Tottenham Hotspur has earmarked a substantial £150 million for the January transfer window, signaling the club's intent to bolster its squad amidst a challenging season. Manager Thomas Frank is set to target several key players, with a particular focus on reinforcing the left wing and addressing defensive concerns.
The potential departure of sporting director Fabio Paratici to Fiorentina just before the transfer window opens adds complexity to the situation. Tottenham is keen on securing a left winger, with Manchester City's Savinho being a prime target. However, their summer attempts to sign him were unsuccessful.
Another player on Tottenham's radar is Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who is also attracting interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United. Semenyo's preference and the competitive bids from other top clubs could complicate Tottenham's pursuit. Should City secure Semenyo, Tottenham might revisit their interest in Savinho, despite the Brazilian's modest goal tally at the Etihad.
Savinho, 21, has scored just one Premier League goal in 42 appearances for City, including 25 league starts, and a total of five goals in 69 games across all competitions. Frank has had to manage without his preferred center-forward, Dominic Solanke, due to a severe ankle injury. Solanke is now back in training, but Tottenham has been linked with Porto's Samu Aghehowa, a 21-year-old Spain striker who could cost at least £50 million.
Defensive issues also necessitate attention. Destiny Udogie's persistent injury problems have made the recruitment of a proper left-back a priority. Udogie has missed 11 games this season and is expected to be out until at least next month with a hamstring issue, in addition to two previous knee injuries. With Ben Davies, 32, recently returning to first-team action, Frank has been using right-footed Djed Spence on the left, which has further unbalanced the team.
The club could also consider signing a left-sided center-back, allowing Micky van der Ven to play on the left, as he does for the Dutch national team.
Paratici's controversial return to a formal role at Spurs in October, following a 30-month ban for his involvement in Juventus' financial irregularities, has been met with a five-year contract offer from Fiorentina. His potential exit could impact Tottenham's transfer strategy and negotiations.
As Tottenham prepares for the winter window, the club's ambitions and the challenges posed by competing interests and injuries will shape their transfer decisions.
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