The Boy Hotspur

This winter window looks to be pivotal for Thomas Frank. Widely respected Spurs’ observer RudolphN17 understands that Spurs are advancing in talks for a primary target, Souza.

As of early January 2026, Tottenham submitted an official bid for the promising young defender, but Santos rejected it outright.

Reports indicate Spurs’ offer was around €10-11 million (or lower), while Santos are holding firm at a minimum of €17 million for 70% of his economic rights. The Brazilian club views Souza as a key asset and has no urgency to sell mid-season, making a January move highly unlikely unless Tottenham significantly improves their proposal.

Spurs making traction on Souza from Santos, upping their original offer last night.

Spurs also have Bitshiabu, Lukeba (spoken about during Diomande discussions) and Methalie as possible options to pursue this window.

Spurs rightly backing Thomas Frank this season.

— Rudolph (@RudolphN17) January 6, 2026

Souza, who broke through at Santos and plays alongside Neymar there, has a contract until 2028 and is seen as one of Brazil’s top emerging talents in his position. Previous interest from clubs like Chelsea and AC Milan was also rebuffed.

Tottenham certainly have the financial muscle to pay €17 million for him, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to return with an improved offer. They need more depth in the squad if they want to do well across multiple competitions. Signing some of the best young talents around would be a step in the right direction.

Souza will certainly hope to compete at the highest level. He hopes that clubs like Tottenham can secure an agreement with Santos in the coming weeks.

Whatever Tottenham does this January, what is for sure is, standing still isn’t an option.

The transfer of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace took most of us by surprise. The reality is that this was less of a shock on the basis that Johnson was irreplaceable, rather than that Tottenham is notoriously slow in moving on players who aren’t quite the perfect fit.

Johnson, however, is out, and the man tipped to replace him is a 19-year-old Ivorian winger currently playing for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. That man is Yan Diomande, according to GMS and many others.

He joined Leipzig in summer 2025 from Spanish side Leganés (after a brief earlier stint elsewhere) for around €20m and has quickly become one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers.

He’s known for his pace, skill, one-on-one ability, and finishing, with scouts describing him as a “game breaker” already surpassing some established Premier League talents.

Tottenham Hotspur has shown strong interest in Diomande, particularly in the ongoing January 2026 transfer window. Reports indicate that Spurs have held advanced talks with his representatives, and it is said we have scouted him extensively.

They view him as a potential replacement for Brennan Johnson (who reportedly moved or is moving away).

Interest stems from Tottenham’s need for attacking reinforcements under manager Thomas Frank, with Diomande seen as offering “freshness and unpredictability” on the wings.

However, a January move looks highly unlikely:RB Leipzig insist he is not for sale this winter. They view him as one of their most talented players ever. His contract runs until 2030 with no release clause, giving them full control.

A word of caution?

>Leipzig has plateaued a little since reaching the last four of the Champions League in 2020 under Julian Nagelsmann. Their eye for talent remains as sharp as ever, though.

Last season, Diomande played 10 times for Spanish strugglers Leganes, and there was little in the raw numbers to suggest a star in the making. Leipzig saw it differently. Halfway through the season, Diomande has six goals and three assists in the league. Though right-footed, he can play on either flank. His form may level off a little as full-backs become wiser to his style, but there is so much to be excited about.

Monaco defender Vanderson has been linked with a move away from the club in January.

The 25-year-old Brazilian is reportedly ready to take on a new challenge, and intermediaries have approached Tottenham about a potential move, TEAMtalk reports. The Premier League side is now considering whether to take up the opportunity.

It will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for the 24-year-old Brazilian full-back. The player is likely to be available for around £20 million, and he could prove a valuable acquisition for Spurs. He can operate as the right back as well as a wing back. He will help out at both ends of the pitch.

Tottenham could use Vanderson

Spurs have been overly dependent on Pedro Porro, and he needs more support. Signing the Brazilian could be ideal. He will provide cover for the Spanish international and allow Thomas Frank to rotate the team and keep his key players fresh. Tottenham need more depth in the squad if they want to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Vanderson has proved himself in France, and he has the technicality to do well in the Premier League as well. The Brazilian has eight goals and 16 assists to his name in 137 appearances for Monaco.

Vanderson could fancy a move

The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him, and he will hope that Tottenham take up the chance to get the deal done.

They are a big club with an ambitious project. They have quality players at their disposal and a highly rated manager like Thomas Frank. Joining the North London club could help Vanderson take the next step in his development and improve as a player.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to strengthen their midfield with the signing of Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita.

The Belgian has done quite well for Parma, and his performance has attracted the attention of the north London club. The 23-year-old is a physically imposing midfielder who will add defensive steel and physicality in the middle of the park.

Spurs keeping tabs on Mandela Keita

Tottenham reportedly sent scouts to watch the player in action last Saturday (h/t TEAMtalk), and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official offer in the coming weeks.

Keita could be tempted to join the north London club if a concrete proposal is presented. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself in the Premier League.

Tottenham had a mediocre season by their standards, and they need to improve in January to do well in the second half of the campaign. Signing a quality defensive midfielder could make a big difference for them at the back. He will shield the back four and allow them to tighten up defensively.

The 23-year-old could form a solid partnership with Joao Palhinha at Spurs.

Can Spurs sign Keita?

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can secure an agreement with Parma. The Italian outfit will not want to lose a key player like him easily, and the north London outfit might have to pay a premium.

They have been linked with multiple midfielders in recent months, and the 23-year-old would be a solid long-term acquisition. He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could develop into a star for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche.

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham representatives scouted the player in action on Saturday and are looking to ramp up their pursuit.

Spurs need someone like Maghnes Akliouche

Tottenham need to add more quality and depth in the final third. They have scored four times in the last four league outings. Signing a quality winger could make a big difference for them. The 23-year-old man will help create opportunities for his teammates and add unpredictability to Tottenham’s attacking unit.

Akliouche has done quite well for Monaco over the last year, with three goals and five assists to his name this season.

He is highly talented and has a bright future ahead of himself. If Tottenham can groom him properly, they could have a future star on their hands.

They also wanted to sign the player at the start of the season, and they held talks with his agents and the club officials. However, they were not able to get the deal done.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can succeed this time.

Akliouche asking price revealed

They are looking to make a defining acquisition this month, and Akliouche certainly represents an exciting prospect. The player is likely to cost around £50 million, and they will have to pay up to get the deal done.

The North London outfit have spent a substantial amount of money in recent windows, and it remains to be seen whether the club hierarchy is willing to sanction another big-money signing.

While the asking price might seem expensive right now, Akliouche has the potential to justify the investment in the future. The opportunity to move to England could be exciting for him as well. Regular football at the highest level could accelerate his development.

Tottenham Hotspur host newly-promoted Sunderland in their first home Premier League fixture of 2026. Spurs sit around 13th in the table after 19 games, while Sunderland have impressed on their top-flight return, sitting comfortably in 7th with strong defensive form.

Match Details Date/Time: Sunday, January 4, 2026 – 3:00 PM GMT (10:00 AM ET)

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK); check local listings elsewhere

Recent Form

Tottenham: Drew 0-0 away at Brentford on New Year’s Day, following a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace. They’ve kept clean sheets in recent outings but struggled creatively, especially at home (only a few wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025).

Sunderland: Held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at home on January 1, extending a solid run (unbeaten in several games, including draws against top sides). Their away form is cautious – few goals scored, but are hard to break down.

Both teams come off goalless draws, suggesting a low-scoring affair is likely.

Team News

Tottenham: Heavy absences due to injuries, suspensions, and AFCON. Out: Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr (AFCON), James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons (suspended), Dominic Solanke (injured, possible late January return), Ben Davies, potentially Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall (doubts). Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani could lead the attack, with Mohammed Kudus providing width.

Sunderland (managed by Régis Le Bris): Hit hardest by AFCON, missing six players including Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, and others. Daniel Ballard is a doubt (ankle) but could return. Their depth will be tested, but organisation remains key.

Head-to-Head & Key Stats

Spurs are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W10 D4).

Tottenham have scored in nearly all recent home games against promoted sides.

Sunderland have scored just four goals in nine away Premier League games this season, shutting out opponents frequently at home but struggling for goals on the road.

Richarlison has a strong record against promoted teams.

Prediction

This looks set for a tight, tactical battle, with both sides depleted and coming off defensive displays. Tottenham’s home advantage might edge it, but Sunderland’s resilience (e.g., holding City) could frustrate them.

Many previews lean toward a low-scoring draw or narrow Spurs win – expect under 2.5 goals.

Common predicted scorelines: 1-1 draw or 2-0/1-0 to Tottenham. Sunderland + double chance (win or draw) is a popular betting pick given Spurs’ home struggles.

The Boy Hotspur’s Substack understands that Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a winter move for Udinese’s 25-year-old centre-back Oumar Solet. The club want fresh competition for the Micky van de Ven/Cristian Romero pairing, and speculation around a possible Radu Dragusin exit is pushing Spurs to add depth at the back.

Solet stands out in Serie A for his consistent displays, strong physical profile and ability to cope with high-tempo games.

Career peaks

Olympique Lyonnais (2018–2020): Joined Lyon in 2018; limited appearances but made Ligue 1 debut in 2019.

Red Bull Salzburg (2020–2024): Big move for ~€4.5m in July 2020. Became a key defender, making over 100 appearances (106 games, 4 goals, 5 assists across all competitions). Regular in UEFA Champions League, including group stage and helping reach knockouts in 2021/22.

Udinese (2025–present): Joined on a free transfer in January 2025 after mutual contract termination with Salzburg. Debut on January 4, 2026 (0-0 draw vs. Hellas Verona). Quickly impressed in Serie A with consistent performances.

Physicality & Aerial Ability: Dominant in the air due to his height and strength. Excels in defensive duels, clearances, and winning headers. Frequently records high numbers in tackles won, interceptions, and blocks (e.g., multiple games with 4+ tackles and 5+ clearances in Serie A).

Composure on the Ball: Stays calm under pressure, rarely panics, and often forces attackers wide or away from goal. Good at dribbling out from the back — uses pace and acceleration to carry the ball forward confidently.

Build-Up Play & Passing: Progressive passer who contributes to possession phases. Comfortable stepping into midfield or driving forward. Strong in distribution, helping teams transition from defence to attack.

Defensive Reading & Positioning: Good anticipation; positions well to intercept or force errors. Solid in one-on-one situations, using body strength effectively.

Versatility: Primarily right-sided CB but can play in a back three or four. Adapts to high-tempo games, as seen in his consistent starts for Udinese.

Interest in England goes beyond Tottenham

Chelsea and Crystal Palace have watched him live, while Manchester United and West Ham are tracking him as a longer-term target. In Italy, Inter, AC Milan and Roma have delivered positive reports, highlighting his reliability in transition and dominance in the air.

On the financial side, Udinese aims to maintain strong leverage in January, so an initial asking price in the mid-to-high range, with bonuses, is expected.

A loan with an option to buy is on the table, given the winter dynamics and competition, with Premier League clubs likely to propose instalments and performance-related add-ons to comply with Financial Sustainability rules. Wage structure and non-homegrown quotas will also weigh on decisions.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Christos Tzolis, and it remains to be seen whether they submit an offer for him this month.

The 23-year-old has done quite well for the Belgian outfit Club Brugge. He has 16 goal contributions this season, and the Tottenham scouts are very impressed with his performance. He will cost around £35 million, and Spurs will have to pay up if they want to get the deal done.

The report from TEAMtalk claims that a high-ranking Tottenham scout has urged the club to move for the 23-year-old attacker.

Spurs could use Christos Tzolis

The north London outfit is looking at multiple attacking options, and it will be interesting to see who they eventually sign. The Greek international attacker is a promising young player with a bright future, and he could develop into a key player for Tottenham with proper guidance. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for him, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.

Regular football in England could bring out the best in Tzolis and help him fulfil his potential.

The £35 million investment might seem expensive right now, but the player has the quality to justify the outlay in future. The deal could look like a bargain if he manages to hit the ground running in English football.

Tzolis could make a big difference

Tottenham need someone who can help them create opportunities from the wide areas and find the back of the net as well. Xavi Simons has struggled in that position, and the Netherlands international would be more suited to a central role. Tzolis could be the solution to their problems.

Mohammed Kudus has excelled on the right flank for Tottenham, and Tzolis could start for them on the left.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Udinese defender Oumar Solet.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, they are now ready to launch a January move for the player.

They are hoping to add more depth to the defensive unit, and they have identified the 25-year-old as the ideal target. He could be available on loan in January with an option to buy. Tattenham will be able to secure his services for a reasonable outlay, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

Oumar Solet could be a useful addition

The 25-year-old defender has shown his quality in Italy, and he has the physicality to thrive in England as well. He will add depth and quality to the Tottenham defensive unit. The opportunity to play for them will be exciting for the defender.

Tottenham have looked vulnerable at the back this season, and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. They are in the mid-table positions right now after a disappointing run of results. Spurs will be hoping to bounce back strongly during the second half of the season and push for European qualification. They need quality players at their disposal. Signing the right players in January will help them get their season back on track.

Chelsea & Man United are also keen on Solet

Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the defender as well, and it will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to sign him. They need defensive depth in the team as well. The 25-year-old will be attracted to the idea of joining three clubs. It could be the ideal next step in his career.

The French defender is impressive with the ball at his feet as well, and he can operate as a defensive midfielder if needed. He could prove to be the ideal acquisition for Tottenham.

The Boy Hotspur’s substack understands that Spurs are considering a bid for the 28-year-old Lucas Paquetá, with West Ham potentially open to selling if they receive an acceptable offer, thought to be estimated at around €30m (£25-26m).

This follows heavy speculation in the summer of 2025, when Tottenham showed strong interest (including talks of swaps or loans), but no deal materialised as Paquetá stayed amid West Ham’s reluctance and competition from clubs like Aston Villa.

The Boy told readers, “Spurs are close, I am told this afternoon.”

Paquetá has been a key player for West Ham since joining from Lyon in 2022, but the club has struggled this season (currently in a relegation battle), and there have been ongoing whispers of him seeking a new challenge—previously linked to Flamengo (his boyhood club), Manchester United, and others. He was cleared of spot-fixing allegations in mid-2025, removing a major barrier to transfers.

Spurs have been crying out for some coherence, and this is a world away from piling the blame on Thomas Frank’s shoulders.

No official bid from Spurs has been confirmed yet, and these links appear to be in the early speculation stage.

West Ham’s valuation could be negotiable given their need for squad reinforcements/funds, but selling to a London rival (especially after already losing Mohammed Kudus to Spurs in summer 2025) might face resistance from fans or the board.

This deal will have been a long time coming. There were significant transfer rumours linking West Ham’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer 2025 transfer window. Spurs showed strong interest after missing out on targets like Eberechi Eze, with reports of contacts made with his agents, potential swap deals (e.g., involving Yves Bissouma), and bids around £50-60m.

Fabrizio Romano and sources like GiveMeSport, and ESPN confirmed Tottenham’s enquiries, noting Paquetá was open to a move (prioritising Europe over Saudi options). West Ham demanded a high fee and were reluctant to sell to a London rival, especially after already losing Mohammed Kudus to Spurs that summer.