FootballFanCast.com

Perhaps the right way to look at it would be to acknowledge that Tottenham Hotspur were cruising against Manchester United on Thursday, and only entered anxious territory through two inexplicable Fraser Forster blunders.

Forster, 36, has done well since stepping in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario earlier in the month but is not a natural ball-playing keeper and thus struggles to implement Ange Postecoglou's vision to its maximum degree.

Still, Spurs just about held their nerve and advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-final, setting up a two-legged tie with Liverpool. Of course, the two teams meet before that New Year showdown, with Arne Slot's side making the trip to London later today.

The Premier League leaders have been near indomitable this season though have dropped points in successive top-flight matches, and Spurs will be confident that their attacking play can overpower Slot's drilled and dynamic team.

Of course, any hint of a blunder must be immediately snuffed out, for Mohamed Salah is playing some of the best football of his storied career and will pounce on the slightest opening.

Spurs have to stop Mohamed Salah

Liverpool's talisman has supercharged Slot's impressive start to life in England, with his clinical contributions providing the Reds with routes toward victory on numerous occasions, even when performing some way below their best.

It will be a tough task stifling him, for the Egypt star is set to be up against both of Spurs' first-choice defensive axis, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with the centre-backs out until the New Year with injuries.

Destiny Udogie missed out in midweek with a setback but is expected to reclaim his place at left-back from Djed Spence, and though the Italian hasn't been at his best this term, there's no question that his athleticism and power could prove to be a thorn in Salah's side.

Tottenham need an answer, and that's not just from a defensive standpoint. He didn't start against the Red Devils, but Brennan Johnson should certainly be unleashed from the outset against Liverpool.

Brennan Johnson can be Ange's answer to Salah

Liverpool have a brilliant strikeforce but Tottenham's frontline isn't exactly shoddy. Today's hosts have already scored 36 goals in the Premier League this term, whereas the Merseysiders have 31, albeit having played a game less.

Johnson has been a massive plus in this regard, unlocking a new level to his finishing and posting ten goals from 22 matches in all competitions this season.

Curiously, this means that the 23-year-old has already doubled his tally from last season, having played 16 matches fewer. It's no wonder Ange has hailed his "great vein of form" this season, but then the Australian manager isn't the only one.

Indeed, content creator HLTCO waxed lyrical about the Wales international's qualities during the 2023/24 campaign, saying:

"Brennan Johnson is such an exciting player to watch. He’s got frightening pace and directness; constantly looking to make something happen, it must be an absolute nightmare to defend against him."

Salah will be hungry for goals but so too will Spurs' attacking members. Heung-min Son is sure to reprise his spot on the left flank, while Dominic Solanke will have a point to prove at number nine, having been sold by Liverpool during his younger years.

Bukayo Saka is the only player to have created more (19) than Son's 12 big chances in the Premier League this year, suggesting that the South Korean will mix his output but maintain an emphasis on providing for his fellow forwards.

The fluency between Tottenham's attacking aces bodes well for the squad's chances against the Redmen. Solanke and Johnson in particular could combine wonderfully to send the visitors packing.

As per FBref, Solanke ranks among the top 16% of Premier League forwards this season for successful take-ons and the top 10% for goal-creating actions per 90, making an interesting comment on the dynamic style that convinced Daniel Levy to fork out a club-record £65m sum for the 27-year-old.

With a brace against United on Thursday, Solanke's tally is up to nine goals and four assists from 22 appearances this season, but his quality is more indefinable than that of goal contributions.

His movement, hold-up play, and deceptive creativity are exactly why Tottenham paid for his signature, with reporter George Sessions further backing this up by describing him as a "pressing monster."

And therein lies the link to Johnson. By applying pressure on the Liverpool backline, Solanke can create spaces for Johnson, darting through the lines and entering promising positions from which Alisson's goal can be peppered.

The right winger will be eager to get his name on the score sheet this afternoon, sure, but he will also provide energy to stretch the likes of Robertson and negate the electricity of Luis Diaz, who will be forced to drop back and deal with his positional rival.

Both Liverpool and Tottenham have demonstrated attacking skills this season and defensive fragilities, and there's perhaps a consideration that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be in for a barnstormer.

For all the promise around Postecoglou's project, it's important to remember that the Lilywhites are currently tenth in the divisional standings and with only one win across their past four top-flight fixtures.

Johnson's performance could be key. With Salah in their side, Liverpool won't be short of power. Fire must be met with fire.

Tottenham Hotspur were a day late and a dollar short in the Premier League last season, but there were patent signs of growth under Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian coach had fashioned an exciting outfit from one of drab and colourless football, reigniting the spark within Lilywhites supporters' hearts and planting the hope of something more, success of a tangible nature.

It's been chequered. Up and down. This year, tenth-place Tottenham have outscored every team in the Premier League this season but lack synergy and resistance at times, still capable of an unexplainable capitulation.

That needs to change, and while Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero form a defensive duo as fearsome as any across the continent, both have found themselves unavailable on numerous occasions since the start of last season.

Spurs need a new centre-back, to be sure.

Spurs eyeing centre-back in 2025

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are preparing to move for Inter Milan star Yann Bisseck, though the defender is also on West Ham United's radar.

Spurs might have a more appealing proposal but the Hammers have been emboldened in their chances due to technical director Tim Steidten, with the German connection possibly handing them the edge in negotiations.

Nonetheless, Tottenham have sent scouts to watch the talented centre-half in action, and given that he could be available for a smart £25m fee, there's a real sense that this one could be completed in the new year.

Why Spurs need to sign Yann Bisseck

Tottenham were active during the 2023/24 January transfer market and there's no reason why Daniel Levy wouldn't enforce a shrewd signing or two if it stands a good chance of elevating the north Londoners' campaign.

As already discussed, Romero and Van de Ven have been sidelined far too often given the standing they hold in the Tottenham squad, and it's clear that another member in the rearguard could make a world of difference.

Radu Dragusin joined from Genoa for £27m one year ago and Ben Davies continues to be a dependable and experienced presence.

Current issues have seen 18-year-old Archie Gray chucked into a defensive role alongside his Romanian peer, and while he's performed admirably, Postecoglou's forced hand only heightens the need for a talented player like Bisseck.

Bisseck, yet to make his Germany debut, has been something of a late bloomer, playing for AGF in Denmark until signing for Inter in a deal worth roughly £5m in 2023.

He won the Scudetto last season, only starting nine Serie A fixtures but scoring twice, completing 93% of his passes and winning 61% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore. It's no wonder he was described as a "monster" by one keen-eyed analyst.

It's at no discredit to Gray's precocious qualities that Bisseck is the perfect profile for Postecoglou. The hulking defender stands at 6 foot 4 and would be playing in his natural position. Gray is deceptively tall at 6 foot but he moonlights at centre-half and is better placed in the middle of the field, when possible.

As per FBref, Bisseck ranks among the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 16% for pass completion, and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, making an interesting comment on his varied skillset and how that could be harnessed by Postecoglou.

A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.

Tottenham beat off Brentford to bring Gray to north London in the summer, with the teenager leaving boyhood club Leeds United for a fee that could rise to £40m.

He's versatile and dynamic, with an eye-catching technical ability and an unflappable mindset allowing him to surge head and shoulders above other hopefuls in his age bracket.

Many young players are shuffled across a range of positions as they look to streamline their youthful avidity, but Gray's positional flexibility is something to behold.

Even so, he's not a centre-back and should not be saddled with regular football in an area that does not best serve his skills, even if he does play remarkably well and invariably showcases his 'elite mentality', as journalist Henry Winter said.

It just goes to show that Bisseck would be the perfect addition. The German defender is robust and also provides the balanced and multi-layered football that Ange's fluid outfit demands.

Gray started at centre-back against Manchester United on Thursday night, and though Fraser Forster's inexplicable errors provided the drama on what should have been a concessional second half, you can't help but feel that with established central defenders Romero and Van de Ven in the mix, Spurs might have held their nerve with a bit more steel and assurance.

Therefore, it seems crucial that Tottenham make their move in January. Allowing West Ham to boost their hopes under Julen Lopetegui with one of Levy's top winter targets is unthinkable. Moreover, it will hamper Tottenham's chances of making headway in the capital and leapfrogging the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

It's already starting to look like it's going to be a real scrap for a top-four Premier League finish, and given that Spurs are into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, will look to wade deep into the FA Cup and the Europa League too, a lack of depth unravelling the good work would be inexcusable. Bisseck needs to be signed.

Tottenham Hotspur believe that potential negotiations to sign a new centre-back target could mimic one of their pieces of summer business, with Ange Postecoglou's side on the hunt for fresh defensive options as we fast approach 2025.

Tottenham preparing to face Liverpool in blockbuster Premier League clash

Spurs head into their crucial Premier League clash against title-chasing Liverpool on a real high, scoring nine goals in their last two games across all competitions, and winning two matches in a row for the first time since early November.

The Lilywhites demolished Southampton 5-0 at St. Mary's Stadium last weekend, easing the pressure on Postecoglou, and then booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 4-3 win over Man United in north London.

However, a very tough test awaits Spurs next, with Liverpool travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arne Slot's side are currently in pole position to win this year's domestic crown, and they'll fancy their chances against an injury-ridden side who are without key players heading into the contest. Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies are all sidelined through injury, meaning Archie Gray is set to partner Radu Dragusin yet again against Liverpool.

The teenager's performances in the heart of Postecoglou's defence have earned real plaudits, with Tottenham's manager drawing attention to Gray's assured outings in his latest pre-match press conference.

"I said last week that he has been outstanding," said Postecoglou on Gray's performances at centre-back.

"We have no choice as we have no other centre-backs. You put an 18-year-old kid there - I shouldn't say 18-year-old kid as he's a man in every sense of the word - and he's handled it brilliantly, both from a footballing perspective... If you do it for one game you can sort of get away with it where you put a young player out of position in one game but he's done it in multiple games now against some pretty decent opposition.

"Like I said, as an 18-year-old he's handled it so well and it's not like he's surrounded by experience. Obviously our goalkeeper is out, our two centre-backs are out, our left-back was out last night. Him and Radu handled it awfully well, awfully well. I keep saying you take out the goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back from any team and I'm sure it will have an effect.

"The fact that our guys, and it's not just the way they're performing, they're still trying to play in the manner we want to play. We're not making allowances that we've got Archie at centre-back or Radu or Fraser in goal, we're still trying to play our football, and it's a credit to them."

Tottenham hoping to replicate Wilson Odobert deal in potential Maxime Esteve talks

While Gray has impressed as a makeshift option, their current selection issues have prompted reports that Tottenham could look to sign another centre-back in January.

The likes of Omar Alderete (Getafe), David Hancko (Feyenoord) and Abdukodir Khusanov (RC Lens) have all been linked as emergency central defensive options for Spurs next month, but chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange also have the long-term in mind.

Burnley mainstay Maxime Esteve has been a crucial player for the promotion-chasing Clarets this season, and this apparently attracted attention from north London, who could move for the Frenchman in 2025.

Football League World report that Postecoglou's side are keeping tabs on Esteve, who continues to impress in the Championship, and while an approach isn't expected to be imminent, the club do have a belief they can strike a move in the future.

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham are hoping they can replicate their deal for Wilson Odobert in potential talks for Esteve, as the outlet writes, with there being some optimism that Spurs' previous Burnley agreement can help to smooth negotiations - given their recent business relationship.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly entering the market for new centre-backs in January, and one target is now becoming more tempted to leave in 2025 as Spurs add him to their shortlist.

Spurs target new centre-back after triple injury blow

As things stand, Radu Dragusin is manager Ange Postecoglou's only natural senior central defensive option right now - with trio Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies all sidelined through injury.

Postecoglou has been forced to deploy versatile summer signing Archie Gray at centre-back to partner Dragusin in the last few games as a result, and while the teenager's done well in a very unfamiliar role, Tottenham's current injury crisis has exposed the lack of depth in their squad.

Speaking ahead of their blockbuster Premier League clash at home to Liverpool, Postecoglou dropped a transfer hint and suggested that Spurs could go into the market for more experienced players to complement the likes of Gray.

"Moving forward, we probably need to err on the side of getting a little bit more experience, just to help the group, because we’ve got very few at that kind of sweet spot in terms of ages," said Postecoglou in his latest press conference.

"And we want to give the guys in their teens or early twenties the opportunity to keep growing. We need to make sure we put quality around them, so how we allocate the next resources may shift a little bit. But I’d hate to be sitting here now and saying we had an opportunity to sign Archie Gray at 18, and we passed it up because maybe we could have got a player who helps us for a couple of years."

Postecoglou has held recruitment meetings with technical director Johan Lange ahead of January, by his own admission, and reports suggest that Spurs could go after a fresh centre-back option.

There are many potential options for Spurs in this regard, with French newspaper L'Equipe claiming that Tottenham have entered the race for RC Lens starlet Abdukodir Khusanov, who his club are attempting to sell in the winter as they attempt to raise funds.

Postecoglou has also asked Tottenham to consider a move for Getafe's Omar Alderete, as per Spanish media sources, and they're also believed to hold an interest in Feyenoord star David Hancko.

David Hancko open to leaving Feyenoord as Tottenham eye move

The Slovakia international was a key player for Arne Slot during his time at Feyenoord, and has continued to be a mainstay, but he's now considering a fresh chapter away from the Eredivisie side.

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Rudy Galetti, who report that Hancko is open to leaving Feyenoord as Tottenham express an interest in signing him.

This transfer appears to be more likely for the summer as things stand, though, and despite contrary reports of a reduced price tag, TT write that Hancko will cost around £41 million to sign in 2025.

That being said, the 48-cap star has a glowing reputation and could be worth the investment, especially if Postecoglou is after proven reinforcements at the back.

“He is so stable and can basically do anything. I just think he is a top defender all-round,” said ex-Feyenoord ace Tim de Cler to SoccerNews.

“I think he can easily handle a club just below the top six in Europe. Then I’m talking about a club like Atlético Madrid or Liverpool. He can certainly handle that.”

As it was last year, this season has been a roller coaster for Tottenham Hotspur fans.

One week, the North Londoners look like the best team in the country and are pulling apart the Premier League champions 4-0, and then the next, they lose at home to winless Ipswich Town.

Ange Postecoglou has turned his side into great entertainers but has not been able to address their problems with consistency, and were it not for the incredible Dejan Kulusevski, things could be looking a lot worse at the moment.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking them to a player who could mirror the Swede's journey to Spurs and be an incredible upgrade on James Maddison as well.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several top-flight teams keen on signing Belgian sensation Charles De Ketelaere.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims that Liverpool, West Ham United, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all interested in the Atatlanta star.

This number of top sides vying for the talented playmaker is undoubtedly far from ideal for the North Londoners, but the good news is that the story claims he is valued at just £40m, which could prove to be a real bargain for someone of his quality.

It could still be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given De Ketelaere's sensational ability, it's one worth pursuing, especially as he could be the next Kulusevski and would be an upgrade on Maddison.

De Ketelaere's comparisons to Kulusevski & Maddison

So, before we look at how De Ketelaere stacks up against Maddison, it's worth examining the reasons his signing would mirror that of Kulusevski's.

The first is that, like the Swedish international, the Atalanta star would be making his way over from Serie A, akin to the Lilywhites star's move from Juventus in 2022.

The second, more meaty point of comparison is that, like the Stockholm-born star, the Belgian gem is an incredibly talented attacker who can, and has, played everywhere from centre-forward to the wings and all over midfield.

Lastly, like Kulusevski, the former Club Brugge prospect is just an incredibly entertaining player to watch and has that increasingly rare ability to get fans off their seats with a sublime piece of skill, unreal goal or pinpoint pass.

With that said, as he's spent most of this season playing in an attacking midfield role, the "wonderful" talent, as dubbed by journalist Dougie Critchley, would likely come in as competition for Maddison were to move to N17, and unfortunately for the Englishman, we reckon he'd displace him, and quite easily at that.

For example, in just 23 appearances this season, the 23-year-old "diamond", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored eight goals and provided nine assists, equating to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games for the Bergamo outfit.

In contrast, the former Leicester City star has scored seven goals and provided five assists in as many games, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games.

Finally, Postecoglou would be able to rely on the Brugge-born dynamo more than his current co-vice-captain, as the most games he's missed in a single season through injury is just ten, which is a far cry from the Englishman's spotty fitness record.

Ultimately, while Maddison is an unbelievably gifted footballer, De Ketelaere just looks to be even more so, and considering his valuation isn't outrageous, Daniel Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring him to N17.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an approach to sign a pacey centre-back in January, with his club instructing super-agent Jorge Mendes to try and find the player a new club next month.

Spurs targeting new centre-back for Ange Postecoglou in January

Injuries to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies have left manager Ange Postecoglou with little option but to play teenage summer signing Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-half.

As of now, Radu Dragusin is Spurs' only fit, natural senior central defensive option, with the Lilywhites now reportedly scouring the market for fresh faces who can reinforce that area of the squad.

Gray has done well in an extremely unfamiliar role, and while Postecoglou expects his starting centre-backs to make a return after the new year, this injury crisis has exposed their lack of depth in the squad.

In light of this, van de Ven, Romero and Davies' absences have apparently pushed technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy to consider bringing in a new name for the January window, which is now set to open in just under two weeks.

There are some suggestions that Tottenham have held talks over signing Omar Alderete from Getafe, and he'd be a very doable transfer for the Lilywhites, considering the Paraguayan's contract includes a tempting £13 million release clause.

Another option for Postecoglou is Feyenoord star David Hancko. The Slovakia international, who was a key player during Arne Slot's time as Feyenoord boss, standing out as a capable, ball-playing centre-half, is on Spurs' radar heading into January.

Tottenham are believed to be monitoring Hancko ahead of a potential move in the winter window, as his £35 million price tag from the summer window is also expected to drop (The Boot Room).

New defensive targets are emerging on a consistent basis via media reports, and the latest to be linked is RC Lens starlet Abdukodir Khusanov.

Tottenham make approach to sign Abdukodir Khusanov as RC Lens try to sell

According to French newspaper L'Equipe, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham have "come forward" for Khusanov, presumably meaning they've made some sort of approach to Lens.

The Ligue 1 side have told agent Mendes to try and secure a buyer for the Uzbekistan international in January, as they look to raise around £37 million through player sales, and Spurs are apparently one of the teams who've registered an interest - alongside Newcastle United, Manchester City, Leicester City and RB Leipzig.

Lens are demanding around £25 million to sell the 20-year-old outright, but Khusanov is a "headliner" in their squad, and sporting director Diego Lopez had made it clear behind-the-scenes that they're very open to doing business. Khusanov is a player with massive potential, and possesses tempting physical attributes like speed and power.

"Kodir is very, very fast," said Lens head coach Will Still.

"He’s an athlete. We joked that when he went to the Olympics, he could have done all sports with Uzbekistan, he’s so complete."

Ange Postecoglou has been in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout for around a year and a half now, and it would be fair to say he's made quite an impact.

It's true that the team are still suffering from the same problems with consistency that they were under the previous managers, but as most fans will likely attest, they are now playing some of the most entertaining football in the country.

Moreover, when they are good, they are really good, as exemplified by the demolitions of Manchester City and Manchester United this season.

Lastly, the Australian has welcomed a whole host of new faces to the club since taking the job, and while some have been unmitigated successes like Micky van de Ven, others still divide opinion, such as Brennan Johnson, who could soon face some new competition.

The curious case of Brennan Johnson

Spurs paid Nottingham Forest around £47.5m for Johnson's services in September of last year, and it would be fair to say he endured a slow start to life in the capital.

In his first 12 league games before Christmas Day, the Welsh winger scored just a single goal and provided three assists, leading to questions over his suitability to play for the club.

However, his form improved in the second half of the campaign, and by the final whistle of the final game, he'd racked up a reasonable enough haul of five goals and ten assists in 34 appearances.

Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, this season began in the same way and following an underwhelming display at home to Arsenal in September, he had to deactivate his Instagram account due to the abuse he was receiving from fans.

However, the Nottingham-born dynamo bounced back in incredible fashion, scoring a late winner against Coventry City and then going on a brilliant run that saw him score six goals in six games.

As things stand, he's scored ten and provided two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.

Now, this is an undeniably impressive return from the winger, but there are still some question marks over his long-term future at the club, as he's failed to score in his last four appearances.

Moreover, when the team are struggling in games like they were against Bournemouth and Rangers, he can look bereft of ideas, so it hasn't been surprising to see the team linked with someone who could be the perfect upgrade on Johnson.

The Premier League star who could replace Brennan Johnson

So, to get straight to the point, the star in question is Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, who was supposedly a player of interest for Tottenham in the summer, according to a report from The Boot Room earlier this month.

The story claims that the Bees valued their star attacker at around £50m at the time, although a report from Football Insider claimed the West Londoners would demand a fee in excess of £60m for the player next month.

Now, if Levy and Co were able to get this deal over the line, it could spell the end for Johnson as a starter.

For example, despite playing in a side most would consider to be weaker than Spurs, the Brentford "machine," as dubbed by football producer Michael Johnston, has also scored ten goals and provided two assists, although he has done so from just 18 appearances.

This means he averages a goal involvement every 1.5 games, whereas the Welsh international averages a goal involvement every other game for the North Londoners.

Moreover, when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers from the league this season, it is once again the 25-year-old who emerges victorious.

For example, the "incredible" Avallon-born star, as dubbed by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, comes out on top in the majority of metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive, key and live passes, goals per shot on target and shot and goal-creating actions, all per 90.

Ultimately, Johnson has certainly shown some glimpses of real quality since moving to North London, but when comparing their raw output and underlying numbers, it's evident that Mbeumo is the superior winger.

Therefore, Levy and Co should do what they can to bring the Cameroonian star to N17 as soon as possible.

As it was last year, Tottenham Hotspur's campaign has been entirely unpredictable this season.

Ange Postecoglou's side go from looking like world-beaters to looking utterly hopeless, sometimes in the space of just a week.

However, following their emphatic 5-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Sunday, things are starting to look up for the Lilywhites.

Moreover, their free-flowing football could soon be even more dangerous as recent reports have linked the club with an incredible centre-forward who could be an instant upgrade on summer signing Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from one Spanish outlet, Tottenham are one of several clubs interested in Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Liverpool, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Arsenal are all keeping an eye on the French centre-forward.

Unfortunately for Daniel Levy and Co, the competition isn't the only obstacle to getting their man, as the story claims that he'd cost a whopping €85m, which converts to about £70m.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Thuram's unreal ability, it is one worth pursuing, especially as he'd be an upgrade on Solanke.

How Thuram compares to Solanke

Now, if Spurs are successful in their pursuit of Thuram next year, it seems incredibly unlikely that he'd join the club and be happy to sit on the bench as a backup option.

Therefore, even though he only arrived in the summer himself, Solanke would be in direct competition with him for a place up top in the starting lineup, but who would come out on top between the two forwards?

Well, based on their pure output, the Inter ace comes out ahead, and by quite some way at that.

For example, in just 20 appearances this season, the "world-class" Frenchman, as dubbed by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer, has scored 12 goals and provided six assists, equating to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.11 games.

In contrast, the former Bournemouth star has scored just seven goals and provided four assists in 21 appearances, equating to a decent but significantly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.90 games.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites' new number nine, the one-sided nature of this comparison also extends to the pair's underlying numbers.

For example, the Inter star comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shots and shots on target and goal and shot-creating actions, all per 90.

Ultimately, Solanke is an undeniably talented striker who could go on to have a brilliant career for Spurs, but from practically every angle, Thuram looks to be a clear upgrade.

Therefore, Levy and Co should do all they can to bring the French international to North London as soon as possible.

Tottenham Hotspur are a team who have generally had mixed luck when it comes to making signings.

It feels like for every Micky van de Ven and Dejan Kulusevski they've signed over the years, they've balanced it out with an Emerson Royal or Bryan Gil.

However, one thing the club have become experts at is selling players, be that the mega-money deals Daniel Levy has become known for, like Gareth Bale and Harry Kane, or the smaller-scale, but still impressive sales of players like Steven Bergwijn or Juan Foyth.

In fact, they did it again this summer when they sold a player former manager Mauricio Pochettino was a big fan of for a surprisingly hefty sum.

Spurs' summer sales

Before we get to the player in question, it's worth looking at a couple of Spurs' other sales this summer, starting with Royal.

Yes, the Brazilian full-back, who had become something of a scapegoat in North London, was finally sold this summer, and to the surprise of many, it was Italian giants AC Milan that came in for him, agreeing to pay around £13m for the 25-year-old's services.

Unfortunately, and perhaps unsurprisingly to many a Spurs fan, things have not worked out for the Brazilian at the San Siro, and as things stand, he's made 19 appearances, 15 of which have been starts, in which he's failed to score or provide an assist.

A player who's been more successful away from North London this season has been Welsh centre-back Joe Rodon, who joined Leeds United for around £10m, although his transfer was really a part of the deal that saw Archie Gray go the other way.

So far this season, the 27-year-old has made 22 appearances for the Peacocks, scoring one goal and undoubtedly being one of the team's most important players.

However, while both of these sales represent great business for Spurs, they made another, arguably even better sale over the summer.

The Spurs player Poch loved

So, to get straight to the point, the player we are talking about is none other than midfield gem Oliver Skipp.

At one point in time, the academy product looked set for a bright future at Spurs, with Pochettino describing him as "a top player and a top kid" following his first-team debut in 2018, while his next manager, José Mourinho, described him as "phenomenal."

"He’s a proper midfielder, a very talented midfielder and I’m sure he will have a very successful career"

However, as the years progressed, particularly under Ange Postecoglou, it was clear that the young Englishman no longer had a clear path to regular first-team football.

So, during the summer, the club made the somewhat unpopular decision to sell the academy graduate to newly promoted Leicester City for a fee in excess of £20m.

Now, there was an expectation among some fans that the promising midfielder would develop into such a player that the price paid by the Foxes would eventually look comically small, but as things stand, that seems fairly unlikely.

In all competitions, the Welwyn Garden City-born gem has made just 13 appearances, totalling 798 minutes, and has only been on the winning side in two league games and two League Cup games.

Ultimately, there is plenty of time for the former Spurs ace to find his feet in Leicester and show the rest of the country just how good he can be, but as things stand, Levy and Co appear to have struck gold selling him for the price they did.

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has named the unseen teenager who's really "excited" him at Spurs, with the South Korean suggesting he is one to watch and a "similar age" to the highly-rated Mikey Moore.

Tottenham return to winning ways with 5-0 victory over Southampton

Following a barren run of one win in eight games across all competitions, the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou sealed what was a convincing and much-needed 5-0 win away to struggling Southampton on Sunday.

All of their goals came in the first half, with James Maddison (2), Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Matar Sarr rounding off a superb attacking display and putting the final nail in manager Russell Martin's coffin - who was sacked by Southampton soon afterwards.

Alongside the goalscorers, there were a few noteworthy performances on display at St. Mary's Stadium, with right-back Djed Spence seriously impressing for Spurs on his first full Premier League start and 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall doing the same.

Postecoglou's squad has been stretched to the bare bones due to injury problems, so the Australian seriously needs his usual fringe players to come in and do a job, with both Spence and Bergvall obliging in solid fashion.

"They were great," said Postecoglou on Bergvall and Spence.

"Lucas is growing all the time, but he's 18. Archie is 18 and how many Premier League clubs are going to start two 18-year-olds in their line-up. Djed has had to bide his time. To be fair, it's the one area of the pitch where we've had cover this year with Archie playing at right-back, so he's had to be patient.

"It's a testament to him and the coaches who have worked with him in training that he could come on today. We needed him for sure, not just to play but to make an impact and he did. Great reward for his patience and perseverance."

Tottenham's lack of options means Postecoglou looks set to turn to younger members of his squad for the foreseeable future, and they now have another teenage sensation to call upon.

The South Korean starlet has bagged 12 goals and five assists in 38 league games for Gangwon across 2024, with Postecoglou now set to benefit from his arrival, even if he still isn't eligible to play until January 1.

Son Heung-min praises Yang min-Hyeok after arrival at Tottenham

As the unseen youngster waits to make his club debut, Son has praised Yang after his arrival at Tottenham, expressing his excitement over the winger's arrival and revealing what supporters can expect from his compatriot.

"He's a similar age to Mikey Moore," said Son to Standard Sport.

"Everyone loves Mikey and when Yang is here I hope everyone loves him like Mikey. He's been fantastic in his first season in the K-League, scored 12 goals and a lot of assists. He's bright. He's not scared.

"He's a very bright player so I'm excited he's coming here and I'll try to help him as much as I can. But we just have to avoid putting pressure on him. The football side is the most important thing for him [to focus on]."