Tottenham are keen on adding midfield reinforcements in the summer for next season
Tottenham’s Premier League form has shown little sign of promise as Thomas Frank continues to struggle at N17. The Lilywhites are languishing in the bottom half of the table and look increasingly likely to miss out on European qualification this season. Consistency has been hard to come by, and there are several glaring issues within the squad that need to be addressed in the coming months if the North Londoners are to return to winning ways.
The most pressing concern within the squad remains the lack of an elite ball-carrier in midfield. Spurs showed some intent during the winter window by signing Conor Gallagher to address the obvious gaps in the centre of the park. The England international put pen to paper on a long-term deal at N17 and was brought in to replace Rodrigo Bentancur in the starting eleven. However, the 25-year-old’s arrival has not been viewed as a complete solution to the wider issues in that area of the pitch.
For some time now, the North Londoners have struggled to field a player capable of carrying the ball forward and thriving in tight spaces. The closest profile to that is Archie Gray, but the Englishman has often been deployed in a more advanced role that has not suited his style of play in most matches. The injury crisis at the club has not helped Thomas Frank’s cause either, as the Danish tactician has found it difficult to name a starting eleven that includes a natural and effective ball-carrier.
Tottenham could make a move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba in the summer
It comes as little surprise that Tottenham are looking to strengthen their midfield in the coming months ahead of next season. The Lilywhites are keen to recruit players who can make an immediate impact at N17 and play a key role in helping the team create chances from central areas. Given how heavily Thomas Frank relies on his midfielders to push into the final third, it makes sense to target a player who is comfortable and effective with the ball at his feet.
Recent reports have linked Spurs with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old has made significant progress under Fabian Hurzeler at the AMEX Stadium, establishing himself as a key figure in an overperforming Seagulls side. He was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, but a transfer failed to materialise as Brighton were unable to find a suitable replacement during the closing stages of the window.
Baleba’s future at Brighton has been questioned on several occasions this season. It appears increasingly likely that the Cameroon international could seek a move elsewhere next summer. According to the Daily Mail, Brighton are prepared to cash in on the highly rated midfielder for a fee north of £60m once the current campaign comes to an end. There is also a strong belief that the Seagulls would consider parting ways with the 22-year-old if an offer in the region of £75m were to arrive.
Is Carlos Baleba the solution to Tottenham’s midfield problems?
There is no denying that Carlos Baleba is one of the most exciting young talents in European football right now. The Cameroon international has seamlessly stepped in to fill the void left by Moises Caicedo at Brighton, underlining his immense potential. At just 22, the midfielder has a high ceiling and could reach great heights if he is developed properly and given the right platform to showcase his talent on the biggest stages.
Baleba excels at keeping the game ticking over and provides a solid anchor in midfield for Fabian Hurzeler’s side. While he has faced a few challenges this season, he has more than justified his place in the team with a series of impressive performances in recent months. The Cameroon international is comfortable dribbling out of tight spaces and possesses the vision to play incisive passes. He would slot straight into Tottenham’s starting eleven and represent a clear upgrade on the current midfield options at N17.
Will Baleba eventually don the Spurs jersey? Only time will tell. However, supporters will be hoping that the North Londoners show real intent next summer and make a serious move to lure him to N17 on a long-term deal.