Tottenham Hotspur are once again preparing for a busy transfer window after Destiny Udogie’s latest injury forced Thomas Frank and the club’s recruitment team to revisit their January plans.
The Italian full-back, who has quickly become one of Spurs’ most important young players, picked up a hamstring problem during the match against Newcastle United. Frank later confirmed that Udogie will not be available again until the New Year, a blow that has left Tottenham short in an already fragile area of the pitch.
With the squad stretched thin and the season heading into a congested period of fixtures, Spurs are now said to be considering immediate reinforcements at left-back.
At the moment, the only senior cover available is Djed Spence, who is naturally a right-sided defender and has never looked fully comfortable on the opposite flank. Even though Udogie is expected back around January, the setback has highlighted a clear lack of depth in an area that has already caused the team problems this season.
Reports now suggest that Tottenham have suddenly accelerated their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown, a player who is attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have “exploded” into the race following Udogie’s injury, putting themselves among the front-runners to bring the talented 22-year-old to London.
Brown has been turning heads across the continent, and many believe it is only a matter of time before he makes the move to the Premier League.
Brown has been described by scouts and analysts as an “absolute baller,” a defender who brings the energy, pace, and attacking quality that modern full-backs are expected to deliver.
His performances in Germany have earned widespread praise, and his most recent display on the European stage where he delivered a brilliant assist against Barcelona has only strengthened his growing reputation.
Brown’s profile is similar to Udogie’s: dynamic, adventurous, and technically sharp. Signing him would not only provide immediate cover but also add long-term competition in a role where Tottenham desperately need depth.
However, prising him away from Frankfurt will not be simple. Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Brown could cost as much as £61 million, a fee that places him among the most expensive defenders currently on the market.
Real Madrid are said to be monitoring him closely, and other Premier League sides have also shown serious interest. Spurs may need to move quickly and decisively if they hope to win this transfer battle.
For Tottenham, the timing of Udogie’s injury has made the situation feel more urgent. Frank has been trying to stabilise a squad that has shown moments of real promise but has also struggled with inconsistency throughout the opening months of the season. Injuries to key players have contributed to that instability, and Spurs’ performances have often reflected the lack of cohesion that naturally comes when the squad is continually being reshuffled.
Strengthening in January feels less like an option and more like a necessity, especially if the club wants to maintain momentum in the Premier League and European competitions.
Left-back could easily become their top priority when the window opens. Tottenham have spent the last few years building a young, exciting squad filled with players who have high potential.
Frank’s philosophy relies heavily on giving these players consistent minutes to grow and evolve, but that becomes difficult when the squad lacks genuine competition in key positions. Adding a player like Brown would not only fill an immediate gap but also fit the long-term strategy the club has been following.
Other areas of the pitch appear better covered. Centre-back, for instance, is no longer the problem it once was, especially with Luka Vuskovic developing well during his loan spell. Midfield remains strong even with injuries to stars like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, as Frank still has multiple options who can rotate without dramatically weakening the team.
In attack, Tottenham have a wide range of exciting young players and three senior centre-forwards available, with Mathys Tel also capable of filling in centrally when needed.
All of this leaves the left side of defence as the most vulnerable part of the squad. If Tottenham want to stay competitive on all fronts, they will need reliability and quality in that role.
Whether they are willing to pay the hefty fee required to land Brown remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that the club sees him as a potentially transformative signing. For now, the race is heating up, and Tottenham have made it clear they plan to be right in the middle of it as January approaches.
