Toward the end of the Europa League campaign, Ange Postecoglou played Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur in a double pivot defensive midfield partnership. The tactical shift proved to be a masterstroke as Spurs conceded only two goals in the last five European matches.
But with Bissouma's departure likely, four trophies to compete for next season, and concerns that 19-year-old Archie Gray needs more time to mature into an every-week starter, Thomas Frank may feel the squad is in dire need of another holding midfielder.
Spurs supporters have been craving a world-class defensive midfielder who would walk into the starting XI. The question is whether Daniel Levy has his sights set on a promising young talent, a marquee signing, or an experienced veteran.
What follows is a list of 10 DMs Spurs have reportedly been monitoring and who we think Levy should pursue.
Lucien Agoumé (Sevilla)
The 23-year-old Senegalese-born midfielder possesses a similar skill set to Caicedo and Camavinga, but without the experience and hype. A dominant force in the middle of the park, he ranked near the top of La Liga in aerials won and interceptions. He is capable of carrying the ball forward and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Wouldn’t break the bank and could be an ideal candidate for a double pivot role at Spurs.
The problem: He struggled during his time at Inter and was loaned out on three occasions before finding a consistent role at Sevilla. Not the best distributor of the ball and still lacks experience even though he has played top-tier football for six seasons.
Verdict: Yes, but as a second-tier candidate on this list.
Lamine Camara (Monaco)
The 21-year-old Senegalese technician has been mooted as a potential replacement for Yves Bissouma since March. He played more as a box-to-box for AS Monaco. He’s a creative engine who can distribute the ball and take corner kicks. And he proved his quality with a phenomenal performance during a friendly against England last week.
The problem: Camara’s slight stature raises legitimate concerns about his ability to adapt to the pace and power of the Premier League. An asking price between £20-30 million wouldn’t break the bank. However, AS Monaco finished third in Ligue 1 and qualified for Champions League, so prying him away from the Côte d’Azur could be difficult.
Verdict: Yes, he could be Spurs version of N’Golo Kanté.
Éderson (Atalanta)
An all-around playmaker who is strong in the air, drives the ball forward, and has a nose for goal. The 25-year-old Brazilian international is a proven winner, having never finished lower than fifth in his three seasons at Atalanta. Following the departure of Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Spurs could reignite their interest and offer Ederson an immediate starting role in the Premier League along with a significant increase from his current weekly wages of £41,500.
The problem: Although rumors of a move to Manchester United have been shot down, he is believed to be one of Al-Hilal and inter’s top targets. Spurs may have trouble convincing current manager Ivan Jurić and the board to let Éderson leave for a reasonable fee, given that “Atalanta didn’t even listen to Tottenham’s offer” last season, according to OneFootball.
Verdict: Yes, would instantly give Spurs one of England’s most formidable midfields.
Morten Frendrup (Genoa)
The Danish international is versatile and willing to track opposing players all over the pitch. He could be deployed at defensive midfield or fill in at left-sided wing back. He’s a Brøndby academy product whose career Thomas Frank will have followed closely. A solid tackler who can stabilize a midfield in the Serie A under Patrick Vieira. Genoa would demand a reasonable transfer fee, which suits Levy’s modus operandi.
The problem: Although Spurs’ hierarchy has been monitoring him for more than a year, he’s not going to dazzle anyone with his dribbling skills or distribution. Is he an upgrade on Bissouma? Probably not. Does he walk into the team ahead of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr or Rodrigo Bentancur? Unlikely. Spurs don’t need a potential squad player, they need a day one starter.
Verdict: No, too many concerns he’d become surplus to requirements.
Morten Hjulmand (Sporting)
Much has been written about Hjulmand’s talent and his Arsenal tattoo. But if reports are to be believed, the much-coveted Danish international could suppress his boyhood crush and agree to join his countryman Frank in N17. The 25-year-old is in prime of his career, distributes the ball well, and has a cannon of a right foot. He’s a solid defender who could relish the physicality of the Premier League and become a force in the middle of the park.
The problem: The pace of the Premier League could be an issue. He is more of a static presence and visionary than a player who’ll get fans off their seat. Sporting might be unwilling to negotiate a lower fee than his reported £67 million clause. Plus, he’s been linked to Arsenal and Manchester United, in spite of his vocal disappointment with Ruben Amorim’s midseason departure from Sporting.
Verdict: Yes, if the price is around £50 million.
Christian Nørgaard (Brentford)
The Danish international has Premier league pedigree, savvy, and loads of experience. He’s been a stalwart at Brentford during its miraculous Premier League journey under Thomas Frank. He’s a leader who covers a lot of ground, contributes to the scoresheet, and would cost less than most other players on this list. Plus, he knows Thomas Frank’s tactics inside and out.
The problem: At 31 years old, he’s getting toward the end of his prime and he would be a huge loss for the Bees who will be desperate to remain in the Premier League after losing Frank. From Spurs perspective, signing a mid-table midfielder who lacks flair and technical ability for a bargain price would drive supporters mad.
Verdict: No, not the right time, talent or fit.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Tall, agile, clever and fearless, Raphael Onyedika’s playing style is reminiscent of a young Paul Pogba. The 24-year-old Nigerian will be familiar to Thomas Frank, having started his career at Midtjylland in Denmark before earning a transfer to Belgian giants Club Brugge three years ago. He possesses pace, vision and the ability to push the ball forward on the dribble. He also scored Brugge’s only goal against Manchester City in Champions League league phase.
The problem: Club Brugge will likely want a hefty return on their £10 million investment to improve their squad for the Champions League. He has risen through the ranks and proven himself on the biggest European stages, but it remains to be seen whether he can handle the unrelenting demands of the Premier League.
Verdict: Yes, but only if Spurs fail to sign a more established target.
João Palhinha (Bayern Munich)
The ex-Fulham star’s tenure at Bayern may be over before it ever really started. Reports out of Germany suggest the Portuguese international could head back to the Premier League or seal a move to Benfica. During his final season in West London, he led the Premier League in tackles, tackles plus interceptions, tackles in the defensive third, tackles in the middle third, and dribblers tackled. Palhinha would immediately shore up Tottenham’s defensive woes and provide experience in the midfield.
The problem: He will be 30 years old at the start of next season and he never managed to break into the Bayern squad, despite the Bavarians spending around £50 million to sign him last summer. He failed to score or add an assist in any of the 17 matches he appeared in. He’s more suited to a team that is forced to defend and play without the ball, but struggles to create or provide incisive passing for a team that dominates possession.
Verdict: Yes, but only if Levy can negotiate a loan with an option to buy.
Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart)
A potential star in the making who could leave Stuttgart for the right price. After being named to The Athletic’s Bundesliga Team of the Season in 2023-24, the former Bayern academy player was nominated by the Bundesliga for their Team of the Season this past campaign. He’s an extraordinary distributor who adds goals and assists. Entering his prime footballing years after a relatively slow start to his career, he possesses a similar skill set to Joshua Kimmich and, dare I say, Luka Modrić.
The problem: He is reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid and Liverpool, despite the former opting to sign young midfield phenom Franco Mastantuono. Stuttgart are believed to be seeking a transfer fee of around £40 million to let him leave, but Stiller could stay in Gerany for another season and bide his time until a bigger club comes calling.
Verdict: Yes, a potentially transformative player for Spurs.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Palace’s left-footed maestro is still only 21 years old, but his talent and work rate are undeniable. He’s tough, distributes the ball all over the pitch, and has the skill to wriggle out of tight spaces to start attacks. He seems to have a preternatural understanding of the game and can play in either the six or the eight. A groin injury in October kept Wharton out of action for three months last season, but he returned in fine form and started Palace’s historic 1-0 FA Cup victory over Manchester City.
The problem: Rumors have been swirling that suggest it would take an astronomical fee up to £100 million to convince Palace to sell the England international. Wharton would be tremendous signing for now and the future. But he has yet to score a goal in the Premier League, and adding him to the squad risks stunting Archie Gray’s development.
Verdict: Yes, if the price drops below £60 million.