It would be fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur’s season hasn’t gone exactly to plan, sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table as we enter the second half of the campaign, but there is still a lot to play for.
Ange Postecoglou’s side still have a shot at silverware, having made it to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, and they are on course to progress to the next stage of the Europa League.
However, with injuries beginning to mount up, Postecoglou will likely have to bring in some more reinforcements this January after goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky if his side are to stand any chance of going on to have a successful season.
Indeed, the Lilywhites are stuck in mid-table and are well off the pace in the race to simply secure European football of any description for next season.
Following their north London derby defeat to Arsenal, Spurs had won just one of their previous nine top-flight games, and sit 11 points off the final Conference League spot.
New recruits could help Spurs enjoy a resurgent spell in the second half of the season, but having spent plenty of money in the summer on the likes of Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke, it remains to be seen how much funds are still available to Daniel Levy and co.
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Let’s take a look at five players they should look at signing in the January transfer window.
1
Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo appears to be ready to take the next step of his career after starring for Brentford over the last five years, contributing to more than 100 goals in red and white. The Cameroon international has gone from strength to strength with the Bees and is now the star man in Thomas Frank’s attack following the departure of Ivan Toney.
Still aged just 25 and now seemingly at the peak of his powers, Mbeumo can play in a variety of attacking positions, so he could be just what Postecoglou needs in the final third to challenge the likes of Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski out wide, while also covering for Dominic Solanke through the middle.
Meanwhile, the future of Richarlison has been a hot topic of conversation, so Mbeumo could potentially replace the Brazilian, and with Tottenham reportedly interested, it could be one to watch.
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2
Johnny Cardoso
Real Betis
Tottenham currently have an option to buy midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis in the summer transfer window after negoatiitng the deal during Giovani Lo Celso’s move to Betis, however, there are rumours Spurs could look to sign the USA international six months early.
The 23-year-old has a £67m release clause in his contract and can play as a holding midfielder or central midfielder, with Postecoglou arguably needing someone like Cardoso right now instead of the summer.
Spurs currently have Yves Bissouma as a midfield option, but there is talk he could depart north London in 2025, potentially opening the door for someone like Cardoso to come in as a replacement.
3
Patrick Dorgu
Lecce
Tottenham’s lack of defensive options is not limited to the centre of defence, with left-back Destiny Udogie expected to miss the next six weeks due to a thigh injury.
Djed Spence got the nod on his unfavoured side against Newcastle, while Sergio Reguilon is also back in contention, but the Spaniard is reportedly desperate to leave during the January transfer window.
As such, Postecoglou may well need to bring in a new option at left-back, and the 59-year-old is seriously considering a move for Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.
The 20-year-old’s performances for Lecce have earned him a Denmark call-up this season, and he was praised for the part he played in the 2-0 victory against Switzerland.
Dorgu is enjoying his second season playing regular football for Lecce, bagging three goals already this term, and he could push Udogie for a starting spot in the years to come if he were to arrive in north London.
4
Davide Frattesi
Inter
Signing a new defender and goalkeeper is likely to be a priority for Postecoglou this winter given the frailties in those positions. However, strengthening in other areas is not out of the question.
Spurs have reportedly made an enquiry for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, and there are signs that a deal could happen, with the midfielder thought to be keen on leaving due to a lack of game time.
The Italian is extremely impressive going forward, ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 91st percentile for assists per 90 over the past year compared to players in his position.
The 25-year-old’s unhappiness at the San Siro indicates that a deal could be possible this winter, and he could be a solid addition for Postecoglou in midfield given his attacking numbers.
5
Evan Ferguson
Brighton
Evan Ferguson is likely to leave Brighton & Hove Albion this January, at least on a loan deal, and a number of Premier League clubs are racing for his signature, with Tottenham amongst the potential suitors.
Dominic Solanke has looked impressive over the past few weeks, scoring against the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United, but the Englishman can’t be expected to start every game if Spurs are to compete on all fronts.
Richarlison bagged 11 Premier League goals last season, but the Brazilian has been injured for much of the current campaign, and an alternative for Solanke is needed.
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As such, Ferguson would be a low-risk signing for Spurs on a loan deal, and the Irishman has already proven that he has what it takes to score in the Premier League, bagging a combined 12 goals in his previous two seasons.
The 20-year-old has previously been dubbed a “superstar” by Danny Murphy, and if he impresses on loan in north London, he could push for a permanent transfer in the future, making him an attractive option this month.
With injuries becoming a problem, Tottenham will need to strengthen in a number of areas if they are going to have a successful season, but bringing in more backline options is a must for Postecoglou.
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