As the January transfer window progresses, Tottenham Hotspur appears to have shifted their focus towards strengthening the midfield, following successful acquisitions in other areas by manager Ange Postecoglou.
The defensive concerns that plagued Spurs earlier in the Premier League season have seemingly found resolution with the £25 million signing of Genoa center-half Radu Dragusin. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returning to fitness, there is optimism that the defensive quandary is now under control. Additionally, a loan deal for versatile forward Timo Werner, with an option to buy for £15 million, was sealed last Wednesday, providing reinforcement in attacking options during Heung-min Son’s absence at the Asia Cup with South Korea.
Prior to the opening of the January transfer window, Postecoglou reportedly consulted with chairman Daniel Levy, identifying the need for a defender, winger, and midfielder. With the defensive and forward positions addressed, attention now turns to bolstering the midfield in the remaining two weeks of the transfer market.
While Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has been a long-standing target for Spurs, a hefty price tag of £50 million may deter Levy from pursuing the English international mid-season. Despite the absences of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, both participating in the African Cup of Nations, a significant financial commitment might be a stretch for Spurs at this point.
In light of this, Tottenham has reportedly set their sights on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder Joao Gomes as a viable alternative. The Brazilian star, available for around €35 million (£30 million), is said to be the subject of a ‘substantial’ approach by the London club, positioning them as frontrunners for his signature.
Gomes, signed by Wolves from Flamengo for £15 million in January 2023, has impressed since his arrival in the Premier League. With 18 appearances in the league this season, the 22-year-old exhibits an all-encompassing style of play, earning him the moniker “The Pitbull.” His attributes include a solid passing accuracy of 83%, making a key pass every other game, averaging 3.2 tackles, 5.9 ball recoveries per game, and showcasing prowess in dribbles and aerial battles.
While there might be room for improvement in his ball-playing skills, Gomes’ natural qualities suggest a seamless transition to life at Tottenham. The prospect of pairing him with the rejuvenated Rodrigo Bentancur is particularly enticing. After overcoming a challenging year marked by injuries, Bentancur has returned to form, playing a pivotal role in Spurs’ midfield. Described as “technically immense” by broadcaster Adam Smith, Bentancur’s resurgence, coupled with Gomes’ potential arrival, could form a formidable midfield duo for Tottenham.
As the January transfer window unfolds, Spurs fans eagerly await developments in the pursuit of Joao Gomes and potential reinforcements in the midfield, envisioning an enhanced squad poised for success in the upcoming months of football under Postecoglou’s guidance.