Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur will close the door on 2025 as the reigning Europa League champions, but that silver-laden success is tainted by the turmoil that has prevented the club from making headway on the domestic front.

While Ange Postecoglou's dismissal was understandable after Spurs slumped to a 17th-place Premier League finish last season, Thomas Frank's early reign has left much to be desired, though the weekend win at Crystal Palace has eased the pressure on the Danish tactician.

Now, it's time to spend. The Lewis family have given the manager their backing. While Micky van de Ven's contract renewal is taking precedence, the north Londoners are also in desperate need of a freshen-up in the final third.

Spurs planning to sign a new forward

Tottenham's number nines have left something to be desired this season. Richarlison can't stay consistent. Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt. Dominic Solanke can't stay fit. Reinforcements are needed.

Football.london's Alasdair Gold has acknowledged Tottenham need to sign a left-back, following Destiny Udogie's latest injury, and a left winger, following Heung-min Son's summer sale to LAFC, but there is also a desire to land a top-class centre-forward.

And according to the well-connected correspondent, Porto striker Samu Aghehowa remains high in Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici's reckoning.

Valued at £70m, the 21-year-old has been on Spurs' radar for a while, and it's beginning to look like a formal move could be in the pipeline.

Why Samu would be a Solanke upgrade

Chelsea tried to sign Samu in 2024 before he completed a cut-price move from Atletico Madrid to Porto, but this spell in Portugal may have bore dividends for the young striker.

Now, he's ready for the Premier League, and he has the skills to become Spurs' main man, even if Solanke, who completed a £55m move from Bournemouth last year, recovers his fitness levels. Indeed, Solanke, 28, has only played twice in the top flight this term.

He's not there yet, but Samu has the potential to be "one of the best strikers in Europe", according to journalist Zach Lowy, and his prolific performances in Portugal have underlined that potential.

Moreover, he's got an eye for the continental stage, with nine goals from 14 Europa League appearances. This consistency across different spheres bodes well, and suggests that Samu could quickly leapfrog the struggling Solanke if added to Frank's squad.

Not only a deadly goalscorer, Samu ranks among the top 16% of Liga Portugal forwards for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his creativity and pace.

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.

This presence as a large, imposing striker with an eye for link-up play could indeed see Samu prove the perfect upgrade on Solanke, who created six big chances and won 4.3 duels on average in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, as well as scoring nine goals and supplying three assists.

It's clear that Tottenham had a vision when they paid a hefty sum for Bournemouth's talisman, but injuries have not been kind to the Three Lions man. Perhaps it's time for a new, hungry, younger striker.

Tottenham Hotspur have wrapped 2025 up with a win. Victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park has rekindled hopes of securing a place in next season's Champions League, but there is a very long way still to go.

Thomas Frank was delighted with a spirited and resilient performance, but he will, of course, know that improvements are needed.

The Lewis family need to welcome investment in the January transfer window, adding fresh technical quality to Frank's central midfield.

Spurs' plan to sign a midfielder

Last season's winter transfer market was a busy one, and that trend is likely to continue next month. Tottenham have to ensure they are in amongst the big spenders, with tactical imbalances and less-than-impressive players hindering Frank's project.

It's worth issuing a reminder that both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are expected back in the New Year after battling through long-term issues. Neither has featured under Frank's management.

Tottenham need more control, though. An anchor in a deeper berth. Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha have flattered to deceive in the middle of the park.

Adam Wharton would be a significant upgrade, with TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones claiming that the north Londoners are ready to step up their long-standing interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder.

Palace value Wharton, 21, as high as £100m, but with a host of elite suitors circling, Tottenham might be wise to pay the figure in 2026. It would enhance Frank's system and then some.

Why Wharton would be an upgrade on Bentancur

In Bentancur's defence, he has spent a lot of his time in Tottenham battling against injury. But Bentancur's defence is shaping up to be is only positive attribute this season, leaving much to be desired on the ball, layering his team's attacking efforts.

Analyst Raj Chohan has even gone as far as to claim that the 28-year-old is a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”. Wharton, on the fast track at Selhurst Park, would add youth and energy to a midfield that desperately needs all of the above.

Bentancur is an established and technically gifted international. He has a wealth of experience at the highest level. It is not too much to ask that he pass the ball forward every once in a while.

Wharton trumps him in that regard. The "passing machine", as he has been described by prominent journalist Henry Winter, has been instrumental in Oliver Glasner's title-winning success across the past year, so composed and collected from the heart of the Eagles system.

Wharton, moreover, is an able defender. Sofascore show that he has won 56% of his ground battles in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.9 tackles per game.

And he's only getting better. The England international has much more to his game than Bentancur, who has become stodgy and uninspiring beside a partner in Palhinha whose defining attribute is his tough-tackling combativeness.

There isn't enough variation and nuance.

To give rise to Tottenham's sleeping sparkle, Wharton must be signed. Though Palace would play hardball over a winter signing, Spurs might be richly rewarded for biding their time and striking during the summer, perhaps having addressed a number of different positions in January.

Tottenham's new hierarchy must showcase their ambition by adding quality to Frank's squad next month. Bentancur is limited in what he can do, and placing Wharton as the nucleus would only reinforce the bench, tidy up the centre and add new dimensions to Spurs' creative efforts.

Tottenham are eyeing a complicated deal as they plot a move for a rising star who is set to join another club before he is available for transfer elsewhere.

Frank lauds Spurs mentality after win over Crystal Palace

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank hailed his players for a “huge mentality effort” after a gritty 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Spurs fans had started to turn on Frank after a run of five defeats in eight left them 14th in the Premier League on Christmas Day.

While there had been no suggestions internally that Frank’s job was under immediate threat, Tottenham needed to return to winning ways and Gray’s 42nd-minute header settled the contest between the current FA Cup and Europa League holders.

“I really liked the desire, details, mentality in the team and the character and resilience of the team is something I spoke about a lot,” Frank reflected.

“That is so important that we have that resilience in the team, because in a long Premier League season, you need to go to a very difficult away ground here and fight and show character. To get a clean sheet, win 1-0, that was a massive win in many ways.

“Was it a top performance? No. Are there things we can improve? Yes. But to go here, with the season having been a little bit up and down, I think it’s a huge mentality effort from the players.”

Sporting director Johan Lange is expected to be active in finding reinforcements for the manager in January, but their first signing of the month may not arrive until the summer.

Spurs eyeing complicated deal for Aleksandar Stankovic

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Inter are set to activate their €23m (£20m) buyback option on Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, son of legendary midfielder Dejan, who won five Serie A titles and one Champions League title in Milan.

However, the Itallian club are not planning for a future with the 20 year-old defensive midfielder, but instead hope to immediately shift him on for profit.

Tottenham are waiting in the wings and are 'ready' to make an offer worth €40m (£35m), having already made contact over a move, but the Nerazzurri are expected to ask for more.

Stankovic can play at the base of midfield or as a centre-back, and has played in 19 of Brugge's 20 league fixtures this season, scoring twice.

The youngster has also started all six of their Champions League games, having been praised for his strength, aerial ability and long passing.

With four Serbia caps to his name already, Stankovic is showing plenty of signs he could follow in his father's footsteps.

The 2025/26 campaign has been testing, to say the least, for Tottenham Hotspur.

After winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, then relieving the Australian coach of his duties, fans were hopeful that a page had been turned, but on the edge of the Premier League season's midpoint, Thomas Frank's side are 11th, seven points off the top four.

Still, Crystal Palace were defeated at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon and that represented the turning of a corner. Spurs have more work to complete, but Frank was pleased with his side's spirit and togetherness and initiative.

However, support is needed ahead of the January transfer window, with Frank's midfield in particular need of investment.

Spurs' plans to sign a midfielder

Yves Bissouma has not played for Tottenham this season. Disciplinary reasons are behind it. The Malian is likely to leave in 2026, and a replacement must be found, with the partnership of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur leaving much to be desired.

It was Archie Gray who flicked home with his head to score his first senior goal, securing three points at Palace and continuing Tottenham's impressive form on the road. Given that Spurs ranked 17th for away form in 2024/25, this is impressive, with more control and mettle on show.

But Gray is young, and Sofascore statistics reveal he has won only 28% of his duels in the Premier League this year. More experience and robustness is needed in the middle of the park.

And according to TEAMtalk's Dean Jones, Tottenham have held talks with intermediaries over the potential signing of Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka, who is anticipated to leave the Allianz Arena in 2026.

The German, 30, is keen on a move to England after a career in his homeland, and his progressiveness on the ball could be perfect for a Lilywhites outfit who have struggled to create clear-cut chances with enough consistency.

Manchester United sniffed around last summer, and Bayern retorted with £34m transfer demands. Tottenham will be eyeing a lesser fee than that.

Why Goretzka is a Gray upgrade

Gray is a top talent, and Tottenham felt a rush of excitement when they hijacked Brentford's bid for the Leeds United prospect and signed him for about £30m in 2024.

He has already featured 59 times for the seniors, and is touted as a future Three Lions mainstay. But Gray's not there yet, and Goretzka would provide Tottenham with the elite experience they need.

Goretzka is into his third decade, but he's still a force to be reckoned with, a crisp and intelligent distributor with a tenacity that underpins his technical quality.

Quite simply, Frank would open up new midfield dimensions with Goretzka added to the pack. Just look at how he compares with Gray, whose efforts over the past 12 months have left something to be desired in regard to forward passing metrics.

Gray's statistics will have been somewhat skewed by his regular trips to defence last season, such was the severity of Spurs' injury crisis, but it still emphasises his inferiority.

He is understandably weaker than the £218k-per-week Goretzka, who has been dubbed a midfield "machine" by Die Roten teammate Aleksandar Pavlović, and it is for this reason that Tottenham should leap at the chance to sign him.

This is a German international whose career has been replete with silverware, including the Champions League in 2019/20 and no less than six separate Bundesliga titles.

His versatility as a central midfielder allows him to play in more advanced roles or as an anchor in front of the backline. Both duties require skill on the ball, athleticism and dynamism, and he has all of that and more.

Gray's time will come, and it's not as if he isn't being put to work by his north London employers. But Tottenham clearly need more in midfield if they are to hit their targets across Frank's first year, and with Goretzka preparing to leave Bayern Munich after so many years, ENIC might want to pounce nice and early, bringing him over for the second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race to sign a "ridiculous" midfielder, who has been shining in the Champions League this season.

Spurs keen to strengthen in the engine room

Tottenham have set out to do business in the January transfer window, which commences in just three days' time, and they have set out to strengthen their forward line, given that Brennan Johnson has found game time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

However, it may also be wise to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Yves Bissouma's contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, and the Mali international has also struggled to force his way into Frank's plans.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Spurs are well-placed to sign Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka, given that the German has fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, but he is not the only option on the shortlist.

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now joined the race to sign Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, but there could be competition for the Scot's signature, with Newcastle United and former club Manchester United also named as potential suitors.

Indeed, a return to Old Trafford is now on the cards, given McTominay's fantastic performances since arriving in the Serie A, which have earned him a number of accolades.

It is unclear whether Napoli would be willing to sell the central midfielder, as they are said to value him highly, but the report claims there has been some tension off the pitch, which means a return to the Premier League could be on the cards.

McTominay has taken major strides since joining Napoli

The 29-year-old enjoyed a dream debut campaign in Italy, contributing 12 goals and six assists in the Serie A, which played a major role in Napoli winning the title.

Since then, the former United man has continued to impress, scoring three goals in the Champions League this season, while he has also received praise as a result of his performances for Scotland.

Indeed, Sky Sports producer Andrew Dickson waxed lyrical about the 67-time Scotland international after scoring a remarkable goal against Denmark last month, which helped secure qualification for the World Cup.

As such, it would be exciting if Tottenham were to pursue a move for McTominay, but Napoli are in a strong negotiating position, as he remains under contract until 2028.

The January transfer window will officially be open for business by the time that Tottenham Hotspur play their next match in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank's side claimed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday in their last game of 2025, thanks to a header from Archie Gray.

It will be interesting to see what the Lilywhites do when the transfer window opens because attacking reinforcements should be a priority, with Antoine Semenyo one name that has already been linked with a move to North London.

Premier League side in talks to sign Antoine Semenyo

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that a Premier League side are in talks with Bournemouth to complete a deal for the Ghana international next month, but it is Manchester City.

The reporter added that Liverpool and Arsenal would only consider moves for the former Bristol City man at the end of the season, which has left City in the driving seat.

This update comes a matter of days after David Ornstein reported that Spurs proposed an attractive wage offer to the Bournemouth superstar, only for the 25-year-old attacker to 'politely' turn down their advances.

This suggests that the Cherries left winger, who has produced nine goals and three assists in the Premier League this season (Sofascore), is not interested in signing for the Lilywhites at this moment in time.

Unfortunately, shortly after that frustrating transfer update, a current Spurs player has shown exactly why the club needed to sign a player like Semenyo to bolster their attack.

Why Spurs need to sign a player like Antoine Semenyo

Despite beating Palace 1-0, Frank's side failed to impress at Selhurst Park on Sunday, as they only created one 'big chance' and 0.84 xG in 90 minutes, per Sofascore.

Randal Kolo Muani was selected to start on the left flank ahead of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, but failed to reward the manager's faith in him with a positive performance.

The £150k-per-week loanee from Paris Saint-Germain, to his credit, did win the first of two flick-ons before Gray's close-range winner, but his general play was largely poor.

Per Sofascore, the France international did not register a single cross or shot on goal and failed in all four of his attempted dribbles, whilst he did not create a single 'big chance' for the side.

Kolo Muani, who lost five of his six ground duels (Sofascore) in the game, was incredibly ineffective on the left wing, as he failed to create anything for the team or for himself from open play.

Unfortunately, as you can see in the table above, Kolo Muani's lack of threat at the top end of the pitch has been a theme throughout his performances in the Premier League this season.

The French flop has been thoroughly outperformed by Spurs target Antoine Semenyo, as the PSG loanee has not delivered a single goal contribution in 11 appearances and nine starts in the top-flight this season.

That is why Tottenham needed to sign the Ghana international, who has now rejected them, and why they need to go out and find an alternative to him in the January transfer window.

Kolo Muani, whose only two goals for Spurs in 17 games came against his parent club, has not offered enough in the final third to justify a continued inclusion in the starting line-up.

The fact that the French flop has started nine of his 11 Premier League appearances, despite failing to provide any goal contributions, illustrates how dire the club's attacking options are at this moment in time.

Therefore, Frank must push the club to bring in a new option on the left wing to replace Kolo Muani before the January transfer window closes.

Tottenham Hotspur will head into 2026 off the back of a victory after they beat Crystal Palace in a tense game at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday.

One goal was all the difference between the two sides in London, as Archie Gray's first-half header proved to be the winning goal for Thomas Frank's men.

The England U21 international scored the first goal of his senior career by nodding the ball into the far corner after Richarlison flicked the ball on in the middle of the six-yard box.

Where Gray ranks among Tottenham's best performers vs Palace

Whilst Gray scored the winning goal in the match and deserves the plaudits for that, he was not the standout performer on the night for the Lilywhites.

It was Kevin Danso, with an imperious central defensive display, who was the team's top performer. Per Sofascore, he won ten duels, seven more than Micky van de Ven, and kept Jean-Philippe Mateta incredibly quiet with his efficient defensive work.

The Austria international may not be the silkiest ball-playing defender, completing 63% of his attempted passes, but his gritty defensive work was needed to keep the clean sheet intact on Sunday.

As you can see in the table above, we have placed Richarlison in the top five performers for Spurs, despite the fact that he was found offside for two goals.

The Brazilian striker assisted the winner from Gray and won nine duels, including six aerial battles, per Sofascore, which shows that he was a useful outlet, despite the poor timing of his runs for the two disallowed goals.

Whilst there were several impressive performers, there were also some Spurs players who were saved by Gray's winning goal, as it possibly saved them from harsher criticism.

The Spurs flop who must finally be dropped

Despite the win, though, Frank must still ruthlessly drop right-back Pedro Porro from the starting XI after another wasteful display against Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Spain international did whip in the corner that was then flicked on by Kolo Muani and Richarlison to find Gray, but that was a rare bright spark in an otherwise dull performance.

Spurs podcaster Seb Martin noted during the game that Porro is "having a disaster of a season", and it is hard to disagree with that assessment when you look at the numbers behind his campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the former Sporting star lost possession a staggering 25 times without creating a single 'big chance' for the team with his attempted crosses.

He also struggled defensively, being dribbled past twice without making a single tackle, and these statistics show that he was a liability to the team in and out of possession.

Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence for Porro. Per Sofascore, the full-back is losing possession 19.1 times per game on average in the Premier League this season, more than the 17.5 times per match he did last term.

The 26-year-old flop's cross accuracy has also dropped from 31% to 19% from last season, per Sofascore, whilst he has also gone from 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game to 2.3 tackles and interceptions per match.

Porro scored two goals and provided six assists in the Premier League last term for the Lilywhites. So far this season, though, the defender has mustered up no goals and one assist by the halfway point of the campaign.

These statistics illustrate how far the Spain international has fallen away from his best in North London, and the disappointing showing against Palace was the latest in a long line, as Seb Martin stated.

With that in mind, Frank must finally ditch the former Manchester City man from the starting line-up for the clash with Brentford on New Year's Day, possibly bringing in Ben Davies at left-back to move Djed Spence over to right-back.

After winning the Europa League last season, Tottenham Hotspur ended a boring narrative and an even more boring wait for silverware.

Ange Postecoglou would then be dismissed, and that was understandable. After all, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, and to say that the Australian coach's side were imbalanced and porous would be an understatement.

Thomas Frank is continuing to right those wrongs, and tying defensive mainstay Micky van de Ven down to a new deal is among his priorities heading into 2026.

But Tottenham are arguably weaker in attack, and Frank needs to bring down N17 some impactful offensive quality next month.

Spurs' plans to strengthen their frontline

While some feel a move to Tottenham would be the best move for Antoine Semenyo in his startling rise to the top, the Bournemouth talisman is headed for Manchester City.

Having lost Heung-min Son to LAFC in August, Tottenham lodged an enquiry about Semenyo's availability. They were turned away. Frank had already welcomed Mohammed Kudus to the ranks, signing the Ghanaian from West Ham for £55m, but more elite quality was needed and still is.

With Pep Guardiola's side honing in on Semenyo, a chance for one of the Etihad side's wingers has ostensibly opened up, with Spurs technical director Johan Lange planning a fresh approach for Savinho.

That's according to TEAMtalk, who claim the 21-year-old could be on the move despite City's hopes of retaining his services. Spurs are said to be working on gauging the player's interest in such a deal, prior to lodging any potential bid.

Savinho joined Man City from fellow City Group club Troyes, paying the French club £31m for his signature. Spurs chiefs held talks with City over a summer transfer for the Brazilian, in excess of £50m, but he was ultimately kept in Manchester.

Why Spurs should sign Savinho

An elite prospect, Savinho could benefit from regular minutes, thus opening the door for the Lilywhites to swoop.

Since joining Man City, Savinho has featured 70 times in all competitions, scoring only five goals but producing 16 assists. Described as “one of the best U21s in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the South American star is a breathtaking asset down the flanks, so dangerous and dynamic from the left and out on the right.

He shares a tactical likeness with Kudus, and he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting ball-carrying prospects in Europe. Though Kudus is an imperfect player, he is exciting and destructive on the ball, unique in his performance and invariably willing to take on opponents.

Adding someone like Savinho to the ranks would reinforce Tottenham's flanks and provide the club with an up-and-comer who might one day take the baton from club legend Son, though it's clear that there are many miles to cover before that potential outcome.

With City closing in on a move for Semenyo, it's clear that Savinho is going to find regular minutes in the Premier League hard to come by, having only started four times since the summer.

Last season, his fleet-footed creativity underlined his quality and potential as a superstar. Sofascore record that he created 11 big chances and racked up eight assists despite only starting 21 times. He completed 57% of his dribbles, and he attempted many.

There is something distinctly Kudus-esque about him, but given his youth and inexperience, it's fair to say that Savinho could become something even more special, and Spurs have to snap him up.

Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to perform in the Premier League this season, but dans will be pleased to know that the Lewis Family have given Thomas Frank their backing, and they are willing to spend in the January transfer window.

How can Tottenham get better this winter? What have we learned in the overtures of the window? There is pressure on the board to deliver after Daniel Levy was relieved of his duties at the end of last season, and there are numerous holes about Frank's squad that need to be plugged.

Talk of a new deal for defender Micky van de Ven is rising, but there remains an emphasis on adding quality to the front of the Spurs ship. With James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke all long-term absentees, expect movement there.

Who Spurs are targeting this January

Antoine Semenyo has rejected Tottenham. Enquiries have been made, proposals have been assembled, but the Bournemouth forward has declined the Lilywhite advances, instead honing in on a mid-season transfer to Manchester City.

The Ghanaian has scored eight goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League this season, and he can play across the frontline. He would have been perfect for Tottenham, but this City-bound switch could yet work in the Lilywhites' favour.

That's because Tottenham spy an opportunity to sign Omar Marmoush from Pep Guardiola's side. According to transfer insider Mark Brus - as relayed by Caught Offside - the 26-year-old is set to be replaced by Semenyo, and he could leave the Etihad Stadium in 2026.

Man City signed Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for about £59m in January 2024, and after a strong start, he has fallen down the pecking order.

There is a real chance for Spurs to snap him up this winter, especially with ENIC getting ready to spend, with the north London side said to be 'pushing to sign' him.

Why Marmoush would be a "superstar" signing

Hailed as a "superstar" of a forward by Manchester City writer Radu Christian, Marmoush entered a sinking ship last season and proceeded to produce clinical performances in the Premier League, showcasing his class with a hat-trick against Newcastle United.

The Egyptian international scored 15 goals and supplied ten assists across 17 Bundesliga fixtures in 2024/25 before flying to England, and content creator Fiago regarded him as "one of the best strikers in the world" at that stage.

He has started only two Premier League games this season. This does not negate his brilliance, nor does it mean he is not among the cream of the division's crop.

There's a strong case to be made that the £295k-per-week talent is even better than Semenyo, and married up with a club who can help foster his talismanic qualities, he might even change that narrative before the current campaign is wrapped up.

After all, Marmoush might be on the fringes, but he still ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, as per FBref, bearing a comparable directness to Cherries star Semenyo.

It's worth remembering that Marmoush arrived in a truly wretched point in Pep Guardiola's Man City tenure, and he provided respite as the Spanish tactician worked toward steadying the ship. Now he has been cut adrift, and Tottenham must hand him a lifeline.

Last season, he proved his prolific and precise worth in the Premier League, maintaining creativity as he roved around the final third.

For a player who was awarded the 2024/25 Goal of the Season and is considered to be one of the most dangerous on the continent, he needs to be playing regular football, be it as a centre-forward, shadow striker or winger.

Tottenham can give him the platform he needs to remind everyone of his quality, and he might just let everyone know that he is a cut above someone like Semenyo.

Tottenham Hotspur wouldn't have been feeling too festive after losing another home game against Liverpool before Christmas, and Thomas Frank knows improvements are needed heading into 2026.

Things have been said about the culture down N17 - or lack thereof. Spurs have recycled a fair few managers in recent years, and Frank's assertion that he needs time to put things to rights is an understandable one.

But improvements are needed all the same, with 2025 a dire year in the Premier League for the north Londoners, picking up only 36 points from as many matches across the annual year, ten wins and 20 defeats.

This needs to change, and in order to do so, ENIC Group are looking to make some changes in the January transfer window.

The changes Spurs want to make in January

Tottenham need to recode their frontline heading into the New Year, with too many forwards flattering to deceive. Among them is Brennan Johnson, who looks likely to inch toward a loan transfer to Crystal Palace in January.

Johnson has fallen to the fringes this year. The Welshman is a potent forward, but his overall game leaves much to be desired, with FBref even recording that he ranks among the bottom 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90 (1.63).

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.

Spurs need more dynamism down the wings, and no one can say that the Lewis Family lack ambition as they set their sights on Juventus' prized player.

According to Tutto Juve, Kenan Yildiz is attracting interest from London's heavyweights: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham. The 20-year-old is an elite talent, and though Juve are persistent in their bid to tie him down to a new deal, his £5m-per-year salary demands have opened the door for a switch to the Premier League.

The Old Lady aren't going to let him caper off easily, though, and have already placed a staggering £88m price tag on his head.

Why Kenan Yildiz would be perfect for Spurs

Yildiz is young, but he is also immense. The silky, fleet-footed attacking midfielder has been declared a "generational" Turkish talent by journalist Cetin Cem Yilmaz.

He has scored five goals and supplied four assists in Serie A this season, running roughshod over the division's defences as he blends power and precision with an ability to influence across different positions, dangerous centrally and out wide.

While Yildiz is more effective on the left flank, he is two-footed and versatile. So is Johnson, in fairness, though the Wales superstars lack even a portion of Yildiz's all-encompassing talent, as can be seen through the wingers' respective metrics this season.

It is not accuracy in the final third that has been Tottenham's fatal flaw this year, but creativity and player-to-player synergy. Yildiz's arrival would only lift them to the next level, and every stop must be pulled in the bid to sign him.

Given that Mohammed Kudus has made the right channel his own, Yildiz could do the same on the left, bringing his pace and natural flair in the danger area.

He hasn't stepped into the Premier League, often difficult for up-and-comers from overseas, but Yildiz wins many duels and has a physicality which underpins his technical skill. He would be a success in Johnson's stead.

Tottenham will only go so far under Frank's wing without effective, calculated transfer assistance. Director Johan Lange no doubt has a sprawling list of attacking midfielders to strengthen the squad, but Yildiz might just be the cream of the crop, certainly an upgrade on soon-to-depart Johnson.