Teamwork makes the dream work

Spurs exploring £30m transfer to signal greater English expertise than Gallagher

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Tottenham Hotspur have an enormous couple of weeks forward of them, with conditions on and off the pitch probably taking part in an enormous function in Thomas Frank’s tenure in North London.

The Dane has a number of key Premier League fixtures in opposition to West Ham United and Burnley, with a vital Champions League conflict in opposition to Borussia Dortmund in between.

Nonetheless, if the Lilywhites are to have a greater likelihood in any of the aforementioned outings, the hierarchy might look to again the supervisor within the switch market.

Frank has been dealt quite a few blows in latest days, with a number of first-team gamers set to overlook key matches after varied harm setbacks had been confirmed this week.

With the window nonetheless open, the board have the possibility to bolster the ranks in North London, which has seen quite a few gamers showing on their shortlist.

Spurs think about bid to signal younger English expertise

Within the final couple of days, Spurs have been simply one among a number of Premier League golf equipment touted with a transfer to land Monaco’s attacking sensation Maghnes Akliouche.

It’s not the primary time Frank’s males have been linked with a transfer for the Frenchman, after beforehand making an attempt to signal the 23-year-old throughout the summer time switch window.

AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche

Nonetheless, he’s as soon as once more appeared on their radar this month, with a deal within the area of £43m being touted by varied sources during the last couple of days.

He’s not the one younger prospect at present of their sights, with Middlesbrough sensation Hayden Hackney one other participant vastly admired behind the scenes in North London.

In response to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are exploring a transfer to land the central midfielder, who can be at present being linked with a switch to Manchester United.

The report additionally states that the Championship membership don’t wish to lose their star man this window, however might be pressured to money in if a bid of £30m was offered.

Why Hackney is an even bigger English expertise than Gallagher

Regardless of the necessity for brand spanking new additions this January, Spurs have already added Conor Gallagher to their ranks, with the Englishman becoming a member of the membership from Spanish facet Atlético Madrid.

Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher during training

Such a transfer set the hierarchy again a whopping £34m, after Frank’s males hijacked Aston Villa’s proposed switch to land the 25-year-old on mortgage with an choice to purchase.

The deal will little question enhance the choices on the Dane’s disposal, after Rodrigo Bentancur was dominated out for round three months after sustaining a hamstring harm.

Nonetheless, some followers don’t seem absolutely satisfied by the big-money switch, which may open the door to added funding in such an space earlier than the window slams shut.

Added depth and high quality can be craved on the coronary heart of the present squad, which may see the hierarchy pursue a late transfer for Hackney within the coming weeks.

hayden-hackney-middlesbrough-premier-league
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

At simply 23, the midfielder has baggage of time to develop within the years forward, probably changing into an even bigger expertise than Gallagher and a extra vital choice than the brand new addition.

Nonetheless, regardless of his tender age, the Middlesbrough star has already managed to outperform the £34m addition in a number of key areas, which little question showcases his unimaginable means with and with out the ball.

Hackney, who’s been dubbed “excellent” by Statman Dave, has accomplished extra progressive passes and key passes per 90, subsequently showcasing his unimaginable ball-playing means.

The ball-winning means of Joao Palhinha on the coronary heart of the facet has highlighted the necessity for a ball-player to assist complement the Bayern Munich loanee.

How Hackney & Gallagher examine in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Hackney

Gallagher

Video games performed

26

19

Targets & assists

8

2

Progressive passes

7.9

3.4

Key passes

1.9

0.5

Passes into last third

5.4

3.2

Passes into 18-yard field

1.6

0.4

% of tackles received

49%

44%

Tackles received

1.1

0.9

Take-on success

40%

16%

Progressive carries

3.2

2.5

Recoveries made

5.8

4.6

Stats through FBref

The Middlesbrough star’s excellent passing means is additional highlighted by his tally of 5.4 passes into the ultimate third and 1.6 passes into the ultimate third per 90.

Such numbers would little question assist the membership create extra probabilities in attacking areas, subsequently fixing one other subject Frank needs to handle this January.

Hayden-Hackney-FBref-stats

Out of possession, Hackney has additionally been very spectacular, as seen by his tally of 49% tackles received and 5.8 ball recoveries made – with each figures increased than these of Gallagher.

His dominance over the big-money addition is additional demonstrated in his increased take-on success fee and better tally of progressive carries made via the midfield third.

The £30m charge quoted could be one other assertion of intent from the hierarchy, but it surely’s a deal that might little question hand the facet the wanted ball-playing choice they’ve lacked.

His stats from the present marketing campaign definitely spotlight his dominance over Gallagher in quite a few key areas, with the teenager undoubtedly an even bigger expertise than his compatriot at current.

James Maddison for Tottenham


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