Tottenham analysis: Could the January transfer window be Ange Postecouglou’s last chance to salvage Spurs’ season

After an embarrassing defeat to Leicester City on Sunday and having made no outfield signings this January thus far, the last few days of the transfer window are crucial for Tottenham to bolster their depleted and injury-stricken squad.

Transfer News Blitz writer, Christian Willis, looks at two positions Spurs could improve to turn their season around.

A season plagued by injuries

With just days left in the January transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur’s lone signing of Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has raised eyebrows among supporters.

The North London club’s lack of activity in the market is particularly alarming for a team in such a dire need of defensive and attacking reinforcements, amidst an unprecedented injury crisis in recent months.

Defensive frailty costing Spurs

Manager Ange Postecoglou has been left with a depleted squad for months. 

The absence of key defensive duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven has been severely felt, as Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray have struggled to fill their shoes in central defence.

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle injury has also destabilised the backline, as back-ups Fraser Forster and Brandon Austin were forced to step up in reserve. 

The defensive injury situation only worsened when Destiny Udogie pulled up in the win against Southampton, sidelining him for up to six weeks.

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Attacking output falling by limited options

Regarding the frontline, Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke have joined the growing list of attacking casualties, which includes Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert.

Solanke was a particularly bitter blow as the striker had contributed heavily before picking up a knee injury in training last week.

With a staggering 12 players out of action, first-team regulars have played every minute in a congested winter schedule.

The resulting fatigue has taken its toll on the squad, as performances have severely dropped in quality, and results reflect this.

Tottenham Hotspur currently sit 15th in the table, with one win in their last 11 Premier League matches. 

This recent slump has led to pressure being mounted on Postecoglou to get results and on chairman Daniel Levy to bolster the squad before the window closes.

Centre-back: A January priority

Tottenham desperately need another defensive option, following dismal defensive performances in recent losses to Arsenal and Everton. 

The makeshift centre-back pairing of Dragusin and Gray has looked to have run its course after individual mistakes in the Everton game showcased the duo’s inexperience and fatigue.

Fikayo Tomori: A defensive solution

According to TBR Football, Tottenham are considering a bid for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori. 

The England international has struggled for consistent game time at the Rossoneri this season, opening the door for a potential exit this month.

Tomori would bring experience and leadership to a shaky Spurs backline, having made over 100 appearances for Milan, helping them lift the Serie A title in 2022. 

His defensive intelligence and athleticism would perfectly suit Postecoglou’s attack-driven philosophy, addressing the current defensive vulnerability Spurs have been exposed to in recent weeks.

The challenge for Tottenham, however, lies in convincing the 27-year-old to join the club.

With the North Londoners currently facing the prospect of no European football for next season, and the manager’s future being uncertain, Tomori may opt to continue to fight for his place at Milan, as the Italian club’s form has improved under new boss Sergio Conceicao.

Spurs’ current winger dilemma

Right-wing has also become an issue for Spurs lately, with injuries forcing significant reshuffles in Postecoglou’s lineup. 

Johnson’s recent calf injury has pushed Dejan Kulusevski back to his old role on the right flank. 

While the Swede is known for playing on the right, he has excelled playing in the centre this season, taking over the mantle as the key creator for the Lilywhites.

The prolonged absences of Werner and Odobert have left Postecoglou with alarmingly low options on the wings, an issue Spurs need to address before the window shuts.

A loan move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani looked on the cards for weeks, however, the French international chose Juventus over Tottenham, leaving Spurs to scramble for alternatives.

Tottenham are in the race to sign Tyler Dibling

Florian Plettenberg has reported that Tottenham Hotspur are “heavily involved” in the race to sign Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling. 

The 18-year-old has been a shining light in a struggling Southampton side this season, particularly impressing in the Saints’ loss to Spurs.

The signing of Dibling would provide Tottenham with a key attacking option with the potential to become world-class. 

He currently has the form and quality to compete with Johnson for a starting place and aligns with Tottenham’s transfer strategy of signing promising youngsters, adding to the crop of talent Spurs possess alongside Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Potential issues in acquiring the 18-year-old

However, securing Dibling’s services may prove challenging, as interest in the forward is high, with German side RB Leipzig reportedly ready to offer €30million. 

Additionally, Southampton may refuse to sell their prized asset in January, considering the impact his sale would have on their ongoing struggles in the Premier League this season.

Dibling, whose attacking flair and creativity has caught the eyes of European clubs this season, is under contract with the Saints until 2027. 

This gives Southampton the leverage to demand an inflated fee for the 18-year-old, at least until they get relegated to the Championship.

The forward is also reportedly out for four to six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning he wouldn’t provide the immediate impact that Tottenham require. 

With many attackers already out for the Lilywhites, it may not be in Postecoglou’s best interests to add another to the sidelines.

Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.

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