Tottenham's transfer priorities seemingly laid elsewhere entering the January transfer window, but Richarlison's hamstring injury could spark a change of direction in north London.
The Brazilian's latest setback will see him sidelined for the next two months, and a summer sale is now surely in the pipeline. Many expected Richarlison to be on the chopping block heading into the 2025/26 season, but an impressive end to pre-season and Dominic Solanke's ankle issue convinced Thomas Frank to keep him around.
Solanke's prolonged absence has forced Richarlison to carry the brunt of the load up top, although Frank has also been able to turn to Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel. The instinctive forward leads our scoring charts with eight goals in all competitions at the time of his injury, thus leaving a notable void, but Spurs can finally count upon Solanke again after he made his long-awaited return against Aston Villa.
Solanke's comeback is a major boost for Frank and his direct approach in possession. The Englishman is a far superior hold-up player to Richarlison, and while similarly dogged, is far smarter when tasked with pressing high. His minutes, though, will have to be carefully managed over the next couple of weeks.
Tottenham planning Samu Aghehowa pursuit to fix striker position long-term
While Richarlison can frustrate, and Kolo Muani has flattered to deceive since joining the club on loan, you wouldn't regard the striker position as a major problem area for Frank's Spurs right now. In the Premier League, we're actually exceeding our measly expected goals haul of 23.55 (fifth-lowest in the division) by a healthy margin of 6.45 (league's biggest overperformance).
I expect rejuvenation to arrive this summer, but Richarlison's hamstring injury, which will keep him out until late March/early April, could bring forward the club's future plans.
According to self-proclaimed "global transfer news expert" Ekrem Konur, Tottenham are "monitoring" Porto striker Samu Aghehowa. The 21-year-old is believed to be top of Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici's wish list, and an approach could be made before the deadline. To land him this month, though, Porto are insisting on securing his €100m release clause.
Samu has been a force in Portugal, scoring 31 Primeira Liga goals in 46 games. Signing strikers from the west flank of the Iberian Peninsula has historically failed to bear fruit, and some will wonder whether the Porto hitman is capable of bucking the trend on English shores.
He's a destructive operator and an imposing focal point who can run the channels. The striker boasts attributes that scream superstar, such as his sharp box movement and standout athleticism, but I'd be wary of paying such a big fee for Samu given his limitations as a facilitator and overall clunkiness with the ball at his feet.
Still, we're allowed to get overexcited and herald him our next great sharpshooter if an unlikely deal is pulled off this winter.