With the Premier League season approaching its halfway point, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to enter the January transfer market in a bid to reignite their push for European football.
Spurs' Mixed Start and Transfer Ambitions
It has been a challenging opening phase of the campaign for manager Thomas Frank's side. Tottenham currently sit in 11th place in the table, six points adrift of Chelsea in the coveted fourth position. A heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out halted a promising run of form and has led to fresh speculation over Frank's long-term future at the club.
The Danish coach has consistently preached patience, stating the project in North London will require time. He is likely to be granted that time provided Spurs remain in contention for the European spots. To bridge that gap, however, reinforcements appear necessary, particularly in the attacking third.
Ornstein Outlines Spurs' January Plans
Respected football journalist David Ornstein has provided key insight into the club's thinking ahead of the winter window. Speaking on Sky Sports' Back Pages podcast, Ornstein confirmed that funds will be available for the right player.
"They’ll also have the opportunity to improve the squad in the January transfer window," Ornstein stated. "There will be money available if the right profile comes to them, and if it will improve the team in their eyes."
He went on to name two specific targets who fit the profile Spurs are seeking. "They like Antoine Semenyo, for example," Ornstein revealed, highlighting the Bournemouth forward as a primary objective. Should a move for Semenyo prove impossible, attention could turn to other wide attackers, with Manchester City's Savinho mentioned as an alternative. Tottenham explored a deal for the Brazilian winger last summer without success.
Challenges and Context for Key Targets
Securing either player will present significant hurdles for Tottenham's recruitment team. Antoine Semenyo has been in superb form for Bournemouth, scoring seven Premier League goals so far this season. The Cherries would be extremely reluctant to sell a key asset mid-campaign and would demand a substantial fee, knowing his departure could derail their own season.
The pursuit of Savinho is similarly complicated by circumstances at Manchester City. With first-choice winger Jeremy Doku currently injured, the Brazilian's importance to Pep Guardiola's squad has increased. City are locked in a tight title race with a deep Arsenal squad and are therefore unlikely to weaken their own options by sanctioning a sale.
The need for attacking impetus is clear within the Spurs squad. Dominic Solanke has struggled with injuries, while loanee Randal Kolo Muani has yet to make a significant impact. Beyond the mercurial Richarlison, the team lacks players who can consistently seize control of games in the final third.
The January window is notoriously difficult for major deals, with selling clubs often unwilling to negotiate. How much business Tottenham can conclude, and the level of influence Thomas Frank has while questions over his future persist, will be fascinating to watch as the window opens.
