Tottenham Hotspur have made some bold moves in the transfer market over the years, but few have divided opinion quite like the loan signing of Timo Werner and now, history might just be repeating itself.
Years from now, football fans will look back fondly on the Ange Postecoglou era, the Australian coach who restored hope, belief, and ultimately silverware to north London.
Yet, his reign was not without flaws. Tottenham’s transition to Thomas Frank has brought stability and a stronger defensive shape, though the once thrilling “Ange-ball” attacking spark has faded. With only 7.4 expected goals so far this season, it’s clear that Spurs’ attack remains a work in progress.
Some signings have worked wonders Mohammed Kudus, brought in for £55 million from West Ham United, has been a revelation. Xavi Simons, the Dutch prodigy, has also shown glimpses of brilliance despite still finding his rhythm.
However, for every success story, Tottenham have had their share of disappointments, and few cases illustrate this better than Timo Werner’s ill-fated time in north London.
Werner’s arrival in January 2024, on loan from RB Leipzig, was initially seen as a clever move. Postecoglou needed more attacking depth, and Werner’s pace and experience seemed ideal.
During his first few months, he performed reasonably well scoring two goals and assisting four in ten Premier League starts.
His speed down the left flank and direct running offered something different, earning praise from pundits like Paul Merson, who highlighted his “lightning-quick” pace. But as the new season began, Werner’s impact faded rapidly.
Tottenham had the option to buy Werner for £15 million but chose instead to extend the loan with a reduced £8.5 million clause a decision that, in hindsight, feels like a mistake.
Werner’s performances soon dipped, and by December, his place in the team was under serious question. After a poor showing in a Europa League match against Rangers, he was substituted at halftime.
Postecoglou publicly criticised his effort and attitude, stating his display “wasn’t acceptable.” It was a damning assessment from a manager who rarely singles players out.
By the time Werner’s stay ended, his record of three goals and seven assists across 41 appearances in all competitions painted the picture of a player who never truly adapted.
Despite flashes of promise, he lacked consistency, aggression, and confidence three things vital for Premier League success. His time at Tottenham ended as quietly as it began, leaving many fans to view his signing as another expensive mistake.
Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham could be facing a similar dilemma. On deadline day, the club brought in French forward Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan.
The 26-year-old, earning around £150,000 per week, was hailed as a coup a powerful, intelligent striker once described by German legend Lothar Matthäus as a “superstar in the making.” But like Werner before him, Kolo Muani’s Spurs career has started slowly.
Plagued by injuries, he has featured for only 13 minutes so far this season a far cry from the explosive form that earned him a £73 million move to PSG after a sensational campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he tallied 23 goals and 17 assists.
There’s no denying his ability; his pace, movement, and finishing touch make him an exciting prospect. Yet, at 26, he’s no longer a rising star. This is a critical stage of his career, and he needs to prove he can thrive in the Premier League’s intensity.
The concern among fans and pundits is understandable. Tottenham cannot afford another expensive flop. With Richarlison and Dominic Solanke both struggling for form, Frank’s attack desperately needs a reliable finisher someone capable of turning chances into goals.
Kolo Muani’s numbers over the past 12 months show promise, averaging 0.5 goals per 90 minutes and ranking well for progressive carries and chance creation. But statistics alone won’t save him if he fails to deliver on the pitch.
Werner’s failure serves as a warning. Despite his past success with Leipzig and even a Champions League medal with Chelsea, he never found consistency in England.
Kolo Muani faces a similar challenge adjusting quickly to a demanding league while staying fit and motivated. The Frenchman’s talent is undeniable, but so is the weight of expectation.
Tottenham have invested heavily in building a squad capable of challenging for major honours. The fans have endured too many false dawns to tolerate another disappointment.
For Kolo Muani, this is a defining moment. He must prove that he’s not just another expensive experiment gone wrong, but a player capable of leading Spurs’ attack with conviction.
If he can stay fit, find form, and rediscover the sharpness that made him one of Europe’s hottest forwards, Tottenham might just have a gem on their hands.
But if the struggles continue, the comparisons to Timo Werner will only grow louder and Spurs may once again be left wondering how another high-profile signing slipped through their fingers.
