He’s asked to leave: Spurs submit bid for “special” £51m star, he’s better than Savinho
The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur began with promise but ultimately ended in frustration as PSG staged a late comeback before triumphing on penalties in their pre-season clash.
While Spurs displayed organization and spirit against Europe’s elite, the match underscored their need for reinforcements—particularly in attacking areas following James Maddison’s injury and Heung-min Son’s departure.
Maddison’s absence leaves a significant void in Tottenham’s creative department. The England international had been central to Spurs’ attacking plans before his injury, compounding an already problematic situation after their failed £60m pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.
With Dejan Kulusevski still recovering from a patella issue, the urgency to sign a playmaker has intensified.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has emerged as Tottenham’s primary target. The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign, contributing 14 goals and 11 assists including Palace’s FA Cup final winner against Manchester City.
His ability to operate as a No. 10 or wide attacker makes him an ideal candidate to fill multiple roles in Frank’s system.
While Eze would address Maddison’s absence, Tottenham are also pursuing Manchester City winger Savinho to bolster their wide options.
The 21-year-old Brazilian registered 13 assists last season but scored just three goals, raising questions about his end product.
| Stat Comparison (Per 90, 2024/25) | Takefusa Kubo | Savinho |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0.14 | 0.03 |
| Assists | 0.00 | 0.28 |
| Key Passes | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| Successful Dribbles | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| Shot Conversion Rate | 12% | 5% |
Despite his modest goal return, Savinho’s creativity and versatility appeal to Spurs. However, City’s £67m valuation presents a stumbling block, prompting Tottenham to explore alternatives.
Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo has emerged as a potential target after Tottenham saw a €40m (£34m) bid rejected. The Japanese international, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause, believes Sociedad’s ambitions no longer align with his own.
Kubo’s profile differs from Savinho’s. While the Brazilian excels in chance creation, Kubo offers greater goal threat, netting five times in La Liga last season compared to Savinho’s solitary strike.
His ability to operate on either flank adds tactical flexibility, though his lack of assists (zero in 2024/25) raises questions about his creative output.
Tottenham’s ideal scenario would involve signing both Eze and a winger, but financial constraints may force them to choose.
- Eze is the clear priority given Maddison’s injury and his proven Premier League pedigree.
- Savinho offers higher upside but comes with a premium price tag and questions over his finishing.
- Kubo represents a more affordable alternative with better goal contributions but less creative influence.
Frank’s track record of developing wingers suggests either Savinho or Kubo could thrive under his guidance.
However, if City refuse to lower their demands, Kubo’s availability at a potentially lower fee makes him an attractive option.
With the transfer window heating up, Daniel Levy faces critical decisions that could define Tottenham’s season.
Securing Eze remains paramount, but the battle for a new winger—whether Savinho, Kubo, or another target—will be equally pivotal in shaping Frank’s new-look attack.