Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur should use the January transfer window, which opened for business on Thursday, to make key additions to their squad for the second half of the campaign.

The Lilywhites are currently 12th in the Premier League table after a dull 0-0 draw with Thomas Frank's former side Brentford away from home on Thursday night.

Tottenham's head coach was reportedly booed by his own supporters after he went over to applaud their support after that disappointing draw, which speaks to the growing frustration around the situation in North London.

Spurs among frontrunners to sign LaLiga star

Frank and the club could look to get fans back onside and pulling in the same direction by using the window to add quality and exciting players to the group in the coming weeks.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Atletico Madrid central midfielder Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Lilywhites want to sign the England international to bolster Frank's options in the middle of the park, but Manchester United are also keen on the former Chelsea ace, with both Spurs and the Red Devils said to be leading other English sides for his signature.

It adds that Spurs view Gallagher as an ideal addition to their midfield ranks this month, and that the 25-year-old midfielder would be 'enthusiastic' about a move to North London, because of his London roots.

TEAMtalk reveals that Atletico Madrid are open to allowing the Englishman to move on in January, but they want a permanent transfer and would like a fee of around £26m for his services.

Why this is bad news for Rodrigo Bentancur

Tottenham's interest in a deal for Gallagher is bad news for Rodrigo Bentancur because it could spell the beginning of the end of his career with the Lilywhites.

The Uruguay international currently fills the role of being the more experienced operator in midfield, alongside much younger talents like Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and, when he is back from international duty, Pape Matar Sarr.

However, his fairly underwhelming performances on the pitch this season suggest that the signing of another experienced midfielder could see him lose his place in the side.

Bentancur, as illustrated in the statistics above, has not been a standout performer in the Premier League this season, as he has been average in his duels and offered very little in possession at the top end of the pitch.

Gallagher, meanwhile, is a central midfielder who can offer a similar defensive presence, when it comes to making tackles and interceptions, whilst providing more quality with his all-round game.

The chart above shows their respective statistics over the past 365 days for Spurs and Atletico Madrid, and the England international comes out on top in most metrics.

Gallagher's significantly more impressive work in possession really stands out in that chart, as it suggests that he would offer far more to Spurs as an attacking force on the ball, which could help to prevent any more dull affairs like the 0-0 draw with Brentford.

The former Chelsea man has delivered seven goals and seven assists in all competitions for Atletico since the start of last season, per Sofascore, including a goal and an assist in his last two games.

Gallagher, who was once hailed as a "monster" by Tom Dutton, also provides quality out of possession. He ranks in the top 3% of midfielders in the Big 5 Leagues over the past 365 days for interceptions per 90 (1.73) and the top 24% for tackles per 90 (2.45).

These statistics suggest that he has the defensive qualities to replace what Bentancur offers at the heart of the midfield, whilst also possessing the technical attributes to make a greater impact in matches on the ball.

Bentancur has only produced three goals and two assists in all competitions since the start of last season, per Sofascore, which proves that he is not a reliable contributor in the final third, unlike Gallagher.

Therefore, Tottenham's interest in the England international could spell bad news for the Uruguayan star, because Gallagher could be Frank's experienced midfield linchpin around the younger talent, leaving Bentancur to consider his future as a bench warmer.

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off 2026 in fairly underwhelming fashion as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League by Thomas Frank's former side Brentford.

To say that it was a game bereft of quality would be an understatement. Per Sofascore, neither side created a single 'big chance' in the 90 minutes, and Spurs ended the game with just 44% of the possession and two shots on target.

Such a toothless display from the Lilywhites may leave some supporters questioning why Brennan Johnson is set to be sold to Crystal Palace for £33.5m.

The Wales international was the team's top goalscorer in the 2024/25 campaign, with 18 goals, and has scored 27 goals in 106 matches for the club to date, per Transfermarkt.

Why Spurs are right to sell Brennan Johnson

Despite some of his goalscoring exploits during his time in North London, Johnson should be sold by the Lilywhites because he has not offered enough to the team in his general play.

Johnson has a great knack for finding space at the back post to score, as shown in the clip above, but his lack of creativity and quality in possession in deeper areas took away from his goal threat.

The Welsh forward has scored two goals, provided 0.4 key passes per game, and failed to register a single assist in 16 Premier League games so far this term for Spurs, per Sofascore, which shows how little he has offered the team as a creative presence.

Over the last 356 days, as shown in the chart above, Johnson ranks among the worst attacking midfielders and wingers in the five major European leagues in virtually every key possession or creation-based metric that a winger should be judged on.

That is why Spurs are right to cash in after Palace's £33.5m offer, as they could look to sign a more well-rounded winger, but the Welshman is not the only dud who should be sold this month.

The Spurs flop who should be sold after Brennan Johnson

Pedro Porro's wasteful performance against Brentford in the Premier League on Thursday night proved that he has to be the next player to be sold after Johnson in the January transfer window.

Last month, TEAMtalk reported that Manchester City were showing significant interest in a deal to sign the Spain international from the Lilywhites in 2026, which suggests that there is at least one club that would be willing to take him away from North London.

Spurs should take advantage of that interest and cash in on him, as they are about to do with Johnson, as he put in another disappointing display against the Bees.

Per Sofascore, Porro failed with all three of his attempted crosses and only made one key pass, without creating a single 'big chance', whilst he lost possession of the ball a whopping 18 times.

The Spanish right-back has not offered enough quality as a creative threat, with one assist in 19 Premier League appearances, to justify how many times he gives the ball back to the opposition.

As you can see in the table above, he has lost possession at least 20 more times than every other player in the entire division, in every position, which illustrates just how incredibly wasteful he has been.

That wastefulness was on display again against Brentford, completing just 76% of his attempted passes (Sofascore), and that is why Spurs should cash in on him, amid recent reported interest from Manchester City.

On top of that, Porro also leads the entire Premier League in errors that have led to shots for the opposition, with five, per Sofascore. No other player in the league has made more than four.

If the Cityzens, as Palace are with Johnson, are willing to pay a significant fee to take Porro away from North London, the Lilywhites should jump at the chance to part ways with him.

The Spaniard's defensive errors, coupled with his wasteful play on the ball, suggest that now is the right time for him to move on from the club.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race to sign an "incredible" Manchester City forward during the January transfer window.

Spurs looking to raid Man City this winter

Despite scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final last season, Brennan Johnson is now set to leave Tottenham and join Crystal Palace, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Consequently, Spurs will need to bring in a new forward this month, and several Man City players have now emerged as targets, with it being revealed they have been pushing to sign Omar Marmoush.

Savinho is also an option for the Lilywhites, and they are preparing a new offer for the Brazilian winger, having failed in their attempts to lure him to north London back in the summer.

Yet another City player has also emerged as an option, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Tottenham have been looking at signing a number of attackers, who could give them a boost in the second half of the season, including Oscar Bobb.

Spurs are ready for an active January transfer window, despite there being an awareness that deals done this month will be on the expensive side, and they have money available.

Bobb is one of many potential targets for the north Londoners, who are also looking at the likes of Juventus star Kenan Yildiz and RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, but there are indications the City ace could be an exciting addition to Thomas Frank's squad...

"Incredible" Bobb could flourish at Tottenham

The Oslo-born winger has found it difficult to force his way into Pep Guardiola's plans this season, but he has impressed at times since breaking into the first team, scoring against Al Ain in the Club World Cup back in the summer.

Once lauded as "incredible" by Pep, the Norway international has also caught the eye when playing for his country, chipping in with an assist in a 4-1 victory against Italy back in November, while he has also scored two goals in 16 appearances.

At just 22-years-old, the winger is not as established as Marmoush, who made an impressive start to life at Man City after joining during the last January transfer window, picking up seven goals and two assists in 16 outings.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to lose the player who scored the winner in the Europa League final last year, as Brennan Johnson inches closer towards the exit door.

Crystal Palace are reportedly confident that they will have him in the building for their clash with Newcastle United on Sunday, after they agreed a £35m fee with Spurs for the Wales international.

The £47.5m signing from Nottingham Forest is set to move on from North London after a return of 27 goals in 106 games, as shown in the graphic above, and the most memorable of those 27 strikes has to be his winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Johnson, though, has only managed two goals and no assists in 16 Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank, per Sofascore, which may be why the Danish coach is willing to sanction this departure.

Spurs preparing offer for Premier League attacker

Spurs will need to be in the market for a replacement for the Welsh attacker, with his move to Palace days or hours away from completion, and they are reportedly looking at a Premier League forward.

According to talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are preparing a fresh offer to bring the Brazil international to North London, after they failed to get a transfer over the line in the summer.

Manchester City rejected their attempts to sign Savinho in the summer in a deal that could have been worth around £69m, but this update states that Spurs hope Antoine Semenyo's rumoured move to The Etihad will convince them to part ways with the Brazilian.

It adds that the left-footed star was keen on a move to Tottenham ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which suggests that he would be open to a transfer this month.

Why Savinho would be an upgrade on Johnson for Spurs

If Spurs can get a deal over the line for the City attacker in the coming days or weeks, Frank could have an upgrade on Johnson at his disposal on the right flank.

Savinho does not offer the same threat as a goalscorer, with just five goals since the start of last season (Sofascore), but his all-round play on the flank suggests that he can contribute more to the team's overall performance than Johnson was doing.

The chart above illustrates the gulf in quality between their performances at Premier League level in the 2024/25 campaign, as it shows that the Brazil international is significantly better in possession, particularly as a passer and a creator.

Savinho has registered 13 assists in all competitions since the start of last season, after recording ten in the 2023/24 campaign for Girona, and has the potential to be one of the most creative wide players in the entire division.

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed wing wizard was one of the top creators in the Premier League last term, despite the fact that he only started 21 top-flight matches for the Cityzens.

Savinho has only started four times in the division this season, registering one assist, and Spurs could provide him with an opportunity to play more regular football, to allow his creativity and quality in possession to shine through once again.

Early on last season, the winger "sent (Riccardo) Calafiori for a hotdog", per U23 scout Antonio Mango, in the build up to a beautiful assist for Erling Haaland against Arsenal.

Unfortunately, the clip of Haaland's goal cuts out the part where he skipped past Calafiori by the touchline, but you can see his sublime through ball in the post below.

This shows that he is capable of game-changing moments against top-quality opponents in the Premier League, and he did not only deliver assists against the lesser sides in a dominant City side last season.

Overall, the Brazilian winger's all-round game, creativity, and scope to improve further at the age of 21 suggest that he would arrive as an upgrade on Johnson on the wing for Spurs if they can get a deal over the line this month.

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race to sign an "outstanding" midfielder, and a deal could be done this month if they lodge a convincing proposal.

Spurs move into pole position in race for new midfielder

Thomas Frank has now confirmed he is setting out to make changes to his squad this month, after a mixed start to life in north London, saying: "We will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad. We will do that.

"I've said it a few times before that things are important because of different types you can add to a squad.

"The main bit is the ones we add need to be ones that we really think can improve the team. Then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad."

Brennan Johnson is one of the players who looks like he could be heading for the exit door, with Crystal Palace currently leading the race to sign the forward.

In terms of potential new additions, one position in which Tottenham are particularly keen to strengthen is central midfield, having recently identified AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit as a target.

The Alkmaar youngster is not the only option, however, with a report from Caught Offside revealing Spurs are now leading the race to sign a more experienced midfielder, namely Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have now moved ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for the central midfielder, and contact has been made with his representatives, with Bayern potentially open to sanctioning a departure this month if a convincing proposal is made.

A free transfer in the summer could also be a possibility, with the 30-year-old's £218k-a-week contract at the Allianz Arena set to expire at the end of the season.

"Outstanding" Goretzka could be savvy addition to Frank's squad

Lauded as "outstanding" by former Germany teammate Sami Khedira, the Bochum-born maestro is highly experienced at the top level, having made 68 appearances in the Champions League, while he also knows what it takes to win, having lifted six league titles at Bayern.

The Germany international is also very impressive in possession of the ball, and poses an aerial threat, as showcased during his performances over the past year.

Tottenham Hotspur have a lot of up-and-coming quality, but it's up to Thomas Frank to put it into practice after an opening half to the 2025/26 campaign that has left plenty to be desired.

Chelsea are the only team in the Premier League to have a younger average age than their north London neighbours, but ENIC Group appear set on strengthening with further rising stars to create a lasting period of success.

The likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mathys Tel have big futures ahead of them, but Spurs are eyeing another rising talent who could surpass them all, and it comes as Brennan Johnson inches toward the exit.

Spurs lining up Brennan Johnson replacement

Crystal Palace have agreed with Tottenham a £35m fee for the transfer of Welsh winger Johnson, who has slumped considerably in Frank's system.

The 24-year-old is a talented player who scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the Europa League final last season. Last year, he posted 18 strikes in all competitions for Ange Postecoglou, but he hardly looks like matching that this year, and probably needs to move after falling to the fringes.

While Johnson has fallen flat after that hefty £47.5m arrival from Nottingham Forest in 2023, it's clear that Tottenham cannot sell themselves short throughout the business months of the campaign, and a replacement is needed, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande earmarked.

As per TEAMtalk, the 19-year-old winger is open to a Premier League move this winter, and though Spurs are circling, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have all registered interest of their own.

Previous reports suggest that it would cost suitors a staggering £87m sum to prise him away from his German club - but then, he is that good.

How Diomande could improve Spurs

Diomande only joined Leipzig from La Liga side Leganes last summer, but he's taken to life in the Bundesliga with ease, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists across 16 appearances.

He's already showing more of a clinical edge than Johnson, and offering more besides.

Hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Bence Bocsak, the Ivory Coast international ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for tackles and the top 1% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

A ball recovery is defined by the number of loose balls recovered by a player.

He plays with an intensity and aggression that can only serve him well down the line, establishing him as one of the biggest and most coveted names on the global stage.

Spurs already know a thing or two about plucking an up-and-coming sensation from the German scene, with Tel arriving from Bayern Munich last year.

The versatile forward is still working toward superstardom in the Premier League, but his potential is indisputable, and in Diomande, Spurs could not only repeat the trick but sign an even bigger talent.

Not long ago, coach Harry Brook asserted that he will "be worth £100m plus" down the line. Already, Diomande is nearly there, and Tottenham need to put everything into signing him before things get silly.

After all, they would land an instant Johnson upgrade and another Bundesliga prodigy to rival Tel as the Frenchman cuts his teeth down N17.

Tottenham Hotspur have long been regarded as one of the best-run clubs in the Premier League. Daniel Levy was nothing if not a savvy businessman.

However, on-field success left something to be desired, and the incredible Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou last season ended a 17-year wait for silverware, with Brennan Johnson striking the winner against Manchester United in the final.

Football does move at a relentless pace, though, and Johnson is seemingly in the process of packing his bags and leaving N17.

The latest on Brennan Johnson to Palace

Johnson, 24, scored 19 goals in all competitions for Tottenham last season, but he has fallen by the wayside under Thomas Frank's wing, cast to the sidelines and with only two Premier League goals all year.

Given that his underlying data reveals a player struggling to produce any measure of success in creative and athletic metrics, it's surely right that he's shipped on, with Crystal Palace agreeing a healthy £35m fee with the north Londoners for the versatile winger's transfer.

Johnson has yet to give the green light himself, but all the pointers suggest this one will be wrapped up in the early stages of the January transfer window, giving Spurs co-directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici ample time to find a replacement.

Tottenham have already missed out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, but they remain ready to pounce on any opportunities that come their way.

However, there may already be an up-and-comer on the books who has the potential to far outstrip Johnson and become a superstar in the Premier League.

Spurs already have a Johnson upgrade

Make no mistake, Tottenham are going to need to dip into the transfer market for a new wide forward sooner rather than later, but in Mikey Moore, they do already have a prospect who may already offer more than Johnson.

The Welsh winger, after all, ranks among the bottom 5% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions, the bottom 14% for progressive passes and the bottom 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

Moore, conversely, is regarded as a robust and energetic winger, capable, like Johnson, across both flanks and able to blend direct and creative firepower with ease. Currently on loan with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, Moore has been cutting his teeth in a tough environment, with the Scottish giants at a low ebb.

He's yet to establish himself as a prolific force on the senior stage, but this loan spell in Scotland will do the tricky winger the world of good, and his efforts for Tottenham's youth set-up underscore his "superstar potential", as has been noted by scout and analyst Ben Mattinson.

Even though his stint with Rangers has been testing at times, Gers podcaster has praised the "outrageously good" prospect for showing no fear and displaying evident technical quality.

And his fleet-footedness has even led to comparisons with one lightning-quick former Spurs star, with Spurs writer James Harris remarking that Moore could "bring back the old Aaron Lennon" to north London.

Lennon didn't score much, but he was a ferocious player in his heyday, so dangerous down the wings.

Given that Moore established himself in Postecoglou's squad last season, featuring 21 times for the seniors and scoring his first senior goal in the Europa League, Frank could be onto a winner with this one, returning to London next summer with the experience to match the innate talent, ensuring Johnson is quickly forgotten.

Remarkably, Tottenham Hotspur have finished 2025 with the knowledge that a win at Brentford on New Year's Day will propel Thomas Frank's side onto the edge of the ascendancy, two points away from fifth-place Chelsea.

This is curious to note. Spurs' league form has been abject for much of the annual year, and this season, only twice have the Londoners won on home soil.

But it says something of Tottenham's resilience and togetherness, and the fact that Frank now has a wonderful chance to use the financial backing that is coming his way and make impactful improvements in the January transfer window, with forwards being eyed.

Spurs looking to sign forwards in January

Change is afoot down N17, with ENIC Group having already agreed a £35m fee with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Welsh winger Brennan Johnson.

Though Johnson has flattered to deceive this season, starting only three times in the Premier League since August, he is still a talented and prolific winger. In May, he snatched the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

A replacement must be signed, even with the Lilywhites in need of a centre-midfielder too.

And, according to Sport BILD, via Sport Witness, Tottenham and the Red Devils have been in direct contact with the agents of Said El Mala, who is enjoying a goal-laden breakout year in the Bundesliga with FC Köln.

The 19-year-old is a right-footed, left-sided winger, thus fitting the profile Spurs want. However, his employers know they are onto a winner, and have responded to interest by demanding at least £35m.

That gives him the same valuation as Palace-bound Johnson.

Why El Mala is a big Johnson upgrade

Football's wheeler-dealing transfer scene rarely allows for smooth and straightforward business, but Johnson is closing on a move to Selhurst Park with minimal complications - though he must agree to the move himself - and that could pave the way for El Mala in a like-for-like switch.

The teenager is worth pursuing, in any case. This season, he has scored six goals in the Bundesliga, assisting two more. He has featured 15 times, starting six of those matches, and last year, he was on loan with Viktoria Köln in the third tier of German football.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him for having a "huge future ahead", already proving he has the physicality and tenacity to match his natural ability and eye for a goal. Sofascore show that he has won 3.4 duels on average per league outing this term.

Clearly, El Mala would mark an upgrade on this current version of Johnson, whose sharpness in the final third has been overwhelmed and discarded following some dismal underlying metrics, such as his accuracy and intent on the ball, losing 70% of his dribbles in the Premier League.

As you can see below, El Mala is already outstripping the 24-year-old across numerous statistics, and while he has yet to make the jump over to the unforgiving English scene, his clinical edge, creativity and energy all point toward an exciting future.

The difference in ball-carrying success is astronomical - especially when considering successful take-ons, a good marker for fleetness and technical control. Johnson is an able dribbler, but he doesn't apply his skills anywhere near consistently enough.

In fact, El Mala's success in this regard has seen data analyst Spencer Mossman describe him as "the most direct winger in Europe", someone who could replace Johnson and produce more goods.

Spurs need a left-sided forward, especially after selling Heung-min Son to LAFC during the summer. El Mala could be the perfect addition, one for the future and one who could surpass Johnson from the get-go.

People close to a 'genuine talent' have reportedly admitted that Tottenham want to sign him, with the player also in huge demand across Europe.

Tottenham set for cash windfall amid Brennan Johnson sale

The big news coming out of Spurs in the last 48 hours is winger Brennan Johnson's imminent departure, which comes just over two years after his £47.5 million switch from Nottingham Forest.

Johnson, who finished 24/25 as the Lilywhites' top goalscorer in all competitions with 18, also scored the Europa League-final winning goal against Man United in May to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Fast-forward to now, and the Wales international is closing in on an exit with Crystal Palace already agreeing a £35 million fee for Johnson prior to January.

However, the south Londoners still aren't alone in the race, with Everton, Sunderland and Bournemouth all making calls to Spurs and considering moves of their own.

“Brennan Johnson has to decide whether he wants to go to Crystal Palace or wait for other opportunities," Fabrizio Romano told his YouTube channel.

“It is my understanding that Bournemouth are ready to pay the transfer fee, and there are also Sunderland and Everton calling in the last 24 hours. So now Brennan Johnson has to decide what he wants to do in terms of technical project, in terms of contract, in terms of city - he’s based in London, obviously.”

As the race for Johnson heats up, Thomas Frank and co are making recruitment plans of their own as we fast approach 2026.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TEAMtalk, one man on their radar is AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit.

Tottenham want to sign Kees Smit amid Frenkie de Jong comparison

The 19-year-old has taken Dutch football by storm and is already drawing lofty comparisons, with an unnamed Premier League scout telling TT that he's the Netherlands' answer to Adam Wharton and possibly a new Frenkie de Jong.

Bailey also says that people close to Smit's camp have confirmed that every big club in England is after the teenager, including Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle.

With Tottenham targeting Smit for 2026, the mystery scout has also called him a 'genuine talent' and one of Dutch football's most exciting prospects who 'everyone will be talking about'.

“He is a very clever footballer," the scout said.

"Many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him.

“He is a genuine talent, when you think of an Adam Wharton in England – this is the Dutch version of that. He is probably the best Dutch midfield prospect since Frenkie De Jong, and he hasn’t done bad, has he?

“He really is superb and is someone everyone will be talking about this summer.”

The Eredivisie starlet, according to TEAMtalk, could cost as much as £65 million — ironically a similar fee to de Jong's Barcelona transfer in 2019.

If not that high, it is believed a minimum £52 million would be required to convince AZ to part with their rising star next year.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has certainly had problems at centre-forward this season. The Lilywhites have not been at their best in attack very often under their new manager, having only scored 27 times in the Premier League this term.

Their options at number nine have not been in the best form, which has certainly not helped. Richarlison is their top goalscorer this term with seven, with Mathys Tel, the other option up front to have scored.

Despite his talent, Randall Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has yet to score.

Dominic Solanke has also been missing for much of the season, but Spurs might hope his return will improve their fortunes.

Why Solanke’s return can help Spurs

Life under Frank has not really got going yet for Spurs’ number 19, Solanke.

He picked up a serious ankle injury at the beginning of the season and has been out injured since, having made just two appearances in the new campaign.

It is frustrating because the former Bournemouth man, who cost Spurs £65m including add-ons, would have been desperate to build on his 2024/25 form.

His debut campaign in North London saw him bag 16 goals and assist eight in 45 games in all competitions.

The three-cap England star will certainly add a new level of dynamism to the Lilywhites' attack.

He is an excellent penalty box number nine, with good movement in the area and instinct to pounce on any loose balls, as this goal shows.

That is certainly a different profile to the ones which Frank’s side have up front now.

Richarlison has his merits in the penalty area, but he and Kolo Muani are players who both operate well with space to run into.

Solanke’s return will be a massive boost, but if he struggles to rediscover his best form at Spurs, they can always turn to a young star to solve their centre-forward issues.

Spurs youngster who can soon rival Solanke

There are certainly some talented youngsters in the Lilywhites academy. Mikey Moore has shone at first-team level in the past, and Archie Gray recently scored his first professional goal after locking down a spot in the midfield.

Next up could be 18-year-old centre-forward Mason Melia. Described as the “Irish Harry Kane” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is set to move to the club in January after signing from St Patrick's Athletic for just £3.2m including add-ons.

It has been a quick rise to the top for the striker, who hails from Newtownmountkennedy in Ireland. He made his debut at just 15 years of age and has since gone on to develop a reputation as a clinical striker.

When you consider that, it is easy to see where the comparison to Spurs legend Kane comes from. In 35 Irish top-flight games this season, he's found the back of the net on 13 occasions and has chipped in with four assists.

Some of his underlying numbers from the 2025 season in a St Pat’s shirt show just how good he can be. For example, Melia is averaging 0.5 goals and 1.4 shots on target per 90 minutes this calendar year.

Described as an “instinctive” number nine by analyst Ben Mattinson, the teenager is brilliant at scoring all types of goals.

He has great movement in the box, but can also strike a ball from range with great success.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Melia already has an impressive goal catalogue and has built up a brilliant pedigree outside of that.

Spurs are having issues up front, and if Solanke’s return does not have the impact they would hope, it could be the 18-year-old’s chance to make a real name for himself.