Tottenham Hotspur is a club in the middle of a massive transformation, and the arrival of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid is just the beginning of what could be a very busy end to the transfer window.
Currently sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, Spurs find themselves under an intense microscope. For head coach Thomas Frank, this January window isn’t just about adding players; it is about survival and finding a way to climb back into the top-tier conversation.
While the Gallagher deal is a major statement of intent, club insiders suggest that at least two more significant signings are being planned to address glaring holes in the squad.
The decision to bring Gallagher back to London represents a significant financial and tactical commitment. Despite strong interest from Aston Villa, who offered a project focused more on sporting growth, Tottenham won the race by offering a package that likely made the midfielder the highest-paid player at the club.
With a transfer fee of roughly £35 million and wages that could rival the likes of Cristian Romero, the pressure on Gallagher to perform immediately is immense. He brings a proven Premier League engine, a high-pressing style, and technical reliability that Frank desperately needs.
However, there are still questions about how he fits into a midfield that already includes Joao Palhinha, and whether his arrival will limit the development of young talents like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.
Beyond the midfield, the most urgent area for improvement is the attacking line. The decision to sell Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace earlier this month left a noticeable void on the wing, a move that critics labeled short-sighted unless a replacement was already in the works.
With Dejan Kulusevski sidelined longer than expected, the lack of depth has become a crisis. Experts suggest that Spurs are hunting for a versatile forward who can operate across multiple positions in the final third.
Several names have surfaced, including Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Christos Tzolis. While high-profile names like Karim Adeyemi and Oscar Bobb have been mentioned in passing, the focus seems to be on players who offer a high ceiling but are also ready to contribute to a Premier League fight right now.
The defensive situation is equally complex. While the club has secured Souza from Santos to bolster the left side, the center-back position remains a puzzle. Radu Dragusin is expected to depart, leaving a gap that needs filling.
However, the club is hesitant to spend a fortune on a long-term replacement because they have high hopes for Luka Vuskovic, who is currently excelling on loan in Germany.
Recalling him early could disrupt his progress, but failing to sign a center-back now could leave the defense exposed for the rest of the season.
| Position | Targeted Player | Current Status | Key Attribute |
| Midfield | Conor Gallagher | Deal Finalized | High Energy / Pressing |
| Left Defense | Souza | Incoming (Santos) | Youth / Versatility |
| Attack | Maghnes Akliouche | Scouting / Interest | Creative Playmaking |
| Attack | Christos Tzolis | Target | Scoring Threat |
| Center-Back | Luka Vuskovic | On Loan (Hamburg) | Long-term Prospect |
The financial landscape at the club is also shifting. With Gallagher’s high wages and the £35 million outlay, the board is making it clear they still back Thomas Frank, despite the poor run of results.
While rumors often swirl about a manager’s job security after a string of losses, the current word from within the club is that Frank is not on the verge of being sacked.
He is being given the tools to fix the team’s identity, but the clock is ticking. The upcoming match against West Ham is already being framed as a “results-based” test that could change the tone of the season.
Ultimately, the goal for Tottenham in these final days of the window is to find a balance between “proven” talent and “generational” potential. Gallagher provides the stability and experience, while the pursuit of players like Akliouche shows an eye for the future.
For a fanbase that is currently unconvinced that Gallagher alone is the answer, these next two signings will be the true indicator of whether the club has a coherent plan to return to the top six.
If they can secure a top-tier winger and navigate the center-back dilemma without blocking their young prospects, the second half of the season could look very different for the North London side.
