The Boy Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Sani Suleiman from AS Trencin.

The North London club have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old for a while, and journalist Rudy Galetti has now confirmed that the Premier League has ‘reignited their interest’ in the Nigerian attacker. He is a left-sided winger, but he is versatile enough to operate on either flank. He will add explosive pace and trickery in the final third.

Suleiman has 7 goal contributions this season.

Spurs could use Sani Suleiman

Tottenham need more quality in the final third, and their interest in the Nigerian is hardly a surprise. They were linked with Antoine Semenyo, but the Ghana International joined Manchester City instead.

It is clear that Tottenham are looking for a left-sided attacker. Xavi Simons and Richarlison have been used in that role, but neither has been able to deliver. Tottenham have missed a quality presence in that area of the pitch since Son Heung-min’s departure.

Suleiman is a talented young player with a bright future, and he could develop into an important player for Tottenham with the right guidance. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential. The opportunity to join the London club will be quite exciting for the youngster.

Can Spurs get the Suleiman deal done?

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can secure an agreement with his club in the coming weeks. They have the resources to get the deal done, and convincing the young attacker to join the club will not be difficult for them.

They will be hoping to secure Champions League qualification next season, and they need to address the weaknesses in their side during the January window. They have agreed on a deal to sign Souza from Santos. The talented young left back will certainly help them improve at both ends of the pitch, and the arrival of Suleiman could add a new dimension on the left flank.

This weekend’s big FA Cup tie sees Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with kick-off at 5:45pm GMT (12:45pm ET).

It’s a mouthwatering all-Premier League clash in the third round, and one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.

Recent Form & Context

Tottenham are in a tough spot right now, enduring a dismal run of domestic form, with just one win in their last several games (including a recent loss to Bournemouth). Pressure is mounting on manager Thomas Frank, and this cup tie feels like a must-win to keep the season alive and calm the storm at the club. Spurs have a strong recent record in third-round ties, advancing from 18 of their last 19, but they’re facing a side that’s been their bogey team lately.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, are in excellent shape overall — they’ve only lost once in their last 14 games across all competitions and are flying high in the Premier League. Villa have won their last three meetings with Spurs (including a 2-1 league win at Tottenham in October and knocking them out of the FA Cup last season at the fourth-round stage).

They arrive as slight favourites in many previews, confident they can exploit Spurs’ leaky defence again.

Team News & Predicted Line-ups

Tottenham are hit hard by injuries and absences:Suspended: Cristian Romero (extra ban related to a previous red card reaction).

Injured/Doubts: Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, possible issues with Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie; Rodrigo Bentancur and others picked up knocks recently.

Unavailable: Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr (Africa Cup of Nations).

A predicted Spurs XI might look rotation-heavy: Vicario (or backup); Spence, Danso, Van de Ven, Porro; Gray, Palhinha; Simons, Tel, Richarlison; Kolo Muani.

Villa have their own concerns (Amadou Onana out with a hamstring), but the midfield remains strong with Kamara and Tielemans. Expect a competitive side featuring Ollie Watkins up top, with Morgan Rogers a threat (he’s scored and assisted against Spurs multiple times recently). Emi Martinez might be doubtful, but Unai Emery’s squad depth is impressive.

The January transfer window is finally upon us, and it has to be said, it has arrived rather aggressively this year. The demands are suddenly enormous. Only a few weeks ago, we were busy seeing what Father Christmas had brought, and for me, it was thankfully a PSN network voucher, plus a few other equally delightful bits!

Tottenham have agreed personal terms, submitted bids (around £13m area), and are negotiating with Santos. This looks the most advanced deal right now – could provide depth/competition for Destiny Udogie.

João Victor de Souza Menezes, commonly known as Souza, is a 19-year-old Brazilian left-back currently playing for Santos FC. Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing him in the January 2026 transfer window to add depth and future potential at left-back, especially with Destiny Udogie’s injury issues.

Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Souza, who is keen on the move. Spurs have submitted an improved bid of around €15m (~£13m / $17.5m) after previous offers (starting at ~£8m-€13m) were rejected.

Negotiations with Santos are ongoing, with optimism growing that a deal could be completed soon — potentially making him Spurs’ first signing of the January transfer window.

Santos values him closer to €20m and wants a sell-on clause, but there is an expectation that the sides will reach an agreement.

Souza is a highly-rated prospect: attacking-minded with pace, good crossing, and, compared to Marcelo in style, though still raw defensively. He broke through at Santos in 2025, making dozens of appearances (including alongside Neymar) to help avoid relegation, and has Brazil U17/U20 experience.

Another plausible pick is There was significant speculation throughout late 2025 about Spurs’ interest in the 24-year-old Belgian midfielder. Reports from sources like Football Insider, TEAMtalk, and CaughtOffside linked Tottenham (under manager Thomas Frank) to Raskin as a potential January target to bolster midfield depth and defensive work rate. Rangers were described as “extremely reluctant” to sell mid-season but potentially open to a “significant” offer (estimated £20-25m), given his importance under manager Danny Rohl and his contract running until 2028.

However, the January 2026 transfer window is ongoing, and recent updates (including X posts and news aggregators up to early January) show no concrete bid or agreement.

Raskin continues to feature for Rangers, and the rumoured move hasn’t materialised yet—possibly shifting to summer 2026 if interest persists.

He’s a hard-working defensive midfielder with strong tackling (averaging ~3.7 per 90 recently), interceptions, and international caps for Belgium, which could suit Spurs’ needs.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the Brentford attacker, Kevin Schade.

The 24-year-old has done quite well for the English club since joining them, and he has attracted the attention of the north London outfit. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that the situation is ‘one to watch’ and Tottenham are ‘closely monitoring’ the player. However, any move is likely to happen after the World Cup in the summer. The attacker will cost around €50-€60 million. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are prepared to pay up.

Tottenham could use Kevin Schade

Schade is a dynamic attacker who can operate centrally as well as on the wings. He will add goals and creativity to the Tottenham attack. They need someone like him, and the 24-year-old would be the ideal acquisition. He is well settled in the Premier League. He could make an immediate impact at Tottenham. The opportunity to play for them will be exciting for the German as well. It would be a step up for him, and he would get to test himself in Europe with them.

Tottenham might be able to provide him with the opportunity to fight for trophies as well. They won the UEFA Europa League last season.

Schade could fancy Spurs move

Schade will want to take the next step in his career and join a bigger club. This could be a golden opportunity for him. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham decides to follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has six goals and three assists in the Premier League this season. He will improve with coaching and experience. Competing alongside top-quality players at Tottenham could bring out the best in him.

Tottenham Hotspur have an agreement in place to sign the Brazilian defender Souza from Santos.

They are set to pay €15 million to sign the 19-year-old full-back, but the payment terms have yet to be agreed. It is fair to assume that the two clubs will eventually finalise the deal.

Souza has agreed to join

Tottenham have already secured an agreement with the player and his agent on personal terms, as per Fabrizio Romano. They were very keen on signing the talented young defender, and they will be delighted to have made a breakthrough.

It has been a difficult few weeks on the pitch for Tottenham, and they will look to improve in the second half of the campaign. Signing the right players could help them bounce back strongly. They need more depth at left back, and it will be interesting to see if the South American can make a difference for them.

Souza could be an asset

He is a young player with a lot of potential, and he will need time to express himself in the Premier League. However, there is no doubt that he is a promising young player with a bright future. He could develop into an important player for Tottenham with the right guidance. The investment could look like a bargain in future.

The young defender will be excited to showcase his qualities in the Premier League. It is a huge step up for him, and Tottenham will need to be patient with the player. He will certainly be excited to take on a new challenge, and it remains to be seen whether he can impress in English football.

Joao Palhinha has been an important player for Tottenham since joining the club on loan at the start of the season.

The Portuguese international is one of the first names on the team sheet, and he has helped Tottenham improve in the middle of the park. He has added defensive cover in the middle of the park, and he has scored some important goals for the team as well.

Joao Palhinha to leave?

There have been rumours that Tottenham could look to sign in permanently at the end of the season, but Dean Jones has now shared an unexpected update. The journalist has revealed that the Portuguese international’s future at Tottenham is unclear, and he might not continue at the London club next season.

Jones shared on X: “Joao Palhinha’s long-term situation at Spurs remains unclear. Some sources are starting to believe a stay at the club is less likely than initially anticipated.”

It would be quite surprising if that happens. Tottenham need his physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park. He is competing at a high level, and he is an important player for them. If they decide to let him leave, they would have to sign a replacement.

Palhinha will aim for Spurs stay

Meanwhile, Palhinha will look to sort out his long-term future and focus on his football. He will not want to return to Germany with Bayern Munich. He is not a key player for them, and he will not want to sit on the bench at the German club. Ideally, he will look to sign for Tottenham permanently. He is enjoying his football with them, and he is admired by the fans.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. It would be quite surprising if Tottenham decided not to sign him at the end of the season. They have the option to snap him up for a reasonable price of around €25-30 million.

Tottenham Hotspur remain determined to sign the Santos left back Souza.

According to Eduardo Burgos, they have submitted a second offer for the player worth around €15 million. The offer is now ‘being analysed’, and it will be interesting to see if Santosh is willing to sanction his departure.

Spurs keen on Souza move

Tottenham want to add more quality and depth in the full-back areas, and the Brazilian would be a long-term acquisition. The 19-year-old is highly rated in South America, and he has a bright future. He could develop into an important player for Tottenham with the right guidance. They are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and it is no surprise that they want to sign elite Young talent.

Souza is currently awaiting the next steps, and it remains to be seen whether he can complete the move to Tottenham this month. It would be a huge opportunity for him and a major step up in his career. He would get to test himself in English football, and regular opportunities in the Premier League could accelerate development. He can operate as a left back as well as a wing back. He could help out at both ends of the pitch.

Souza would be a superb option

Tottenham need more competition for Destiny Udogie, and signing the Brazilian would be ideal for them. The competition for places will help both players improve.

According to Burgos, Santos wants a fixed amount of €15 million for the player, along with variables and a percentage of future sale. It will be interesting to see if the Tottenham offer is deemed acceptable for them.

Tottenham have the finances to get the deal across the line, and they should look to wrap up the move quickly.

Current Form and Standings

Bournemouth sit 15th with around 23 points, enduring a club-record 11-game winless run in the Premier League (5 draws, 6 losses) since October. They showed fight in a 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal last time out but have leaked 14 goals in their last five matches.

All five of their league wins this season have come at the Vitality Stadium, giving hope against struggling opponents. Tottenham are 13th with approximately 27 points, winless in their last 10 midweek Premier League games but unbeaten in three overall (including a 1-1 home draw with Sunderland).

Thomas Frank’s side has been strong away from home (second-best road record), keeping clean sheets in recent outings, but they’ve won only twice in their last 11 league games. Head-to-Head

Bournemouth won 1-0 at Tottenham earlier this season and are unbeaten in the last three meetings (1 win, 2 draws).

A victory here would complete their first-ever Premier League double over Spurs. Historically, Tottenham have the edge away at Bournemouth (4 wins in 8 visits), but only when scoring 2+ goals.

Team News

Bournemouth: Multiple injuries – Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams, Ben Gannon-Doak, and others remain out. Antoine Semenyo (9 goals this season) could play his final game before a potential move to Manchester City. Eli Junior Kroupi impressed off the bench vs Arsenal and may start. Lewis Cook recently returned.

Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Cook, Scott; Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo; Evanilson.

Tottenham: Injury crisis in attack – Mohammed Kudus (thigh, likely out), Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski all sidelined. Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr are at AFCON. Boosts: Xavi Simons returns from suspension, Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie are back in contention.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1/4-3-3 variations): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence/Udogie; Bentancur, Gray; Odobert/Tel, Bergvall/Simons, Simons; Richarlison/Kolo Muani.

Key Battles and Prediction

Bournemouth’s attack (led by Semenyo and Evanilson) has created chances but lacks finishing, while their defence has been porous. Spurs have been clinical but low on shots this season (lowest average since records began).

Expect a tight, possibly low-scoring affair given recent trends (under 2.5 goals in Spurs’ last three). Many previews lean towards a draw or narrow Bournemouth win due to home form and Spurs’ absences, but Tottenham’s away resilience could snatch a point or more. Likely outcome: Bournemouth 1-1 Tottenham.

This mid-table clash could be cagey – both managers desperately need a win to ease pressure.

Mohammed Kudus, who joined Spurs from West Ham for around £55m in the summer of 2025, suffered a thigh/leg injury early in Tottenham’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Sunderland on January 4, 2026. He limped off after just 19 minutes. Scans revealed the issue was worse than initially feared, ruling him out for several matches (exact timeline unclear, but a considerable spell on the sidelines).

It has now emerged that Kudu’s injury is worse than feared. Reports from sources like The Telegraph indicate Tottenham are reassessing and likely accelerating plans to sign a forward this month, potentially a versatile attacker. Previous summer interest in players like Manchester City’s Savinho (now injured himself) or Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (heading to Man City) shows intent in the wide areas.

This blow comes shortly after Tottenham sold winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m, leaving the team particularly short on the right flank. Manager Thomas Frank admitted the squad is “a little bit short on offensive options,” with other attackers like Dejan Kulusevski also sidelined.

Spurs sit 13th in the Premier League table amid a challenging season, and the attacking unit—already relying heavily on players like Kudus, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, and Randal Kolo Muani—now lacks depth and natural wide options.

Frank has signalled the club will be active in January, and Kudus’ absence—combined with Johnson’s departure—makes adding firepower a priority to avoid further dips in form. Without swift action, Spurs risk struggling through a congested fixture list with limited creative threats upfront.

Aston Villa’s interest in Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush has become one of the standout stories of the winter window according to The Boy Hotspur’s Substack. Unai Emery is keen to make a move in January rather than wait until the summer. Still, Pep Guardiola is reluctant to let the Egyptian go, seeing him as an important part of City’s rotation during a busy schedule.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping a close eye on Marmoush. The London club view him as a versatile option who can play both up front and out wide, strengthening their squad depth. With Spurs likely to miss out on Antoine Semenyo, Omar is being considered as an alternative. His limited game time at City and desire to open a new chapter in his career could make Tottenham’s interest more concrete this month.

Villa’s strong push and Spurs’ monitoring have created a lively market around Marmoush in the Premier League. Still, City’s stance is clear: they prefer to keep him until the summer. His future will depend on whether City completes the Semenyo deal and how strongly Omar presses for more playing time on the pitch.

AFCON impact by Omar

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco is in the quarter-final stage. Egypt, led by stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, have advanced to the last eight after topping their group and winning their round-of-16 match. Marmoush has been a key player for the Pharaohs, starting in most games and contributing significantly in attack alongside Salah.

vs. Zimbabwe (Group Stage, Dec 2025: Egypt 2-1 win)

Scored a stunning equaliser with a powerful right-footed finish into the roof of the net from a tight angle. Earned Man of the Match for his overall performance, including dribbling and threat. Egypt came back from 1-0 down, with Salah scoring the late winner.

vs. South Africa (Group Stage: Egypt 1-0 win)

Played the first half, helping secure the victory that confirmed progression to the knockouts. Substituted at half-time as Egypt protected their lead against a strong Bafana Bafana side.

vs. Benin (Round of 16, Jan 2026: Egypt 3-1 win after extra time)

Played a full role, creating chances, including a vicious shot deflected for a corner in extra time and an early breakthrough opportunity denied by the keeper. Involved in the build-up for Egypt’s opener. Substituted late as Egypt sealed the win with goals from others (including Salah).

Conclusions on Marmoush to Spurs rumours

This is undoubtedly a player that falls into the ‘eye-catching’ category; however, he is realistically unavailable in the winter window. Strictly one for consideration for the summer.