It’s all happening at Tottenham Hotspur, who have signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid as they look to patch up Thomas Frank’s system.
Gallagher, a product of Chelsea’s academy, will bring heart and strength to the centre of the park, much needed following Rodrigo Bentancur’s long injury absence, anticipated after he pulled his hamstring against Bournemouth.
But this doesn’t address the most glaring flaw in Frank’s team.
The north Londoner’s have flattered to deceive in attack, and a new creative player has been lined up this month.
Spurs targeting attacking signing this month
Mohammed Kudus also got himself injured this month. The snappy winger is out until April, and he is the chief source of assists in a team who struggle to create.
Premier League Assist Leaders 25/26
Player
Apps
Assists
Bruno Fernandes
18
8
Rayan Cherki
16
7
Jack Grealish
19
6
Mohammed Kudus
19
5
Granit Xhaka
21
5
Data via Premier League
With Brennan Johnson already sold to Crystal Palace and James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski still injured, it’s clear where the Lilywhites need to strengthen.
As per TEAMtalk, Spurs are exploring moves for a range of targets to strengthen Frank’s attack, and among the lesser-known names is Christos Tzolis.
Greek international Tzolis, 23, plies his trade for Belgian giants Club Brugge and is valued somewhere in the region of £35m.
A versatile attacking midfielder with a preference for the left flank, he could be exactly what Spurs are looking for as they search for a measure of offensive fluency.
How Tzolis would improve Spurs’ attack
Tzolis, formerly at Norwich City, has finally started to realise his potential in Belgium, having scored 32 goals and supplied 31 assists across 87 matches since signing for Club Brugge.
This year, the left winger has posted seven goals and nine assists across only 18 Pro League fixtures, praised for his “absolutely exceptional” performances since leaving Dusseldorf in Germany by scout and journalist Antonio Mango.
In this, Spurs could sign their own version of Semenyo, landing a dynamic winger who would add both goals and assists to Frank’s side, who have been anaemic in their attacking play this season, 14th in the Premier League and uninspiring at that.
It would be a signing carrying more risk, for Tzolis has yet to perform in England’s top flight and didn’t quite make the grade during his Norwich days, but he’s young and versatile, and he’s come on leaps and bounds.
Semenyo can play through the left, middle or right channels of attack, and he is proven as a Premier League forward, having scored ten goals from 20 games this term.
But Tzolis has the potential to match the Ghanaian, and Sofascore record that he has created 2.8 chances on average in the Belgian top flight this year, yes, but that he has also won 3.4 duels and made 3.6 ball recoveries per 90, underlining the grittier side of his skillset.
Spurs transfer insight: subscribe to the newsletter By subscribing to the newsletter, get in-depth transfer analysis, scouting profiles and tactical breakdowns that reveal how players like Tzolis fit into Spurs’ plans. Ideal for readers seeking expert context and clearer understanding of transfer moves.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
And when looking at how he ranks against Semenyo over the past 12 months, you can see why Spurs view this potent left-sided forward as an alternative to Semenyo.
Tzolis vs Semenyo (past 12 months)
Stats (per 90)
Tzolis
Semenyo
Goals
0.48
0.41
Assists
0.42
0.17
Shots taken
3.93
2.57
Touches (att pen)
7.61
4.65
Pass completion (%)
72.9
71.8
Shot-creating actions
5.52
3.57
Progressive passes
4.74
3.26
Progressive carries
4.17
3.65
Successful take-ons
0.87
1.60
Recoveries
3.75
4.34
Tackles won
0.51
1.02
Data via FBref
If anything, Tzolis is actually a bit more progressive than the Manchester City man, busier in making forward passes and carrying the ball forward himself.
Semenyo’s remarkable take-on rate does underscore his skill in beating opponents, something he boasts over Tzolis.
But Spurs would be signing a star who still have several levels yet to scale, and even so, he’s established himself as “an incredible signing” for Club Brugge, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he would pump new creative life into Frank’s system.
The new Poch: Spurs make "best coach in PL" a top target to replace Frank
Tottenham’s head coach is at risk of a short-lived managerial term over at N17.
ByAngus Sinclair