Tottenham Hotspur are planning a far more restrained approach to the January transfer window after a costly summer and a winless start to the Premier League season. The club, currently bottom of the standings with just two points from five games, will focus on specific squad issues rather than another major spending spree.
Spurs splashed over £300 million on new signings this summer, bringing in players like Jan-Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Tosin. But the team's form has not improved, sitting 20th with a record of zero wins, two draws and three defeats. They have scored only two league goals all season, both coming in a 3-2 home loss to Aston Villa last month.
Striker search a priority
The primary focus for January is understood to be a new striker. Dominic Solanke and summer arrival Omar Marmoush are the only out-and-out centre-forwards in the squad, and neither has scored in the league this term. Solanke, 29, has featured in every match but is yet to find the net, while Marmoush, signed from Manchester City, is not seen by manager Roberto De Zerbi as a natural number nine.
Former club scout Mick Brown highlighted the issue. "De Zerbi will be fuming that they failed to bring in a top-class forward during the transfer window," Brown said. The club is now planning to rectify that in January, targeting a 'top-class' striker to lead the line, though they are not prepared to commit a similar amount of money as they did in the summer.
Contract situations and departures
Attention is also on several contract situations. The club is more than happy to discuss a new deal with Dejan Kulusevski if he proves his fitness following a lengthy recovery from a serious knee injury. The Swede, who contributed 21 goals and assists in the 2024-25 campaign, hasn't played since May 2025 and is out of contract in 2028.
Conversely, Tottenham are ready to let Richarlison leave for less than £1 million in January. The Brazilian was omitted from the Premier League squad after a public bust-up over his desire to depart, and his contract expires next summer. A reported £35 million move to Everton collapsed in the previous window.
In defence, the club has no plans to sell Micky van de Ven, who has continued to impress individually this season despite the team's struggles and has recently signed a new contract. Interest from Liverpool and Manchester United is not being entertained. A new centre-back is not a priority, with links to Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-Jae unlikely to be pursued.
The immediate focus turns to a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United this weekend, their next fixtures challenge.
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