The Boy Hotspur

One must preface reviews of players new to the English top flight with the caveat that very few new arrivals tend to hit the ground running. Some fans have called for the loan to be cut short. Some feel that patience is required. Let’s have a balanced look at Randal Kolo Muani, as I suspect, as ever, the truth may be somewhere in the middle!

Mixed initial fan reaction

In his first eight appearances for Tottenham across all competitions, Kolo Muani has yet to score but has recorded one assist. Kolo has shown promise as a dynamic, versatile forward capable of playing centrally or wide, often described as a handful to play against.

Fans and pundits highlighted his impact in matches like the November win over Chelsea, where he was one of Spurs’ standout performers despite limited support.

Manager Frank noted in early November that Kolo Muani was “taking steps in the right direction” fitness-wise, but not yet “fully firing.” Some supporters have even adapted chants for him, celebrating his arrival as a fresh loan option in attack.

Social media has been its usual helpful self.

Detractors have labelled him a “£80m disaster” on loan, citing fluffed chances (e.g., 1v1s vs. Arsenal and Man City), a 28% duel win rate, and being benched despite the hype, from “World Cup hero to Tottenham joke.”

Another injury to deal with

Kolo Muani’s progress was halted on November 9, 2025, during Tottenham’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. He suffered a jaw injury in a first-half collision with defender Harry Maguire, forcing his substitution at half-time for Wilson Odobert.

Initial scans revealed a fractured jaw, raising fears of a 6-8 week absence or longer if surgery was required. However, after examination by a specialist on November 10, he was cleared to avoid surgery, a major boost for both club and player. Club medics are optimistic about an earlier return than initially feared, though no exact timeline has been confirmed; he is expected to wear a protective mask upon resuming training and matches. This was a player who arrived, rather frustratingly, with a ‘dead leg’.

The Athletic says that as of November 12, 2025, he remains sidelined, with Tottenham monitoring his recovery closely ahead of key fixtures like the north London derby against Arsenal on November 23 and a Champions League clash with PSG.

Conclusions:

Positive scan updates post-Man Utd suggest quicker return potential, but perhaps also opening doors for academy prospects like Will Lankshear.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign Jonathan David from Italian club Juventus.

According to a report from Tuttosport, they have made enquiries in recent weeks, and it will be interesting to see if they follow it up with an official offer to get the deal done. The 25-year-old Canadian International has not been able to showcase his true qualities at the Italian club, and moving away would be ideal for him.

Spurs and Chelsea keen on Jonathan David

Along with Tottenham, Chelsea are also interested in securing his signature. The 25-year-old was highly rated across Europe before his move to the Italian club. There is no doubt that he has the quality to do well in the Premier League. Tottenham need more depth in the attacking unit, and the Canadian International could support Dominic Solanke and Richarlison in the attack.

It remains to be seen whether Juventus are prepared to sanction his departure in January. They might look to cash in on the player and use the funds to improve their attacking unit.

David could be a handy option

David has previously been labelled as a “pretty special” player. He is at the peak of his career, and he will look to compete at the highest level. A fresh start could allow him to regain his form and confidence. The move to the Premier League could be tempting for him.

However, he should look to join a club where he will play regularly. Chelsea have recently signed two strikers, and joining them might not be ideal for him. It remains to be seen what he decides.

If Tottenham manage to sign him for a reasonable amount of money, David could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for them.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve the attacking unit with the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton during the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old attacker has done well for the Toffees, and he could prove to be an excellent addition for Tottenham as well.

Can Tottenham convince Everton to sell Iliman Ndiaye?

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can convince Everton to sell the player in January. He is one of the best players at the club, and the Merseyside outfit will not want to lose him easily. They will be aiming for a respectable finish in the Premier League season, and losing one of their best attackers in the middle of the season would be a devastating blow.

However, a report from Fichajes claims that the player could be available if an offer of £60-70 million is submitted. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham are prepared to pay up.

They have spent a substantial amount of money on quality signings in recent windows. They have the resources to get the deal across the line, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.

Ndiaye could be tempted

The opportunity to join the north London club could be exciting for the 25-year-old attacker. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to experience Champions League football with Tottenham. They have recently won a European trophy, and they are likely to be an attractive destination for players.

Recently, David Moyes described him as a “standout player”. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an instant impact at the London club. It could prove to be an excellent bit of business. If Tottenham manage to get the deal done.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Como midfielder Nico Paz.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, the North London club is interested in securing the services of the 21-year-old South American, and they have already had an initial offer rejected for him. They are monitoring his progress closely. It will be interesting to see if they come back with an improved offer to sign him.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also joined the race for the Argentine international’s signature, and it remains to be seen where Paz ends up.

Tottenham could use Nico Paz

There is no doubt that he is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he is highly rated across Europe. He could prove to be an exceptional acquisition for all three clubs. Tottenham could use more cutting-edge and technical ability in the final third. The 21-year-old will help them control games better and create more opportunities with his passing, vision and technique.

Paz is still quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into a future star with the right guidance. Regular football in England could bring out the best in him and fulfil his world-class potential.

Where will Paz end up?

Whoever ends up signing the South American could have a future asset on their hands.

Tottenham have done well to improve their team in recent windows, and it will be interesting to see if they can sign the 21-year-old in the coming months.

Meanwhile, clubs like Inter Milan and Real Madrid are also interested in the player. The Spanish outfit had a buyback inserted into his deal when they sold him. That gives them a huge advantage in the transfer race. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham will have to pay €18 million to sign Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas in the upcoming transfer window.

Ruben Vargas has had an impressive start to the season. He has been one of the standout performers for Sevilla. However, the Swiss international could still be on the move in January because of the Spanish club’s financial troubles.

Tottenham are keen on signing Ruben Vargas

Tottenham, who are keen on reinforcing their attack in the winter window, have their eyes on Vargas. Thomas Frank seeks more quality on the flanks, and they consider the 27-year-old to be an interesting option. According to a report via Fichajes, Sevilla are willing to listen to offers for the Swiss winger, and have informed interested clubs that they won’t accept anything less than €18 million.

Vargas made a name for himself while playing for FC Augsburg in the German top flight before joining Sevilla at the start of 2025. His former manager, Jess Thorup, beleives he is an “x-factor” player and given his performances for the Spanish club, he can certainly be a very useful option for Tottenham.

Vargas has three goals and four assists in his 11 league outings this season. While he prefers playing on the left flank, the 27-year-old is capable enough to feature on the right as well as an attacking midfielder.

Thomas Frank wants more firepower

With Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke out injured, Frank has been short of options in the final third. A versatile player like Vargas can certainly help his cause. The Spanish club are in desperate need of raising funds, and to balance their books, they are ready to part ways with Vargas.

While Sevilla are not willing to offer any discounts, the €18 million price tag could actually prove to be a bargain if the Swiss winger clicks at Tottenham. The next few weeks could be crucial regarding a potential winter move.

Tottenham Hotspur are willing to break the bank and fork out €80 million to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

The Brazilian international has gone down the pecking order at the Spanish club following the arrival of Xabi Alonso. He has often found himself warming the bench and could end up pushing for a move in search of a more prominent role.

Tottenham to go all-out for Rodrygo Goes

Tottenham are keen on making the most out of his current situation. According to a report via Fichajes, the North London club are willing to break their transfer record and pay €80 million to add him to Thomas Frank’s squad.

Rodrygo was a constant feature in their XI under Carlo Ancelotti, who considered him a “special” player. However, a lot has changed since Alonso took charge. He has racked up just over 350 minutes in his 13 outings and is yet to find the back of the net.

Real Madrid could sanction Rodrygo departure

With him struggling to get regular game time, Real Madrid are considering letting him leave. Meanwhile, Spurs have expressed a clear interest in the 24-year-old, who has the potential to be a special player.

Not only will he significantly bolster their attack, but he could also become one of the faces of their project going forward. As a result, Tottenham are ready to smash their transfer record to bring him to the club.

While Real Madrid are yet to make a final decision with regard to his future, a €80 million could certainly be tempting. Given his reduced role in the team, they could look to cash in on him and use the funds to bolster other areas on the pitch.

Listening to Thomas Frank talk about our striking options is as concerning as watching the players ourselves.

A good chunk of the fan base is waiting for Dominic Solanke to return, and quite frankly, praying that he produces miracles. Joining us from AFC Bournemouth in August 2024 on a six-year contract worth an initial £55 million (potentially rising to £65 million with add-ons), marking Bournemouth’s record sale.

This move came after a standout 2023/24 season at Bournemouth, where he scored 21 goals across all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League, showcasing his pressing intensity and link-up play.

Solanke is now expected to be huge for Spurs

In 48 appearances across his time at Tottenham, Solanke has recorded 16 goals and 8 assists. However, the 2025/26 season has been challenging, with persistent fitness issues limiting his impact and raising questions about his consistency. Frank provided an update on November 8, 2025, expressing hope for Solanke’s return before year’s end but offering no firm timeline:

“I do hope so. I would say let’s see what happens after the international break.” Critics have noted a stark contrast to his injury-free 2023/24 at Bournemouth, where he played every game.”

“I think Solanke is also quite good to run behind, but I think maybe a little bit of that pace down the side, I think that’s a bit of it. I think in general, just talking about [Randal], I like his combination play, I like his link-up play. I just think he’s a good player.

“I think the international break will be the big decider, because we have two weeks there to push [Dom] to the next steps. As you say, it’s going forward. It was clear that he was not ready before the international break, it’s more if we look after the international break, that’s what we’re aiming for.

“I think you always want to get it right, but I think it’s important to get it right so he’s out there, can help the team, and we need him back.”

Dane Scarlett’s minimal involvement is puzzling

Scarlett is part of the first-team squad under manager Thomas Frank. However, he’s behind established forwards like Richarlison and loan players Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel in the pecking order.

Minimal minutes so far are an issue; just 10 minutes off the bench in a Champions League group-stage match against Copenhagen on November 5, 2025. In that cameo, he impressed by winning a penalty in stoppage time (missed by Richarlison), showcasing his pressing and movement.

“I think with Dane, first of all, I think he’s a great player. I think he’s a fantastic finisher. He finishes at a very, very high level, left and right foot. I think he probably needs the bits that every player needs.

“He needs to play minutes in games. That’s the biggest thing, and right now, the competition is tough here. To be able to give him, let’s say, three, four, five games in a row is probably a little bit difficult. It’s never impossible, but it’s a little bit difficult. For me, he needs to play games.”

After watching Richarlison steal and then blunder Dane’s penalty against Copenhagen, it may well be time to think about the future at Toothless Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo Goes during the January transfer.

The player has struggled for regular opportunities at the Spanish club, and he needs to move on if he wants to play every week. Tottenham could provide him with that platform, and they are planning to make their move in January.

Tottenham could use Rodrygo Goes

According to a report via Fichajes, Tottenham are now leading the race for his signature. It will be interesting to see if they can negotiate a reasonable deal with the Spanish club.

The Brazilian has 50 goals to his name in the last three seasons with Real Madrid, despite not starting every week. He is still only 24, and he has plenty of room for improvement. He has all the tools to develop into a world-class attacker. The move to the Premier League could bring out the best in him. It will be interesting to see if the north London outfit can get the deal done.

Can Spurs afford Rodrygo?

Real Madrid will have to be reasonable with their demands to go through. In addition to that, the player might have to accept a cut in order to join Tottenham as well. He is currently earning around £280,000 a week at the Spanish club, and Tottenham will not be able to afford that kind of money.

The transfer is far from straightforward, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. If Tottenham do, however, manage to get the deal done, it would be a major coup for them. The Brazilian is expected to develop into a superstar with the right guidance, and he could sort the Tottenham attacking unit for the foreseeable future.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to add more quality to the attacking unit, and they wanted to sign Morgan Rogers.

However, the player has signed a new contract with Aston Villa, and Tottenham are expected to move on to Iliman Ndiaye.

The 25-year-old has done well for Everton, and he is on the radar of multiple clubs. He could cost in excess of £70 million. However, Everton do not plan to sell him anytime soon. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are admirers of the attacker, and they believe that he could add a spark to their attacking unit.

Tottenham looking at Iliman Ndiaye

Dean Jones said: “Ndiaye has crept onto their radar as someone that might become more attainable.

“Spurs have a list that has been formed over the past couple of weeks, and he is a player with a spark, and that’s the sort of thing Tottenham are looking for.

“It’s probably one to keep an eye on.”

Can Spurs sign Ndiaye?

It will be interesting to see if Spurs come forward with an offer to sign Ndiaye at the end of the season. They could certainly use more quality in the final third, and the 25-year-old is well established in the Premier League. He could hit the ground running and make an instant impact.

The move to the London club would be a step up for him as well. He would get to fight in the Champions League with them, and that could make the move very tempting for the player.

However, the £70 million valuation seems unrealistic. Everton will have to lower their demands in order for the move to go through.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few months.

The game that few were looking forward to ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison for Tottenham, and Bryan Mbeumo and Matthijs de Ligt for United.

On balance, a draw was probably the fair result, but this was a game that left both sets of fans looking for answers as to why their sides were so dysfunctional.

Guglielmo Vicario 4 Sparingly tested, which is probably a blessing – a woeful 66% passing accuracy, which fell to just 18% in the opposition half. Questions will be asked about that late equalising header – just the one high claim. Conceded twice, but still called a solid shot stopper by those who don’t watch football.

Pedro Porro 4 Struggled like hell. A passing accuracy of just 66%. 12 crosses, of which just one found a Spurs player. Tried 7 long passes, only one of them was accurate.

Micky Van de Ven 6 Off the boil by recent standards, but came through well enough, thanks to some strong defending.

Djed Spence 6 Good defensively, but lost the ball 14 times. Out of position, much?

Paulinha 7 Great passing, made 5 recoveries and won 7 ground duels.

Pape Matar Sarr 5 Another duff showing, and people wonder about our midfield.

Brennan Johnson 4 Another masterclass, lost possession 18 times, and wandered about with an ‘Aw, shucks’ look on his face for most of the game.

Xavi Simons 7 One of his best showings yet, underlined by an authoritative 90% passing accuracy, and just 6 unsuccessful touches all game. More, please.

Richarlison 5 Got lots wrong, scored the temporary winner.

Muani 5 Looked out of sorts, subbed at half-time.

Wilson Odobert/Destiny Udogie 8s. These two spared our blushes.

Honourable mentions: Amad Diallo (7.8 avg) and Senne Lammens (8.0 avg) for United; Destiny Udogie (7.3 avg) and Wilson Odobert (7.0 avg) for Spurs as impact subs. The match was chaotic in stoppage time, with United snatching a point via de Ligt’s header.