As the January transfer window unfolds, Tottenham Hotspur grapples with a predicament involving Japhet Tanganga, who is enduring a troublesome loan spell at Augsburg. Six first-team players, including Eric Dier and Djed Spence, are currently out on loan, with Tanganga facing a challenging situation in Germany.

Initially considered a smart move for the 24-year-old defender, his loan to Augsburg has taken an unfortunate turn. Despite a promising outset, Tanganga has yet to start a single game since joining the Bundesliga side in June. Even after recovering from a knee injury early in the loan, he finds himself omitted from the lineup when fit.

Reports indicate that there’s no break clause in Tanganga’s loan agreement, necessitating Tottenham to negotiate a potential recall in January. While not an immediate fixture in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, it would be wise for Spurs to bring back Tanganga and explore alternative loan options.

Allowing Tanganga to languish on the sidelines during the loan period offers no tangible benefits. Tottenham must either facilitate the defender’s improvement or enhance his market value. As Postecoglou’s side harbors ambitions for the future, a player spending a year without game time is far from ideal for any party involved.

Negotiating a recall solution in January appears plausible for Tottenham, as Augsburg stands to gain little from Tanganga’s underutilized loan. With a slew of potential suitors awaiting the talented center-back, Spurs have an opportunity to find an arrangement that benefits all parties involved.