It’s December, and you know what that means—we’re just days away from the winter transfer window, of course! Every team will be looking to either bring on or offload players to help bolster their fight for survival, European spots, or even the title, and Tottenham Hotspur are no different. With the Lilywhites sitting in 5th position at the time of writing, here are three players that we believe can help their push for Champions League qualification next season.
Top Three Players Tottenham Should Sign in January Transfer Window
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1. Jean-Clair Todibo
It’s no secret that the North London team are light at the back. After seeing three first-choice central defenders leave in the summer and just one come in, it is clear that this is an area that needs to be reinforced as a priority. In fact, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed this a few days ago, explicitly stating that he would like the club to bring in a central defender early in the window. One name that has been heavily linked with Spurs is OGC Nice centre back. Jean-Clair Todibo. The 23-year-old has impressed this season and is highly thought of.
Todibo’s stats this season are impressive. According to Fbref.com, he ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles and 77th percentile for interceptions in Europe’s top five leagues. What’s more, he is also adept at passing out the back, which is something critical for the manager’s system.
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For once, Spurs are seemingly trying to get their business done early as we reported earlier this week that they have opened talks for the French defender. A deal isn’t expected to be cheap, however, and The Lilywhite’s chairman is notorious for his haggling ways. One thing is for certain: Todibo is a quality defender who will thrive in this new setup. His arrival could prove key, as Postecoglou looks to shape a squad in his image.
2. Kalvin Phillips
It’s been nothing short of a nightmare for Kalvin Phillips since he signed for Manchester City. While he may have added to his trophy cabinet by being a part of a historic treble-winning side, his time at the Etihad has been a disaster on the pitch. Managing a meagre 16 appearances since his move over 18 months ago, he has never been able to establish himself in the team and is almost certain to leave the club in the upcoming window.
While the prospect of signing a City ‘reject’ might seem like an odd move for Tottenham, Phillips should not be solely judged by his time at the Etihad. The English international has the work rate, energy, and passing range to be a perfect number 6 for Postecoglou. He played under a somewhat similar, attack-minded manager at Leeds United, where he was one of the biggest stars of an exciting team.
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If he were to join in January, it would prove a useful addition, as it would come at a time when the team would be without Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr who both leave for the AFCON at the start of the month. With Rodrigo Bentancur out until the end of February with an injury, Philips can be a shrewd acquisition that can pay dividends in the short and long term.
3. Jota
When Postecoglou was appointed as Tottenham boss in June 2023, one of the first names expected to follow him from Celtic was explosive Portuguese winger Jota. However, with the temptation to earn a boatload of cash presented itself, he chose to sign for Al-Ittihad instead, joining his countrymen like Ruben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing since his switch to the Middle East however, and the 24-year-old has only managed 8 appearances in the season. His ability to take on opponents and cross the ball was a key factor in his success under the Australian manager at Celtic and it’s something that is currently lacking in his current squad.
A tricky, pacey winger like Jota could make the difference between 5th and 4th positions, and Tottenham could get a great squad option at an affordable price this January.
These three deals are all doable and the Lilywhites should consider these if they are to be taken seriously as a force in the Premier League.
