CaughtOffside

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign a quality central defender when the transfer window reopens in january.

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Tottenham are working to get a deal done for a quality central defender and it is likely to cost them a substantial amount of money.

Brown said to Football Insider: “Tottenham’s biggest problem is their instability in defence.

“After these injuries they’ve suffered, I’m told they’re already working on identifying players who they could sign in the transfer window.

“The problem is, there isn’t an excessive amount of available defenders mid-way through the season.

“Spurs want to sign a top-class defender who can step in and make a difference, but that will cost big money in January.”

Spurs need defensive additions

The North London club are lacking in depth when it comes to the defensive unit and it is no surprise that they are looking to sign a quality central defender. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin are the only reliable central defenders at the club right now. Romero and Van de Ven have had their fair share of injury problems and Tottenham need more depth in the side.

Furthermore, Romero has been linked with an exit from the club as well.

It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the right additions during the January window.

Tottenham have had a mediocre start to the season so far and they will be desperate to secure Champions League qualification for the next season. They must look to bring in quality additions in January in order to bounce back strongly and finish high up the table.

Apart from a quality defender, they should bring in a versatile forward and a defensive midfielder as well. They need to add more goals to the side and they need someone who will protect the defensive unit from the midfield and allow the creative players to operate with more freedom.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison is enduring a challenging season, with injuries severely hampering his ability to contribute to the team.

The Brazilian has already missed 18 games this campaign due to persistent fitness issues, the latest being a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since November.

According to injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar, Richarlison’s condition suggests he is dealing with a high-grade muscle tear, likely Grade 2 or Grade 3. While initial fears hinted at a more severe Grade 4 injury, the revised diagnosis offers hope of an earlier-than-expected return.

Dr. Brar provided an optimistic timeline for Richarlison’s recovery, predicting a return to training around the New Year and a potential comeback to first-team action by mid-January. Speaking to Tottenham News, he explained:

“This sounds like a high Grade 2 or Grade 3 muscle tear and not a Grade 4 tear as first feared based on the timeline thus far.

“If the timeline of a mid-January return holds, I would expect a return to training around the New Year.

“I do not see him returning to first-team football until the start of January either.“

Richarlison’s time at Spurs marred with injuries

Richarlison’s injury troubles have been a significant blow to manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans this season. The 27-year-old has managed just seven appearances across all competitions, recording one goal and one assist in only 173 minutes of play.

His fitness issues have cast doubt on his long-term future at the club. Despite being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer window, no deal materialised, leaving Richarlison tied to Spurs until 2027.

To address their attacking needs, Tottenham secured the signing of Dominic Solanke earlier this summer. The former Bournemouth striker has since become a key figure in Postecoglou’s setup, delivering strong performances as the team’s primary centre-forward.

Richarlison’s recovery will be closely looked at, as his ability to regain and retain fitness and his form will play a crucial role in determining his future at Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou has had Tottenham playing some lovely football again this season, however, a lack of a solid defence is “gross naivety” according to Stan Collymore.

The former Premier League star has admitted having a fondness for the Australian and the way he sees the game, but ill discipline at the back is stopping the North Londoners from becoming a truly great team.

Postecoglou needs to shore up Tottenham’s defence says Collymore

The 59-year-old might even be looking to change things significantly in January once the transfer window opens.

“I’ve got a soft spot for Ange Postecoglou and for anybody that wants to play football on the front foot, attacking, creating chances, scoring goals… because that’s the type of player that I was,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.

‘He’s managed in Japan, he’s managed in Scotland, however, the Premier League is unforgiving. You can’t win a title in the English top-flight without having a real cast-iron defence.

“Leicester proved you can do it without scoring bucket loads of goals, but it’s telling that only the bottom three in the Premier League have a worse goal difference than Spurs at the moment.

“A couple of weeks ago, Tottenham were the highest scorers in the division, so there’s something structurally, fundamentally wrong at the club. This isn’t just a blip.

“This is a team that can score goals and create chances, but whatever they do, they can’t keep it out at the other end.

“I think it’s gross naivety, and the last time a team played like this was in the late 90s when I was playing; Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle.

“[…] The ‘they’ll score three but we’ll score four’ way of playing is all well and good in the lovely days of August, September and October when everybody’s flying, everybody’s fit, everybody’s healthy, but when you start to take international breaks, FA Cup ties, League Cup ties, European commitments, injuries, suspensions and poor form into account, Spurs are not going to get away with it.”

As we’ve seen of late, if Spurs get injuries in one or two key areas, they still don’t have the squad to be able to cope.

That brings the lack of investment from the top into sharp focus, and also leaves more question marks over exactly which direction Daniel Levy is taking the club in.

If Postecoglou also fails where the likes of Mourinho and Conte did, it can’t always be the manager’s fault, though Levy might soon be about to replace him according to reports.

In any event, it’s obvious that Postecoglou needs to be a little less gung-ho in the English top-flight.

Tottenham suffered an embarrassing 4-3 defeat against Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side took an early 2-0 lead against Enzo Maresca’s men, thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski.

Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella slipped in the build up to both the Tottenham goals and was largely the reason behind Spurs scoring two early goals.

The Blues came back into the match thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, while completely dominating the North London club.

It was the Palmer show in the second half as he scored twice and provided an assist to guide his team to a famous win against their London rivals.

Postecoglou and Spurs received heavy criticism after the defeat and rightly so since they lost a two goal lead at home.

Football pundit and former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara was disappointed with how Postecoglou’s side played.

He blamed the manager for the defeat against Chelsea and took to social media to claim that it is time for the manager to leave the club.

Writing on his X account, O’Hara said:

“I’m done with this garbage we are a disgrace, 2-0 up and get battered we have zero clue of how to win games.

“I’m sorry it can’t go on like this, time to go”

I’m done with this garbage we are a disgrace, 2-0 up and get battered we have zero clue of how to win games it’s just shit or bust, I’m sorry it can’t go on like this, time to go

— Jamie Ohara (@Mrjamieohara1) December 8, 2024

It was another match in which Spurs lost a two goal lead and ultimately lost the match.

Earlier in the season, they were two goals up against Brighton but still lost the match 3-2.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is struggling to find solutions

Spurs are without a win in their last three matches in the Premier League.

Since defeating Pep Guardiola’s side 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, they have drawn against Fulham and lost against both Bournemouth and Chelsea.

In the 15 Premier League matches they have played this season, Spurs have tasted defeat a whopping seven times.

Only the three teams in the relegation places have lost more Premier League matches than Spurs this season.

South Korean attacker Yang Min-hyeok is set to join up with his new club Tottenham Hotspur a week before Christmas.

According to Mike McGrath from the Telegraph, Tottenham have already agreed on a deal with his club Gangwon FC for the 18-year-old to arrive in January. The North London club will look to get him up to speed for the second half of the campaign during the festive period.

Tottenham could certainly use more quality and depth in the attacking unit and the 18-year-old would be a useful acquisition for them. He will add goals, creativity, and flair to the side. Furthermore, he is capable of slotting into multiple attacking roles and his versatility will be an added bonus.

Tottenham have made a mediocre start to the season so far and they will be desperate to secure Champions League qualification. They need to improve drastically during the second half of the campaign. Bringing in the right additions will certainly help them. It will be interesting to see if the South Korean can help Tottenham improve in the final third.

Yang Min-hyeok could help Spurs improve

Min-Hyeok will certainly be excited about competing in the Premier League during the second half of the campaign, and he will hope to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Son Heung-min. Son has established himself as a Tottenham icon since joining the club, and he is one of the best players in the Premier League. The 18-year-old is highly rated in South Korea as well and it remains to be seen whether he can fulfil his potential with the North London club.

He will hope that Tottenham can nurture him into an established star in the Premier League in the coming seasons.

Apart from the attacker, Tottenham should look to bring in a quality midfielder and a central defender as well.

Tottenham and Newcastle are set to go head to head for a £25m-rated centre-back, though Ange Postecoglou could’ve landed him for £100,000 18 months ago.

Both Premier League sides have had a reasonable start to the 2024/25 campaign, and though they’re in seventh and 11th respectively, they’re just a few points behind Brighton and Hove Albion in fourth.

Ange Postecoglou already has concerns over one £42m man and wasn’t happy with another in their recent Europa League fixture against Roma.

Ange Postecoglou wants Abdukodir Khusanov

That could explain why the Australian is looking to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

According to The Telegraph (subscription required), Lens’ 20-year-old centre-back, Abdukodir Khusanov is of interest to the Lilywhites, though they apparently face competition from the Magpies to land the services of the £25m-rated ace.

Khusanov has seemingly earned rave reviews for his performances, and that may explain his somewhat inflated transfer fee.

He was available for just £100,000 from Energetik-BGU Minsk 18 months ago say The Telegraph, evidencing quite the financial uplift.

Ange Postecoglou refuses to allow £30m Tottenham talent to leave in January – READ MORE!

Given that Spurs haven’t really hit the jackpot with Radu Dragusin, Postecoglou has to get things right with his centre-back choice this time around.

When the likes of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven aren’t available, the Australian needs to know that he has top-class talent to replace them.

Eddie Howe clearly believes that Khusanov has the ability to make the step up too, and if the Magpies also make their interest official it could spark a bidding war for the player.

It’s understood that any move for the player is likely to come as early as January, and whomever is able to secure Khusanov’s services would therefore be able to utilise his skill set in an important second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the 27-year-old forward entering the final year of his contract and set to become a free agent.

His impending availability has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, who are keen to bolster their attacking options.

According to Fichajes, Spurs are monitoring Calvert-Lewin’s situation closely, as his contract at Goodison Park is set to expire next summer.

However, Everton faces a difficult task in convincing the striker to stay, particularly with growing interest from rivals like Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, creating a highly competitive race for his signature.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: A proven Premier League striker

Since joining Everton from Sheffield United in 2016 for a bargain fee of £1.5 million, Calvert-Lewin has been a key player for the Toffees. With 70 goals and 19 assists in 260 appearances across all competitions, the England international has proven his worth in the Premier League. His remarkable 2020–21 season, in which he scored 21 goals, earned him Everton’s Player of the Year award and solidified his reputation as a capable top-flight forward.

However, injury troubles have plagued the striker in recent seasons, affecting his consistency and impact on the pitch. This term, Calvert-Lewin has scored just two goals and provided one assist in 13 Premier League appearances, a far cry from his peak form.

Despite these setbacks, the 27-year-old’s extensive Premier League experience remains invaluable, with a total of 226 appearances, 56 goals, and 15 assists. His proven ability at the highest level makes him an intriguing option for Tottenham as they look to strengthen their attack.

Tottenham’s interest in Calvert-Lewin comes at a time when their own attack has faced challenges with several attackers out with injuries.

The striker’s aerial prowess and ability to hold up the ball could provide an excellent complement to the likes of Dominic Solanke and Heung-min Son. Additionally, Calvert-Lewin could prove to be a solid replacement for Richarlison, who has struggled to find his form since his high-profile move from Everton and is now reportedly linked with a move away from Spurs.

A potential fit for Tottenham

A move to North London could offer the striker a fresh start and the opportunity to reignite his career under Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic, attacking system. His physicality, poise in front of goal, and experience in English football would give Tottenham a dependable option in attack as they continue their quest for domestic and European success.

Any potential deal for Calvert-Lewin will likely hinge on his fitness and whether Everton can secure a new contract for the forward. Given his free transfer status next summer, Tottenham would have the chance to sign him on a favourable deal, but they will face stiff competition from other Premier League sides.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing the Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

The 24-year-old has done quite well in the Championship, and his performances have attracted the attention of Liverpool and Manchester United in the past.

According to a report from the Sun, Tottenham are looking at him as an alternative to Guglielmo Vicario, who has recently picked up a serious injury. Tottenham plan to sign the player when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 24-year-old could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for him. Fraser Forster is the only other goalkeeper at the club and he is in his twilight stages. Spurs will need to find a younger alternative, and Patterson would be a superb addition. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham secure an agreement with Sunderland in the coming weeks.

The Black Cats might not be keen on selling a key player midway through the season and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. Tottenham might have to pay a premium in order to convince them.

The report states that the North London club are looking at other alternatives as well.

Tottenham needs a quality keeper

Vicario has been a key player for Tottenham since joining the club and the Italian’s injury blow will certainly weaken the side. They will need to make contingency plans in order to cope with his absence. They are pushing for Champions League qualification this season and they will hope to win a trophy as well. Signing the right players in January will certainly help them finish the season strongly.

As for the 24-year-old goalkeeper, he is likely to be attracted to the idea of joining a Premier League club. It would be a major step in his career, and he will certainly fancy his chances of dislodging Vicario from the starting lineup.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an offer to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 19-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder is currently on loan at Leicester City and he has done quite well for the Foxes. According to Fichajes, Tottenham are watching him closely and they have submitted a €25 million offer to get the deal done.

The report states that talks will intensify regarding a move at the end of the season. The player is reportedly valued at €35 million. The gap between Tottenham’s offer and the asking price is minimal and therefore it is fair to assume that an agreement could be reached eventually.

He has been linked with clubs like Liverpool as well.

Buonannote is capable of operating as the number ten as well as a winger. He will add goals, flair and technical ability to the Tottenham attack. His ability to slot in multiple roles will be a bonus.

Buonanotte could be a star for Tottenham

The 19-year-old Argentine is highly-rated across England and he has a bright future. He will look to establish himself as a key player for Tottenham if the move goes through. The opportunity to play for them will be quite exciting for the player. It would be a major step up in his career and he would get to compete in European football with them.

Spurs have put together a talented squad and they will be hoping to win trophies in the coming seasons. They need to add more depth to the side so that Ange Postecoglou can rotate his squad more often and keep the players fresh.

The 19-year-old would be a solid long-term investment. The reported price seems reasonable for a player of his potential in today’s market. Buonanotte will improve with coaching and experience and he could easily justify the investment in the coming seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 27-year-old will be a free agent in the summer of 2025 and a report from Fichajes claims that Spurs are looking at him closely ahead of a potential move. He has been linked with Arsenal recently.

The £100k-a-week England international will be a free agent at the end of the season and he could prove to be a quality addition. Spurs need more depth in the attacking unit and signing another striker would be a wise decision.

Calvert-Lewin has not been at his best in recent seasons, but he remains a proven performer in English football. If he manages to regain his form and confidence, he could be an important squad player for the North London club in the coming season. The player is still only 27 and he has plenty of time to get his career back on track.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can secure an agreement with him in the coming months. Signing him on a free transport would be a major bargain and it would free up funds for the North London club to improve the other areas of their squad.

Tottenham move could be tempting for Calvert-Lewin

The striker is likely to be attracted to the idea of joining Tottenham as well. It would be a step up in his career and he would get to play alongside top-quality players and fight for trophies with them.