Transfer moves for Tottenham Hotspur to reconsider in winter window
By Aaron Coe
Spurs still need a second striker
Football is not the same today as it was in the 1990s or even early 2000s. Many teams are playing without an out-and-out forward – see Liverpool and Manchester City – today. Players like Jamie Vardy and of course Harry Kane are almost as rare as they are gifted in today’s modern football. However, that does not mean Tottenham cannot find a suitable backup or foil for Kane.
The issue has been the case since Kane burst on the scene replacing signings that did not live up to expectations. Basically few forwards worth their salt want to come and serve as a back-up to Kane or even just get a spot playing time in a rarely used two-man system – see Carlos Vinicius last season.
Complicating the situation is that Tottenham is not okay with just signing anyone to back up one of the best strikers on the planet, they want to sign someone who can give Kane a good run as well. With the criteria in place, the Spurs have just been unable or unwilling to find that perfect fit.
Lots of forwards on the last year of a deal
In thinking about how Tottenham operates, their best bet may be signing a player who may otherwise be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season. While that group includes both Kylian Mbappe and Paulo Dybala, it is unlikely Tottenham is really going to be serious about either – despite the prior Dybala interest and Juventus connection.
Older options like Lorenzo Insigne or Luis Suarez should come in on a loan for the last half of the season just to provide some lift.
The squad could really use the depth, cover, and competition, just do not expect a big-money move for Lautaro Martinez or Dušan Vlahović in January when the team is likely to be cost-conscious. Regardless, the hole remains and adequate cover – assuming Dane Scarlett does not explode like we hope he will – is certainly going to be needed for the 2022 stretch run.