Tottenham’s transfer news makes for interesting reading, but where exactly is manager Ange Postecoglou still looking to strengthen?
It’s been an up-and-down season for Spurs in the Premier League. Top of the table after ten games, they have slipped to fifth after a poor run of form.
With Champions League qualification undoubtedly the target for Tottenham, fans will be expecting them to bring in reinforcements this January transfer window.
In terms of strengths and weaknesses, Spurs have been one of the most potent attacking teams in the league so far. Their 42 goals scored is the third-most of anyone and only three fewer than top scorers Manchester City.
But against the ball, they have struggled at times. While the 29 goals they’ve let in isn’t an awful number, it’s more than anybody in the top four.
If Tottenham are serious about their European ambitions this campaign, they need to concede less often. With that in mind, most of Tottenham’s transfer news concerns defensive players.
Tottenham January Transfer Targets
Radu Dragusin
It’s therefore no surprise to see them complete the signing of a centre-back in Radu Dragusin. A deal for the 21-year-old Romanian international was completed this week and announced on Thursday.
Dragusin is Tottenham’s second arrival after the loan signing of former Chelsea striker Timo Werner. Both are in line to make potential debuts against Manchester United this weekend.
⚪️🇷🇴 Postecoglou on Dragusin picking Spurs over Bayern: “We did a fair bit of work on it”.
“What did I tell to convince Radu? It's just a conversation about what I believe and my thoughts on them as players and where they fit in”.
“He really wanted to join this football club”. pic.twitter.com/vvx2bva8bO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024
With a fee of £26.7 million, Spurs fought off competition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Serie A side Napoli. Dragusin’s contract runs until 2030.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Dragusin isn’t the only defender Spurs have been linked with, though. With Eric Dier making the move to Bayern Munich, they could still do with another centre-back.
And a perfect option could be OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo. The 24-year-old made his senior debut for France in September, and has more than 100 Ligue 1 appearances.
Formerly a Barcelona player, Todibo is highly-rated and has garnered attention from multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal.
Connor Galagher
Tottenham are also reportedly chasing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher as their third marquee signing.
The England international was linked with both Spurs and West Ham in the summer but has been crucial for Pochettino’s Chelsea this season.
Starting 19 Premier League games, the 23-year-old has captained the Blues several times throughout the campaign.
But he has still been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea look to raise funds for a new striker. With Gallagher’s contract up in 2025, they may look to cash in on him now.
For Spurs, Gallagher’s arrival may only be possible if they offload Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in order to free up funds themselves, which complicates any potential deal.
Fabrizio Romano Tottenham News
As for what transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has to say on the latest Tottenham transfer news, he confirmed the arrivals of both Werner and Dragusin.
🚨⚪️ Official, confirmed. Timo Werner has joined Tottenham on loan deal from RB Leipzig with buy option.
Value of the buy option: €17m. pic.twitter.com/iVxZqzveeJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2024
Romano also had his say on the potential signing of Conor Gallagher.
He told Caught Offside: “Conor Gallagher remains admired by Ange Postecoglou, the interest is there, but I’m not aware of any direct negotiations at the moment. It won’t be easy because Gallagher is an important player for Chelsea.
“Gallagher won’t be an easy signing because Chelsea will ask for a lot of money. I think the most realistic way for Tottenham to afford the deal would be to sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or loan him out with an obligation to buy, and it’s not easy at this point.”
The Italian journalist’s most recent updates have been more concerned with potential departures at Spurs. Spanish winger Bryan Gil has been linked with a possible move away from North London, but Romano has downplayed these rumours.
As it stands, the 22-year-old appears to be staying and remains a part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans, for now.
⚪️🇪🇸 Two important points to clarify about Bryan Gil future. Despite interest from Feyenoord and Fiorentina as they both approached Tottenham, there’s still NO contact on player side.
Bryan Gil, 100% focused on Spurs and not close to leaving the club as things stand. pic.twitter.com/a0L0uXD6Y8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2024
Elsewhere, Romano confirmed the exits of both Djed Spence and Ashley Phillips on loan deals. They have joined Genoa and Plymouth Argyle respectively.
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