Spurs now set to make huge late bid to seal “incredible” transfer, he’d be their own Saka
The beginning of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur has already revealed the new manager’s tactical flexibility and willingness to adapt his approach based on opponents.
We’ve seen the Danish manager experiment with both four and five-player defensive systems during the early matches, demonstrating his commitment to finding the right formula for success in North London.
However, this period of adjustment has also highlighted a significant concern that could undermine their progress unless addressed before the transfer window closes.
A noticeable shortage of creative and attacking options has emerged as perhaps the most pressing issue facing the team.
The departure of longtime captain Heung-min Son to MLS combined with James Maddison’s unfortunate injury has left concerning gaps in both the number ten position and the left side of attack.
These absences have limited Frank’s choices and reduced the team’s ability to change games from the bench or adapt tactics during matches.
The club’s leadership had identified Eberechi Eze as their primary solution to these problems. Negotiations with Crystal Palace progressed positively, and the player himself seemed interested in joining Tottenham’s project.
However, in a disappointing turn of events, the attacking midfielder ultimately chose to join their North London rivals Arsenal instead. This setback has forced Tottenham to reconsider their options with limited time remaining in the transfer window.
Savinho vs. Bukayo Saka: Statistical Comparison (2024/25 Premier League)
| Metric (Per 90 Minutes) | Savinho | Bukayo Saka |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 29 | 25 |
| Goals & Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Shot Accuracy | 38% | 33% |
| Progressive Carries | 7.1 | 5.0 |
| Passing Accuracy | 81% | 75% |
| Passes into Final Third | 2.4 | 1.9 |
| Successful Dribbles | 46% | 45% |
| Carries into Final Third | 2.3 | 1.6 |
| Carries into Penalty Area | 3.8 | 2.6 |
Among the alternatives under consideration, Manchester City’s Savinho has reemerged as a serious target. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are preparing to renew their efforts to sign the Brazilian winger, with a potential offer of around £60 million being discussed.
This move would represent ambitious business for a player who contributed 14 combined goals and assists last season despite limited starting opportunities.
The potential acquisition takes on additional significance when considering the constant threat posed by Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
The England international has developed into one of the Premier League’s most effective wingers, particularly enjoying his matches against Tottenham with five career goals against them.
His partnership with the newly arrived Eze only increases the need for Tottenham to find their own game-changing attacker.
Statistical analysis reveals interesting parallels between Savinho and Saka that help explain Tottenham’s interest. The Brazilian actually outperformed his Arsenal counterpart in several key areas last season, including shooting accuracy, progressive carries, passing accuracy, and successful dribbles.
His ability to drive into the penalty area and create opportunities could provide exactly the kind of threat Tottenham have been missing.
Savinho’s potential arrival would offer more than just numerical solutions to Tottenham’s attacking problems. His style of play—cutting inside from the right flank onto his stronger left foot—mirrors the approach that has brought Saka so much success at Arsenal.
This similarity in playing style could make him an ideal fit for Frank’s system and provide the kind of consistent threat that top teams require from their wide attackers.
The financial aspect of any potential deal cannot be overlooked. While £60 million represents significant investment, the going rate for players of Savinho’s age and potential has increased considerably in recent years.
His contract situation at Manchester City and desire for more regular playing time could work in Tottenham’s favor during negotiations.
For manager Thomas Frank, securing a player of Savinho’s profile would represent a statement of intent and provide the tactical flexibility he values.
The ability to field a genuine threat from wide areas would create space for other attackers and make Tottenham less predictable in possession. This could prove particularly valuable against opponents who set up defensively and require creative solutions to break down.
The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether Tottenham can recover from their disappointment over Eze by securing an alternative target.
Savinho represents exactly the kind of exciting, high-potential signing that could energize the fanbase and provide the spark needed to ignite their season.
While the memory of missing out on their primary target will linger, the successful acquisition of an alternative could quickly turn frustration into anticipation for what this new-look Tottenham team can achieve.