Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a significant midfield rebuild following what has been a deeply disappointing campaign on and off the pitch.
Their first Premier League victory of 2026, a tense win over Wolves, provided a flicker of hope in their battle for survival. However, that boost came with a heavy blow. Xavi Simons—arguably Spurs’ brightest performer in recent weeks—has suffered an ACL rupture and is now expected to miss up to nine months. His injury adds to an already lengthy list of absentees, highlighting how fitness issues have undermined Tottenham’s season and pushed them dangerously close to relegation.
One area that has repeatedly shown cracks is the midfield. Spurs have struggled to find a reliable defensive presence capable of controlling matches. Joao Palhinha, despite a positive start, has struggled for consistency, and doubts remain over his long-term future. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma is set to depart when his contract expires in June, leaving another major gap in the squad.
Given these concerns, Tottenham’s intention to recruit a new midfielder this summer comes as no surprise.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the North London club have already approached the representatives of AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana ahead of the upcoming transfer window. While it is not yet known whether Spurs have formally contacted Milan, early discussions with the player’s camp suggest genuine interest.
Fofana joined AC Milan from AS Monaco for around £22 million and has experienced a mixed debut season in Italy. Despite that, he has remained a regular in Stefano Pioli’s squad, starting 25 of the club’s 29 league matches and contributing two goals and three assists. Milan are willing to sell the France international this summer if the right offer arrives and believe his market value remains stable.
Reports indicate Fofana could be available for around €25 million. Several Turkish clubs have shown interest, but the midfielder is not believed to be considering a move to Turkey. A Premier League switch, however, is viewed as an appealing next step, especially as it could strengthen his prospects of securing a regular place in the France national team setup.
Should Spurs secure him, Fofana would inject mobility, aggression, and high work-rate into a midfield that has often lacked intensity this season. The 27-year-old is in the prime years of his career and would represent a clear upgrade on Bissouma, offering power, tactical discipline, and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch. His profile aligns well with the demands of Roberto De Zerbi’s system, making him a potentially valuable addition at Hotspur Way.
However, there is a major caveat. Tottenham’s pursuit of Fofana hinges entirely on their Premier League survival. The midfielder has no interest in dropping into the Championship, meaning Spurs must secure safety before any meaningful progress can be made in negotiations.
As the battle to avoid relegation intensifies, every match—and every decision—carries enormous weight. Tottenham’s ability to reshape their midfield for next season may depend on the next few weeks, with Fofana emerging as a central figure in their rebuild plans should they remain in the top flight.
