Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur are planning to be active in the January transfer window despite spending over £100m on new signings Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons during the summer.
- Kudus and Simons, who joined from their respective clubs, have struggled to make an immediate impact, managing only three Premier League goals combined.
- The duo’s slow adaptation under manager Thomas Frank has contributed to Spurs’ lowly position in the Premier League standings.
- Thomas Frank, aged 52, faces pressure to turn around the team’s fortunes and may require additional reinforcements to secure his position.
- Spurs’ hierarchy is exploring potential options for top-level attackers ahead of January, including a £69m alternative to Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo, who reportedly wanted to join Spurs in the summer.
- The club previously showed interest in Semenyo but is now considering Savinho as a dream alternative, according to reports.
- Tottenham’s summer spending exceeded £100m, focusing on bolstering the attack, yet results have been underwhelming so far.
Who Is the £69m Semenyo Alternative Tottenham Are Targeting?
At the forefront of Spurs’ wishlist is a £69m-rated player positioned as a dream alternative to Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo. According to Sean O’Brien, writing for Football FanCast in their article titled “Dream Semenyo alternative Spurs eyeing move for Savinho,” Tottenham had eyed Semenyo during the summer, with the forward expressing a desire to join the club. Semenyo, who has impressed at Bristol City, wanted a move to north London but remained with his Championship side.
O’Brien reports that Spurs have now pivoted to Savinho as a viable option. The Brazilian winger, currently on loan at Girona from Troyes (part of the City Football Group), has caught Tottenham’s attention with his explosive performances in La Liga. Savinho’s pace, dribbling ability, and goal threat make him an ideal fit for Frank’s high-pressing system. The £69m valuation reflects his rising stock, though negotiations could hinge on Troyes’ willingness to sell.
Football FanCast emphasises that this move aligns with Spurs’ strategy to add dynamism on the wings. Semenyo, valued similarly, was a concrete target in the summer, but Savinho offers a more attainable path given his loan status and connections within elite networks.
Why Have Kudus and Simons Struggled at Spurs So Far?
Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham United in a big-money deal, bringing flair and versatility to Spurs’ attack. Xavi Simons, loaned in from RB Leipzig with a potential purchase option, was expected to provide creativity. Yet, as per Football FanCast’s analysis, the pair have combined for only three Premier League goals this season.
Thomas Frank’s possession-based, intense style demands quick adaptation, and both players have had to bide their time on the bench. Kudus, known for his direct running, has shown glimpses but lacks consistency. Simons, a playmaker at heart, has struggled against Premier League defences’ physicality. Their meagre output has directly contributed to Spurs’ position near the relegation zone, prompting urgent action.
Sean O’Brien of Football FanCast notes:
“The pair have been able to net just three Premier League goals between them to date, undoubtedly contributing to the currently lowly standing in England’s top-flight.”
This underperformance underscores the need for reinforcements, even as Frank urges patience.
What Pressure Is Thomas Frank Under at Tottenham?
Thomas Frank, appointed Spurs boss in the summer, inherited a squad with ambitions but inconsistent results. At 52, the former Brentford manager’s reputation for shrewd tactics now faces its sternest test. Football FanCast reports that despite the summer investments, Spurs’ start has been “worrying,” placing Frank’s job at risk.
The Dane’s approach emphasises high pressing and fluid attacks, but without results, patience may wear thin.
“Ultimately, the 52-year-old will want added reinforcements to save his job after the worrying start,”
writes O’Brien. Frank has publicly backed Kudus and Simons, insisting they need time, but January signings could be decisive.
Spurs’ board, led by technical director Johan Lange, supports Frank but expects progress. A failure to climb the table could trigger changes, mirroring past mid-season upheavals at the club.
How Active Will Spurs Be in the January Window?
Tottenham look set to dive back into the market, undeterred by their £100m-plus summer outlay. Football FanCast highlights that the hierarchy is
“exploring potential options ahead of the January window, which could lead to numerous moves for multiple top-level attackers.”
This activity follows a pattern under chairman Daniel Levy, who balances fiscal prudence with ambition. The focus remains on attackers to complement existing stars like Son Heung-min and Dominic Solanke. Savinho’s potential signing would add depth, especially if Semenyo proves unattainable.
O’Brien elaborates:
“Tottenham Hotspur look as though they will be active once again this winter, that’s despite splashing over £100m on new additions during the summer.”
Multiple targets suggest a proactive window, aiming to salvage the season.
Who Is Antoine Semenyo and Why Did He Want Spurs?
Antoine Semenyo, the Bristol City forward, emerged as a summer target for Tottenham. The Ghanaian striker’s power, pace, and finishing drew interest from north London. Crucially, reports indicate Semenyo “wanted to join in the summer,” per Football FanCast.
Priced around £69m, Semenyo’s Championship form—scoring double figures last season—positions him as Premier League-ready. His rejection of Bristol’s advances signalled ambition, but no deal materialised. Now, with Spurs circling alternatives, Semenyo remains a benchmark for the quality they seek.
Sean O’Brien of Football FanCast confirms:
“Spurs could sign £69m Semenyo alternative who wanted to join in the summer.”
Semenyo’s saga highlights Tottenham’s wide net in the winger market.
What Makes Savinho a Dream Fit for Thomas Frank’s Spurs?
Savinho, the 20-year-old Brazilian, has lit up La Liga with Girona, scoring and assisting prolifically. Loaned from Troyes, his parent club values him at £69m, matching Semenyo’s tag. Football FanCast dubs him Spurs’ “dream Semenyo alternative,” citing his direct style and work rate.
Frank’s system thrives on wingers who press and create; Savinho excels here. His 11 goal involvements in 17 La Liga starts this season underscore his threat. If signed, he could rotate with Kudus and Simons, accelerating their development.
As O’Brien reports: “Spurs eyeing move for Savinho.” This pursuit reflects data-driven recruitment, targeting undervalued gems.
How Does Tottenham’s Summer Spending Compare Historically?
Spurs’ £100m-plus investment eclipses recent windows. Kudus’ £60m fee from West Ham and Simons’ loan-to-buy structure represent bold gambles. Yet, returns have been modest, with only three Premier League goals from the duo.
Football FanCast contextualises:
“Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both made the move to North London during the summer window, but have both had to bide their time.”
This mirrors past Spurs windows, where integration lags behind acquisition.
January could see further expenditure, but Levy’s model prioritises sales for sustainability.
What Are the Broader Implications for Spurs’ Season?
A successful window could propel Spurs up the table, easing pressure on Frank. Failures risk deeper turmoil. With rivals strengthening, Tottenham must act decisively.
Football FanCast’s coverage paints a club at a crossroads: ambitious signings unmet by form demand correction. As O’Brien summarises, reinforcements are key to salvaging hopes.
