It is January 2026, and if you're a Spurs fan, you've probably spent the last week staring at a physio table more than a league table. Honestly, the mood around N17 is heavy. Thomas Frank—who took the wheel after Ange Postecoglou’s departure last summer—is finding out the hard way that the "Spursy" tag isn't just a meme; it’s a lifestyle.
The club is sitting in 14th.
Injuries have decimated the spine.
The squad looks thin.
The medical room is basically a VIP lounge at this point. Rodrigo Bentancur is out until April after hamstring surgery. Mohammed Kudus won't be back until the flowers start blooming in March. Even Richarlison, who was actually finding some form with eight goals this season, just got sidelined for seven weeks with his own hamstring disaster.
But there’s a flicker of life.
Actually, it’s more like a £34.7 million lightning bolt.
The Gallagher Coup and the Midfield Crisis
Tottenham just pulled off a proper heist. Beating out Aston Villa to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for £34.7 million is the kind of business that makes people sit up. It’s funny, really. Spurs wanted him back in 2024 when he was the heartbeat of Chelsea, but the rivalry and the price tag made it impossible. Fast forward 18 months, and after a frustrating stint in Spain where he only started four games this term, he’s finally in Lilywhite.
He signed until 2031. That’s a massive commitment.
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Frank needs him to be the "engine room" immediately. With Pape Sarr away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Lucas Bergvall nursing a knock, the midfield was looking like a ghost town. Gallagher brings that relentless, annoying-to-play-against energy that Frank’s "Brentford-style" high-press system demands. He’s 25, he’s hungry to reclaim his England spot for the World Cup, and he’s already vowing to bring "special moments."
But let’s be real: one midfielder doesn't fix a team in 14th place.
The Next Priority: Finding a Son Heung-min Heir
Ever since Son Heung-min headed to the MLS, there’s been a massive, gaping hole on the left wing. It’s not just about the goals; it’s the aura. Tottenham have been linked heavily with Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. He’s the "it" kid in the Bundesliga right now.
Leipzig are apparently asking for upwards of €80 million. That’s a lot of dough, even with the reported £150 million winter budget Daniel Levy (well, the new hierarchy, since Levy isn't signing the lone checks anymore) has supposedly greenlit.
If Diomande is too expensive, keep an eye on Kenan Yildiz at Juventus. He’s their number 10, the "heir to Del Piero," but Juve’s finances are always a bit of a rollercoaster. He’s more of a playmaker-winger hybrid. Imagine him feeding balls to Dominic Solanke—if Solanke can stay fit, that is.
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Defensive Depth: The Souza Deal
While everyone is obsessed with the glamorous forwards, the boring-but-necessary work is happening at left-back. Souza, the young Santos defender, is reportedly undergoing his medical as we speak.
It’s a £13 million deal.
Low risk.
High reward.
Destiny Udogie has been run into the ground. He’s had his own hamstring issues lately, and Djed Spence isn't exactly the reliable cover a top-six (or mid-table, let's be honest) team needs. Souza is being brought in specifically to push Udogie and provide a different profile on that flank.
What’s Happening with the Outgoings?
You can’t talk about Tottenham Hotspur transfer targets without talking about the clearing of the decks. The "Brentfordification" of Spurs under Thomas Frank means certain players just don't fit the vibe anymore.
- Brennan Johnson: This one feels inevitable. Crystal Palace are circling with a £35 million bid. He hasn't clicked under Frank, often losing his spot to Kudus. Selling him basically pays for the Gallagher deal.
- Radu Dragusin: It hasn't happened for him. Roma and Fiorentina are sniffing around. Spurs are hesitant because of the injury crisis, but if they sign another body, he’s gone.
- Mathys Tel: Paris FC wants him on loan. Frank says no. With Richarlison injured, Tel is one of the few people left who knows where the goal is.
The Long-Term Vision (Or Lack Thereof)
There is a weird tension at the club right now. Fabio Paratici is set to leave for Fiorentina at the end of the window, leaving Johan Lange to steer the ship. This is the first time in a quarter-century that Daniel Levy isn't the sole architect of the financial strategy.
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Fans are frustrated. The "back or bust" narrative for Thomas Frank is everywhere. If these January arrivals—Gallagher and potentially Souza or a winger—don't spark a massive run toward the European spots, the pressure will become unbearable.
The club is trying to buy young. They want the "next big thing" before they become a €100 million superstar. That’s why you see names like Samuel Omorodion from Porto being mentioned. He’s a physical beast, a modern target man. Porto wants a king’s ransom, likely £70 million, which feels more like a summer conversation than a January panic buy.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Window
If you’re tracking these moves, here is what actually matters for the next fortnight:
- Watch the Medical Reports: If Udogie or Solanke suffer another setback, expect the club to pivot instantly from "prospects" to "emergency veterans."
- The "Homegrown" Factor: With Gallagher in, Spurs have more breathing room for UEFA squads, but selling Brennan Johnson would negate that. They need to balance the HG quota carefully.
- The Winger Search: Don't be surprised if a "loan with option to buy" deal for someone like Savinho from Man City emerges. He’s frustrated with playing second fiddle to Doku and could be the creative spark the stadium is craving.
Tottenham are in a race against time and their own training room. Gallagher is a great start, but the squad still feels like a puzzle with three or four missing pieces. Whether they find them before the deadline will determine if 2026 is a recovery year or a total write-off.