As the calendar hits November, clubs begin turning their thoughts to their January transfer targets. This is particularly true of Tottenham, who have started the season disappointingly, in albeit difficult circumstances. Tottenham find themselves outside of the Premier League top four and facing an uphill battle to reach the Champions League knockout stages, all whilst continuing to play their home games at Wembley. A silent summer transfer window set the wheels to an underwhelming start to the season in motion and Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to see January additions. Whilst January is a notoriously difficult window to buy in, Pochettino may have his eye on some of the names below.
Tottenham January Transfer Wish-List
Left-Back
Ben Davies has come under heavy criticism for recent performances, most notably against PSV. Whilst defensively robust, he does not offer enough offensively, which clashes with Pochettino’s desire to play with wing-backs. Tottenham also have Danny Rose to call upon. However, Rose’s significant history of knee problems and a rocky relationship with the club mean he cannot be relied solely upon. This could leave Spurs in the market for a new left back, particularly if PSG and Schalke renew their interest in Rose.
Tottenham are reportedly keen to sign Ben Chilwell, 21, who is enjoying his best Premier League season. Chilwell has high energy and is an end-to-end full-back. His biggest improvement this season is his delivery in the final third. Chilwell is fifth in the league for crosses by defenders, highlighting his attacking threat. Leicester don’t capitalise enough on this due to a lack of physical prowess in the box. Like Davies, Chilwell is also defensively reliable. One of his underrated strengths is his aerial prowess; Chilwell is second in the league for aerial battles won by full-backs this season.
The biggest drawback to Ben Chilwell is his asking price. Having recently signed a new contract until 2024, Leicester would demand a high fee.
Another option is Layvin Kurzawa. Tottenham tried to sign the Paris Saint-Germain full-back over the summer, but no deal was completed. Since then, Kurzawa has had spinal surgery and may remain on the sidelines until after Ligue 1’s winter break. PSG signed Juan Bernat on transfer deadline day, who has impressed in Kurzawa’s absence. If Spurs are satisfied that Kurzawa’s injury problems resolve, they may find PSG more willing to sell the French international this time around.
Centre-Back
With uncertainty regarding the contracts of Jan Vertonghen and particularly Toby Alderweireld, Tottenham may look to bolster their centre back group. Highly rated youngsters Davison Sanchez and Juan Foyth have both committed to long-term contracts, giving some security.
Joachim Andersen could be a player moving to Tottenham. The Danish defender has been an ever-present during Sampdoria’s impressive start to the season. Andersen has helped to keep five clean sheets and concede only seven goals to open the season. With only eighteen months left on his contract, Andersen may be available for a cut-down price, in order to prevent him from leaving for free. Sampdoria’s strong start to the season leaves them looking to compete for European football qualification for the first time since 2015. For that reason, a buy with loan back option for the rest of the season could be a viable option.
Another option could be Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic. Like Andersen, Milenkovic has been an ever-present this season, helping Fiorentina to the statistically fourth-best defence in the league. A towering presence, Milenkovic has started the season at right-back but believes he is strongest at the heart of the defence. His time at right-back has strengthened his ability on the ball, whilst he reads the game strongly. Jose Mourinho has watched Milenkovic live this season and Juventus are also reportedly interested. With several years left on his contract and high interest, Milenkovic will demand a high fee.
Striker
Tottenham’s inability to find a sufficient back-up or partner for Harry Kane has been a long-running saga. Most recently, Vincent Janssen and Fernando Llorente have filled the roll poorly. This season, Pochettino has at times utilised Lucas Moura to play closer to Kane, almost as a second striker. This could be the key to bringing in adequate depth at the position; no high quality striker wants to play a back-up role.
As such, a player who could compliment Kane well is Fiorentina’s Giovanni Simmeone, son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego. The 23-year-old has a high work ethic, quick turn of pace and is deadly in the box. However, his recent form has tailed off and he was dropped for Fiorentina’s latest game. Simmeone spoke recently about his desire to play under his father and could be distracted by the transfer speculation. Simeone’s desire to play under his father could stop a bid from Tottenham.
RC Genk’s Mbwana Samatta is an alternative option. The Tanzania striker has had an electric start to the season, with sixteen goals in seventeen games. Samatta has earnt a reputation for being comfortable on the ball, regularly dropping deep to pick up possession. Out of possession, Samatta has a high work rate and hassles defenders. He also has a quick turn of pace and can be emphatic on the counter attack.
Main Photo
