The Boy Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of Jonathan David from Juventus.

The Canadian International has struggled at the Italian club since joining, and he has not lived up to expectations. He was outstanding during his time with Lille in France. David has five goals in 26 appearances for the Italian club.

Jonathan David could be useful

He was a prolific goalscorer for the French outfit, but he has not been able to adapt to Italian football properly. Naturally, he is being linked with a move away from the club. According to Sports Boom, Tottenham would be prepared to provide him with an exit route. However, they have been told to submit an “impossible-to-refuse” offer.

It will be interesting to see if they are ready to pay. They need more quality in the attacking unit, and David could be an interesting acquisition. He has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be an important player for Tottenham.

David needs a fresh start

A fresh start would be ideal for the striker as well. It could help him regain his form and confidence.

There is no doubt that he is a quality player who is struggling in Italy. His move to the Premier League could unlock his true potential. The international prefers a direct style of play, and a move to the Premier League could be ideal for him. David has previously been labelled an “excellent” player by Zinedine Zidane.

Given his situation at the Italian club, Tottenham will hope to sign him for a reasonable fee. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Juventus signed him on a free transfer, and they cannot expect to recoup a premium from his departure.

Richarlison is sidelined for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury.

Richarlison has been a key player this season, leading Spurs’ scoring charts in the Premier League with 7 goals (plus 3 assists) in 21 games, and he’s been far more reliable fitness-wise under Frank compared to previous injury-plagued years.

This comes at a tough time for Spurs, who are already dealing with a mounting injury list (including long-term issues for players like Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison) and a poor run of form (just one win in their last seven across all competitions).

On the brighter side, Frank noted some positives in his press conference: Cristian Romero returns from suspension, Lucas Bergvall is hopefully available, and Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are building up minutes after their own absences. New signing Conor Gallagher could also help in midfield.

Lucas Bergvall could be available for the game.

Bergvall has been a regular in the squad this season, often featuring in midfield, and his potential return would provide valuable depth in what has been a challenging period for the team. This London derby will be crucial for both sides—Spurs are looking to end a winless start to 2026, while West Ham are struggling near the bottom.

Yves Bissouma is back in contention.

Thomas Frank confirmed this in his pre-match press conference on January 15, 2026. Bissouma has returned to the club after Mali’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he unfortunately picked up a red card in one of their matches. Despite not featuring in any competitive minutes for Spurs this season under Frank (due to prior injuries and other issues), he’s now fit and part of the squad options.

Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are getting closer to returning

Udogie picked up a hamstring issue during the closing stages of the match against Newcastle in early December 2025, which initially ruled him out until January. He missed the rest of the festive period but has been building back strongly.

Solanke has been out since late August 2025 with a recurring ankle problem that required minor surgery in October, making his absence one of the longest for Spurs this season.

Damola Ajayi primarily plays as a right-winger (though versatile in attacking roles), standing at 176 cm (about 5’9″) with a right-footed preference.

Early Career and Youth Development

Ajayi began his youth football journey at Bromley FC, where he featured at U13 level in the Kent Youth League. In 2022, he joined the Tottenham Hotspur academy as a promising young forward. He progressed quickly through the ranks:

He was a regular and lively presence in Tottenham’s Under-18 side.

In the 2022/23 season, he contributed to the squad that won the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cup double.

He stepped up to the Under-21s in Premier League 2.

In January 2024, he signed his first professional contract with Tottenham and was promoted to the U21 side.

Breakthrough and Senior Tottenham Involvement

Ajayi trained with the senior Tottenham team during the 2024 preseason. He made his first senior match day squad appearance on October 3, 2024, in a UEFA Europa League match. His standout moment came on January 30, 2026, when he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 3–0 Europa League win against IF Elfsborg, scoring the team’s second goal.

He was part of the Tottenham squad that won the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League — his first major professional title — though he was an unused substitute in the final against Manchester United. In January 2025, he extended his contract with Spurs until June 30, 2028.

Loan Spells and Recent Moves

To gain first-team experience, Ajayi went on loan to Doncaster Rovers (League One) on June 24, 2026, for the 2025/26 season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 win against Middlesbrough on August 12, 2026. However, limited playing time (e.g., only one league start in the first half of the season, totalling around 250 minutes in the league) led Tottenham to recall him in late December 2025/early January 2026.

On January 15, 2026, Ajayi joined Bromley FC (League Two) on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. This move is seen as a positive step — Bromley is local to London (closer to Tottenham), and he’s familiar with the club from his youth days. Bromley is currently pushing for promotion, offering him a better chance for regular minutes.

Current Status Club: Tottenham Hotspur (on loan at Bromley FC)

Market value estimates range from €25k–€75k (per sources like FotMob and Transfermarkt).

He’s represented by Two Touch Agency.

Ajayi is viewed as an exciting, tricky winger with an eye for goal and the ability to create chances. As a young academy product, his career is still developing, with fans and experts hoping these loans help him build experience and potentially break into the Spurs first team in the future.

Chelsea’s dissatisfaction with Robert Sánchez keeps the search for a goalkeeper alive. Svilar fits the modern profile with sharp reflexes, strong command of his area, and good distribution. Even so, investing €60 million in January doesn’t look realistic given financial priorities and FFP balance. A summer approach with a more flexible payment structure or bonus-heavy package is more likely.

At Tottenham, Guglielmo Vicario’s inconsistent form has opened the door to the idea of adding an elite-level second goalkeeper. Svilar’s athleticism and focus suggest he could adapt to Premier League tempo and suit Spurs.

However, €60 million is a steep figure when weighed against other priorities in defence and attack. Any January move would depend on Roma lowering their demands or accepting an offer with instalments and performance-related bonuses.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old has done quite well for the Championship club, and his performances have attracted the attention of the North London outfit. They need more creativity and control in the middle of the park, and they have him as a potential target.

Tottenham and Man United want Hayden Hackney

According to a report from Team Talk, they will face competition from Manchester United. It remains to be seen whether they can secure his signature. They have already signed Conor Gallagher this month, but it appears that they are looking to add more quality in the middle of the park.

Hackney has been linked with a move to the Premier League before. He has consistently impressed in the second division of English football, and this could be the right time for him to take the next step. Joining Tottenham would be ideal for him. He will want to prove himself at the highest level, and moving to the Premier League will be hard to turn down.

Hackney could be tempted to join

The midfielder is unlikely to need much convincing. However, Tottenham will have to agree to the selling club’s demands. Middlesbrough value the player at £30 million, and they are unlikely to accept any less. It remains to be seen whether the London club is willing to break the Bank for him.

Hackney is still only 23, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. He could justify the £30 million investment in future. Tottenham need to improve the squad if they want to compete at the highest level. They are currently in mid-table positions, and they will look to bounce back strongly. They need the right signing in January in order to turn things around.

After a turbulent stint as head coach of Ajax, John Heitinga returns to English football. John Gijsbert Alan Heitinga, born November 15, 1983, is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He has recently joined Thomas Frank’s coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur as a First Team Assistant Coach, with the appointment confirmed on January 15, 2026.

Coaching Career CV

Heitinga transitioned into coaching immediately after retiring, primarily building his experience at Ajax before moving to the Premier League:Ajax Youth/Academy Roles (starting ~2016–2021): Began in the Ajax academy, progressing through youth levels and gaining foundational coaching experience.

Jong Ajax (Reserve Team) Manager (June 2021 – January 2023): Managed the U23/reserve side in the Eerste Divisie. Record: 59 matches, 23 wins, 17 draws, 19 losses (≈39% win rate).

Ajax First Team Interim Head Coach (January 2023 – June 2023): Stepped up during a turbulent period. Achieved strong results initially (14 wins in 22 matches, ≈64% win rate), guiding Ajax to 3rd in the Eredivisie (Europa League qualification) and the KNVB Cup final (lost on penalties). Not made permanent.

West Ham United First-Team Coach/Assistant (September 2023 – May 2024): Joined under David Moyes (his former Everton manager). Left following Moyes’ departure.

Liverpool Assistant Coach (July 17, 2024 – ~May/June 2025): Worked under Arne Slot; contributed to Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title win. Briefly took interim charge in February 2025 (won 2–0 vs. Newcastle during suspensions).

Ajax Head Coach (appointed May 31, 2026; started 2025–26 season – dismissed November 6, 2026): Returned to Ajax on a two-year deal. Lasted under 6 months (≈15 matches: 5 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses; 33% win rate). Sacked after poor Champions League results (0 points from 4 matches, bottom of league phase).

Tottenham Hotspur First Team Assistant Coach (appointed January 15, 2026 – present): Joins Thomas Frank’s staff. Frank praised Heitinga’s “ability, personality, and character,” highlighting his defensive expertise (as a former centre-back) and experience across top levels.

Heitinga’s CV shows rapid progression from youth/reserve roles to high-profile Premier League and Champions League environments, with a mix of assistant and head coaching experience.

His time in England (West Ham, Liverpool, now Tottenham) has focused on first-team coaching in the Premier League, where he’s worked under successful managers like Moyes and Slot.

Thomas Frank described the appointment as a “great addition” to enhance the staff both on and off the pitch. This comes just months after his Ajax dismissal, providing a quick route back into top-level coaching.

Carlos Raphael Moersen (commonly known as Rafi Moersen) is a highly regarded football executive who was appointed as Director of Football Operations at Tottenham Hotspur on January 15, 2026. This is a newly created role as part of the club’s restructuring to build a modern, high-performance football structure following significant boardroom changes, including the departure of Fabio Paratici.

Professional Background and CV Summary

Moersen brings extensive experience from the City Football Group (CFG), where he spent over 10 years (since around 2015). CFG is widely regarded as the gold standard in modern football administration, managing a global network of clubs with Manchester City as the flagship.

Most Recent Role at CFG: Director of Football Transactions — a senior position where he was responsible for negotiating player contracts (both for current players and new signings), handling high-profile deals, and supporting the director of football in key negotiations. He stepped up significantly after departures like Omar Berrada (to Manchester United) and Txiki Begiristain.

Career Progression

Started in football with D.C. United (MLS) after graduating from George Washington University.

Joined New York City FC (a CFG club) in 2015, holding various roles there and at Manchester City.

Moved into the wider CFG global operations in 2020, rising quickly through the ranks in the “global football” division (previously led by figures like Brian Marwood and now Riccardo Bigon).

He is described across reports as a “highly-rated executive” who has honed his skills in operational excellence, player transactions, and multi-club management.

At Tottenham, Moersen will lead football administration, player care, and training ground operations. He joins the club’s Executive Leadership Team and will report primarily to Sporting Director Johan Lange (with women’s football reporting to CEO Vinai Venkatesham). His appointment aligns with other hires, like incoming Performance Director Dan Lewindon, and increased focus on the Academy and women’s football.

Official Announcement Highlights

Tottenham Hotspur’s statement: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Raphael Moersen as Director of Football Operations, a newly created role as part of the Club’s approach to build a modern, high-performance football structure to drive long-term success.”

Sporting Director Johan Lange added: “Rafi was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation. His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.”

This move is seen as a significant coup for Spurs, aiming to emulate CFG’s operational efficiency. Moersen was on gardening leave from CFG before joining.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

The 21-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. He has done quite well since joining the Portuguese club, and he has been in excellent form this season. The striker has 19 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions, and he could prove to be an excellent option for the North London club.

Tottenham need Samu Aghehowa

They need more goals in the final third. Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net regularly since joining the club, and Randal Kolo Muani will leave upon the expiry of his loan deal. Signing a reliable striker will be the top priority for the London club.

Aghehowa has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in English football, and he could solve Tottenham’s scoring problems. According to Alasdair Gold from Football.London, Tottenham are keeping tabs on the young attacker and monitoring his progress. It will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for him at the end of the season. He is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he could become a star with the right guidance.

Aghehowa could be an asset

Tottenham have invested in young players in recent windows, and signing the 21-year-old would be a masterstroke. However, the Portuguese outfit will not want to lose him easily, and they could demand a premium. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to pay up.

The prospect of moving to England could be exciting for the Spanish attack. Regular football at a higher level could bring out the best in him and help him improve further.

Even if Spurs need to pay a premium now, the striker has the ability to justify the investment in future.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush.

Along with them, Aston Villa are keen on the 26-year-old Egyptian attacker as well. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham follow up on their interest with an offer to get the deal done.

Omar Marmoush wants England stay

They need more quality, and the 26-year-old could be a very useful acquisition. According to reports, the player could be on his way out of Manchester City this month, but he wants to leave on loan rather than permanently. Meanwhile, there has been interest from multiple clubs across Europe, but the player wants to continue in the Premier League. That will become a major boost for Tottenham, and they will hope to secure his services for the short term.

Cagatay Celik told Haber Sarikirmizi (h/t CaughtOffside): “George Gardi has proposed Manchester City’s Egyptian footballer Omar Marmoush to Galatasaray. Aston Villa and Tottenham are interested in Marmoush, whose priority is to stay in England. The Egyptian footballer is only considering leaving Manchester City on loan”.

Spurs need someone like Marmoush

They need more depth in the final third, and the 26-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. He is versatile enough to operate anywhere across the front three, and he could solve Tottenham’s attacking problems. He will create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well. The Egyptian is a complete forward, and he has been described as a “live wire” by Tony Cascarino.

There is no doubt that he would be a quality addition for Tottenham. He has struggled for opportunities at Manchester City, and regular football during the second half of the season at Tottenham would be ideal for the player as well. It remains to be seen whether all parties can secure an agreement.

Mile Svilar has been linked with a move away from AS Roma, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in securing his signature.

Guglielmo Vicario has been quite inconsistent since joining the club, and he can be quite poor at dealing with aerial balls. Spurs could use an upgrade, and the 26-year-old would be an excellent addition.

Mile Svilar is on the radar of top clubs

Svilar has proven himself with the Italian outfit, and he’s on the radar of Chelsea and Manchester United as well. According to AS Roma Live, the Italian outfit will demand around €70 million (£60m) for the goalkeeper. It is a steep asking price, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham are ready to break the Bank for him.

Svilar is highly rated at the Italian club, and Gian Piero Gasperini has labelled him as a top player who can be compared to a 25-goal striker. He could make a big difference for Tottenham at the back.

He said: “He’s a top player, he brings a lot of points to his team. You could compare him to a 25-goal striker.”

Svilar could fancy Spurs move

The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for the player as well. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself in English football.

Tottenham have an ambitious project, and they will be hoping to fight for major trophies. They need to plug the weaknesses in their squad, and signing another reliable goalkeeper would be ideal. He could compete with Vicario for the starting spot. The competition for places would help both players improve.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United need reliable goalkeepers as well. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign the 26-year-old. Roma will hope there is an auction for him, so that they can recoup as much as possible from his departure.