It would be fair to say yes Tottenham HotspurThe season did not go exactly as planned, it is in the bottom half Premier League table as we enter the second half of the campaign, but there is still much to play for.
Ange PostecoglouThe team still has a chance for silver, after reaching the semi-finals EFL Cupand are on the way to progress to the next stage European league.
However, with injuries starting to mount, Postecoglou will likely need to bring in some reinforcements this January if his side are to have any chance of a successful season.
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Let’s take a look at five players they should sign in the January transfer window.
1
Anthony Patterson
Sunderland
Goalkeeper has become the main problem position for Tottenham in the last month. Initially, Postecoglou insisted that they will not look at bringing in a replacement for the injured Guglielmo Vicario.
The Australian insisted that he had full confidence in Fraser Forster, but the Englishman flattered that he was cheating in Vicari’s absence, and The Spurs boss admitted that goalkeeping mistakes could cost him this season.
The main issue that comes with Forster’s persistence is his inability to play the ball out from the back, but the Lilywhites are now interested in signing a player who excels in that role.
Sunderland Anthony Patterson He is believed to be of interest to a number of Premier League clubs and could be an upgrade on Tottenham’s current ‘keeper, having been praised by teammate Simon Moore for his ability on the ball.
Moore said: “I’ve followed him for a while even before I came here and he’s class, makes some incredible saves.
“He is understated with the ball at his feet, calm and composed. His handling is excellent, he can without a doubt play at the top.”
Spurs’ chances of sealing another goalkeeper deal this month may be reduced by their recent capture of Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague, although it remains to be seen how much of a first-team role he will play.
Given Forster’s age, it wouldn’t be completely out of the question if goalkeeper is a position Spurs will revisit soon.
2
Abdukodir Husanov
Lens
Occasionally managers misuse the number of injured players as an excuse for poor form, but there is no doubt that a large part of Tottenham’s current problems can be attributed to the injury crisis in the N17.
Postecoglou has been forced to stick with a centre-back partnership of Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray in recent weeks, with every other potential option on the treatment table, so signing at least one new defender is a must this month.
One player who has been attracting a lot of Premier League attention this winter is Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov, and he could be a brilliant signing if Spurs win the race for his signature.
The Lilywhites have reportedly begun negotiations over a deal for Khusanovwho has consistently shown his defensive ability over the past year, taking a place in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90 compared to his positional peers, per FBref.
However, with high flights Newcastle United and Manchester City also wantit can be difficult to make a deal.
3
Patrick Dorgu
Lecce
Tottenham’s lack of defensive options is not limited to the center of defense, with left-back Destiny Udogie expected to miss the next six weeks with a thigh injury.
Grandpa Spence got the upper hand at his disadvantage against Newcastle, while Sergio Reguilon also returned to contention, but the Spaniard reportedly desperate to leave during the January transition period.
As such, Postecoglou may need to bring in a new option at left-back, with the 59-year-old seriously considering a move to Lecce Patrick Dorgu.
The 20-year-old’s performances for Lecce earned him a Denmark call-up this season, and he was praised for the part he played in the 2-0 win against Switzerland.
Dorgu enjoys his the second season playing regular football for Lecce, he has already scored three goals this term, and could push Udogie for a starting spot for years to come if he arrives in north London.
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4
Davide Frattesi
Between
Signing a new defender and goalkeeper is likely to be a priority for Postecoglou this winter given the weaknesses in those positions. However, strengthening in other areas is not out of the question.
The Spurs are reportedly made an inquiry for Inter’s Davide Frattesiand there are signs that a deal could happen, with the midfielder believed to want to leave due to a lack of playing time.
The Italian is extremely impressive going forward, ranked in 99th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 91st percentile for assists at 90 over the past year compared to players at his position.
The 25-year-old’s unhappiness at the San Siro suggests a deal could be possible this winter, and he could be a solid addition for Postecoglou in midfield given his attacking numbers.
5
Evan Ferguson
Brighton
Evan Ferguson is likely to leave Brighton & Hove Albion this January, at least on loan, and a number of Premier League clubs are vying for his signature, with Tottenham among potential suitors.
Dominic Solanke has looked impressive over the past few weeks, scoring against Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United, but the Englishman cannot be expected to start every game if Spurs are to compete on all fronts.
Richarlison scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season, but the Brazilian has been injured for most of the current season and Solanke needs an alternative.
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As such, Ferguson would be a low-risk loan signing for Spurs, with the Irishman already proving he has what it takes to score in the Premier League, a total of 12 goals in his previous two seasons.
The twenty-year-old was before that called “superstar” by Danny Murphy, and if he impresses on loan in north London, he could look for a permanent move in the future, making him an attractive option this month.
With injuries becoming an issue, Tottenham will need to strengthen in a number of areas if they are to have a successful season, but bringing in more options at the back is essential for Postecoglou.
