As the summer transfer window progresses, Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in a peculiar and increasingly urgent predicament. With the Champions League beckoning and key attacking players having departed, the need for a creative spark in midfield is paramount. Yet, despite concerted efforts, the coveted signatures remain elusive, leaving fans and pundits alike to ponder: where does Tottenham turn next?
The Elusive Attacking Midfielder: A Tale of Near Misses
The pursuit of a dynamic attacking midfielder has become a saga for Spurs this offseason. Under the new stewardship of Thomas Frank, who inherits a squad that finished a disappointing 17th last season, the mandate is clear: strengthen for Europe. However, the path has been anything but smooth.
The initial target, Morgan Gibbs-White, seemed within reach. Reports suggested Tottenham was prepared to trigger his release clause, only for Nottingham Forest to reportedly threaten legal action over alleged tampering. The outcome? Gibbs-White signed a new deal, and Spurs were back to the drawing board, nursing a bruised ego and an empty slot in their transfer plans.
Then came Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace maestro was widely linked with a move to North London, and for a period, it appeared to be a matter of “when,” not “if.” However, in a turn of events that would feel at home in a Shakespearean tragedy – or perhaps just a typical transfer window – fierce rivals Arsenal swooped in. With Kai Havertz sidelined by injury, the Gunners seized the opportunity, and Eze, reportedly already harboring an affinity for the red half of North London, made the switch to the Emirates. For Tottenham, losing a prime target is one thing; losing him to your most bitter adversary is a particularly bitter pill to swallow.
Frank`s assessment of the situation is succinct:
“The club is working very hard to see if we can strengthen the squad. We only want to do that with players we think are good enough to help the squad. That is what they are doing from the beginning and will keep doing.”
The sentiment is admirable, but the clock is ticking.
Why the Urgency? Filling the Creative Vacuum
The necessity for a new attacking lynchpin is not merely about squad rotation; it’s about fundamental team structure. The departures of talismanic figures like James Maddison and, notably, Son Heung-Min to Los Angeles FC, have left a significant void in terms of goal contributions and creative output. While Pape Sarr showed glimpses of promise in a more advanced role against Burnley, replicating that against the likes of Manchester City – a team Tottenham faces this weekend – is an entirely different proposition.
Technical Director Johan Lange is reportedly seeking a specific profile: a player adept at dribbling, with an eye for a pass, and a consistent shooting threat. Someone who can break down resilient defenses and unlock opportunities. With four competitions to juggle, depth isn`t a luxury; it`s an operational imperative.
Potential Avenues: Ambition, Pragmatism, and Emergency Measures
The Ambitious Play: Savinho from Manchester City
One name persistently linked is Manchester City`s Savinho. While primarily a winger, his versatility could see him thrive in Frank`s flexible system, potentially allowing someone like Mohamed Kudus to operate more centrally. Savinho`s inaugural season at City wasn`t his most prolific (1 goal, 8 assists), but it was a notable step down from his impressive spell at Girona, where he notched 9 goals and 10 assists. The underlying statistics, however, tell a more compelling story.
His 0.25 expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes and 0.31 expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes combine to comfortably exceed the 0.5 mark, often a statistical hallmark of a burgeoning star. At just 21, Savinho represents a significant investment with the potential for substantial growth. Acquiring him from a direct rival like City would be complex, but his blend of immediate contribution and future superstar potential could define Tottenham`s window.
The Pragmatic Choice: Dwight McNeil from Everton
For a slightly less audacious, but perhaps more attainable target, Dwight McNeil of Everton presents an interesting alternative. Known for his robust defensive work rate – a trait Frank undoubtedly values – McNeil has contributed significantly for Everton, scoring seven goals and assisting 12 since the beginning of the 2022-23 season. His ability to perform with “less” around him suggests a resilience that could serve Spurs well.
However, moving from a relegation-battling side to a Champions League contender represents a considerable step up. There are also injury concerns, as he featured in only 23 games last season due to a knee issue. At 25, McNeil is entering his prime, offering years of potential contribution across either wing or centrally. With Everton already bolstering their attacking midfield, a shrewd offer might just pry him away.
The Stopgap Solution: Andreas Pereira from Fulham
In the high-stakes world of transfers, sometimes an emergency option is the most prudent. Andreas Pereira of Fulham falls into this category. His creativity has somewhat taken a backseat at Craven Cottage recently, particularly with the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe and the emergence of Alex Iwobi. Pereira is a versatile operator, capable of playing in various midfield roles, even as part of a double pivot.
While he may not elevate Tottenham`s ceiling significantly, he offers a dependable, experienced body. Should injuries continue to plague the squad, or if other deals collapse on deadline day, Pereira represents a solid, if uninspired, cover option. He wouldn`t “save” the window, but he could certainly provide crucial stability.
Tottenham Hotspur finds itself at a critical juncture. The Champions League demands a squad capable of sustained performance across multiple fronts, and the current midfield, while possessing talent, desperately requires additional creative impetus. Technical Director Johan Lange and manager Thomas Frank are faced with a strategic dilemma: pursue the high-risk, high-reward target, opt for a more reliable, if less glamorous, addition, or prepare for a last-minute scramble. How they navigate the remaining days of this tumultuous transfer window will undoubtedly shape the narrative of their season.
