Tottenham Hotspur risk entering the 2025/25 Premier League and Champions League seasons with just one major new signing in their ranks, and although they won a historic Europa League title last season, they also finished the domestic campaign in a shocking 17th place to set a different kind of historic record.
Now that the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer has fallen apart at the seams, Tottenham have really only brought in Mohammed Kudus as a new signing this summer. And while Kudus should have massive potential under Thomas Frank, only signing him is simply insufficient.
Tottenham need to focus on bolstering their midfield, but after the Gibbs-White deal's collapse, Spurs also have a need for another game-changer in the attacking half. The thing is, they've shown no urgency, and clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal are absolutely lapping Daniel Levy on the transfer market.
Tottenham can't have less pull than Everton
And now, even Everton is getting the best of Tottenham this summer. According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Everton are in "advanced talks" to sign Lyon star Malick Fofana, who has been closely linked to Merseyside rivals Liverpool, as well as Tottenham and their London rivals Chelsea.
Fofana is one of the most talented young players in Ligue 1 and was a highly intriguing left wing breakout player in the 2024/25 season. The 20-year-old Belgian international contributed to nine goals last season despite not being a regular starter, and with the level of clubs interested in him, there's a sense around Europe that Fofana could be the next big thing.
Whereas Tottenham have sat on the sidelines watching, Everton are in "direct talks", per Romano, for the Ligue 1 standout and are pushing to agree to "personal terms" with the U21 talent. Now, Tottenham did add Wilson Odobert last summer and signed Mathys Tel permanently this year, but with Son Heung-min potentially leaving this window, Spurs have an opening for another left wing option.
But it looks like Tottenham are, once again, outside the picture. That's their own doing, too. They have not pushed hard enough for players like Fofana who are young, ascending, and valued highly by other top clubs in the Premier League. Kudus has proven to be more of an exception than the rule, and it seems like Spurs can only make signings for obvious fits who don't have too much competition. Fofana to Everton would be another sign that Tottenham are not punching at their weight on a consistent basis in the transfer market.