Report: Spurs looking to summer after ‘modest winter window’ from a net-spend perspective | OneFootball

Tottenham winter window reviewed as net spend stays controlled

Tottenham Hotspur approached the winter transfer window with restraint rather than recklessness, prioritising balance over headline grabbing numbers. According to reporting from The Athletic, Spurs recorded a modest net spend, shaped largely by the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million, a club record signing for the south London side.

Johnson’s departure was the only permanent exit, but it was a significant one, both financially and tactically. His sale helped improve the club’s position under profit and sustainability regulations, while also allowing Tottenham to remain active where it mattered most. Incomings were targeted rather than expansive, with spending broadly matching outgoing fees.

Conor Gallagher arrived from Atletico Madrid on a “long-term” deal for €40million, around £34.7m, while teenage Brazilian left back Souza joined from Santos for a fee north of £10m. Spurs also added 18 year old striker James Wilson on loan from Hearts, with an option to buy, reinforcing the club’s youth pathway rather than the first team.

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Gallagher arrival highlights experience focus

Gallagher stands out as the defining signing of Tottenham’s winter business. Beating Aston Villa to the England international’s signature underlined Spurs’ pulling power, even in a window short on glamour. At 25, Gallagher brings experience without sacrificing future value, and his profile fits a squad that has at times lacked leadership in high pressure moments.

The midfielder adds intensity, tactical intelligence and reliability, qualities valued by head coach Thomas Frank as he reshapes the side. His homegrown status also strengthens squad flexibility across competitions, a detail that matters increasingly in Premier League roster planning.

Souza represents a longer term investment. Having only broken into Santos’ senior side in 2025, the 19 year old is viewed as a developmental signing rather than an immediate solution. With Spurs already out of the FA Cup, his integration can be carefully managed, allowing adaptation rather than expectation.

Missed targets reveal bigger summer plans

Tottenham’s winter activity also revealed ambition that went unmet. A starting quality wide forward remained a priority, with Antoine Semenyo and Savinho both explored as options. Semenyo’s eventual move to Manchester City, sealed after scoring a stoppage time winner against Spurs, felt particularly pointed.

Interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande was rebuffed swiftly, with an asking price in the €100million range signalling a deal for another window. More intriguing was the attempt to sign Andy Robertson, whose Liverpool contract expires in the summer. Spurs were unable to progress negotiations due to Liverpool failing to secure a replacement, but the pursuit itself spoke volumes about Tottenham’s desire for proven winners.

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Squad gaps still shaping recruitment thinking

Wide attacking depth and midfield control remain unresolved areas. Mathys Tel’s emergence following Johnson’s sale offers encouragement, while the returns of Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus from injury should ease pressure. In midfield, Pape Matar Sarr’s return from AFCON adds energy, though not the line breaking passing Thomas Frank values most.

Yves Bissouma’s role could yet prove pivotal. Despite past conduct issues, his passing range and composure have stood out since returning from international duty. If discipline holds, his influence could define Tottenham’s run in.

Financially, Spurs remain well positioned. Under the Lewis family, whose ambition is to “win more matches, more often”, funds will be available. Execution, rather than capacity, will determine success.

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From a Tottenham supporter’s perspective, this window felt quietly sensible rather than frustrating. There was no scattergun spending, no panic buy, and no attempt to chase a headline for the sake of it. Selling Brennan Johnson was difficult emotionally, but financially it made sense, especially if it allows the club to stay aggressive later.

Conor Gallagher feels like a very Spurs signing in the best way. He is Premier League proven, international level, and arrives at the right age. Fans have long called for players who understand the league’s demands and he does. He may not be glamorous, but he raises the floor of the team immediately.

The missed opportunities sting slightly, particularly Robertson. That deal felt like it could have shifted the leadership dynamic overnight. Still, the fact Spurs even tried suggests a growing confidence in the club’s direction.

There is trust required now. Trust that the wide forward issue will be properly addressed in the summer, and trust that midfield control will not be ignored again. The money will be there. The foundations are steady. The next window needs to be decisive.