Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be active in the January transfer window, but their approach will be careful rather than reckless. That message has been made clear by Thomas Frank since his arrival, and it has now been reinforced by respected journalist David Ornstein, who has offered insight into how Spurs plan to strengthen the squad midway through the season.
Frank has repeatedly stressed that the project at Tottenham is not an overnight fix. He knows the club is still building, and as long as Spurs remain within reach of the European places, there is confidence that he will be given the time to shape the team in his own image.
However, there is also an understanding inside the club that progress may stall without extra quality, particularly in attacking areas. January is seen as an opportunity to address that, but only if the right players become available.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Back Pages podcast, Ornstein explained that Tottenham will have funds ready to use if suitable options emerge. The club are not planning to spend just for the sake of it, but they are prepared to move if they believe a signing will genuinely improve the team.
Spurs want players who fit a specific profile, both in terms of ability and character, rather than short-term fixes that create long-term problems.
One name that continues to be admired internally is Antoine Semenyo. Tottenham have tracked the Bournemouth winger closely and see him as someone who could add power, pace, and directness to their wide attacking options.
Semenyo has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, already scoring seven goals and placing himself among the league’s top scorers.
That form, however, comes at a cost. Bournemouth would almost certainly demand a huge fee to even consider selling him in January, especially as losing him mid-season could seriously damage their own campaign.
Any move for Semenyo would likely require Bournemouth to secure a replacement first, which complicates matters further. January deals are rarely straightforward, and clubs are far more reluctant to part with key players once the season is in full swing. Tottenham are aware of this reality and know that patience may be required.
Another winger Spurs have previously looked at is Savinho from Manchester City. Tottenham explored that option last summer but were unable to make it happen.
While the interest has not disappeared, timing may now be working against them. With Jeremy Doku sidelined through injury, Savinho is expected to feature more regularly for City in the coming weeks.
That makes it highly unlikely Pep Guardiola would sanction his departure, as doing so would weaken City’s squad depth at a crucial stage of the title race.
This highlights one of the biggest challenges of the January window. Prices are inflated, options are limited, and selling clubs usually hold the power. Tottenham will need to be smart, decisive, and perhaps creative if they are to land the attacking reinforcements they want.
There is also the question of how much influence Thomas Frank will have over January business. While he remains the club’s long-term choice, football can be unpredictable, and uncertainty around results always creates noise.
Still, the sense is that Spurs want to back him, especially if they believe the squad is only a few key pieces away from becoming more consistent.
So far, Tottenham’s attacking output has been uneven. Dominic Solanke has struggled to find rhythm due to injury setbacks, which have disrupted his momentum since arriving at the club.
Randal Kolo Muani, brought in on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has yet to make the impact many hoped for. While his work rate is clear, goals and match-winning moments have been hard to come by.
This has left Spurs short of players who can truly take control of games in the final third. The team often lacks someone who can grab a match by the scruff of the neck, raise the tempo, and impose themselves when things are not going well. Richarlison has that edge and personality, but relying on him alone is not enough across a long and demanding season.
That is why January could be important, even if it proves expensive. Tottenham are not chasing numbers, they are chasing presence. They want attackers who are brave on the ball, decisive in key moments, and mentally strong enough to handle pressure.
Whether that comes in the form of Semenyo, another wide forward, or an unexpected opportunity remains to be seen. What is clear is that Spurs are ready to act if the right deal presents itself. The club believe improvement is possible, but only if they stay disciplined, patient, and focused on the bigger picture rather than short-term noise.
