Tottenham Hotspur are being forced back into the transfer market after suffering another serious injury blow, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the club are now actively exploring the signing of a new midfielder.
The setback comes after Rodrigo Bentancur picked up a hamstring injury in the dramatic 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, a result that summed up Spurs’ difficult run of form this season.
The Uruguay international is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for around three months, leaving Thomas Frank short of options in the middle of the park during a crucial period of the campaign.
Bentancur has been one of Tottenham’s most reliable performers since Frank arrived in north London. He has started 17 of the club’s 21 Premier League matches and contributed with goals and assists while offering balance, composure, and leadership in midfield.
His absence is a major concern, especially given how stretched Spurs already are in key areas. He was forced off late in the Bournemouth match and was again unavailable for the FA Cup loss to Aston Villa, where teenager Archie Gray stepped in and did his best under difficult circumstances.
Romano has revealed that Bentancur’s injury has pushed Tottenham to reassess their January plans. While the club were already working on deals behind the scenes, this development has made midfield recruitment a priority.
Spurs are expected to move quickly, knowing that the next few weeks could shape the direction of their season. Alongside this, Santos left-back Souza is expected to become Tottenham’s first signing of the window, with an agreement already in place for a £15 million deal, subject to a successful medical.
The injury list at Tottenham continues to grow, and Bentancur’s setback is only the latest in a long line of problems. Dejan Kulusevski has been unavailable since April, while James Maddison is likely to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury.
Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus, and Destiny Udogie have also missed recent matches, and Richarlison was forced off against Aston Villa with a hamstring issue. These absences have made consistency almost impossible, and the squad is now being tested to its limits.
With Bentancur and Bergvall sidelined and Pape Matar Sarr away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Tottenham’s midfield depth looks worryingly thin. For the immediate future, Frank may have no choice but to rely on Archie Gray alongside Joao Palhinha, with Yves Bissouma now back from AFCON and expected to play a larger role.
While there is talent in those options, the lack of experience and chemistry could prove costly in high-pressure matches.
One name now being linked with a move to north London is Conor Gallagher. Reports suggest Tottenham have opened talks over a potential deal for the Atletico Madrid midfielder and are prepared to compete with Aston Villa for his signature.
Gallagher is said to be unhappy with his limited playing time under Diego Simeone and is open to leaving Spain this month. Villa are believed to have already made an offer, but Spurs are monitoring the situation closely.
Atletico Madrid are thought to prefer a permanent transfer rather than a loan, which could complicate negotiations. Gallagher was also linked with Manchester United towards the end of the summer window, highlighting the level of interest in the England international. His energy, pressing ability, and Premier League experience make him an attractive option for Tottenham, particularly given their current needs.
For Thomas Frank, the coming weeks will be critical. Injuries have disrupted his plans, but results and performances still need to improve. Strengthening the midfield could provide some stability and help Spurs regain control in games they have recently struggled to manage. With the season finely balanced, Tottenham’s response to this latest injury setback may define whether they push forward or continue to drift.
