Tottenham's Dream Starting XI After January Transfer Window
As the January transfer window enters its final week, Tottenham Hotspur are actively seeking to bolster their squad under manager Thomas Frank. The club has faced significant challenges this season, including a string of injuries to key players, which has highlighted the urgent need for additional talent and depth. This speculative analysis explores what a dream starting lineup could look like for Spurs if all current transfer rumours come to fruition, providing a glimpse into a potentially revitalised team.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Guglielmo Vicario is expected to retain his position as the first-choice goalkeeper, despite ongoing speculation about his long-term future with links to Italian clubs. In defence, Pedro Porro will likely continue at right-back, though Tottenham may seek more competition in this role in the future. The centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remains crucial; Romero's mindset will be key to Spurs' turnaround, while van de Ven's future may be discussed in the summer. At left-back, Djed Spence appears to have the edge over Udogie, based on Frank's current preferences.
Midfield Reinforcements
The midfield could see significant changes, with Curtis Jones from Liverpool being a rumoured target. His contract situation at Liverpool, expiring in 2027, makes him an attractive option, especially as Tottenham prepare for the potential departure of Yves Bissouma. Alongside him, Conor Gallagher is poised to join as a January signing, stepping in to cover for the injured Rodrigo Bentancur. In the attacking midfield role, Xavi Simons will need to establish himself, with competition expected from Lucas Bergvall in the coming months.
Attacking Options
On the wings, Tottenham are linked with Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid to fill the void left by the injured Mohammed Kudus. Despite a recent penalty miss in the AFCON final, Diaz is regarded as a top-tier player who could enhance Spurs' attacking options. On the opposite flank, Dejan Kulusevski is set to return from injury, offering a boost akin to a new signing after missing the entire season. Up front, Dominic Solanke is likely to lead the line in Richarlison's absence, especially with Randal Kolo Muani struggling for form, and his recent Champions League goal suggests a return to fitness and confidence.
Conclusion
This dream lineup represents a blend of existing talent and potential new arrivals, aimed at addressing Tottenham's current shortcomings. If these rumours materialise, it could provide Thomas Frank with the depth and quality needed to navigate the remainder of the season and beyond, turning around Spurs' fortunes in a competitive league.