After an active January window during the 2021/22 season that saw Tottenham Hotspur bring in both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur on their way to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, fans of the North London club will be hoping for a similar impact this January following a series of less-than-impressive results on the pitch. With chants disparaging owner Daniel Levy following Spurs 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, the 60-year-old businessman will be hoping to reduce the hostility around the club. One way to do this is to bring in some quality players that manager Antonio Conte feels can improve his side.
How Could Tottenham Hotspur Line Up Once the January Transfer Window Closes
Defensive Doubts
It is apparent to everyone that the Spurs defence needs improving. They conceded first in 10 games on the bounce, killing the streak with a convincing 4-0 win at Selhurst Park, and with only 5 clean sheets so far, a revamp of the back line is needed. This includes one, or two, new centre-backs to partner World Cup winner, Cristian Romero. As well as a new right-wing back as the inconsistency between Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty has cost the team at times this season. Tottenham need to recreate what IvanPerisic has managed to create on the left side, on the opposite flank. The Croatian has amassed 8 assists for the Lilywhites this season, seven more than Djed Spence, Doherty and Emerson combined.
Conte has made it clear that there are players he wants to get rid of, as well as wanting to bring more in, however the funds don’t seem to be there for him. With the Italian deflecting a new contract, investing in him during this window may make him want to sign the deal. He has young prodigy Destiny Udogie ready to join in the Summer following his loan move back to Udinese, but he is adamant that Tottenham need more quality in order to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.
Pedro Porro
The Sporting Lisbon wing-back has made headlines in Portugal following his move from Manchester City back in 2020. The Spaniard has a release clause of £39.9million, but Levy seems reluctant to pay it. With a significant number of players arriving at the club in the summer, improvements during January are likely to be minimal, however, Porro is likely to only be available Spurs if they activate his release clause. Sporting’s manager, Ruben Amorim, has said: “”Porro and Edwards will only leave for the clause” when asked about the potential transfer. Porro’s Sporting teammate Marcus Edwards, an ex-Tottenham academy graduate, is also on the clubs radar as he continues to impress in Portugal.
Sporting coach Ruben Amorim on Pedro Porro being the top target for Spurs as RB: "Porro and Edwards will only leave for the clause". ⚪️🇵🇹 #THFC
"We know the amount of attacks that go through Porro and Edwards, nobody is blind here. But the market is what it is". pic.twitter.com/QVUNFJIEYe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023
Recently making his debut for the Spanish national team, Porro’s career continues to soar and he is supposedly keen on the move to North London in order to keep the trajectory going upwards. He will offer both stability in defence, and an equal threat to Perisic going forward, as he has seven goal involvements so far this season. The deal would add some quality to the Spurs squad in area of need, and with a release clause as reasonable as his, you have to think someone else might come swooping if Spurs can’t get the deal over the line soon.
Milan Skriniar
The Slovakian centre-back was at the heart of Conte’s Scudetto winning Inter Milan side and with his contract up in the summer, he could be relatively affordable. Uncertainties surround whether or not he will sign a new deal at the Italian giants, but they won’t want to take any risks and try to receive some sort of fee for him leaving. Paris Saint-Germain are linked with him also, and apparently have a contract offer on the table for him, substantially improving his current earnings. There is no certainty he will end up in France, and rumours have begun to die down surrounding a move to the French champions.
The Slovakia international likes to get on the ball and is a great passer, averaging 68 passes per match this season for an Inter Milan team who like to maintain the ball and build from the back. Spurs are a lot more of a counter attacking side under Conte, however, a centre-back who is comfortable in possession and a capable passer still holds some value. As stated, he was a rock for Conte, in a similar system as to what he has implemented at Tottenham, so an integration in North London with his ex-coach, as well as ex-teammate Perisic could be the ideal reunion.
Leandro Trossard
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Belgian talent has been on the list of many top sides over the last few years as he has continually impressed in the Premier League. The 28-year-old wants a new challenge as he enters his prime and the Champions League will no doubt be on his wish list. Brighton are reportedly looking for £25 million to part company with the forward. He has seven goals and two assists so far this season and has been a standout performer in Brighton’s side this season.
Told nothing is imminent for Leandro Trossard. His absence against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup was down to a calf injury. His agent has been actively and aggressively offering Trossard to Premier League clubs. A January move is possible since his contract expires this summer. pic.twitter.com/OupPMI7EPz
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 9, 2023
Tottenham need quality in depth, especially with a lot of their attackers like Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison missing significant time due to injuries. A proven Premier League forward could help the side finish the season strong and continue their aspiration of playing the Champions League again next season. Trossard would replace Bryan Gil, who is currently covering the Swedish and Brazilian pair as they suffer on the sidelines, however the likelihood of Trossard pushing Kulusevski out of the team on his return is unlikely with the Sweden international cementing his place in the squad with impressive performances for the club last campaign. There is no doubt it makes sense for Spurs, but it may not make sense for a player that will be hoping to start as many games as possible.
Potential Line-up
Main Photo
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