Tottenham could make more moves in the January transfer window after selling Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and signing England international midfielder Conor Gallagher
Thomas Frank is running out of time to welcome new signings(Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur enter the closing stages of the winter transfer window with considerable business still to complete.
Despite promising results in the Champions League, the domestic form under Thomas Frank tells a contrasting tale – particularly at home. Spurs have won just two of their 11 home league fixtures.
That run has left manager Frank facing mounting pressure just months after replacing Ange Postecoglou. The correct acquisitions in the window’s final moments could potentially transform their fortunes, though.
There was heavy investment over the summer, with Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons moving to North London as part of a £170million outlay. Yet they have been hampered by an evident shortage of creativity with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison absent through injury so far.
Conor Gallagher has been the only new addition at the time of writing, with Brennan Johnson leaving for Crystal Palace. Spurs remain in need of reinforcements in January, despite transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s imminent exit, so here’s an examination of their potential activity.
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Sign Maghnes Akliouche
Akliouche has registered 19 goals and 22 assists in 122 Monaco appearances(Image: Getty Images)
French winger Akliouche attracted attention from numerous clubs during the summer, but Monaco’s substantial valuation seemingly discouraged some of the interested parties. That figure is now understood to stand at a more manageable £43million, potentially paving the way for Spurs to swoop.
We revealed earlier this month that Monaco were exploring potential successors for the 23-year-old, who grabbed his senior France strike in a November victory over Azerbaijan. He can function on the right flank or in a deeper role behind the forward, positioning him as a perfect option to compensate for Johnson’s departure and Kudus’ fitness concerns.
Monaco, like Spurs, have struggled to find rhythm in the league. A move to England might offer a way for him to star in a new environment while remaining part of his country’s World Cup plans.
Agree Pedro Porro contract extension
Porro’s injury provides the perfect time to negotiate new terms(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA, Getty Images)
Spanish full-back Porro became a permanent Spurs player in summer 2023 for a sum approaching £40m following a brief loan spell from Sporting CP. He penned a five-year agreement at that time, meaning only two seasons will remain on his terms beyond this summer.
Transfermarkt estimates his worth at approximately £35m, though these valuations tend to decline as a player’s contract nears expiration. It would be sensible to arrange an extension for the 26-year-old and stay ahead of any potential offers, considering his dependability in defence.
Porro has appeared in 106 of Spurs’ 116 league matches since joining the club, making 97 starts, with a weekend setback meaning he’s on course for a first prolonged spell on the sidelines since his arrival.
Secure exits for duo
Radu Dragusin has barely played since returning from injury(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media, Getty Images)
The departure of Wales international Johnson has raised some money but additional funds could be generated through other sales. Radu Dragusin has only just returned following 11 months sidelined with an ACL injury, yet there remains possible interest in the Romanian defender.
Dragusin, who joined two years ago in a £26.7m move, could do with playing time as he looks to help Romania book a place in the World Cup via March’s play-offs. The ex-Genoa defender still has interest from clubs across the continent despite his lack of recent minutes, with reports in Italy indicating AC Milan could potentially provide him with the game time he needs.
Dragusin isn’t the sole player Spurs might be capable of moving on to generate funds. Mathys Tel has been excluded from Frank’s Champions League squad to prompt talk of a winter move despite his £30m permanent arrival last summer, and Akliouche’s arrival could facilitate the former Bayern Munich star’s departure to pastures new.
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