Tottenham Hotspur Transfer Window Reviewed as January Steps are Identified | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur Transfer Window Review: Gains, Gaps and What Comes Next

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged from this transfer window with a squad that looks more complete on paper than it did a year ago. The summer departure of Son Heung-min to Los Angeles FC after ten years in north London marked the end of an era, but his exit has been offset by ambitious arrivals. Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani provide immediate quality, rather than potential for tomorrow. It is a shift in emphasis, one that suggests Tottenham’s leadership wanted players for the present rather than prospects for the future.

Yet there are gaps. Spurs had identified Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze as priority targets, but both slipped away. Gibbs-White signed a new deal at Nottingham Forest and Eze opted for Arsenal. That double setback was felt even more after James Maddison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on tour in Hong Kong and South Korea. Simons will be asked to carry much of the creative responsibility, but whether he can deliver consistently in the Premier League is still uncertain.

Thomas Frank’s challenge

New head coach Thomas Frank has not had a smooth start. Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke are all sidelined, which leaves Spurs light in attack. The deadline-day arrival of Kolo Muani could prove critical, giving Frank at least one extra option to work with.

Palhinha has already impressed, particularly in matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, where his defensive discipline gave Spurs the balance they have often lacked. Kudus adds unpredictability in attack, while Simons offers flair and vision. Gibbs-White would have been ideal, but the coaching staff are confident that Simons can adapt.

Perhaps the most important move was convincing Cristian Romero to sign a new long-term contract. “Had Romero not signed a new deal, this whole season would have been dominated by talk about his future and what would happen in summer 2026 when he had one year left.” Instead, Spurs have secured the core of their defence for years to come.

Defensive depth still a concern

Despite heavy investment, concerns remain about Tottenham’s defence. Last season unravelled when Romero and Micky van de Ven were both sidelined for months. This summer, Spurs looked for a left-sided centre-back but could not find the right profile.

Kevin Danso provides solidity, yet Radu Dragusin is still recovering from an ACL injury and Kota Takai has struggled with a foot problem. With Luka Vuskovic loaned to Hamburg, Tottenham currently have only three fit senior centre-backs. For a side competing in multiple competitions, that is a risk Frank cannot ignore. January may therefore bring another push for proven defensive cover.

Financial flexibility for January

Spurs have spent more than £150 million in this transfer window, financed in part by Son’s record-breaking move to LAFC for $26.5 million. Bryan Gil was sold to Girona for €10 million, but other departures were less successful. Yves Bissouma remains at the club despite interest from Turkey, and Manor Solomon’s loan to Villarreal looks like a missed opportunity to generate significant funds.

Still, Tottenham should retain the flexibility to make moves in January if circumstances demand it. That will be welcome news for Frank, who will want both stability and reinforcements as he tries to navigate his first season in charge.