Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly shifting their attention from Europe to South America as they look to bolster their attacking options, with sporting director Fabio Paratici tipped to orchestrate a significant January signing.
The club’s urgency for a new striker has intensified due to ongoing injury concerns surrounding Dominic Solanke and the inconsistent performances of Randal Kolo Muani since his loan move from PSG.
With neither forward expected back soon, Richarlison remains Spurs’ only senior central striker, while Mathys Tel and Dane Scarlett offer alternative options, though neither brings the same level of experience or reliability.
Initially, Tottenham had been linked with high-profile European forwards such as Ivan Toney, Dusan Vlahovic, and even a potential shock return for Harry Kane.
However, recent reports suggest the club is now considering a move for Brazilian striker Vitor Roque from Palmeiras, joining Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea in expressing interest.
The 20-year-old has been in impressive form since returning to Brazil, scoring 20 goals in 52 appearances for Palmeiras, a record that has reignited attention from scouts across Europe.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke highlighted Roque’s journey, noting that while the young forward struggled during his European stint, he has regained confidence and performance levels since returning to Brazil.
Roque initially moved to Barcelona from Athletico in Brazil, but his time at the Catalan club was underwhelming, registering just two goals in 16 appearances. A subsequent loan to Real Betis for the 2024/25 season yielded seven goals in 33 matches, showing glimpses of his potential but falling short of expectations.
Palmeiras invested heavily to bring him back in February 2025, paying a record €25.5 million, making him the most expensive signing in South American football history at the time.
Despite his promising form in Brazil, a move to Tottenham carries significant risk. Roque has already shown difficulties adapting to European football, and Spurs would be hoping he can quickly translate his success in the Brazilian league to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League.
The reported asking price for January is around £42 million (€47m / $55m), a substantial outlay for a player who has yet to consistently prove himself at the highest level in Europe.
Adding Roque would pair him with Richarlison, a striker who has also struggled with consistency in front of goal, raising questions about whether Spurs are addressing their attacking issues with the most reliable options available.
Paratici’s potential gamble reflects Tottenham’s immediate need to inject firepower into Thomas Frank’s squad, but it is also a calculated risk given the young striker’s age, talent, and ceiling.
Roque offers pace, technical ability, and a natural goal-scoring instinct, which could complement Spurs’ attacking setup if he adapts quickly.
Yet, history suggests the transition from South American leagues to European football is rarely seamless, and Tottenham supporters will be watching closely to see if he can thrive in England where defenses are more organized and the demands are relentless.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have reportedly decided against pursuing Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic in January, signaling a shift toward a different attacking profile, one potentially defined by speed, versatility, and technical skill rather than sheer physical presence.
In addition, Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo remains on Spurs’ radar, offering a different solution to their attacking concerns and highlighting the club’s multi-faceted approach to January recruitment.
Ultimately, any move for Vitor Roque will require careful management from Frank and Paratici. The striker’s adaptation period, fitness, and confidence will be crucial in determining whether he can provide the immediate impact Spurs need to challenge for higher Premier League positions.
While his record in Brazil demonstrates natural talent and goal-scoring instincts, translating that to consistent Premier League performances is the true test.
If he succeeds, Paratici could be hailed for executing a masterstroke, but the stakes are high, and Spurs’ supporters will be hoping the gamble pays off as they look to strengthen their squad in the mid-season window and secure a more potent attacking unit for the remainder of the campaign.
Roque’s potential arrival underscores Tottenham’s willingness to explore alternative markets for talent, with South America providing both youthful promise and high-risk, high-reward opportunities.
The January window may well define whether Spurs can turn their attacking struggles into a competitive advantage, and Roque’s performance will likely be scrutinized from the moment he sets foot on English soil.
At just 20 years old, the Brazilian forward has the chance to redefine his European career while potentially becoming a key figure in Tottenham’s attacking lineup, but adaptation and consistency will ultimately determine if Paratici’s move is remembered as a masterstroke or a gamble too far.
