The January transfer window is reaching a boiling point, and at the center of the heat is a high-stakes “transfer war” for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are reportedly locked in a fierce battle to secure the signature of Turkish international Can Uzun.
The 20-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder has become the talk of the scouting world, with many experts now labeling him the “new Golden Boy” of European football. While both clubs have already been active in the market this month, Uzun represents a massive step up in ambition, carrying a staggering price tag of €80 million.
Tottenham has already shown its financial muscle this January by bringing in Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and the Brazilian defender Souza from Santos. They also added youth prospect Mason Melia to their ranks.
However, manager Thomas Frank is clearly not finished. Sources suggest that Spurs have upgraded Uzun’s status to an “immediate priority” following his sensational display in the Champions League against Qarabag. The North London club views him as a creative engine who can dictate the tempo of their attack for years to come.
On the other side of the tug-of-war is Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. The Midlands club has also been productive this month, landing Alysson from Gremio and Brian Madjo from Metz. However, the sting of missing out on Conor Gallagher to Tottenham earlier this month still lingers at Villa Park.
Emery is said to be “captivated” by Uzun’s football intelligence and believes the young Turk is the “special piece” needed to complete his tactical puzzle. Villa’s scouts have been remarkably thorough, reportedly watching Uzun in every single match he has played this season to ensure he is the right fit for their system.
Joining this race is Newcastle United, though they are approaching the deal from a different angle. While Spurs and Villa want Uzun to step straight into their starting elevens to make an instant impact, Newcastle sees him as a “strategic long-term investment.”
The hierarchy at St. James’ Park believes Uzun has the potential to become a global superstar. They are keen to move now before his valuation climbs even higher or a traditional European giant swoops in.
The table below highlights why these clubs are so desperate to land the midfielder. His output has seen a significant jump this season, showing a player who is rapidly maturing into an elite threat.
| Statistic | 2024/25 Season (Full) | 2025/26 Season (To Date) |
| Appearances | 31 | 20 |
| Goals Scored | 5 | 8 |
| Assists | 3 | 4 |
| Total Contributions | 8 | 12 |
| Minutes Per Goal Involvement | ~280 mins | ~135 mins |
Eintracht Frankfurt is in a very strong negotiating position. Uzun is under contract until 2029, meaning the German club is under no immediate pressure to sell. Their €80 million valuation is a clear signal that they will only part with their prized asset for a record-breaking fee.
For a player who was relatively unknown a few years ago, his rise has been meteoric. His ability to find space between the lines and his clinical edge in front of goal make him a rare commodity in modern football.
Scouting data suggests that Uzun’s impact is not just about goals. His passing accuracy in the final third and his ability to carry the ball under pressure have put him in the top 5% of midfielders in the Bundesliga this year.
It is this combination of physical resilience and technical flair that has convinced Thomas Frank and Unai Emery to go head-to-head once again.
The demographic breakdown of Turkish talent in the Premier League has historically been modest, but players like Uzun represent a new wave of highly technical athletes emerging from the region.
Currently, the Premier League features roughly 1.5% Turkish representation among its foreign player quota, a number that is expected to rise as scouts shift their focus toward the Super Lig and Turkish exports in the Bundesliga.
As the deadline approaches, the question remains whether Tottenham can beat Villa to the punch for a second time this month. Villa fans are desperate for a “revenge” signing after the Gallagher saga, while Spurs fans are eager to see their team continue its aggressive rebuilding phase.
Newcastle remains the wild card, capable of outbidding anyone if they decide to accelerate their long-term plans. One thing is certain: whoever lands Can Uzun will be signing a player that scouts believe will define the next decade of Premier League football. The “Golden Boy” is ready for the big stage, and the English giants are more than willing to pay the admission price.
