Five Creative Midfielders Tottenham Could Target After Missing Out on Eze

Tottenham Hotspur are desperate for a new spark in midfield. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined by long-term injuries, and the club missing out on both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, Thomas Frank is reportedly pushing for not one, but two creative additions before the window closes.

Here are five players Spurs could turn to in the coming days.

🚨🥇| Thomas Frank believes #Tottenham need 2 #10’s following James Maddison’s injury. @garyjacob pic.twitter.com/HRYpt8rUtN

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) August 20, 2025

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, 22)

After Spurs pulled out of the Eze chase, attention quickly shifted to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Any deal, however, would be extremely difficult. Fabrizio Romano has already labelled it “almost impossible,” with Villa unwilling to part with one of their brightest young stars.

The 22-year-old’s numbers underline why: Rogers delivered 30 goal contributions in 54 games across all competitions last season, thriving both from the left wing and centrally. That blend of end product and positional flexibility makes him an ideal Eze alternative.

Still, prising him away from Villa Park with days left in the summer window looks unlikely.

Tyler Dibling (Southampton, 19)

If Spurs want to invest in potential, Tyler Dibling is one of the most exciting talents in English football. The 19-year-old made 33 Premier League appearances during Southampton’s 2024/25 top-flight campaign and is attracting significant interest, with Everton thought to be leading the race.

Tottenham have tracked him closely for some time now, and Romano revealed the club “made calls” about Dibling after missing out on Eze. His ability to operate as a No.10 or wide forward would offer Frank tactical flexibility, while Champions League football and a chance for development under a coach renowned for improving young players could make Spurs an appealing destination.

Though Everton seem favourites, Dibling remains a more affordable and realistic option compared to Rogers.

🚨⚪️ Tottenham have not stopped thinking about Savinho among top targets.

City insist on blocking the deal in the last 10 days.

Spurs also made calls for Tyler Dibling with Everton leading… and Morgan Rogers but seen as almost impossible, unlikely.

🎥 https://t.co/fFtJTyR0Ro pic.twitter.com/mhnmcd5ptB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025

Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City, 21)

Few young creators have been as heavily linked to Spurs this summer as Bilal El Khannouss. The Moroccan international featured 32 times in the Premier League last season for Leicester, even scoring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January.

El Khannouss boasts outstanding ball progression stats, an attribute Spurs lack without Maddison and Kulusevski. However, competition is fierce, as Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal, viewing him as Eze’s successor, with reports of a £32 million agreement nearing completion.

For Tottenham, a late hijack could prize El Khannouss to north London, but they'll have to act soon.

Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco, 23)

One of Ligue 1’s breakout stars, Maghnes Akliouche is quickly becoming a coveted name across Europe. The Monaco playmaker produced 8 goals and 12 assists in Ligue 1 last season and featured 10 times in the Champions League, bringing experience at the highest level despite his young age.

Akliouche’s skillset, able to drift between midfield and the right flank, would add creativity and versatility to Spurs’ attack. But with Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester City and PSG also said to be monitoring him, and Monaco reluctant sellers, the Frenchman would likely demand a hefty fee.

If Tottenham are prepared to break the bank, though, he could be a transformative signing.

🇪🇺 Top 5 League U21 Midfielders: Progressive actions

🇩🇪 238 — Tom Bischof
🇵🇹 236 — Mateus Fernandes
🇧🇷 228 — Andrey Santos
🇲🇦 224 — Bilal El Khannouss
🇦🇷 222 — Nico Paz

📊 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/MRfif8MzjH

— DataMB (@DataMB_) August 18, 2025

Nico Paz (Como, 20)

Another name Spurs explored earlier in the window is Nico Paz. The Argentine midfielder recorded 15 goal contributions in 35 Serie A matches in 2024/25, impressing under Cesc Fabregas’ guidance.

Tall, technically gifted, and versatile, Paz has operated as a No.10, striker, and wide forward in his career so far, and his adaptability, combined with Champions League football on offer in north London, makes Spurs a genuine contender should they revisit this option.

Young, creative, and already tested in a demanding league, Paz looks like one of the more realistic targets in the closing stages of the window.

Spurs Must Act... and Fast

Tottenham face a critical decision: push hard for a proven Premier League performer like Rogers, gamble on a high-upside playmaker such as El Khannouss or Akliouche, or look ahead to the future with Paz or Dibling.

Any of the above names would fill a huge void in the current Spurs squad, and whichever route they choose, adding at least one creative midfielder is essential if Thomas Frank is to keep Spurs competitive on multiple fronts this season.