Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of strengthening the first-team squad this summer have been brought into question over recent weeks – and rightly so given the lack of activity.
Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel have been the only two senior first-team additions during the off-season, with Joao Palhinha also joining the Lilywhites during the off-season.
However, given the side’s lowly Premier League finish of 17th in 2024/25, new boss Thomas Frank would surely have wanted further reinforcements to help bolster his squad.
Morgan Gibbs-White was once seen as the club’s biggest target, but in typical Daniel Levy fashion, he was unable to get a deal over the line – with the Englishman subsequently penning a new deal at Nottingham Forest.
Such a deal isn’t the only one the owner has scuppered in recent weeks, but the latest one has certainly been inexplicable given the situation around the potential transfer.
Spurs’ failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze this summer
Eberechi Eze was seen as Spurs’ alternative to Gibbs-White this summer, making key moves with Crystal Palace to complete a move for the 27-year-old.
It was reported last week that the player himself was keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the prospect of Champions League football undoubtedly appealing to the attacking midfielder.
Talks were at an advanced stage, on the player’s side and between the two sides, leading to a £60m deal being in place for Eze to move to the Lilywhites for the 2025/26 season and beyond.
However, despite all the work conducted for the Eagles star’s signature, their failure to complete a deal has seen rivals Arsenal swoop in and take the player from their clutches.
A total agreement has been reached between Eze and the Gunners, with the England international missing the Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad to finalise his transfer.
As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy desperately need to delve back into the market to land other targets, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching on the horizon.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for an Eze alternative
After missing out on the Englishman’s signature, Spurs have turned their attention to his compatriot, Morgan Rogers, in an attempt to bolster the number ten position.
However, after making enquiries to land the 23-year-old this summer, it appears a deal could be unlikely, with Aston Villa currently demanding around £80m for his signature.
He’s not the only player currently in their sights at present, with Frank’s side ramping up their efforts to land Manchester City star Savinho, according to The Times.
Their article states that the Lilywhites could be set to return to talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the Brazilian, after previously entering negotiations to land the 21-year-old this summer.
It also claims that the Citizens don’t want to lose the Brazilian before the end of the window, but could listen to offers in the region of £60m for the attacker who notched 14 goal contributions in 2024/25.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze
Missing out on Eze, to a direct rival too, will undoubtedly be a bitter blow to the Spurs faithful, which has no doubt fuelled their disappointment towards owner, Levy.
He desperately needs to land a new talent or two within the final days of the transfer market to bolster the side, subsequently handing Frank the tools he needs to push for success in England’s top-flight.
It’s evident that money is available to spend, as seen by the moves for Eze and Gibbs-White, but this time around, the owner needs to be meaningful in his dealings to complete any signings.
The club are still being linked with various top-level players, as seen by their attempts to land Rogers, but it seems more likely at present that a deal for Savinho is more achievable this summer.
A deal for the Brazilian, whilst being an expensive one, would allow for a versatile option, with the youngster able to operate in central and wide areas when called upon.
Should talks progress, it would see the hierarchy spend a similar fee on Savinho as they would’ve with Eze, but they would be getting a talent six years younger in the process.
Despite his tender age, the City star managed to outperform the soon-to-be Arsenal man in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the immediate and long-term future.
Games played
29
34
Goals & assists
9
16
Shot on target accuracy
38%
27%
Pass accuracy
81%
74%
Key passes made
2.4
2
Passes into the 18-yard box
2.4
1.3
Take-ons completed
2.7
2.3
Progressive carries
7.1
2.4
Carries into the 18-yard box
3.8
0.7
Savinho, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target rate in the Premier League last season, subsequently providing the side with an added threat in front of goal.
However, whilst goalscoring is partly important for a supporting player in Frank’s system, chance creation is something that is crucial – a talent which the Brazilian possesses in abundance.
He bettered Eze for key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, tallies which highlight his ability to either find the net alone, or provide golden chances for those around him.
Whilst the aforementioned assets are two of the 21-year-old’s strong points, he’s also showcased his superb dribbling ability at the Etihad – registering more take-ons and progressive carries per 90 – allowing him to beat the opponents before putting the finishing touches on any attack.
There’s no denying the Eze saga will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Spurs faithful, but it could prove to be a blessing if they can land a deal for Savinho.
In his first year in English football, he’s already demonstrated his top-level quality, able to develop further during Frank’s tenure and potentially catapult the side to added glory in the years ahead.