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Spurs now table £20m+ bid to sign "magician" who's been compared to Messi

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Tottenham have now tabled an offer to sign a young star who has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi as they look to hand Ange Postecoglou more firepower in 2025, it has been reported.

Tottenham looking for attacking midfielders

Dejan Kulusevski has emerged as a key man for Postecoglou in the early stages of the new Premier League season, but James Maddison has blown hot and cold in north London, while there is a lack of alternatives for Postecoglou to turn to.

The Australian coach has experimented with his midfield, using Pape Sarr as a box-to-box option, but is yet to settle on a true first choice trio.

The club have been linked with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in recent windows, but they have managed to land neither and still look a creative midfielder light for Postecoglou's attacking style of football, part of the reason that they have been unable to sustain any sort of form in the first quarter of the campaign.

Now, they could be set to try and change that by snapping up a young talent turning heads in the top flight.

Tottenham target teenage talent

That comes as a fresh report from Spain claims that Tottenham have tabled a £20m+ offer to sign impressive teenage talent Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton in 2025. The Argentine broke through at CA Rosario Central under the management of former Man City striker Carlos Tevez, and he revealed that the teenager reminded him of his one-time teammate Messi.

“I watch football and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone play who gives me as much pleasure as Buonanotte. When he brakes and accelerates, he reminds me of [Lionel] Messi. He is at a very high level.”

Bought by Brighton, he was sent on loan to Leicester City for the 2024-25 campaign and has already played a starring role for his new side, grabbing four goals and two assists in the first stage of the Premier League season.

His form has seen him dubbed a "magician" by Rising Stars XI on X, who claimed that the Argentine is "impressing everyone" by shining in a struggling Foxes side.

Still just 19-years-old, his form has turned heads and the report reveals that Tottenham have already made a big step towards trying to secure his signature. The Lilywhites have reportedly "put an offer of 25 million euros [£20.7m] on the table" plus potential add ons, though this is below Brighton's asking price of 30m euros (£24m).

Any move would not take place until the summer given Buonanotte's current loan spell in the Midlands, by which time his value could have soared yet further should he manage to reach double figures in either goals or assists for the Foxes, a possibility that doesn't appear unreasonable given his current form.

As a result, Tottenham may want to get an agreement set sooner rather than later, while Brighton could find themselves better off holding out until the summer.

Tottenham keen on 56-Premier League goal player in potential free transfer

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Tottenham Hotspur are now monitoring a "fantastic" striker who could be set to leave his current club, according to a report.

Tottenham transfer news

Tottenham's attacking prowess was on show for all to see last weekend, as they romped home to a shock 4-0 win away at reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, but manager Ange Postecoglou is still keen to strengthen his frontline.

PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Malik Tillman has become the latest target, with Spurs recently lodging an enquiry to assess whether he is available, while English winger Jamie Gittens is also on the radar after his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund.

In terms of out-and-out strikers, the Lilywhites currently have the likes of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison on the books, but with the latter's recovery from a hamstring injury set to be delayed, Postecoglou may be keen to bring in another option.

Calvert-Lewin on Tottenham radar

Reports from Spain have now detailed that Tottenham are looking to strengthen their attack, meaning a move for Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be on the cards.

The striker's contract with Everton is set to expire at the end of the current season, and he is in no rush to commit to a new deal which would keep him at Goodison Park, potentially opening the door for his departure.

The Toffees view Calvert-Lewin as one of their key players, and they are still trying to convince him to stay, but a number of other Premier League clubs are now queuing up for his signature.

Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Spurs are all named as potential suitors for the Englishman, with the latter keen to add depth to their attacking options.

The Everton forward has proven himself over a number of years in the top flight, amassing a total of 56 Premier League goals during his time on Merseyside, meaning he could be a decent back-up option for the likes of Solanke and Richarlison.

It would also be a low-risk signing for Tottenham, given that the 27-year-old could be available for free at the end of the season, which is a real bonus. Having been lauded as "fantastic" by members of the media as recently as last season, there are plenty of reasons for Spurs fans to be excited about this potential acquisition, but there are a few question marks over Calvert-Lewin's recent form.

Before the game against Man Utd on Sunday, the former Sheffield United man has weighed in with just two goals, and he ranks in the sixth percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, underperforming his expected goals by a huge margin.

As such, Postecoglou will need to think carefully about whether the Everton man is a worthwhile addition to his squad.

Worse than Son: Ange must drop 5/10 Tottenham star who lost the ball 15x

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Tottenham Hotspur dropped two points in the Premier League on Sunday as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by London rivals Fulham.

The Lilywhites had taken the lead in the match in the second half thanks to a goal from Brennan Johnson, who finished from close range after a fantastic cross from Timo Werner.

However, a brilliant strike from Tom Cairney, who was later sent off for a poor challenge on Dejan Kulusevski, meant that the two teams had to share the spoils.

There were a few players who simply did not turn up and show the best of their abilities for Spurs in the match, including captain Heung-min Son.

Heung-min Son's performance against Fulham

In the absence of summer signing Dominic Solanke, Tottenham needed their skipper to step up in the number nine position, with Werner moved over to the left flank.

Unfortunately, Son did not provide the team with the quality that was needed to secure all three points against Marco Silva's side, with a poor showing up front.

He started the match with a disappointing miss in front of goal after Werner appeared to put it on a plate for the forward, who could only find the body of Bernd Leno.

That was the striker's only shot of the game it was one that he should have buried, although you could argue that the fact it was his only shot suggests that his teammates did not do enough to supply him with chances.

One of the players tasked with supplying Son was attacking midfielder James Maddison, who should be ruthlessly ditched by Ange Postecoglou after an underwhelming showing.

Why James Maddison should be dropped

The England international should be dropped from the starting XI after his struggles in and out of possession against the Cottagers on Sunday.

With Kulusevski left on the bench by the Spurs head coach, Maddison was in the team to provide creative flair and quality in possession to break the away side down.

However, he ended his 85 minutes on the pitch with zero shots on target and zero 'big chances' created, as Postecoglou decided to take him off for the final 12 minutes - including stoppage time - with Tottenham chasing a goal.

As you can see in the table above, Maddison, despite being the creative midfield player, ended the game with as many chances created as his striker, whilst also failing to register a single effort on target. It was hardly a surprise he ended up being handed a 5/10 match rating by Football.London.

The former Norwich City and Leicester City wizard also struggled out of possession, as Fulham's players found it too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

He was wasteful on the ball, losing it 15 times without a shot on target or a 'big chance' created, and Postecoglou must drop him from the side to bring Kulusevski back in next time out.

He lost the ball 17x: Ange got it wrong by giving Spurs star 90 minutes

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Tottenham Hotspur failed to bounce back to winning ways on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at home in the Premier League.

Spurs were looking to get all three points after they were pegged back in the 91st minute to draw 2-2 with Roma in the Europa League on Sunday night.

Ange Postecoglou's team have only won three of their last seven games in all competitions, with two of those coming against Manchester City.

Despite the disappointing draw with the Cottagers, there were still some players who put in strong performances for the Lilywhites in North London this weekend.

Tottenham's top performers against Fulham

Between the sticks, Fraser Forster continued to deputise for the injured Guglielmo Vicario and ended the match with five saves and 0.47 xG prevented, which shows that he helped to keep the team in the game at times.

Centre-back Radu Dragusin also provided a strong presence at the heart of the defence for Spurs, as he won ten of his 13 duels and was not dribbled past a single time.

The two wingers, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner, combined for the goal that put Tottenham ahead in the match, with Werner crossing for the Wales international to find the back of the net, and they both took their chance to impress out wide.

However, there is no getting away from it being two points dropped for Spurs, who had several players who underperformed on the pitch against the Cottagers.

One of those players was right-back Pedro Porro. The Spanish defender struggled badly and Postecoglou got it all wrong with the former Sporting star.

Postecoglou got it all wrong with Pedro Porro

The impressive full-back, who had assisted two goals and scored one in his previous four matches coming into the game against Fulham, was nowhere near his best.

Porro appeared to be struggling with a knock throughout the clash and it seemingly affected his performance, as the 25-year-old ace was consistently beaten far too easily by opposition players.

In fact, he lost a whopping six of his first seven duels and ended the match with six duels lost out of ten, a success rate of just 40% against the Cottagers.

As you can see in the table above, Porro was, astonishingly, dribbled past five times and only made two tackles, which illustrates just how easy it was for Fulham's players to get past him.

He has only been dribbled past 1.2 times per game on average in the Premier League this season, and this shows that something was not right in the clash on Sunday for the Spain international.

Therefore, Postecoglou got it all wrong by keeping him on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, despite having Djed Spence on the bench as an option.

The manager allowed Porro, despite appearing to be carrying an injury issue, to continually get taken out of the game by opposition forwards, and it may be a decision that the Australian looks back on with regret when he reflects on the game.

Perhaps Spence should have been brought on both to rest the Spaniard and to provide the team with fresh energy and enthusiasm, as the ex-Manchester City man's performance was not helping the side.

Sky Sports: Tottenham make enquiry over signing "unreal" £33m attacker

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With the January transfer window edging ever closer, Tottenham Hotspur have now made an enquiry over an "unreal" attacker, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Tottenham transfer news

In light of the recent ankle injury which is set to rule Guglielmo Vicario out for months, Ange Postecoglou may have been expected to make a move for a new goalkeeper this January, but the Tottenham manager has been quick to praise back-up Fraser Forster, saying:

"Fraser is such a strong character within the group and ready to play."

As such, a new goalkeeper might not be one of the manager's priorities, but Postecoglou will no doubt be looking to strengthen other areas of his squad, and there is no shortage of potential options for the Australian in attacking areas.

Recent reports have indicated Spurs are running the rule over Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro, while Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo could be brought in as an alternative to James Maddison.

Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens is a younger player that Postecoglou is also currently considering, and there have now been reports that Tottenham could be looking at one of the Eredivisie's top players to bolster their attacking options.

Tottenham make Tillman enquiry

According to a report from Sky Sports, Spurs have now made an enquiry over PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, but they may have to fend off competition from a number of other Premier League clubs.

Both Manchester United and Aston Villa are credited with a concrete interest in the PSV star, who recently scored a match-winning brace against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

There is a release clause which comes into effect this summer, meaning Tillman could be a very affordable target, as the clause is believed to be in the region of €30m-€40m (£25m-£33m).

Playing in the Premier League is said to be a major goal for the 22-year-old, and there is ample evidence that he could be a quality addition to Postecoglou's squad, given his output for PSV so far this season.

The midfielder has weighed in with five goals in 13 Eredivisie games, and his goal-scoring ability in the Champions League has been equally impressive, amassing five goal contributions in as many games, including three goals.

The two most recent of which came in PSV's 3-2 victory against Shakhtar, with the American inspiring a sensational comeback:

Lauded as "unreal" by ESPN writer Bill Connelly, the former Rangers man appears to be ready to realize his dream of playing in the Premier League, given that he is averaging a 7.39 WhoScored match rating in the league this season, the highest of any player.

Tottenham already have a breadth of attacking talent, but it is evident that they want to bring in additional reinforcements and Tillman has proven he is ready to take the next step in his career by signing for one of England's biggest clubs, making this one to watch.

Ange could stop Smith Rowe by unleashing "outstanding" Spurs star

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Tottenham Hotspur have a chance to surge into the top four with a win this weekend. This is something that is dependent on other results, but if Chelsea lose to Aston Villa and the Lilywhites manage to beat Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they will leapfrog the Blues and could go into fourth.

It has been a curious run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who have won three of their last five in the top flight but, on the other hand, lost twice.

The defeats came against Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace, with their most recent top-flight win coming away to Manchester City. However, in midweek, they dropped points in the Europa League at home to Roma.

Spurs' performance vs. Roma

After a memorable victory at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, the Lilywhites failed to win in Europe against a struggling Roma side, now managed by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri.

It was certainly a frustrating evening for Postecoglou’s side, who were held to a 2-2 draw by I Giallorossi, with Mats Hummels scoring a 91st-minute equaliser.

First first goals from Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson, either side of a strike from Evan Ndicka meant the North Londoners thought they had all three points, but they could not hold on.

Johnson’s goal continues a superb run of form for the Welshman. After a first season that showed great promise, the Nottingham-born winger has really kicked on. He has nine goals and one assist in 19 games across all competitions this term, a very impressive start indeed.

Dejan Kulusevski started in midfield again as a number 10, the role he has recently got the nod in ahead of James Maddison. He started alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, who is currently banned from domestic football, and Pape Matar Sarr, who has been a key member of the squad under Postecoglou.

With the Australian boss deciding to rotate his midfield against Roma, it could certainly be argued that they missed the influence of Yves Bissouma in the middle of the park. It seems likely he will slot back into the side against Fulham, where he will have a big role to play.

Bissouma’s important role vs. Fulham

Malian international Bissouma has had a curious role in the Lilywhites side this term. He has struggled to lock down a permanent spot in the team, starting five out of nine games he has played in the top flight. He has also made four appearances in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.

Postecoglou could well decide to go back to his midfield that beat Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend, which was Maddison, Sarr and Bissouma. It not only brought quality on the ball but defensive nous which could be invaluable when looking to stop one of Fulham’s key players, former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe.

It has been a fantastic start to life at Craven Cottage for the Hale End academy graduate. In 12 Premier League games this term, he has scored three times and grabbed two assists. It is fair to say Smith Rowe is very much a dangerman for his former rivals to be wary of.

Bissouma, who earns £55k-per-week, could be a key player for Spurs this weekend, as they look to stop the Fulham attacking midfielder’s momentum.

Defensively, he has performed well this term, as shown by the stats from Squawka, winning 5.6 duels and making 4.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Indeed, it is the engine that the 28-year-old will bring to the middle of the park that could be a key part of stopping Smith Rowe.

The England international is energetic with the ball at his feet and Bissouma’s energy in the midfield will play a big part, given he will be able to relentlessly track him throughout the game and hopefully for Spurs, not give him much time on the ball.

It seems likely that Bissmoua, described as “outstanding” by football statistician Statman Dave, will slot back into the midfield against the Cottagers.

Postecoglou seems unlikely to change a winning formula against Manchester City, and the Malian international could play a key role in stopping Smith Rowe, as Spurs hunt for a place in the top four.

Ange must finally sell £20m Spurs flop who Conte didn't want to sign

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Antonio Conte was manager at Tottenham Hotspur for around 16 months, but it did not quite go how people may have hoped. The Lilywhites first appointed the experienced Italian coach in November 2021, but he left in March of 2023 by mutual consent.

He had a respectable record as manager of the club, despite never really challenging for any trophies. He coached Spurs for 76 games, winning 41 times and losing 23.

In the domestic cups, he failed to get the North Londoners to any finals, reaching the Carabao Cup semi-final in his first season and the FA Cup fifth round in both campaigns.

The second season was particularly disappointing, given the money Conte had to spend in the summer of 2022.

Spurs’ 2022 summer transfer window

The Lilywhites’ summer transfer window in 2022 was certainly a season in which they were well-backed. They made eight signings, although one of those was a loan deal which saw Clement Lenglet join the club from Barcelona. Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster also joined on free transfers.

There were five other major signings made that summer, although one of those, Destiny Udogie, spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Udinese, from where he joined Spurs. Another player also moved from Serie A. Cristian Romero joined the Lilywhites on a permanent deal for £42.5m, after joining the club on loan the previous season.

There were also two deals made for players within the Premier League. One of those saw Everton striker Richarlison make the move from Merseyside to North London.

He cost the club £60m, although he has struggled to make a real impact so far. He did score twice against the Toffees in February 2024 in a 2-2 draw.

Yves Bissouma also joined Spurs in 2022, signing from Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee in the region of £25m up front and a further £10m in add-ons. He is still an important player in Ange Postecoglou’s side today.

The eighth signing made under Conte that summer has not really worked out for either party, although he does still play for the club. That player is Djed Spence.

Djed Spence’s Spurs career

After an incredibly successful 2021/22 campaign on loan with Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough, Spurs took a punt on Spence ahead of Conte’s first full season in charge. He cost £12.5m up front and a further £7.5m in add-ons from Boro.

The right-back was fantastic in Forest’s promotion success in 2021/22. He was an influential member of Steve Cooper’s squad, playing 39 times in the Championship, scoring twice and grabbing five assists.

He also played every minute in the play-offs as Forest beat Sheffield United in the semi-final and Huddersfield in the final.

Spence’s Lilywhites career has been incredibly tough so far. He has played just 11 games for the club across two seasons, having gone on loan in the 2023/24 campaign to Leeds United for the first half of the season and Italian outfit Genoa for the second half.

Just weeks after the former England under-21 international made the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conte revealed it was not a signing he wanted to make. The Italian manager said the “club decided to buy him”, but explained that he hoped he would “become a good, important player” for the club. Sadly, it has not quite worked out like that for the wing-back.

It remains to be seen where Spence’s future lies. Postecoglou may well decide to keep the wing-back at the club, but at this stage it does not seem like he is in his plans.

£80m Tottenham star set to leave as Levy eyes "very ambitious" replacement

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Tottenham Hotspur are "set to lose" a key player, with chairman Daniel Levy and the club's recruitment team concretely eyeing a "very ambitious" replacement, according to a report this week.

Spurs earmark potential January transfer targets for Postecoglou

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou commented on the club's transfer plans for January in a recent press conference, refusing to rule out the possibility of his side making new signings once the window reopens for business.

The north Londoners have suffered from a plethora of injury blows and absentees in the last few weeks, with star defender Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Mikey Moore, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison all sidelined recently.

No 1 Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is also out for the foreseeable future after an operation on his fractured right ankle, meaning Postecoglou is set to rely on Fraser Forster between the sticks. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur won't be eligible for their next six domestic matches after his ban.

Postecoglou's squad has been stretched to the bare bones as they attempt to compete on all four fronts, and the Australian suggested that January transfers are a possibility after numerous meetings with technical director Johan Lange.

"We're always planning, planning for every scenario. A lot of it will depend on where we are as a squad at that time," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's plans for January.

"Between now and then, it is only really [Cristian] Romero and [Micky] van de Ven who will be back in that time frame, but Richy [Richarlison] will hopefully be back in the new year, and we will just assess where we are squad-wise but certainly, with Johan [Lange] I've already had a number of meetings for a strategy in January.

"I think last year we did a little bit of business which ended up helping us, but nothing concrete now because January is always tricky, and it depends on where we are squad-wise."

Depending on what happens between now and then, it has been reported that Tottenham are exploring a January move for Tariq Lamptey of Brighton, with a new right-back seemingly on the agenda.

Tottenham "set to lose" Pedro Porro as Levy eyes Geertruida

Real Madrid are being repeatedly linked with a move for £80 million Tottenham star Pedro Porro, and this could prompt Levy and Lange to look at alternatives to the Spaniard moving forward.

Now, CaughtOffside has a further update on this, as the outlet reports that Spurs are "set to lose" Porro as Real circle, with the Lilywhites taking a "concrete" interest in signing versatile RB Leipzig star Lutsharel Geetruida as a result.

Despite just joining Leipzig in the summer, the Netherlands international could leave for as little as £37 million given his desire to play in the Premier League, with his club prepared to do business at the right price.

Tottenham enter pole position to sign £50m defender who Chelsea really want

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Tottenham Hotspur have entered pole position for a £50 million defender, who Chelsea hold a "serious" interest in signing, with Ange Postecoglou's side thought to have an "advantage" in the race for his signature.

Spurs face Fulham in the Premier League after 2-2 draw with Roma

Following their disappointing 2-2 draw with Roma, where they conceded an added-time equaliser courtesy of Mats Hummels, Spurs return to action against London rivals Fulham on Sunday.

The Lilywhites' inconsistency has been brought to the forefront yet again this week, with Spurs following up their 4-0 win away at Man City by failing to beat Serie A strugglers Roma, but Postecoglou hasn't been helped by the plethora of injuries and absentees in his squad right now.

Tottenham are currently without number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who had surgery on his right ankle after his fracture against City, alongside Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Mikey Moore, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (domestic ban).

In his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Postecoglou did say that Romero is the closest to returning to action for Spurs, refusing to rule him out of contention to play Fulham in a couple of days time.

"So last night, at this stage a clean bill of health," said Postecoglou on Tottenham team news ahead of Fulham.

"Mind you I thought that last week and we had a guy who needed surgery an hour later. I think everything is alright from last night. Obviously we'll see when the boys come in. Returns...unlikely. Romero is closer, he's probably the closest but again probably unlikely, but I'm not ruling him out. He's got to get through a few things today and then we've got a session tomorrow."

It's been a desperately unlucky few weeks for Postecoglou and Spurs on that front, perhaps highlighting the need for further reinforcements.

Tottenham's manager has already brought attention to the fact his squad is being stretched to the bare limits, and there are reportedly a few players who the club's hierarchy are considering ahead of January and next summer.

Tottenham in pole position to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce

According to The Boot Room, Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu is firmly on their agenda as a potential alternative to Destiny Udogie.

The Denmark international, who could cost as much as £50 million, can play further up the field as a winger as well - which could be attractive to the north Londoners. Spurs have already been named as suitors for Dorgu, but now TBR have another promising update.

TBR state that Tottenham are leading the race to sign Dorgu and hold an "advantage" over fellow Premier League suitors like Chelsea, despite Maresca's side having a "serious" interest in the 20-year-old.

Dorgu has started 12 Serie A games so far this season, netting three goals and averaging an impressive 2.1 shots at goal per 90 according to WhoScored.

"He has already had a lot of playing minutes in Serie A with Lecce, and he has done really, really well," said Denmark Under-21s coach Steffen Højer to bold.dk.

"What is special about him is that he is a quiet and calm guy, but things are just incredibly natural for him on a football pitch."

He's outscoring Son & Kulu: Spurs must rue losing their own Saka for £0

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Tottenham Hotspur have always been a club good at identifying and nurturing exciting young talents.

The likes of Gareth Bale and Harry Kane are perhaps the most prominent examples of this over the last decade or so, with the former joining the club at just 17 years old before leaving for £85m six years later and the latter joining at 11 years old and eventually leaving for £86.4m last summer aged 30.

Even today, the likes of Mikey Moore and the lesser-talked-about Lucá Williams-Barnett look set to develop in North London before hopefully becoming first-team stars, and if they do end up leaving, they would likely go for massive sums as well.

However, with every club, there are those youth players who slip through the gaps and move on to become stars elsewhere, and that is the case with a former Lilywhites academy gem who left in 2018 and is now outscoring Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski while being compared to Bukayo Saka.

Spurs' 2018 departures

So, before we get to the player in question, let's look at some of the other players who left Spurs in the summer of 2018, starting with someone who went on to be sensationally successful, Kyle Walker.

The England international joined Spurs from Sheffield United in 2009, but eight years and 229 appearances later, he joined Manchester City for a whopping £50m plus add-ons, which was a record fee for a defender at the time.

At the Etihad, the Sheffield-born star won everything there is to win in the club game, including six Premier Leagues, four League Cups, two FA Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League, which was the centrepiece of an exceptional treble.

However, not all of the Lilywhites' departures that summer have been so successful since leaving N17.

For example, Clinton N'Jie enuring a mixed career in six years since that has taken him to France, Russia, Turkey and now Romania, where he is struggling to find form with Bucharest-based outfit FC Rapid.

However, while both of these players are now on the wrong side of 30, the club's academy also lost an incredibly exciting prospect that summer, a prospect starting to show his worth with a rival side and winning comparisons to Saka.

The Spurs gem who got away

Okay, so to get straight to the point, the former academy star in question is Noni Madueke, who left Spurs' youth set-up in 2018 to join Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he would eventually make his senior debut and earn a £29m move to Chelsea in January 2023.

However, before getting to his form this season, let's address this comparison to Arsenal's Saka and where it has come from, for that matter.

It primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Gunners star is the ninth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Blues ace across the last 365 days.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair ranks closely, metrics including but not limited to non-penalty goals, shots and shots on target, successful take-ons, tackles won and ball recoveries, all per 90.

With that said, how has the 22-year-old fared compared to some of Postecoglou's attacking stars this season?

Well, with five goals to his name so far, he is being outscored by just Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson, is level with James Maddison and comfortably ahead of Son, Kulusevski, Werner and Richarlison.

Ultimately, it's impossible to keep a hold of all the promising talents in an academy system, but based on his form this season, we reckon Spurs wish they had been able to keep a hold of Madueke.