Tottenham are hoping to find James Maddison’s replacement for the second half of the campaign.
Tottenham are looking to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season as the club attempts to navigate a difficult transitional period under Thomas Frank. The Lilywhites are enduring a disappointing run in the Premier League, having collected just 27 points from their opening 22 matches. They currently sit in the bottom half of the table and could face the prospect of missing out on European qualification.
As a result, the North Londoners are eager to bring in reinforcements that could make an instant impact at N17 in the coming months. There is a pressing need to sign high-quality players who can be difference-makers in the final third under Frank’s guidance. Spurs addressed their midfield issues earlier this month by signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid on a long-term deal.
A similar approach is required in attack, as the Lilywhites are short of options in the No.10 position. It is evident that Spurs are lacking a creative spark in the middle of the park and need a player who can effectively link the midfield with the attack. The North Londoners have the financial backing to make a major move in January, with the Lewis family having promised a £150m “war chest” for the ongoing transfer window.
Tottenham are all set to miss out on West Ham star Lucas Paqueta
It comes as little surprise that Tottenham are actively pursuing a new attacking midfielder for the second half of the campaign. The shortage of options in the No.10 role is a key reason behind the Lilywhites’ struggles to create chances in the final third and sustain pressure in and around the opposition box. They currently lack a ball carrier capable of driving the team forward from central areas.
Recent reports had linked Spurs with West Ham star Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian is reportedly unhappy with his situation at the London Stadium and is keen on a move elsewhere in the coming weeks, having rejected a transfer last summer. Given his availability, the Lilywhites have long admired him and see him as a potential long-term replacement for James Maddison as the Englishman continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
However, the Lilywhites now appear set to miss out on the 28-year-old. According to Ekrem Konur (via X), Paqueta has reached a verbal agreement on a four-year contract with Flamengo after West Ham reduced their asking price to €40m. The prolific attacker is dissatisfied with his circumstances in England and is prioritising a return to his home country ahead of the World Cup.
Missing out on Lucas Paqueta may not be disastrous for the North Londoners. There are several alternatives on the market who could offer similar qualities to the West Ham playmaker. Spurs should now turn their attention to other targets as they continue their search to strengthen the midfield and improve the squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Recent reports have also linked the Lilywhites with AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche. The Frenchman is a highly rated talent in Ligue 1 and possesses the potential to become a key player if developed correctly. He would likely slot straight into the Spurs starting line-up, playing an important role in a side that has struggled to consistently break down stubborn opposition this season. Whether the North Londoners make a move for him remains to be seen.