Tottenham Hotspur’s 2023–2024 season has been a rollercoaster, with a bright beginning that progressively gave way to difficulties, mostly in the form of injuries and a shallow roster. Although their new-look starting lineup and style of play suggested they might be able to qualify for Europe in the first few months, a spate of losses in Premier League games and injuries revealed the weaknesses that needed to be fixed.
By acquiring Micky van de Ven from the Bundesliga to play alongside Cristian Romero on the defensive line early in the season, Spurs revealed a formidable duo. The Dutchman was a valuable asset who made a substantial contribution to the team’s defensive solidity with his exceptional recovery rate. But then something unexpected happened: Van de Ven got hurt, which left a clear hole in Tottenham’s defensive capabilities.
What next
The club lost to Chelsea, Wolves, Aston Villa, and West Ham United during a difficult run of five Premier League games without a victory, which negatively impacted their form. The injuries that kept important players out of action highlighted the urgent need for reinforcements, especially in areas where depth was lacking.
The chance for Spurs and manager Ange Postecoglou to bolster the team comes with the January transfer window. To be competitive in the Premier League, the team has to be strengthened as a few important players are scheduled to leave for foreign tournaments in the middle of the season.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Jean-Clair Todibo might fetch £35 million from Nice, according to reports, and Tottenham is reportedly considering that offer. Spurs are interested in Nice despite the French team’s reluctance to part with its top player given the comparatively cheap asking price. After impressing scouts with his performances in recent years, Todibo, a former Norwich defender, might add much-needed depth to the defence.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite is another player that Tottenham has their eye on; the team has been admiring him for a while. Branthwaite’s possible arrival might be a calculated move to strengthen the team’s defensive options going forward, even though Todibo is still the team’s first priority when it comes to defensive reinforcement.
Jota
Tottenham is seriously seeking former Celtic winger Jota in addition to defensive worries. Spurs have expressed interest in Jota despite his little playing time with Al Ittihad since his summer transfer. Jota is available in the January transfer window. Newcastle might put up a fight to sign him, though, which would add mystery to the possible transfer drama.
Dragusin
Timo Werner is expected to join Spurs on a six-month loan, although January is a difficult month to operate in. If he makes an impression, the former Chelsea striker, who is coming from RB Leipzig, will have a buy option worth no more than £15.5 million.
Although it may strengthen the forward options, if only momentarily, there has been a long-term search for a new center-back. According to rumors, negotiations between the parties were reportedly at an advanced stage. The most recent name on the cards is Dragusin of Genoa.
#Tottenham and Genua have reached a full agreement about a transfer in winter this morning for Dragusin!
➡️ Transfer fee: €25m + add-ons
➡️ Contract until 2029If Bayern wants to have a chance, they must react today.
[@Plettigoal] 🥇 pic.twitter.com/QK2Y9hjJzL
— Tottenham Tiers (@TottenhamTiers) January 9, 2024
There appears to be a disparity in the two teams’ assessments on the Romanian defender, though. Spurs’ valuation is said to be about €23 million [£19.8 million], although Geona is more interested in paying €30 million [£25.8 million].
Ange Postecoglou is reportedly convinced that the midfielder is a good fit for the Lilywhites, which might be encouraging for Spurs supporters.
Dominic Solanke
The Bournemouth striker has been on a roll this season, having scored a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest only the other weekend.
In the summer, Spurs hope to add a striker. Finding a new forward is a top priority for the team because they haven’t replaced Harry Kane, and they are keeping a close eye on Solanke.
“They’ll keep tracking him into the New Year; they’ve already sent scouts to watch him multiple times this season.”He fits many of Spurs’ requirements, and Bournemouth is aware that if he keeps up his current level of play, it will be difficult to keep other teams from pursuing him. They are preparing for offers.
Although interest in the Irishman has apparently waned and Solanke is now seen a “better prospect,” Spurs are still keen on Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
This season, Solanke has demonstrated his ability to play at a higher level, and the source continues, Tottenham is looking for a focal point striker with 11 Premier League goals. The Spurs will be keeping a careful eye on him through the conclusion of the season.
The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining how Tottenham’s 2023–2024 campaign plays out as they deal with injuries and work to strengthen their team during the January transfer window. The supporters are looking forward to seeing how Postecoglou’s staff, who works behind the scenes, will prepare the team for the upcoming obstacles.