The Dreaded January Transfer Window: The Way too Early Tottenham Prediction Show

After a dramatic, rollercoaster of a summer transfer window, Tottenham's recruitment department should have one thing on their mind: next window. Fans have been split on the success of the window, with some epic highs and nauseating lows. The public failure to sign not just one, but two high profile number 10s' in Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze left Spurs fans feeling dejected and pessimistic about the Board's lack of commitment, only to be left stunned by the hijacking of Dutch superstar, Xavi Simons from Chelsea. Let's highlight their latest business and look forward to the January transfer window.

Good Business and Stop-Gaps

After all the chaos, Spurs had an above average window. They found some good deals, added some great players, and implemented short term stop-gaps to help strengthen the squad for what is bound to be a hectic season of football. Let's highlight the best bits.

Spurs had two superstar deals that blew me out of the water. First, Mohammed Kudus. For €55 million, Kudus is, in my eyes, the most impressive signing for Spurs. He can play on the right, left, or middle, but he crucially covers a profile of attacker Spurs were vastly missing: 1v1 ability. Kudus is one of the strongest dribblers in the Premier League. He's completed more successful dribbles than any other player in the last two Premier League seasons (216), and only Lamine Yamal (291) has won more offensive duels in the Top 5 leagues than Kudus (261). He is a monster in ball retention and can deliver the ball extremely efficiently. Below are his passing and dribbling stats per/90 last year at West Ham, where he most noticeably produces 3.18 successful dribbles per/90 and is an excellent passer of the ball off the ground.

Considering Tottenham haven't conducted business with West Ham for over a decade, the fact that this deal could get done at all was testament to how well the backend staff prepped and did their due diligence. So far in 2025, he leads the league in successful take-ons, has two assists, and has created 7 chances which puts him in the top 5 attackers in the league. Three games in, but it's a promising return.

The next great signing took the entire window to get over the line. Xavi Simons for €60 million is a steal. He seems to have been around for a long time, but Xavi is only 22 years old, and has already played for some of the biggest teams in the world on the biggest stages. He had a Fantastic Euro campaign with the Netherlands in 2024, and he's played regular Champions League football the last two seasons with RB Leipzig with 4 goal contributions in 13 games. Sagas aside, Tottenham needed an experienced, playmaking number 10 to replace the long term injuries to Maddison and Kulusevski. While they originally sought home grown experience, they switched their sights to the Bundesliga and Champions League experience. Xavi fills in that creative gap in midfield that will be crucial in both breaking the press and providing front-foot, attacking football.

I would add Kevin Danso to the mix of important summer signings. Making his deal permanent gives Spurs much needed CB depth for injury prone Romero and van de Ven. He is a traditional, muscly defender who was key in securing Tottenham's Europa League trophy; their first title in 17 years. He has great instincts for blocking shots, putting his body on the line, and is a serious aerial threat on set pieces, something Thomas Frank can take advantage of.

Spurs also signed what I would call stop-gaps in Palhinha, Kolo Muani, and Tel.

Palhinha is an excellent addition, but is currently on loan. His contract does have a buy option worth €30 million, but Spurs may not want to trigger that if another promising 6 hits the market. His life at Spurs, so far, has indicated he will have a vital role this season, leading me to believe he'll be around for a few years.

Kolo Muani, is a different type of stop-gap. He fills the side with more Champions League experience and much needed versatility on the counter-attack; however, his move is a straight loan with no purchase option or obligation. With the absence of Son and failing to sign Savinho from Man City, Kolo Muani is an interim fix to a long term problem. Spurs know this and are going back to the drawing board next window.

Tel's deal was made permanent, but the young Frenchman seems out of favor as of now, not making it into Frank's Champion's League Squad. He is only 20 years old and has experience for his age already playing at German giants, Bayern Munich, but this signing seems to be a squad strengthening/development signing. I don't think any fan thinks he is the second coming of Son, and he doesn't have the skill or experience to fill that gaping hole on the left wing. He can slide in and perform adequately in some Cup games or as an impact sub in the Premier League, but he doesn't quite fill the gap in attack.

January Predictions

In the Summer, Tottenham were unable to sign much needed LB/LCB cover or a starting, designated left winger. I think these are two areas Spurs may address in the January Window. Additionally, barring any injuries, future cup games, or European knockout round games, and knowing we don't want to leave the manager short of options, I think Spurs should make a couple of sales to capitalize on other teams' desire to squad strengthen mid-season.

LB/LCB: I think Spurs realistically move for Nathan Ake. He covers both positions, has experience at the highest level of the game, has a Dutch connection with van de Ven and Xavi, and can seamlessly come into the side for rotation. The real question on him joining is if he would get more minutes at City than at Spurs. All players fit, and assuming that Man City would go further in all comps based on their track record, Ake may not get more playing time at Spurs, which is something he seemingly wants. Regardless, if the money is right and Spurs perform well through Christmas, City may sell, and Ake might agree terms.

LW: Spurs may exclusively deal with Man City this January, especially considering how strong they pushed to sign Savinho this summer. Thomas Frank reportedly wanted the winger as his number one option, which to me screams that Spurs will try again. He's the front runner for a much needed starting left winger, but if City still refuse to sell, I could see Spurs transitioning their focus to AC Milan star Rafael Leão. There were reports that Spurs would make a stunning deadline-day transfer for the AC Milan star, with a return to the Champions League appealing to the winger. His love for AC Milan, however, makes it a long shot he leaves, especially if they're doing well in the league.

Both are exciting options, but for me, I think Savinho is the more appealing signing. It would be less money for a younger player, and similar profiles. The goals didn't come at City, but the season previous at Girona, he was much more threatening scoring 9 goals and assisting 10. At City, he was a cross merchant for Erling Haaland and forced to play out of position on the right. On the left, I think he offers a lot more direct attacking.

Outgoings: Tottenham's most dreaded part of business. I think Spurs could be in a prime position to sell in January. Whether they're in competitions still or not, they have opportunities to sell. If they need more depth, they should spend on players that improve the starting 11 and compete for places. If they are out of competitions, than they can trim the squad to make a premium on players before revamping in the summer. Either way it's a sell heavy outlook.

Assuming Bissouma is already gone, here is a list of first team players I think could hit the road this January:

• Dragusin - Never really hit the ground running at Spurs and was forced into a bad side in a system that never suited him. I love his attitude, but if an offer comes in, we don't need him in the back. All-in-all, good business to sell if he's fit.
• Vicario - Shocking I know, but this is a rumor I can get behind. Kinsky is a goalkeeper for the future, and Vicario is a prime shotstopper. If Kinsky gets a run of games where he really impresses and an offer comes in for Vicario that is hefty, I could see Spurs making the deal.
• Solanke - Another hot-take, but I think if Richarlison is Frank's number one, and Kolo Muani slots in up top behind him, I think it's possible there isn't room for Solanke. Perhaps a bid comes in for the €75 million Spurs paid for him, and Tottenham take it.
• Odobert - Could be a valuable sale if he impresses during his European campaign. I could see a world where he does well, Spurs sell for a premium, and use the money to splash on a world class winger. With Tel, Johnson, Kulusevski, Kudus, and Kolo Muani to cover on the wings, I think selling him opens a pathway to a big name player, while leaving room for strong squad depth.
• Porro - This one hurts, but I could seriously see it happening if Spurs trust Spence in the role. They would need to find an additional RB as cover, but Spence looks rock solid defensively on the left, and if it's the same on the right, it could make a ton of sense to cash in on Porro. I love the idea of a Spence/Udogie partnership. If a big time offer comes in for Porro, I think Spurs could be tempted to sell the star playmaker.

Look for Spurs to be active in the January Window. The fans will be salivating for LW and LB cover, but the club may be more interested in the big paychecks coming in for first team players. Let's see how they do.