Werner upgrade: Spurs could now land an amazing £34M Ace who’s Saka & Martinelli hybrid
As the summer transfer window edges closer to its deadline, Tottenham Hotspur fans have much to celebrate. Chairman Daniel Levy and his team have secured several promising talents, ranging from future stars like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Yang Min-Hyeok to established Premier League performers like Dominic Solanke.
However, one decision continues to spark debate among supporters: the extension of Timo Werner’s loan deal for another season. While Werner’s return is not without merit, many believe that Tottenham should have pursued a more impactful option—specifically, Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, who has been compared to Premier League standouts Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
When Tottenham signed Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig in the January transfer window, they hoped to reignite the form that once made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers. The North London club, struggling to maintain their early-season momentum, saw Werner as a potential game-changer under Ange Postecoglou’s aggressive, high-pressing system. However, instead of rediscovering the lethal touch that earned him a move to Chelsea in 2020, Werner delivered a mixed bag of performances.
Werner’s statistics from the previous season highlight the inconsistency that has plagued his career. In 14 appearances for Tottenham, the German forward managed just two goals and three assists. While these numbers are serviceable, they fall short of what the club needs to compete at the highest level. His injury towards the end of the season only compounded the disappointment, leaving many to question whether extending his loan was the right move.
A deeper dive into Werner’s recent performances raises further concerns. Over the past four seasons, the Stuttgart-born forward has only scored 15 or more goals once. His current trajectory suggests that he may struggle to reach those numbers again, making his continued presence at Tottenham seem counterproductive. Given the club’s ambitions, relying on a player who has yet to prove his consistency at this level appears to be a gamble.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 14 | 2 | 3 |
| 2022/23 | 30 | 7 | 5 |
| 2021/22 | 27 | 4 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | 35 | 6 | 4 |
Source: FBref (Werner Performance)
In contrast to Werner’s underwhelming stint, Tottenham has been linked with a player who could significantly raise the club’s attacking prowess—Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman. Reports suggested that Spurs were considering a move for the French winger, either on a season-long loan or a permanent transfer valued at around £34 million. Coman, who has been described as a “complete” winger by former France U17 coach Patrick Gonfalone, possesses the qualities Tottenham desperately need.
While Coman’s last season at Bayern was not his most prolific, he still managed to contribute five goals and three assists. The season before that, he registered nine goals and seven assists, showcasing his ability to impact games consistently. More importantly, Coman’s style of play and versatility make him a perfect fit for Postecoglou’s tactics, which rely heavily on dynamic, high-energy attackers who can both score and create opportunities.
The comparisons between Coman and Arsenal stars Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka provide further evidence of his suitability for Tottenham. According to FBref, which analyzes players across Europe’s top five leagues, Champions League, and Europa League, Martinelli is the most similar player to Coman in terms of playing style and effectiveness, while Saka ranks seventh on that list.
| Stat Category | Coman | Martinelli |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.53 | 0.58 |
| Non-Penalty Goals + Assists | 0.49 | 0.45 |
| Short Passing Accuracy | 86.4% | 86.5% |
| Crosses | 4.84 | 4.87 |
| Ball Recoveries | 4.03 | 4.24 |
Source: FBref (2023/24 League Season)
When compared to Saka, Coman also ranks closely in key areas such as expected assists, goals per shot, and touches in the attacking third.
| Stat Category | Coman | Saka |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Assists | 0.31 | 0.32 |
| Goals per Shot | 0.09 | 0.10 |
| Goals per Shot on Target | 0.38 | 0.32 |
| Blocks | 1.21 | 1.33 |
| Dribblers Tackled | 0.73 | 0.80 |
| Touches in the Attacking Third | 41.4 | 40.4 |
Source: FBref (2023/24 League Season)
Why Tottenham Should Prioritize Coman Over Werner
Ultimately, while Timo Werner offers certain qualities, he falls short of what Tottenham needs to challenge for top honors. Kingsley Coman, with his proven track record, versatility, and ability to operate effectively within a high-pressing system, represents a significant upgrade. His similarities to players like Martinelli and Saka only reinforce his potential value to the team.
Tottenham cannot afford to settle for mediocrity if they wish to progress this season. While Werner is not a dreadful player, he is unlikely to elevate Spurs to the next level. Coman, on the other hand, could be the difference-maker the club needs. With the transfer window closing soon, Daniel Levy and his team should prioritize bringing Coman to North London, ensuring that Tottenham’s attack is not only serviceable but truly formidable.
Read Also: Postecoglou claims 27yr old ace must improve one vital trait to succeed at Spurs
Read Also: Spurs could take Maddison to new heights with late move for £50M PL ace