The Spurs Web

Jonathan David has been linked to Tottenham of late and his entourage are now listening to proposals from around Europe as the striker’s contract winds down.

Will Tottenham sign a striker in January?

Richarlison‘s injury woes have given Ange Postecoglou a big dilemma, with the Australian not having a suitable backup to club record signing Dominic Solanke.

The Tottenham head coach might be at the end of his patience with the Brzilian’s fitness woes, raising the possibility that the Lilywhites will enter the market for a number nine in January.

It turns out that one striker who was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham all through the summer transfer window will soon be on the market – Jonathan David.

Ligue 1 star’s representatives now speaking to clubs

This update comes from The Athletic, who say that Lille striker Jonathan David is expected to be on the move since his current deal runs out at the end of the season.

The report claims that the Canadian international has an offer on the table from the French club and while he has not communicated his final decision to his employers, he is expected to move on from Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

It is revealed that David‘s representatives have already started speaking to interested parties, with Spurs being named as one of his admirers.

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There could be a mad scramble for Jonathan David

The Athletic state that should the Lille star decide to leave as a free agent next summer, he will be ‘one of the most sought-after’ free agents on the market.

It is revealed that Jonathan is expected to have several options in the Premier League, with Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa named to be fans of the player.

David is also said to be on the radars of Juventus, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid while Bayern Munich’s board member for sport Max Eberl is thought to retain ‘a long-term fondness’ for the player.

Former Crystal Palace owner, Simon Jordan, has fired a dig at James Maddison in response to the idea that Daniel Levy is signing the wrong players for Tottenham.

James Maddison for Tottenham

Tottenham knew they had a fine player on their hands when they secured James Maddison, with the midfielder costing £40m, despite the fact Leicester City had just been relegated from the Premier League.

He was brilliant in his first few months at Spurs, but after returning from an ankle injury from an ankle injury which kept him sidelined for over two months, he struggled to hit the heights of his early performances for the club.

The season so far has had its ups and downs, both for Maddison and Spurs. While he has shone in displays such as the 4-0 win over Manchester City, he has suffered some setbacks at Tottenham.

The most obvious of these came when he was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr at half-time in Tottenham’s 4-1 win over West Ham, a match which was level at the time of his exit.

Jordan has raised doubts over whether Tottenham have the ability to win a league title, because they do not spend enough money in the transfer window and he does not believe Ange Postecoglou possesses a squad with as much quality as his rivals.

Speaking on talkSPORT (1:40), Jordan said: “I think the real issue is the kind of players that you buy and the kind of players that the funds that are made available allow you to buy. What Ange Postecoglou can’t do.”

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In response, radio host, Jim White, asked, “Well, it’s on Daniel [Levy], isn’t it?”

Jordan responded, “It’s on most football clubs. So how much, there’s only a few football clubs who are spending all amounts of money, probably about three or four. Spurs spend a decent amount of money. If you want to be a Premier League winner, they’re going to have to spend more money and get a different calibre of player.

He continued, “You buy players like James Maddison, who are very technically gifted players. But I don’t think he’d get in Man City’s side. I don’t think he’d get in Liverpool’s side. I don’t think he’d get in Arsenal’s side. And these are the teams that are potentially going to win leagues. But he’ll get into Spurs’ side because he’s technically a very good player.”

James Maddison stats actually look quite good

While Jordan has chosen to use Maddison to make his point, the 28-year-old has offered Spurs plenty in attack this season. He has five league goals, which is already more than he scored last season, and three assists in 11 starts. This is more than his much-praised teammate Dejan Kulusevski, as well as a number of players from top Premier League sides.

The key for Maddison is consistency and when he is at his best, such as early last season when Spurs were the league leaders, he would be selected for a lot of teams across Europe.

There is no doubt many supporters would be happy to see Spurs match the top spending of their biggest rivals, but when you consider some of Tottenham’s most expensive signings, spending more money is not always the solution.

Tottenham Hotspur or Chelsea may not just be competing for a Champions League qualification spot this season, but could also go head-to-head over a major commercial deal.

Tottenham and Chelsea have a deal with Nike

Nike is the official kit manufacturer for both Tottenham and Chelsea at the moment, with the deal thought to be the most lucrative among the various commercial agreements of the two sides.

TBR Football explain that although it has been pointed out by some sources that Nike’s deal with Chelsea is worth £60m and their deal with Spurs is worth £30m, those are not entirely accurate figures.

The outlet claims that the intricacies of the two deals mean that there is not much discrepancy between the amount that the two London sides will receive from the American footwear and apparel giant.

Tottenham and Chelsea competing for another deal

It has now been revealed that Nike’s spin-off brand Air Jordan, which is the brainchild of NBA legend Michael Jordan, is considering both clubs for its next collaboration.

This update comes from Football Finance expert Lukasz Baczek, who took to social media to reveal that Air Jordan will look at becoming an official Tottenham and Chelsea kit manufacturer next season, but only under one condition.

Baczek revealed that they will only sign the deal with those clubs if they qualify for the Champions League, which means that the two clubs might be going head-to-head for the deal.

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Tottenham fans have often been critical of the hierarchy for putting Champions League qualification at the top of their priority list over winning cup competitions.

However, that is the reality of modern-day football, with qualification for the Champions League not just directly impacting a club’s bottom line in the form of prize money and increase in matchday revenue, but also indirectly affecting a club’s earning potential by dictating how lucrative they are for commercial partners.

In a season filled with ups and downs for Tottenham, Heung-min Son has faced scrutiny, yet manager Ange Postecoglou believes the doubters might be writing him off too soon, drawing an interesting comparison to Liverpool’s Mo Salah.

Heung-min Son struggles and Tottenham’s inconsistent form

Tottenham Hotspur’s Heung-min Son has found himself in the midst of a turbulent season, managing just three Premier League goals so far and struggling with recurring injuries that have disrupted his rhythm.

The Spurs captain’s dip in form has mirrored Tottenham’s own inconsistent start to the campaign – the North London side now sits in eighth place on the Premier League table, having won just six of their opening 13 games, while enduring five losses and two draws.

This patchy form has left the Lilywhites outside the coveted top-four positions, sparking concerns among fans and pundits alike about the direction of the team.

At 32 years of age, the Korean winger is at a pivotal moment in his career, with his current contract set to expire in the summer; although the club is widely expected to trigger a one-year extension, questions about his long-term role in Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side persist.

Postecoglou, however, has sought to shift the narrative, comparing Son’s current situation to that of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who faced similar scrutiny during the early stages of the 2022/23 season.

Salah, like Son, had a slow start but eventually silenced his critics by returning to his best form, reinforcing his status as one of the Premier League’s elite wingers.

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Postecoglou backs Heung-min Son, draws on Salah’s resurgence

In a recent press conference, Ange Postecoglou offered a robust defence of Heung-min Son, dismissing suggestions that age or form should be a cause for concern.

Drawing on Salah’s resurgence as an example, the Tottenham boss was unequivocal in his support for the South Korean star.

Speaking to football.london, Postecoglou said: “I think there were questions about Mo maybe a year or so ago. I would be wary about doing that, but it might help me if you write him off. Go for it!

“I do not see that in Sonny, I still think he has got a hell of a lot of quality and from a physical standpoint, the way he looks after himself, I do not see his abilities diminishing just due to the age factor at the moment. I do not see that.

“He has had a bit of a disrupted start this year where he has had a couple of setbacks where he has not played regularly. I think with Sonny the more regularly he plays, the increase comes in that output. So the answer is no, I do not think so, and I would be wary about writing him off.”

Patience is key: Son must learn from Salah’s example

Postecoglou’s comments highlight a crucial point often overlooked in football: the importance of patience. Salah’s resurgence serves as a timely reminder that form is temporary, but class is permanent.

Despite a dip in form in 22/23, Salah is now back to his best and remains one of the most prolific wingers in the Premier League, with 13 goals and 8 assists in just 14 games this season.

In Heung-min Son’s case, a similar narrative could unfold if he is given time and the opportunity to play regularly, he will get into his rhythm and the goals will come.

Tottenham Hotspur are now set to be joined by more clubs in the race for a Ligue 1 club centre-back who has risen from obscurity to become one of the best young talents in French football.

Young centre-back has been the find of the season

The player in question is RC Lens starlet Abdukodir Khusanov, who arrived for a mere €100,000 from Belarusian club Energetik-BGU Minsk 18 months ago.

However, this season, the 20-year-old has forced himself into Lens’ starting eleven and his consistent displays have reportedly caught the attention of several Premier League sides.

The Telegraph were the first to report a few days ago that Spurs and Newcastle United have both expressed an interest in the versatile defender ahead of January.

Two more clubs enter race with Tottenham

Le10 Sport have now also reported on Tottenham’s interest in Khusanov, and they reveal that the Lilywhites have been joined in the race for the player by London rivals, Chelsea.

Further, the outlet reveals that Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on the Uzbekistan international and that the Parisians have been ‘warned’ that Premier League clubs are circling over the player.

According to the update, Milan Skriniar is expected to leave PSG in January and the Ligue 1 giants have identified Khusanov as a potential replacement.

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How much would Khusanov cost Tottenham?

Interestingly, this report from Le10Sport suggests that Lens would be willing to let their starlet leave for a fee of €20m (£16.5m) in January.

However, in the aforementioned update on the Uzbek starlet’s future from The Telegraph, it was suggested that the French club are demanding £25m for his services.

Fabrizio Romano hands Tottenham Hotspur a major boost in their pursuit of one of the Serie’s best-emerging talents – Patrick Dorgu.

Tottenham eyeing another Serie A raid for Patrick Dorgu

Tottenham have had plenty of success with their recruits from Italy over recent years, with Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentacnur, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario all proving hits at N17.

Reports over recent months have indicated that the Lilywhites are now plotting another raid from Italy, with Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu now in their sights.

In fact, some outlets have even suggested recently that Tottenham are favourites to sign the left-sided player, even though they are thought to be facing competition from the likes of Juventus, Napoli and Chelsea for the player.

While reporting on the fact that Patrick Dorgu won the Danish Young Player of the Year award for 2024, Romano provided an interesting Tottenham transfer update on the youngster.

He revealed that Lecce already rejected approaches from Spurs, Chelsea and Strasbourg for the versatile left-back back in the summer.

Even more significantly, Romano added that Dorgu is expected to leave Stadio Via del mare in 2025 amidst the growing interest in his signature. This could be good news for the likes of Tottenham if they are indeed still interested in the left-back.

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Dorgu seems the ideal defensive recruit for Spurs

With Ben Davies continuing to shine as a centre-back, Tottenham’s priority in January would likely be to strengthen at left-back rather than in central defence.

Patrick Dorgu ticks all the boxes for Tottenham, given his age, his tactical profile and his physical attributes.

Tottenham Hotspur have a history of incredible strikers, so here’s a look at ten of the best, with the club’s all-time top goalscorers.

After a prolific start to his career in Scotland with Dundee, Alan Gilzean joined Tottenham in 1964 and formed a deadly partnership with Jimmy Greaves in the Lilywhites’ attack. The Scot spent ten years in North London, helping the club win the League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup with his formidable heading ability and link-up play.

Goals: 133

Appearances: 439

Years at club: 1964-1974

Nicknamed The Duke, Len Duquemin was a key figure in Tottenham’s post-war golden era, and his goals helped carry the team to their first league title in 1951. A physical player with a strong work ethic, Duquemin was a classic centre-forward, that rare breed of target man number 9 that barely exists in today’s game.

Goals: 134

Appearances: 307

Years at club: 1946-1958

George Hunt impressed at his local club, Chesterfield, earning himself a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 1930. His record with the Lilywhites is quite phenomenal, with a goalscoring rate of a goal every 1.4 games. Hunt helped Spurs gain promotion to the first division in 1933, with 32 goals in 39 games. He later signed for Arsenal, but we’ll let him off for that one.

Goals: 138

Appearances: 198

Years at club: 1930-1937

One of the most natural goalscorers of the modern era, Jermain Defoe was prolific in both his spells with Tottenham Hotspur in the early 2000s and into the 2010s. He was known largely as a poacher, capable of being in the right place at the right time to find the net with clever finishes, but Defoe also scored many long-range screamers, too.

Goals: 143

Appearances: 362

Years at club: 2004-2008, 2009-2014

A key part of Tottenham’s double-winning side in 1960/61, Cliff Jones was an electric winger with incredible pace, skill, and a keen eye for goal who struck fear into the opposition defenders and is truly a club legend. The Welshman scored 19 goals in that momentous season, and also contributed as Spurs went on to win two more FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup later in the 1960s.

Goals: 159

Appearances: 378

Years at club: 1958-1968

The only player on this list to still be playing for Tottenham, meaning we could yet see Heung-min Son climb the rankings — we would be stunned if he didn’t surpass Martin Chivers this season. Since joining the club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son has hit the ground running, working tirelessly for the team and providing match-winning goals time and time again.

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He is now club captain and has built a fantastic relationship with the fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Now, he just needs to lift a trophy and cement his status as a club legend once and for all.

Goals: 166 (as of December 2024)

Appearances: 422 (as of December 2024)

Years at club: 2015-present

After an incredible few years with his local club Southampton, Martin Chivers was signed by Spurs for a record fee of £125,000 in 1968. He wasn’t an instant success for the Lilywhites, but eventually settled and became one of the most formidable marksman the country has ever seen. Big, strong, and adept with both feet, Chivers was instrumental in Tottenham’s glory days of the 1970s.

Goals: 174

Appearances: 367

Years at club: 1968-1976

One of only three players to register over 200 goals for the Lilywhites, Bobby Smith was another of the key figures involved in the double-winning Tottenham team of 1960/61. Like Len Duquemin before him, Smith was a traditional centre-forward, using his strength to work goalscoring opportunities for himself or to bring teammates into the game. Smith was a clinical finisher, and was able to score with both feet or his head at a relentless rate.

Goals: 208

Appearances: 317

Years at club: 1955-1964

Quite simply, Jimmy Greaves was one of the greatest ever goalscorers to grace the game. A naturally gifted player with a high level of footballing intelligence and an extraordinary eye for goal, Greaves was the lynchpin of Tottenham’s highly successful side in the 1960s, with his many goals proving to be crucial as the Lilywhites won the FA Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and the Community Shield in a healthy return to bolster Tottenham’s trophy list.

As an individual, Greaves was the First Division’s top goalscorer for a record six seasons. He was quick, agile, and technically brilliant, able to find a goal from seemingly impossible situations.

Goals: 268

Appearances: 381

Years at club: 1961-1970

After a sluggish start to his career across a handful of disappointing loan spells, Harry Kane burst onto the scene with Tottenham when he was finally given a real chance with the senior squad. Arguably the club’s greatest-ever academy product, Kane would go on to become one of the best strikers to ever play in the Premier League, winning the Golden Boot three times.

He became Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscorer in February 2023, and took the record for England just a month later. Kane left the club in the summer of 2023 for Bayern Munich in pursuit of silverware, and left behind the chance to become the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, too. Who knows, maybe he will return one day to finish the job?

Goals: 280

Appearances: 435

As the transfer window looms, Spurs fans are left wondering: how many January signings will it take for their team to maintain quality depth amid a gruelling campaign? With injuries piling up and a hectic fixture list, Ange Postecoglou faces a crucial month ahead.

Spurs injury woes test squad depth

Spurs season has been riddled with several injuries that have stretched the squad. With seven players out from their goalkeeper, to their two centre-backs, to their backup striker and their backup wingers.

These injuries have made it difficult for Ange Postecoglou’s side to stay fresh in the hectic December schedule.

However, with January along the line, we take a look at how many signings the Lilywhites will need to make to improve their squad depth.

How many signings will be enough for Spurs in January?

Centre-back: A Priority for January

As the January window approaches, Tottenham Hotspur must prioritise signing a centre-back. The absence of Micky van de Ven due to injury has left a significant gap in defence, and finding a player of similar quality is crucial.

The ideal candidate would be someone capable of maintaining Spurs’ high-pressing game while also offering reliable cover during defensive transitions.

Although such players are rare, the urgency to address this position cannot be overstated. A new centre-back would not only strengthen the defence but also allow Ben Davies to operate as a full-back when necessary.

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With Djed Spence and Archie Gray providing additional backup, Spurs could achieve a more balanced defensive setup. Moreover, Spurs have centre-backs like Vuskovic out on loan, who could be integrated into the squad in the near future, offering further depth.

Right Wing: Johnson Needs Support

Brennan Johnson’s form this season has been a bright spot, with 10 goals across all competitions—a marked improvement from the five he managed last term.

However, the lack of adequate cover on the left wing remains a concern. The only viable alternative, Dejan Kulusevski, has transitioned into a midfield role, where his skills are better utilised.

While Johnson has shown his attacking prowess, his defensive contributions have been lacking. This was likely a contributing factor to his benching against Manchester City, as he often struggles to track back and provide defensive cover for Pedro Porro.

His youthful exuberance means there’s potential for growth, but the left wing remains a vulnerable area.

At just 23 years old, Johnson has room to grow, but Spurs cannot afford to rely solely on him. If he were to sustain an injury, the team would be dangerously exposed on the left flank. Strengthening this position is vital to ensure balance and depth in the attacking lineup.

Honourable mentions – Goalkeeper and left-back

If Guglielmo Vicario is going to be out well into 2025 and Spurs are planning on signing a new keeper in the summer anyway, then I would not be surprised to see an early signing in January.

Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro need far more rest than they are getting too, so a back-up left-back seems sensible if Spurs can get it done in January.

January signings come with difficulties for Spurs

The January transfer window is notoriously challenging, as many clubs are reluctant to sell their key players mid-season.

This makes it difficult for teams like Spurs to secure multiple signings or even their primary targets. As a result, the club may not be particularly active during this window.

That said, if Spurs can bring in at least a centre-back to cover for Micky van de Ven when he’s injured and a left-winger, they should be well-equipped to navigate the remainder of the season.

With injured players gradually returning, these two additions could provide the necessary depth to see them through.

Tottenham’s pursuit of one young Premier League midfielder is gathering steam but the North London club’s proposal still falls short of the set asking price.

Teenager has been one of the surprises of the PL this season

Not many people batted an eyelid when Facundo Buonanotte made a loan switch from Brighton to Leicester City back in the summer, but the teenager has been one of the best young talents on show in the Premier League this season.

The attacking midfielder’s displays at the King Power Stadium have seen him force himself into the Albiceleste set-up and he seems destined for a big future.

It emerged last month that Tottenham had been impressed by the 19-year-old’s progress and are plotting a move for him in the future.

Tottenham have stepped up Facundo Buonanotte chase

Spurs‘ interest in the Argentine has now been backed up by Fichajes, who say that the Lilywhites are plotting a move for the player next summer when his loan spell at Leicester comes to an end.

The report states that Ange Postecoglou‘s men have been impressed by Buaonantte’s skill and creativity, and they believe that the player can add dynamism and versatility to their midfield.

The outlet claims that the Seagulls would be willing to sell the youngster for €35m (£29m) but at this moment, Spurs have only put a proposal of €25m (£20.7m) plus add-ons on the table.

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The publication adds that negotiations between the two clubs are set to continue and might gather pace towards the end of the campaign.

Deal will likely be a difficult one for Tottenham to do

If Buaonantte keeps performing the way he is, one would think that Fabian Hurzeler would earmark a starting role for him next season.

While Brighton are a selling club, they do tend to drive a hard bargain, and one would not be surprised if they demanded £40m-£50m for Buaonantte next summer.

Pape Sarr speaks about the path he had to the very top of the game with Tottenham and reveals where his drive comes from to be the best version of himself.

Tottenham man’s increasing importance to the side

At the start of the season, Pape Matar Sarr found himself out of the team, with Ange Postecoglou experimenting with playing both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in midfield.

However, the 22-year-old has fought his way back into the side and is now featuring regularly in the starting eleven.

One can understand Postecoglou has taken to the Senegalese star, whose work rate and energy makes him a perfect fit for the Australian coach’s system.

Pape Sarr is determined to make the most of his career

Sarr revealed that unlike in Europe, the pathways to senior football are not clearly defined where he grew up, stating that he had to work extremely hard to get where he is.

Now that he has fulfilled his dream of playing at the highest level, the Tottenham man is determined to do all he can to have a successful career.

Sarr told The Times: “When I was young the only thought I had in my head was to turn pro and now I’ve achieved that I’m happy and try to make the absolute most of it and enjoy it to the max.

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“It wasn’t all that easy because in Africa nothing is given to you as a gift. Of course, you have to have talent and ability but you also have to make a success of things by never giving in.”

Pape Sarr on his change of attitude at Tottenham

While Sarr is undoubtedly one of the hardest working players in the Spurs side at the moment, he explained that it was not a characteristic he always had while growing up.

Speaking about his transformation, the midfielder said: “I was a bit laid-back as a kid and I didn’t like running and working hard much at all really. I wasn’t a player who, if I’m being honest, enjoyed putting in a shift. I just used to wait for the ball to come to me so I could do something with it. I liked to have fun.

“As I grew up, I began to understand football wasn’t about that. You see that involves putting in the legwork yourself to get about the place and ask to be given the ball. So that’s what I continue to do nowadays. I think it’s important for me and the team.”