Tottenham are expected to revisit a deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana during the January transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur splashed the cash for some exciting attacking talents in the summer transfer window.
The north Londoners brought in Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, while turning Mathys Tel’s loan from Bayern Munich into a permanent deal. The idea to sign so many attackers was to offset the departure of legendary Son Heung-min and the loss of James Maddison to an ACL rupture.
Son ended his decade-long stay in north London to join MLS club Los Angeles FC in August. Many fans thought the club would bring in a replacement for the South Korean ace, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana having emerged then as a target. However, the Hotspur Way chiefs had to shelve plans to sign a winger as they decided to go for a centre-forward in the form of Kolo Muani on deadline day.
Malick Fofana’s move depends on many factors
As per latest reports, Tottenham are planning to return with an offer for Fofana when the transfer window reopens. However, Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that several factors could be an obstacle for a move to materialise. Here is what John Wenham exclusively told Tottenham News:
“I think signing Fofana certainly depends on who establishes themselves,”
“We’ve seen in the first three league games that Brennan Johnson has started all three as their left-sided player. Mohammed Kudus has come in and just nailed down the right-wing spot.
“So then you’ve got battling for the left – Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, and maybe Randal Kolo Muani. So we’ve got loads of options there.
“The fact that we’ve had to leave out a £30million signing tells me that we won’t be signing another winger until this situation is resolved one way or the other. But let’s just go and see, there’s a long time from now till January.”
Tottenham must trust Mathys Tel instead of signing a left-winger
Currently, Tottenham have enough options who can operate on the left flank. Despite being a right-winger, Brennan Johnson has been used on the left by Thomas Frank and he has bagged two goals already this season. Beyond Johnson, there is Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, while Xavi Simons could essay as a wide playmaker when required.
Tel has been left disappointed after his omission from Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad for league phase. To rebuild the trust, Frank must give the Frenchman opportunities regularly to display his talent and prove himself. And if he repays the faith, the north Londoners must then avoid Fofana’s signing and instead focus on strengthening the defensive unit in January.