Tottenham's dream starting XI after January deadline, including Premier League duo and Champions League winner
A look at what Tottenham’s starting XI could look like after the January transfer window.
Tottenham are looking to bring in new signings before the end of the month as they look to turn around their league campaign. Spurs bagged a Round of 16 spot with a big away win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night, but their mission now is to replicate that European form in the league.
Thomas Frank will likely have to if he is going to save his job, but he is likely to get help from the higher-ups in the form of new signings ahead of next week’s transfer deadline. Here we put together a possible starting XI after the January window based on rumours. Just keep in mind we are not including players who are out for a month or more through injury here.
GK - Gugliemo Vicario
Vicario is the number one and that won’t change even if Spurs end up buying a new number two this month, which could well be the case.
LB - Andy Robertson
Liverpool veteran Andy Robertson is a key target for Tottenham, and it feels as though this one might get done by the time the window shuts. If he does arrive on a cheap deal, Robertson should be a starter, given his experience and knowhow.
CB - Cristian Romero
Tottenham’s centre-back pairing is unlikely to change, and it’s not an area they are likely to prioritise at the back-end of this window. Romero has been in good form of late, and he will be one of the starters.
CB - Micky van de Ven
Van de Ven is the other half of that centre-back pairing, and he will play alongside Romero when available.
RB - Djed Spence
There will be some decisions to make on the right, but should Robertson come in, it will likely be between Spence and Pedro Porro. Porro has done okay, but Spence could well get a shot to impress on this side having often played on the left.
CDM - Joao Palhinha
Tottenham have a couple of options here, with Yves Bissouma also an option, but Joao Palhina will be the main option in the holding role.
CM - Conor Gallagher
A marquee signing this winter, Gallagher is likely to get an extended run in the midfield, especially with Rodrigo Bentancur out for a good couple of months through injury.
CM - Leon Goretzka
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka this week, with the 30-year-old midfielder out of contract in the summer and yet to get a new contract offer, according to reports. There could be a deal worth around £17million to be done, and if that is correct, Spurs should immediately pursuing a deal for the six-time league and one-time Champions League winner.
RW - Xavi Simons
The arrival of a midfielder like Goretzka would mean Spurs change shape slightly, with Gallagher able to fill the void of being an attack-minded player. Xavi Simons could comfortably play wide, though, as he often has for the Netherlands, helping Spurs in the process given their lack of wide options due to Mohammed Kudus’ injury. Mathys Tel is another option here.
LW - Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski has been out all season, but he is likely to return in the next couple of weeks. The winger will be like a new signing for Spurs, and he should be a starter when he does get back to fill fitness.
CF - Jean-Philippe Mateta
We might be asking a lot here, but if Tottenham can also get a striker, they would be setting themselves up for success. With Richarlison out through injury and with talk of Randal Kolo Muani being linked with an early exit, Tottenham may need a new frontman. Crystal Palace are expected to sell Mateta for around £35million as they bring in Jorgen Strand Larsen, and it would be foolish for Spurs not to be in that conversation. Mateta would be an upgrade on Dominic Solanke, both in terms of availability and current ability.