Tottenham Hotspur are moving into the final stages of the January transfer window knowing they still have work to do in attack.
The departure of Brennan Johnson has changed the balance of Thomas Frank’s squad, and the lack of output from the remaining wide players has made it clear that reinforcements are needed. Spurs are now actively exploring the market for a new winger, and one name emerging from Germany is attracting serious attention.
Johnson’s exit to Crystal Palace for £33.5 million closed the door on a player who had delivered consistently. Since the start of last season, the Wales international scored 22 goals for Tottenham, providing pace, movement, and a regular threat in the final third.
His ability to stretch defences and arrive in scoring positions is something Spurs have struggled to replace internally.
The alternatives have not delivered. Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert, both used mainly on the left, have struggled to make an impact. Across 14 Premier League starts between them, they have produced just one goal and no assists.
That lack of end product has left Tottenham short of cutting edge in wide areas, especially in matches where they dominate possession but fail to turn control into goals.
With that context, Tottenham’s interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande makes a lot of sense. Reports suggest Spurs have already made an enquiry to Leipzig about the 19-year-old forward. While no formal bid has been submitted, the contact shows genuine intent.
Tottenham are believed to be assessing several attacking options following Johnson’s departure, and Diomande is firmly on that list.
Leipzig are under no pressure to sell. Recent reports suggest they would only consider offers close to £87 million to part ways with the Ivorian teenager. That is a huge figure for a player still early in his career, but it also reflects how highly he is rated in Germany.
Diomande is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, which has only added to the intrigue around his future.
What makes Diomande so appealing to Tottenham is how closely his profile mirrors that of Heung-min Son when he first arrived in North London. Son joined Spurs from the Bundesliga as a fast, direct winger with an eye for goal.
Over the next decade, he became one of the club’s greatest players, scoring 127 Premier League goals in 333 appearances. His ability to score with both feet, from either side of the pitch, made him almost impossible to defend against.
Diomande is showing early signs of that same versatility. Despite being naturally right-footed, he is already comfortable finishing with both feet, which makes him unpredictable in front of goal. His scoring record at club level highlights this balance clearly.
| Yan Diomande – Club Career Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 4.88 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Right-footed goals | 4 |
| Left-footed goals | 5 |
These numbers show a young player who is already outperforming his expected goals, a sign of strong finishing ability. Even more impressive is the split between his left and right foot.
Diomande has scored 56 percent of his goals with his left foot and 44 percent with his right, a balance that closely resembles the efficiency Son showed during his best years at Tottenham.
Son’s success was not just about finishing, though. His pace was a constant weapon. He could run in behind defences, attack space in transition, and turn half chances into goals.
Diomande brings that same explosive speed. Scouts in Germany have described him as a “crazy speedster,” and clips from Bundesliga matches show him bursting past defenders with ease. His acceleration allows him to change games in seconds, something Spurs have lacked since Son moved into a more central role.
A comparison between Son’s Premier League output and Diomande’s early career numbers underlines why Tottenham see the connection.
| Player Comparison | Son at Spurs | Diomande (Career so far) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 127 | 9 |
| Expected goals | 93.08 | 4.88 |
| Goals vs xG | Overperformed | Overperformed |
| Two-footed scoring | Yes | Yes |
| Pace | Elite | Elite |
Of course, Diomande is still at the very beginning of his journey, and no one expects him to replicate Son’s numbers overnight. However, the raw ingredients are there. He is quick, fearless, comfortable on either flank, and already clinical in front of goal. For a Tottenham side rebuilding its attack, that profile is incredibly attractive.
The price remains the biggest obstacle. £87 million is a major investment, especially for a teenager. Spurs will need to weigh potential against risk. Yet, with Johnson gone and current options struggling, Tottenham know standing still is not an option. If they want to stay competitive and evolve their attack for the future, bold decisions may be required.
Diomande may not arrive this January, but the enquiry itself speaks volumes. Tottenham are searching for the next winger who can excite fans, stretch defences, and score goals regularly. In Yan Diomande, they may see the closest thing yet to a new version of Heung-min Son.
