to turn 33 years old by the end of the season, and as many fans will likely attest, while he can still strike a ball brilliantly, he is far less effective in games than he used to be, which is where Williams could come in.

The young international, whom respected analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed "one of the best wingers on the market," might not be having the most productive of seasons in terms of his pure output, but only last year he racked up a sensational tally of eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games.

Moreover, it's his buildup play, and what he is able to do before a goal is scored that could make him the perfect player to step into the fold as the South Korean's long-term heir.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the Pamplona-born star sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for take-ons attempted, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for carries into the penalty area per 90.

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen man sits in the top 33% for carries into the penalty area but the bottom 38% for take-ons attempted and the bottom 36% for successful take-ons, also per 90.

Ultimately, while Williams is still developing, he already looks to be an incredibly dynamic winger, which is just what Postecoglou needs off the left and what Son no longer is.

Therefore, while it'll cost a lot of money, Spurs should be doing all they can to get ahead of Arsenal and bring the Bilbao star to the white side of North London.

Better than Solanke in 23/24: Spurs move close to signing £25m "powerhouse"

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

When it rains, it pours, which is undoubtedly the case for Tottenham Hotspur.

The North Londoners' Premier League campaign went from bad to worse yet again on the weekend, as they endeavoured to throw away a 1-0 lead at home to relegation-threatened Leicester City, losing 2-1.

In the Lilywhites' defence, they are still missing most of their first-choice backline, a handful of midfielders and now star striker Dominic Solanke, who was confirmed to be out for "around six weeks" on Thursday.

In his absence, Ange Postecoglou had to start Richarlison, and while he scored, his record of 18 goals and nine assists in 77 games for the club suggests he cannot be relied upon to lead the line, although, in positive developments, recent reports have linked the club with a centre-forward who outscored Solanke last term.

Tottenham target European striker

According to a recent report from the print edition of Record via TEAMtalk, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in Ajax striker Brian Brobbey.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League side West Ham United are keen to land the Dutch forward, as are Serie A giants AS Roma.

However, while the competition is intense, the story claims that Spurs are 'edging closer to a deal' for the 22-year-old, and while Ajax would rather complete a £25m sale this month, a loan to buy deal now looks more likely.

It's a lot of money to commit to a player who's been lacklustre for much of this season, but Brobbey was immense last year, and with Solanke the long-term first choice, signing the Dutchman as a promising backup seems like a gamble worth taking.

Why Spurs should sign Brobbey

So, the first thing to say is that, yes, this season has been an undeniably underwhelming one for Brobbey.

In all, the Amsterdam-born poacher has racked up a tally of three goals and seven assists in 29 games for Ajax, although, while that certainly doesn't look great, he has only played 1364 minutes of football across those appearances.

That means that while he's averaging a goal involvement every 2.9 games, he's also averaging one every 136.4 minutes, which is far less concerning, especially as we know he can be even more productive than that based on his form last year.

For example, in 43 appearances totalling 3369 minutes, the free-scoring "powerhouse," as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, found the back of the net on 22 occasions and provided 12 assists to boot.

Therefore, despite being just 21 years old at the start of the campaign, the seven-capped international averaged a goal involvement every 1.26 games or every 99.08 minutes.

Not only is this level of output seriously impressive in its own right, but it's also more than Solanke was able to manage in the same campaign.

For example, in his final season with Bournemouth, the 28-year-old sharpshooter scored 21 goals and provided four assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3553 minutes, which comes to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games, or every 142.12 minutes.

Now, there is the massive caveat here that the Eredivisie is a far easier league, but the fact that the former RB Leipzig ace was able to rack up such a haul while being so young is undoubtedly promising.

Moreover, as he'd be joining the North Londoners to support the former Cherries striker and not replace him, there would be far less pressure on him to instantaneously hit the heady heights he did last season.

Ultimately, Tottenham need a new striker to cover for Solanke now and when he's fit again, and while he's not set the world alight this season, signing Brobbey on a loan to buy deal seems like smart business, especially with the reported price not being too dear.

£165k-per-week Tottenham star who Ange was fuming with in talks over exit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

One Tottenham man is reportedly looking to jump ship before the end of the January transfer window and is already in talks over a move away from north London this week, it has been reported.

Tottenham lose again as Foxes win 2-1 in north London

A disappointing 2-1 defeat to Leicester City left Tottenham 15th in the Premier League, just a point above Everton and with 13 losses to their name this season as Ange Postecoglou comes under increasing pressure.

The Lilywhites took a deserved lead in the first half but fell apart in the opening stages of the second half as goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss claimed a massive win for the Foxes, who themselves had lost seven on the bounce coming into the game.

It means that Tottenham have won just once in the Premier League since November, when they beat Manchester City 4-0, and any hopes of European football next season seem to have gone up in flames, with 16 points now separating the Lilywhites from Bournemouth in 7th place.

They have been quiet in the transfer window too, with only Antonin Kinksy arriving to bolster ranks that have been decimated with injury. Speaking after the latest loss, Postecoglou admitted that he had to play players who were only half-fit.

On Richarlison, he explained, 'He was feeling his groin, he should have come off at half-time but he wanted to give another 10 minutes. I could see he wasn't running well so that is why I took him off.' Meanwhile, Pape Sarr 'shouldn't have played today', he added. 'He obviously wasn't fit.'

Now though, it seems like Tottenham's ranks could be stretched even thinner in the coming days with one player in talks to leave.

Tottenham forward discussing exit

That comes according to French outlet Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], who report that Tottenham loanee Timo Werner is in talks to join New York Red Bulls this month as he seeks a new challenge.

The German's second loan spell in north London has been a disaster since it was confirmed over the summer. He has scored just once so far this season, and was taken off at half-time during one Europa League game against Rangers after losing the ball 16 times in 45 minutes, with Postecoglou fuming.

"When you've got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me," said Postecoglou after the match. "I said that to Timo, he's a German international."

Recently sidelined with a hamstring injury, the report claims that Werner is 'talking with' New York Red Bulls, who are a sister club of his parent side RB Leipzig, something that could smooth out a deal, and the German 'could take on a new challenge’ in the coming days.

However, any move across the Atlantic would mean that Tottenham would need to agree to cut short his loan spell in north London, where they currently pay his £165,000 a week wages and are arguably seeing very little return on their investment.

With just a week left in the transfer window, any move would have to move fast to allow Tottenham to find a replacement, but with the Spurs squad already down to it's bare bones, they may decide that keeping Werner is the best course of action as things stand.

Tottenham working to sign "rough diamond" who scouts saw score a hat-trick

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

With the January transfer window ticking away and Dominic Solanke sidelined, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly working on a deal to sign a forward who has already impressed their scouts.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have welcomed just one fresh face in the form of Antonin Kinsky so far this month, and it's that lack of activity which could quickly come back to bite them in the second half of the season.

Ange Postecoglou hasn't shied away from his side's need for reinforcements either, telling reporters as relayed by The Standard last week: "I have daily communication with Johan [Lange, technical director] in particular and he's trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need.

"I don't think I'm stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come here and say something else would be disingenuous: this playing group needs help."

Sat in the depths of the Premier League's bottom half, the rumours have been coming thick and fast as to the reinforcements that the Lilywhites could turn to this month, including Ajax star Brian Brobbey and now one other attacking option.

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are now working on a deal to sign Hamza Igamane from Rangers this month after scouts were in attendance to watch the forward score a hat-trick against Hibernian earlier this year and then score once more in a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen.

With the forward hitting his best form at the perfect time, Spurs could yet welcome an ideal solution to their attacking problems as Solanke fights back to fitness in the coming weeks.

With just one week left until the transfer window slams shut though, those in North London will have to act quickly if they want to lure Rangers into a January sale and welcome a much-needed fresh face in Postecoglou's frontline.

Tottenham should take a chance on "rough diamond" Igamane

Whilst Igamane is still far from the finished product, there's no doubt that he's shown plenty of potential at Rangers - scoring 13 goals in all competitions which includes his effort against Spurs in the Europa League. Still just 22 years old, Spurs should take a gamble on the young forward who already showed exactly what he can do in front of the travelling Spurs fans earlier this season.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his form, Rangers boss Philippe Clement told reporters when asked about Igamane, as relayed by The Daily Mail: "I spoke with a lot of people before bringing Hamza in to the club. People in Morocco I knew from before. I’m lucky in that way that people knew him. They said he’s a rough diamond."

That "rough diamond" is now shining brighter than ever and could yet steal the show in North London if Spurs push on and seal Igamane's signature before the deadline this month.

He's better than Brobbey: Spurs working on signing "outrageous" striker

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

There’s no denying that Tottenham Hotspur have been hugely disappointing in the Premier League so far this campaign, placing huge pressure on Ange Postecoglou in the process.

No fan could’ve predicted that the Lilywhites would be occupying a place in the bottom half of the table with 15 games remaining, with the hopes of another campaign of European football all but over.

Injuries have decimated the first-team squad, often leaving huge holes and temporary solutions which have massively contributed to the lowly league standing in England’s top flight.

Dominic Solanke was the latest player to join the list of absentees, opening up another gaping hole at the centre-forward position, massively affecting the firepower available to the boss.

As a result, such a blow has highlighted the need for investment before the closure of the transfer window, with one player emerging on their radar in recent days - potentially being the perfect player to fill the void during his lay-off.

Spurs spotted scouting attacking star

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Spurs have been spotted monitoring Rangers forward Hamza Igamane in recent weeks after his impressive form north of the border.

However, Postecoglou’s men aren’t alone in the hunt for the Moroccan, with fellow Premier League sides Fulham, Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and Aston Villa also targeting the attacker.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for the Scottish side throughout 2024/25, scoring 13 times across all competitions, including four in the Europa League.

The report goes on to state that the club’s hierarchy are working out a deal for the youngster, but are weighing up other options before the end of the window.

It’s crucial that the hierarchy make the right call with their investment, especially with the Rangers ace becoming one of a number of attackers touted with a move to North London in the last few days.

Why Igamane would be better than Brobbey for Spurs

Over the last couple of days, Ajax striker Brian Brobbey was linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with West Ham also another rumoured destination for the Dutchman.

The 22-year-old has struggled for goals this campaign, notching just one in 17 Eredivisie appearances, starting just nine of those games in the process.

However, after the initial interest in a loan deal, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Lilywhites were no longer pursuing a move for Brobbey - leading to links to Igamane as the club look to make attacking reinforcements.

Despite the lack of movement for the Ajax academy man, it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, with a move for the Rangers talisman undoubtedly a better option moving forward.

Igamane has outperformed Brobbey in numerous key areas throughout 2024/25, showcasing what a superb addition he would be should they win the race for his signature.

The Moroccan, who’s been dubbed “outrageous” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the Dutchman, whilst also producing a much higher shot-on-target accuracy rate and conversion rate - showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also registered more shots per 90, whilst also achieving more shots on target per game, having the nouse and eye for goal that the frontline could lack in Solanke’s absence.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would cost Postecoglou’s men, it’s evident that the 22-year-old possesses a lot of qualities that could bolster the forward line - something which desperately needs doing this month.

Competition may be tough for his signature, but given his figures from the current campaign, Spurs must act quickly to secure the services of Igamane to prevent a top division rival stealing him from under their grasp and starring elsewhere.

Tottenham interested in "decisive" ace who Arsenal are confident of signing

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly interested in signing a midfield target who Arsenal are already confident of securing this month.

Tottenham transfer news

Ravaged by injuries and suffering several moments to forget as a result, it's been as bleak as it can get for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham who are in desperate need of fresh faces before the transfer deadline arrives. On that front, several names have threatened to steal the headlines as the Lilywhites.

Among those names includes Brian Brobbey, who has even reportedly been spotted in London amid talks to swap Ajax for the Premier League. With Dominic Solanke currently sidelined, signing the Dutch forward would certainly be an intelligent move from those in North London this month but it remains to be seen whether they'll splash out.

Speaking about his side's need for fresh faces this month, Postecoglou told reporters earlier this week, via The Standard: "There's not a lot more depth I can give. "I've still got to manage this team and get them ready. We got back [from Germany] at 2am last night. I'm not out there trying to find opportunities for the club, that's not my role at this time.

"There isn't time to do it. I have daily communication with Johan [Lange, technical director] in particular and he's trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need. I don't think I'm stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come here and say something else would be disingenuous: this playing group needs help."

Following that public plea, recent reports suggest that Postecoglou could yet get his wish this month. According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are interested in signing Sverre Nypan this month but face competition from rivals Arsenal, who are reportedly confident that they'll sign the young midfield talent ahead of Spurs and Manchester City.

"Decisive" Nypan set to increase Tottenham frustration

Stuck in the depths of the Premier League's mid-table and even flirting with the relegation battle at times this season, Spurs are struggling to attract fresh faces who could finally turn things around for Postecoglou. And Nypan may yet cause them further frustration, with Arsenal swooping in alongside fellow interested club City, who the midfielder watched in action against Chelsea this weekend.

The 18-year-old is undoubtedly a player who could play a large part for the Lilywhites alongside the likes of Archie Gray, but it seems as though it would take some move to convince the Rosenborg star into a winter switch over other clubs. Described as "decisive in the final third" by analyst Ben Mattinson, Nypan could be exactly the calibre of player that Spurs need.

With just over a week left until the transfer window slams shut, Postecoglou has made his side's desperation for reinforcements no secret and those in North London must now act.

A dream for Kulusevski: Spurs lodge late enquiry for "prolific" star

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur are struggling for any kind of good form in recent weeks. Ange Postecoglou’s side are currently languishing in 15th in the Premier League table, and are remarkably just eight points clear of the relegation zone. Whilst that might seem a sizeable gap, their current form does not seem like it will turn around any time soon.

Spurs have lost four of their last five in the top flight, drawing the other game. They have now lost 12 times in the Premier League this term, and although the injury crisis is affecting their form, it is not good enough from the Lilywhites.

With that in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that the North Londoners are exploring some late moves in the transfer market, including one player who could provide attacking reinforcement.

Spurs target new attacker

The player in question here is Ajax and Netherlands international striker Brian Brobbey. The Dutchman has shown flashes of brilliance this term but despite inconsistency, is a target for other clubs.

According to a report from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites have got in touch with Ajax to discuss a potential move for Brobbey. They have made an ‘enquiry to be informed’ about his situation should the possibility of a transfer arrive.

However, they are not the only London-based Premier League side interested in a deal for the Dutchman. West Ham United ‘are already in direct talks with Ajax’ about a potential loan move with an obligation to buy the player. Spurs are also considering a loan move.

Why Brobbey would be a good signing

It has been a slightly hit-and-miss season for 22-year-old striker Brobbey. He has struggled to find his best form in front of goal, having scored just three times, but does have seven assists across all competitions in 29 games.

Yet, the Netherlands international has shown, at times, just how clinical he can be. His goal against PEC Zwolle is a fine example of this, showing great instinct in the six-yard box to get on the end of a deflected cross and fire Ajax into the lead, of a game they went on to win 2-0.

Despite his poor form this term, Brobbey was on fire in the 2023/24 campaign. He scored 22 goals and grabbed 12 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, including 18 goals and ten assists in the Eredivisie.

Last season in the Eredivisie, Brobbey’s underlying numbers were nothing short of outstanding. According to Sofascore, he had a 21% conversion rate, created ten big chances and won an average of 5.1 duels per game.

If Spurs manage to complete a deal to sign Brobbey, he could form an exciting partnership with Swedish attacker Dejan Kulusevski. Earlier in 2024/25, former Lilywhites midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed Kulusevski “has been Spurs’ best player this season”.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has been on fire across all competitions, with nine goals and eight assists in 34 games in all competitions.

Perhaps the best contribution from the Spurs number 21 this term came in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round against Manchester City, where he assisted both goals in a 2-1 win.

If the Lilywhites can get Brobbey back to his form from last season, Kulusevski could be in for a field day. As per FBref, he averages 2.74 key passes per game and has registered more assists than any other Spurs player, with eight.

That seems like it could be a match made in heaven. Not only is Brobbey a brilliant all-round striker at his best, but is a “prolific” player as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him. He could be the ideal person to get on the end of Kulusevski’s chances.

On a loan deal, this seems like a safe move for the Lilywhites to do, as Brobbey could add goals to their squad and get the best out of their chief creator.

Better than Solanke: Spurs lining up late swoop for "underrated" PL star

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

It's been a draining season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou's side came into the campaign hopeful of doing one better than their fifth-place finish last year and qualifying for the Champions League, yet as things stand, they have lost more Premier League games than they've won and sit nearer the relegation zone than the top four places.

Now, while a significant reason for their poor results can be attributed to questionable tactics from the manager, the North Londoners have also been utterly ravaged by injuries.

The Australian hasn't been able to field his first-choice backline for almost the entire campaign, and now he's set to be without club-record signing Dominic Solanke for at least six weeks.

Fortunately, recent reports have touted another Premier League poacher for a move to N17 this month, a forward who might actually be better than the injured Spurs ace.

Tottenham target Premier League striker

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are intent on adding a new striker to the squad this month.

One of the players they are keen on is Brentford star Yoane Wissa, although they are not the only ones, with Nottingham Forest and Arsenal also credited with interest in reports from earlier this month.

The story does not reveal how much the 28-year-old sharpshooter might cost to get out of West London this month, but as his £25k-per-week contract is set to expire next summer, there's a chance that said price won't be too exorbitant.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line for Spurs, but given Wissa's incredible form, it's one well worth pursuing, especially as he might even be better than Solanke.

How Wissa compares with Solanke

So, if Spurs were to get ahead of the competition, pull the trigger, and bring Wissa to the club this month, he'd be the perfect player to step in for Solanke while he's out injured.

However, who will get the nod to start once the Englishman returns to the fold, and who will be the long-term first choice?

Well, a way to work that out is by simply comparing their form this season, although in doing that, it's the Brentford ace who comes out on top.

For example, in just 23 appearances this season, totalling 1639 minutes, the "massively underrated" forward, as dubbed by football analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 12 goals and provided two assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 117.07 minutes.

In contrast, the former Bournemouth star has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 29 appearances, totalling 2248 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games, or every 132.23 minutes.

Moreover, when we compare their relevant underlying numbers, the Congolese international once again comes out on top.

For example, the 28-year-old emerges victorious in most metrics, including, but not limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, key passes, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, it does appear as if Wissa is currently the more dangerous striker out of the pair, and the fact he is playing this well for a team outside of the traditional 'big six' makes it all the more impressive.

Therefore, Spurs should do all they can to bring him to N17 this month, as not only could he cover for Solanke, but he might even surpass him.

Finally replace Kane: Spurs plot bid for "machine" who's outscoring Solanke

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Injuries are rife in the Tottenham Hotspur squad. According to a report from ESPN, Ange Postecoglou’s side currently has ten first team players out with injury, and it does not seem like things will ease up any time soon.

Thus, it would be a surprise if the Lilywhites did not dip into the January transfer market to strengthen their squad and, at the very least, help to patch up the injuries within the squad. It is proving to be a real issue for Spurs.

Postecoglou claimed the club are “playing with fire” if they don’t make another signing, but he may not have to worry about that. They have been linked recently with a new attacking addition, needed after Dominic Solanke’s six-week injury.

Spurs target new attacker

The player in question here is Feyenoord and Mexican international striker Santiago Gimenez. It has been another impressive season for the 23-year-old, which has attracted the attention of several top clubs around Europe.

According to an exclusive report from GiveMeSport, the Lilywhites are believed to be ‘toying with the idea of attempting to acquire’ the in-demand hotshot. The report suggests Gimenez is a ‘long-term target’ for the club, suggesting he has already been well-scouted at this stage.

However, they would not be alone in the hunt for the Mexico international. Italian giants AC Milan are also interested in bringing the striker to the Serie A.

In terms of a price, Gimenez could cost the Lilywhtes around £40m, perhaps increased by the fact Feyenoord are not interested in selling him this January if they can help it.

Why Gimenez would be a good signing

Aside from the fact that Gimenez will add some much-needed squad depth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he will also bring the most important thing a striker can add to a football club, goals.

The 23-year-old has an impressive record across all competitions this season. He has 15 goals and three assists in 18 games, including four goals in four games in the Champions League.

Most recently, he scored two goals in a fantastic 3-0 win at home against German side Bayern Munich. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a "machine" for a reason.

Concerningly for Spurs, the reason for Gimenez’s lack of game time this season is due to an injury, which is perhaps a factor the Lilywhites might be put off from doing a deal. Between September and November 2024, he missed 65 days and 12 games with a thigh problem.

Aside from the fact that his injuries have been an issue this term, he has actually outscored Solanke across all competitions. The former Bournemouth star has 11 goals so far in his Spurs career, having played 29 games for the club to date. Having two strikers as prolific as Gimenez and Solanke would be great competition for Postecoglou.

Perhaps, in the long-term, Gimenez could be the perfect replacement Harry Kane replacement for Spurs. The North Londoners have never really been able to replace their record striker, who scored 280 goals and grabbed 61 assists in 435 games for the club.

If he was viewed as the long-term replacement for the England captain, Gimenez would certainly have a lot to live up to. Kane scored some fantastic goals for Spurs and consistently managed to score 20 or more goals in a single Premier League season, doing so six times.

However, when comparing the pair’s stats from the 2024/25 Champions League using Squawka, there are times when the Feyenoord star outperforms Kane.

For example, Gimenez averages a 66.67% conversion rate per game, compared to just 22.73 for Kane. He is also marginally better off the ball, winning 1.7 aerial duels to the Bayern star’s 1.5.

Even though £40m is on the higher side of Gimenez’s value, it seems like it could be a great deal for the Lilywhites. Not only would they be signing someone who has outscored their first-choice number nine this season, but they might finally replace Kane, a task which has proved unforgiving so far.

The investment is a lot of money, but perhaps necessary for the Lilywhites going forward.