Tottenham Hotspur have been busy in the January transfer window, and the agreement to sign Conor Gallagher has already sent a clear message about the club’s intentions for the second half of the season.
While much of the focus has been on the England international’s arrival from Atletico Madrid, it has now come to light that Spurs had been seriously considering another high-profile Premier League midfielder before settling on Gallagher.
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones was closely monitored by the Tottenham recruitment team as they searched for the right solution to strengthen Thomas Frank’s midfield.
The urgency behind this move was driven by a major setback. Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury left a huge gap in the middle of the pitch, both in terms of quality and leadership. Spurs needed to act fast, but they also wanted to be smart.
Rather than rushing into a deal, the club spent weeks assessing several options, studying different profiles and deciding what kind of midfielder would best suit Frank’s ideas and the current needs of the squad. Gallagher eventually became the chosen man, with Tottenham agreeing a deal worth around £34.7 million earlier this week.
However, Gallagher was not the only name on their shortlist. Well-connected Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe revealed that Curtis Jones was firmly under consideration during the club’s internal discussions.
Jones, a product of Liverpool’s academy, has long been seen as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in England. With his contract situation slowly becoming a talking point at Anfield, Spurs were clearly keeping a close eye on developments.
Jones has around 18 months left on his current deal, and that timing made him an interesting option for clubs looking to take advantage of any uncertainty.
Jones has enjoyed a strong spell under Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot, rediscovering form and confidence after a mixed period in previous seasons. His style of play is built around calmness on the ball, quick decision-making, and the ability to keep possession under pressure.
He is comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas and often helps his team control the tempo of games. For Tottenham, signing Jones would have pointed towards a more patient, possession-based approach in midfield, with a focus on technical control and recycling the ball efficiently.
Gallagher, on the other hand, brings something very different to the table. Where Jones prefers to dictate play with the ball at his feet, Gallagher thrives on energy, aggression, and constant movement.
He is known for his relentless pressing, his willingness to cover huge distances, and his ability to disrupt opposition build-up play. Gallagher is not afraid of the physical side of the game and often leads by example through sheer work rate. These qualities appear to have tipped the balance in his favour when Spurs made their final decision.
From Thomas Frank’s point of view, this choice makes a lot of sense. Tottenham have struggled defensively at times this season, and the midfield has often failed to protect the back line.
Gallagher’s ability to win tackles, chase lost causes, and make late runs into the box offers balance to a side that has looked fragile. While he may not have Jones’s level of ball retention, his intensity and defensive contribution give Spurs something they have been missing.
The signing of Gallagher also reflects the wider situation at the club. Sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, Tottenham cannot afford to wait for long-term projects to slowly come together.
They need players who can make an immediate impact, lift standards, and bring urgency to their performances. Gallagher fits that brief perfectly, especially with his experience in English football and his familiarity with the pace and demands of the league.
Gallagher is not arriving alone. Tottenham are also set to welcome 19-year-old Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos in a deal worth around £13 million.
The young defender is seen as one for the future but is also expected to provide much-needed cover with Destiny Udogie sidelined through injury. Together, these signings suggest a mix of short-term necessity and long-term planning.
Even so, there is a sense that Tottenham’s work in the transfer market may not be finished yet. Pressure is growing on Thomas Frank to turn results around quickly, and further reinforcements could still arrive before the window closes.
While Curtis Jones is no longer a realistic option, the fact that Spurs were considering him shows the level of ambition behind their recruitment strategy. For now, all eyes will be on Conor Gallagher and whether he can bring the drive and stability Tottenham desperately need as they look to rescue their season.
