Tottenham are looking at potential options to improve the creativity of the squad.
In the summer, Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield was strengthened by the arrivals of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, with both players bringing a strong physical presence, engine and composure to the engine room. However, none of them have hit the ground running in North London.
Another issue that still persists from last season is the lack of creativity. There is a clear disparity between Tottenham’s tactical build-up, organised pressing, invention and goalscoring output. While Spurs have regularly progressed the ball into dangerous half-spaces, their final actions have lacked composure and ruthlessness. This is not something that one would historically associate with Roberto De Zerbi’s teams.
With James Maddison still finding top physical sharpness after an injury-disrupted start, Xavi Simons out for the foreseeable future with an ACL injury and Dejan Kulusevski working hard to return to fitness after a serious knee injury, Tottenham have struggled to punish opponents during key periods of dominance. This is why the N17 bosses have started looking at potential creative midfield options in January.
Tottenham have been monitoring Lyon playmaker
According to a report from Hooligan Soccer, Tottenham have been keeping tabs on Lyon midfielder Pavel Sulc. In fact, the Lilywhites have tracked the player right from his Viktoria Plzen days, and he remains on their radar ahead of January.
Aston Villa and Everton are also monitoring the Czechia star through intermediary channels, but it is Leeds United who are showing the most serious interest in him. The Whites have established official contact with Lyon’s hierarchy to discuss transfer conditions for Pavel Sulc.
Sulc, who was named the Czech Footballer of the Year in 2025, enjoyed an outstanding debut season with Lyon. He supplied 11 goals and three assists in 27 league appearances, helping Lyon finish fourth in the Ligue 1 table. Overall, the attacker delivered 35-goal contributions, and he already has three assists to his name in five Ligue 1 outings this season.
The report adds Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Como and Lazio all admire Sulc’s tactical profile. Lyon are understood to be open to offers for their star playmaker. The French club’s hierarchy will only open negotiation channels at a minimum of €50 million.
Spurs must consider signing Sulc
While Sulc remains a valuable asset within the squad, Lyon’s ongoing financial considerations have meant that high-profile player mid-season trading remains a practical path for squad overhaul. The opportunity to land a versatile, hardworking, tenacious and seasoned playmaker mid-way through the campaign presents a compelling proposition for Tottenham.
For the Lilywhites, who are seeking creativity and tactical versatility under De Zerbi to ignite their domestic campaign, the Czechia international’s ability to operate across the attacking line could offer an immediate spark. The 25-year-old has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League, whilst becoming Maddison’s long-term replacement in N17.
However, with several clubs closely following his profile, Tottenham face an uphill task to secure Sulc’s signature. Nonetheless, our club bosses must look to test Lyon’s resolve for the player in the winter window.
