Report: Tottenham line up four midfield targets ahead of summer shake-up | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Midfield Hunt Signals Ambition Amid Managerial Uncertainty

Reinvention Starts in Midfield

Tottenham Hotspur’s intentions for the summer transfer window have become unmistakably clear. With their sights fixed on central midfield, Spurs are targeting four young but mature talents, as revealed by TEAMtalk.

At the heart of the shortlist sits Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, a 21-year-old whose stock has risen faster than expected. Signed from Blackburn Rovers for £18 million in January 2024, Wharton has quickly become indispensable to Oliver Glasner’s side. His calmness on the ball and ability to control tempo are what Tottenham’s current crop – notably Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr – have often lacked in high-pressure moments.

“Wharton’s standout performances for Palace, where he has become a linchpin since his £18m move from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, have made him a prime candidate to bolster Spurs’ engine room.”

Yet Palace’s valuation, reportedly upwards of £60 million, and their unwillingness to part ways before the Club World Cup break in July make this one a potential saga. If Postecoglou remains in charge, expect this pursuit to intensify.

Exploring Continental Options

Tottenham’s strategy isn’t built around one name. Johnny Cardoso of Real Betis – rugged, athletic, and already on Spurs’ radar due to a first-refusal clause – represents a different stylistic option. But there’s a problem. “Cardoso prefers a move to Atletico Madrid,” casting doubt on Spurs’ chances.

Then there’s Angel Gomes. A former Manchester United academy graduate now maturing in France with Lille, the 23-year-old offers versatility and a free-agent lure. However, with Chelsea and several continental giants circling, Tottenham may find themselves edged out by wage offers and Champions League promises.

Hjulmand: Premier League Ready

TEAMtalk also highlights Morten Hjulmand, the 24-year-old Danish midfielder from Sporting CP. “Hjulmand’s Premier League ambitions align with Spurs’ vision,” which might give them an edge, even amid competition from Manchester United.

He’s perhaps the most Postecoglou-ready of the four. Physical yet technically sharp, he thrives in transitions and would slot in well beside Rodrigo Bentancur in a reimagined midfield duo.

Managerial Clarity Needed Before Spending Spree

There’s an elephant in the room: Ange Postecoglou’s future. “Postecoglou is a big admirer of Wharton,” but with Brentford’s Thomas Frank being considered, Tottenham’s transfer strategy may depend on boardroom decisions. If Daniel Levy backs his Australian head coach, Spurs’ midfield revolution may begin in earnest. If not, a new vision – and new targets – could quickly emerge.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Tottenham supporter’s point of view, this article confirms two things: one, that there is a plan in place to fix what’s broken in midfield, and two, that patience will be tested once again.

Adam Wharton feels like the perfect fit – he’s English, composed, and ready for the next step. But £60 million is steep, and Palace won’t bend easily. That said, fans have long cried out for a midfielder who doesn’t disappear when Spurs are under pressure. Wharton might be that player.

Hjulmand is exciting. Watching him for Sporting, you can see his reading of the game and work rate – qualities we’ve lacked since Mousa Dembélé left. If he’s up for the Premier League, Spurs should move quickly, especially with United sniffing around.

As for Cardoso and Gomes, both are gambles. Cardoso would be great, but if his heart is set on Atletico, there’s no point dragging it out. Gomes is talented, no doubt, but Spurs don’t need another technically-gifted wide operator who isn’t truly a central midfielder.

Still, all of this becomes secondary if Levy dithers on Postecoglou. If the club is to move forward with confidence, the first decision must be about the man in the dugout. Everything else flows from there.