Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing to sign a "ridiculous" new forward, who could be brought in as an alternative to RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

Spurs eyeing new forward as Frank sets out to be more attacking

Speaking after the recent 0-0 draw against Brentford, Thomas Frank made it clear that he plans to play a more expansive brand of football in the future, but the present injury situation makes it difficult.

The Spurs boss said: "I think what will 100% happen is that we will score a lot of goals and be much more dominant in a lot of games, but in the current situation with a lot of players out, it makes it more tricky with a lot of games.

"We want us to be free-flowing. I think, a couple of things I want to reinforce positively is the last two away performances. To stand on the foundation we are building was very strong against Crystal Palace and Brentford."

Ultimately, the Lilywhites haven't been good enough during Frank's tenure to date, having suffered disappointing defeats against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Fulham over the past month or so.

As such, the manager must take his fair share of criticism, but the players are also culpable, and it is clear the manager wants to improve his personnel, with an enquiry recently being lodged over a deal for RB Leipzig's Diomande.

However, Tottenham are also looking at alternatives to the Ivory Coast international, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are now pushing to sign AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche.

A deal for the forward would be on the expensive side, as the French club are expected to hold out for over £50m, but interest from Spurs persists, having made checks on Akliouche during his side's 3-1 defeat against Lyon on Saturday.

The north Londoners are looking to make a game-changing attacking signing, and there is plenty of evidence the Monaco star could be a solid addition to Frank's forward line.

"Ridiculous" Akliouche could tear it up at Spurs

Lauded as "ridiculous" by scout Ben Mattinson, the 23-year-old has been a key player for Monaco over the past three seasons, regularly contributing with goals and assists in Ligue 1.

Having impressed at club level, the winger has now been capped five times by France, and manager Didier Deschamps praised him back in November, saying: "Even if there are lots of attacking players and lots of absentees, he has moved up a notch to be more decisive."

Akliouche is a good age to be a long-term success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and having established himself as a key player for Monaco, while also impressing for France, the right-winger could be capable of immediately pushing for Mohammed Kudus' starting spot.

Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing a winter move for an "impeccable" defender, amid doubts over Radu Dragusin's future in north London.

Spurs looking to strengthen in defence with Frank under pressure

Tottenham have struggled to put together a consistent run in the Premier League, recently drawing 0-0 at Brentford, and there has been speculation over Thomas Frank's future in north London, with Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola being shortlisted last month.

The Dane has even admitted he hasn't been enjoying his time in the Spurs dugout, saying: "When you need to ​put in a big, big shift and it’s not smooth, and it’s tough, it’s probably ‍difficult to enjoy it.

"If I run hard, I don't enjoy that moment but I know I need ‍to keep my ‌head down and run hard to get through it. We are in a situation where you need to run hard, to stay in it."

Frank's defence hasn't been the main issue, with the Lilywhites keeping clean sheets in their last two matches, but a lack of attacking quality has been a real problem, recording an xG of just 0.86 in the goalless draw against Brentford last time out.

However, there are now doubts over Dragusin's future at Tottenham, with Crystal Palace making an approach to sign the Romanian, which means Frank may need to bring in another centre-back this month, and a move for Udinese's Oumar Solet is now being prepared.

The speculation surrounding Dragusin's future means Spurs are eager to strengthen at the back, and Solet, who is represented by the same agent as Brennan Johnson, has now emerged as a January transfer target.

However, there may be plenty of competition for the Frenchman's signature, with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Manchester United also being named as potential suitors.

"Impeccable" Solet could be solid Dragusin replacement

Dragusin, who rakes in £85k-a-week has only just returned from a long injury lay-off, appearing for the first time since January 2025 in the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace, but if Tottenham sanction the 23-year-old's departure this month, the Udinese defender could be a solid replacement.

Lauded as "impeccable" by Italian journalist Leonardo Bertozzi, the 25-year-old is strong at winning back possession, while he has also displayed an impressive ability to drive the ball up the pitch over the past year.

The colossus, who stands at a towering 6 foot 4, also displayed his attacking quality when he scored his first Serie A goal back in March.

Solet is clearly a very well-rounded defender, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, so Tottenham should look to get a deal done if Dragusin leaves this month.

Tottenham Hotspur need to improve across the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, 13th in the Premier League after the midpoint and yet to kindle a sense of culture and identity under Thomas Frank.

It's important to remember that the Danish tactician, who worked wonders in west London with Brentford, has had a mountain to climb down N17, with Spurs slumping to a 17th-place league finish with Ange Postecoglou last year, albeit winning the Europa League too.

But Frank hasn't helped himself, unable to get an attacking tune out of his players. That needs to change this month, and the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace has been a first step toward that.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

It was Johnson who bundled in the winning goal against Manchester United in Bilbao to end so many years of silverware-searching. That was the Welshman's 18th of the season, but he's fallen flat since the summer.

Johnson has a natural goal sense, but his overall play simply hasn't been good enough, and that's why Frank has allowed him to go.

But a replacement is now needed.

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are growing increasingly confident that they might be able to act on their long-standing interest in Manchester City winger Savinho, whose future at the Etihad is in jeopardy amid Pep Guardiola's bid to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Tottenham enquired last summer, but to no avail. Now, a deal could be struck, but for a rather hefty £63m fee.

Why Savinho could be a star at Spurs

In 2024, Manchester City signed Savinho from sister club Troyes for about £31m, and he made quite a positive impression throughout his debut campaign in England, providing energy and pace and creative impetus.

He's tapered away from that exciting level this season, but Savinho has been used sporadically, only starting six times in the Premier League.

Even so, the 21-year-old still ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his potential as one of the most athletic wide forwards in the business.

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.

Hailed for his "electric turn of pace" by City-focused content creator Steve McInerney, Savinho has all he needs to become a standout winger for Tottenham, with his specific skillset perhaps even comparable to Gareth Bale back in the retired Welshman's heyday.

Bale needs no introduction. One of the finest players of his generation, the Wales legend left Spurs for Real Madrid in a world record deal back in 2013, returning for a nostalgic stint in 2020/21.

Savinho has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same breath, but he's immensely talented and unquestionably one of the fleetest wingers in the game, sharing qualities with the Tottenham icon in that regard.

See, for example, how he ranks up against Johnson over the past year - it's clear to see that he offers far more.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has even singled the Brazilian winger out for being able to zip past opponents and complete the "type of Gareth Bale" finishes that drew such acclaim throughout his career.

Savinho isn't there yet, but he notched eight assists from just 21 Premier League starts in his first year, and it's worth remembering that Bale took some time to get going after his move from Southampton way back when.

If Tottenham succeed in landing and then harnessing such a player, they might just restore the kind of attacking intent craved and not seen for so many years.

It's a new year, and fans will be hoping for a new Tottenham Hotspur, one whose attacking play is sharper and whose home form in the Premier League is sterner for opponents.

Spurs shouldn't be too gloom and doom about their fortunes, only four points behind fifth-place Chelsea at the season's midpoint, but Thomas Frank's football has left much to be desired so far, and the Danish coach has been candid in his assertion that he is not enjoying his time at the helm given the sombre mood about N17.

Frank will be given time, but those in the ENIC head offices will have considered the possibility that Frank will be axed down the line, should results and performances not improve this term.

Who could replace Frank at Spurs

The managerial market is slim right now, and the Lewis family will be hesitant to pull the plug on a project they started at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, boldly dismissing Ange Postecoglou after he led Tottenham to the Europa League, albeit finishing 17th in the Premier League too.

But this hasn't stopped murmurings of new names circulating, with Premier League trio Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola all shortlisted in December, as per Football Insider.

However, prising any of these names away will come with risks, and Spurs could instead look to land a manager with an understanding of what it takes to lead this club and champion the culture, so important to the fans.

Perhaps that's why rumours of a return to the club have been touted for Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine coach is currently preparing USMNT for a 2026 World Cup that will be principally held in the United States, but this hasn't stopped Caught Offside from revealing last month that his name has popped up during internal managerial conversations, and that he is actually the frontrunner should push come to shove.

Frank may not be sacked any time soon, with the January transfer window sure to bring new additions in line with Frank's vision, but continued poor results and performances might force the club's hand/

Why Pochettino would be the right fit for Spurs

Some Tottenham supporters might voice concerns about going back to an ex - and one who has since been with Chelsea - but Pochettino knows the club and understands that To Dare Is To Do.

The 53-year-old has managed 294 matches in the Premier League, and he led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, creating a balanced and exciting team who were lauded for their initiative and easy-on-the-eye play.

Journalist Alex Keble rather brazenly remarked in 2019 that Poch was a "genius" who was "too good" for Tottenham, though this related to former chairman Daniel Levy's miserly reputation, consistently pegged as a man who would not spend and match the ambitions of Premier League rivals.

Now, this new version of Tottenham are ready to challenge the big boys and establish themselves at the very top of domestic and European football, and Pochettino could be the perfect man to achieve this, bringing a brand of attacking football that could far surpass Frank's more pragmatic tactics.

Rooted in stability and adaptability, the Spurs boss did great things with Brentford, but he's failed to translate that shrewd coaching ability to north London, with Tottenham among the least effective creators in England this year.

Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.

It's not good enough, and while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison continue to await their seasonal debuts as they recover from long-term injuries, Frank knows that things need to improve promptly if he is to build a long-term tenure.

Should that not be the case, Pochettino might be the perfect pick. He has a hunger to win silverware in the English game, and that might be the perfect combination with a deep connection and love for the Lilywhite club.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to spend in the January transfer window, and the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace already highlights the focus on making improvements in the final third.

There has been a marked lack of creativity and verve at Tottenham this season, with Thomas Frank yet to establish the framework that secured comparative riches with Brentford at the Gtech, rising from the Championship in 2021 and plying their way through four comfortable campaigns in the Dane's system.

Spurs need a winger, for sure, but a lot has been left to be desired at number nine too, with Dominic Solanke struggling for fitness all year and Richarlison ebbing and flowing in front of goal.

Spurs could sign a striker in January

ENIC Group have provided Frank with the funds to seal a number of signings this winter. They have made inroads across recent weeks from a defensive standpoint, but Spurs' attack simply isn't clicking together.

Creativity is at a low ebb, to be sure, but there doesn't appear to be much faith in the goalscoring options at number nine, with Solanke, Richarlison and loanee Randal Kolo Muani paling in comparison to Harry Kane - he's the club's record goalscorer, but that hardly needs mentioning.

Tottenham are in for the long haul, and Porto's Samu Aghehowa could be the perfect up-and-coming forward to drive Frank's project forward. As per Caught Offside, the Spaniard remains on the Londoners' list after interest last year, though his employers do not want to sell at the campaign's midpoint.

Valued at £87m, Samu has established himself as one of the most exciting and prolific attacking prospects in Europe over the past year-and-a-half, and Chelsea and Manchester United are among the other top clubs to have registered their interest of late.

What Samu would bring to Spurs

Samu scored plenty of goals for Porto last season, and journalist Zach Lowy remarked that he has the potential to become "one of the best strikers in Europe".

Reared in Spain, Samu joined Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024 after coming close to moving to Stamford Bridge and signing for Chelsea. That might have been a mistake; having remained in Iberian territory, he has fostered his qualities and grown into a complete forward.

Could the 21-year-old become the next Kane, with that in mind?

Replacing the England skipper has been a tough task for the Lilywhites, but Samu might just have what it takes to replace the world-class ace, who now leads an ambitious Bayern Munich project.

Kane is a superstar, and he was the poster boy for so many years down N17. Solanke and the like all have attributes worth writing home about, but none come close to Kane's depth and consistency, and that's where Samu could come in.

Powerful, tall and tenacious, Samu appears tailor-made for Premier League football, especially now that he's riding the crest of a wave, nine goals from 14 Europa League appearances for Porto and 28 from 44 in the Portuguese top flight.

This is much better than Solanke's efforts, having only featured twice in the Premier League this season. His injury-affected Spurs career is unfortunate, but Frank and co need to be ruthless going forward, lest the outfit continue to flatter to deceive.

He's not just a flashy goalscorer. As per data platform FBref, Samu ranks among the top 16% of strikers in Liga Portugal this year for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.

Whereas last year he served as something of a target man, now his physicality and athleticism and dynamism have been allowed to develop.

In this, he shares something with Kane, who is one of the deadliest frontmen of his generation but is also remarkably unique, with the vision of a natural-born number ten and the intelligence of an elite midfield general.

As we all know, it's not easy to replace a centre-forward of Kane's standing, but Samu is the full package and he has what it takes to become a superstar in the Premier League.

Tottenham have enquired over the future of a promising new attacker alongside their interest in Manchester City winger Savinho.

Spurs line up replacements for Johnson and Tel

Brennan Johnson has completed his £35million move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace. The Wales international, 24, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park.

Johnson, who fell out of favour under Thomas Frank at Spurs, despite being the north London club’s top scorer last season, is set to make his debut for Palace in their Premier League match against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Mathys Tel could also leave the Lilywhites having dropped down the pecking order under the former Brentford boss, which has reportedly led to a rift between the pair.

Spurs are set to allow Tel to leave on loan amid interest from Galatasaray, and have been linked with Savinho as a possible replacement for the outgoing duo.

The Brazilian has found playing time hard to come by at the Etihad due to the form of Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, but having lost his place in Manchester he could also now lose his next move to one of his teammates.

Spurs eyeing Omar Marmoush in January

Indeed, according to TeamTalk, Tottenham have enquired about the availability of a different City star in the shape of Omar Marmoush, who is also attracting interest from Aston Villa.

Man City have shown no desire to lose the Egypt international mid-season, so it will be interesting to see how seriously Spurs try to test their resolve just 12 months on from his £63m move from Eintracht Frankfurt (add-ons included).

The winger/forward is currently away at AFCON, where he has scored once as the Pharaohs topped their group, but has seen a mixture of form and fitness issues limit his effectiveness at City this season.

Despite this, the numbers paint a much prettier picture for Marmoush than Savinho, with the former Frankfurt star scoring 0.46 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past 365 days.

Savinho meanwhile has mustered up just 0.05 per 90, which is over 800 per cent less than his City co-star and in the bottom two per cent of all attacking midfielder/wingers in the big five European leagues.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Marmoush earlier this year, offering some insight into what he could add to Tottenham's attack.

"He arrived in the middle of the season and in a moment when we are not good.

"Sometimes when you come when everything is fluid and everything is fine it’s easy to adapt.

"But coming when the team is not playing good, that is a big credit.

"When a team likes to get the ball, he makes runs and understands the intensity you have to play."

Marmoush is under contract at City until the summer of 2029.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank admits he is not enjoying the challenge in North London, and the club are now set to say goodbye to one of his out of favour players in January.

Spurs head into Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland with just one win in their last four matches in the competition, and Frank is feeling the pressure.

"The short answer is no," he said when asked if he is enjoying the challenge in North London. "But the reality is you can’t (enjoy), but when I put myself out of it and look down, I think what a learning, what a privilege to be in charge of this fantastic club in a period where it’s a big transition."

“Someone told me we have changed eight leadership guys at the top of the club. The transformation of 2025 has never happened as much in 140 years. There’s a lot of changes but the potential is huge.

“I’m looking forward to looking back and thinking, ‘hmm, a big learning, but now I’m enjoying it’.

“It’s definitely a marathon. It definitely seems like it’s one of the more heavy miles I’m on now, but head down and keep going.”

The absence of Dominic Solanke and James Maddison has hampered Frank's cause, and it was perhaps a surprise to see Brennan Johnson join Crystal Palace given the lack of quality and depth in the attacking ranks.

The former Brentford boss has had no hesitation in leaving certain players out if they don't fit his system however, and another player who falls into that category is now set to leave.

Tel unhappy with Frank and set to leave Spurs

Indeed, according to reports in Turkey, via Sport Witness, Galatasaray are eyeing a move for Mathys Tel and Tottenham have decided to allow him to leave on loan.

The 20 year-old is unhappy with Frank having not started a top flight game since October and not featuring at all in the last three games.

The club will now 'evaluate loan offers for the France U21 international', who is not one of Spurs' highest earners on £55,000-a-week, having joined from a similarly out of favour role at Bayern Munich.

Tottenham Hotspur need to be in the market to add at least one more winger to Thomas Frank's squad before the January transfer window slams shut.

Wales international Brennan Johnson, who has scored 22 goals for the club since the start of last season (Sofascore), completed a £33.5m move to Crystal Palace this week.

Meanwhile, left wingers Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert have combined for one goal and zero assists in 14 starts in the Premier League for the Lilywhites, per WhoScored.

Spurs make enquiry about Bundesliga forward

Johnson's exit and the lack of form from Frank's other options show that the club need to be active in the market, and a new report suggests that they are.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur have identified RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a possible target to sign during the January transfer window.

The report, which mainly covers Palace's deal for Johnson, claims that the Lilywhites have made an enquiry about a swoop for the Ivorian star, stating that they have 'asked' Leipzig about him.

It reveals that Spurs are exploring potential deals for several forwards as a reaction to Johnson's move away from North London, and Diomande is one of the players they are considering a deal for.

This report does not explain how much it would take to secure his services in January, but The Guardian recently claimed that Leipzig want a fee in the region of £87m to consider parting ways with the teenage star, who is currently at the African Cup of Nations.

Why Yan Diomande could be the next Heung-min Son

Spurs should push to bring Diomande to North London this month because the 19-year-old star has the potential to be their next Heung-min Son on the wing.

Son, of course, also arrived at the club from the Bundesliga, signing from Bayer Leverkusen, and he went on to score 127 goals in 333 Premier League appearances, per the league's official website, in a ten-year stint with the Lilywhites.

A key feature of the South Korean icon's game, as shown in the post above, was his ability to score goals with both feet, as he was dangerous in front of goal on the left or the right side

Diomande, albeit he is still very early on in his career, is already showing that he has the potential to provide a similar level of threat off both feet as a goalscoring winger with his versatile scoring for Leganes and Leipzig in LaLiga and the Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old star is a naturally right-footed player, but, as shown in the table above, he has scored more left-footed goals than right-footed in his club career to date.

Diomande has scored 56% of his goals with his left foot and 44% of his goals with his right foot, which gives him a split across both feet that is as impressive as Son's was during his aforementioned Premier League career.

Son's electric pace, which allowed him to get in behind defences regularly, was also a key feature of his time at Spurs, and the Leipzig star has been described as a "crazy speedster" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, which suggests that he also has pace to burn.

Diomande's speed is on display in some of the clips posted by the Bundesliga in November, as he is able to burst past his market to make things happen in an instant in the final third.

The 19-year-old star's aforementioned career return of nine goals from 4.88 xG also suggests that he is on his way to establishing himself as a lethal and reliable goalscorer, who does not need many chances to find the back of the net.

That also makes him similar to former Spurs star Son, who scored 127 goals from just 93.08 xG in his Premier League career with the club, per the league's official website.

Therefore, Tottenham must press ahead with a deal to sign Diomande after selling Johnson to Palace, because he appears to have all the attributes to become their next version of Son.

Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing an out and out striker this winter alongside their interest in Brazilian winger Savinho.

Frank's Tottenham struggling for creativity and consistency

With Brentford, Thomas Frank established himself as a tactically astute manager, one whose adaptability saw the Bees establish themselves in the Premier League.

His achievements were enough for Spurs to choose him as Ange Postecoglou's successor, though after a promising start, the Lilywhites have started to stutter. Tottenham have won just two of their last ten Premier League games, and far too often Frank's team are finding themselves severly lacking in the final third.

Sitting four points adrift of sixth-placed Manchester United, Tottenham have unsurprisingly been linked with a number of incomings. Manchester City winger Savinho has been touted for a move to North London, as Spurs seek a replacement for Brennan Johnson.

Despite finishing last season as the club's top goalscorer, Frank has allowed Johnson to leave and the Welshman has traded North for South London, joining Crystal Palace.

It would seem that, alongside a new winger to replace the new Eagles star, Tottenham are also keen to reinforce their current selection of number nines.

Tottenham want to sign Aghehowa

Long regarded as a promising talent, Samu Aghehowa joined Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024 to play more first team football. The Portuguese giants have only benefitted from their decision, with Aghehowa scoring 45 goals for the club in just 69 appearances across all competitions.

Still just 21 years old, Aghehowa is understandably on the radar of many teams and according to CaughtOffside, the Spaniard is a player that Spurs are "very keen" on alongside their interest in Savinho.​​​​​​​

Richarlison has enjoyed a strong season so far, with eight goals to his name by the turn of the year. Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani, two other Tottenham strikers, have netted just four combined though, whilst Dominic Solanke has struggled with injury issues.

Aghehowa, who has been labelled a "box dominator" by scout Ben Mattinson, has the physicality a player needs to succeed in the English top flight. He would be an exciting signing, though certainly not an easy one. Reportedly, Porto have no interest in selling Aghehowa, meaning Spurs would need to meet the forward's release clause of £86 million.

If Tottenham push on and prove successful in their bids to sign Aghehowa alongside Savinho, then perhaps Frank can enter the second half of the season with more threat and consistency in his side's attack.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to move quickly in replacing Brennan Johnson within the January transfer window.

Johnson joins Crystal Palace

Despite finishing last season as the club's top goalscorer, a record which saw him score the only goal of the Europa League final, Johnson has struggled for first-team minutes under Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the summer.

The Wales international has started just six matches in the English top flight for Spurs, who have evidently lacked inspiration in the final third of the pitch on numerous occasions under their new manager. In spite of this, it has been clear for some time that Frank does not see Johnson as an important part of his side.

Johnson was entirely absent from the Spurs squad that drew against Brentford on New Year's Day and has now completed his move to Crystal Palace.

Just as his transfer has been quickly resolved, it appears Spurs are hoping to move at a similarly swift pace in replacing him.

Spurs want Savinho to succeed Johnson

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester City winger Savinho is who Spurs view as a 'dream' successor for Johnson.

Signing a contract that has seen him earn £50,000 per week, Savinho joined City in 2024 and the 21-year-old has since shown exciting glimpses of the player he could become in time.

Tottenham's interest in Savinho has stretched several months, the Brazilian having struggled for consistent minutes under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

At first glance, Savinho's statistics are scarcely impressive, with just one assist in 15 Premier League appearances this season being a record that casts doubt over City's £70 million valuation of the Brazil international.

Of those matches, however, Savinho has started just one. At full flight, the winger is an exciting talent to watch and has been described as an "incredible" talent by Guardiola. At Spurs, the Brazilian would certainly feature more heavily in the first-team and under Frank's guidance, may finally reach the levels that have been expected of him since he moved to England from Girona.