After weeks of looking for a brand new attacking midfielder, Thomas Frank appears lastly about to land a brand new expertise to his Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad.
Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White have been two gamers continuously on their radar, however finally, the Lilywhites missed out on the aforementioned duo for varied causes.
Nonetheless, it might show to be a blessing in disguise, after the hierarchy agreed a deal to land RB Leipzig expertise Xavi Simons, regardless of the Dutchman beforehand agreeing phrases with Chelsea.
It’s been reported {that a} €60m (£52m) deal has been agreed for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the teen even finishing his medical after travelling to North London yesterday.
Regardless of the settlement for Simons, it seems as if Frank and Co. aren’t carried out on this summer time window, subsequently concentrating on different gamers earlier than Monday’s switch deadline.
Spurs’ hunt for brand new additions after Simons
During the last couple of weeks, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been strongly linked with a transfer to affix Spurs – however no deal has but been agreed for the Brazilian.
Talks have been held between the 2 golf equipment to try to attain an settlement, resulting in the Hammers inserting a £60m price ticket on the 27-year-old’s head.
Nonetheless, he’s not the one participant who’s been on their radar throughout the summer time window, with Leicester Metropolis star Bilal El Khannouss nonetheless of their sights, based on GIVEMESPORT.
They declare that Frank’s males might nonetheless make a transfer for the Moroccan, reporting that a late deal could possibly be landed for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder on deadline day.
It additionally states that the supervisor and the workers behind the scenes are continuously monitoring his state of affairs, with the teen seen as a participant who can add additional high quality to the present aspect – probably being out there for simply £22m.
Why Spurs’ £22m switch goal is rather like Paqueta
A deal for a star from West Ham might seem controversial, given the rivalry, but it surely wouldn’t be the primary time this summer time, after beforehand finishing a deal for Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian has already made a right away impression in North London, registering two assists in his first two Premier League outings beneath new boss Frank.
Ought to they agree a deal for Paqueta, he can be the most recent star from Graham Potter’s aspect to make the transfer, however it could be an enormous funding given his £60m asking value.
The pending deal for Simons might probably put such a transfer on the again burner, which might make El Khannouss a less expensive squad choice for the 2025/26 marketing campaign and past.
While many supporters will elevate their eyebrows at such a transfer, given the Foxes’ relegation final marketing campaign, the Moroccan nonetheless managed to be labelled as a related participant to Paqueta by FBref.
When evaluating his stats to these of the Brazilian from 2024/25, El Khannouss managed to outperform him in quite a few key areas, probably being an outstanding addition to the aspect this summer time.
The Leicester star, who’s been labelled “distinctive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered extra mixed objectives and assists, while additionally reaching a greater shot on track charge in entrance of aim – a document that may hand the Lilywhites an added menace within the last third.
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How El Khannouss & Paqueta in contrast within the PL (2024/25) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
El Khannouss |
Paqueta |
|
Video games performed |
33 |
33 |
|
Objectives & assists |
6 |
4 |
|
Shot on track accuracy |
23% |
7% |
|
Progressive passes |
5.9 |
5.8 |
|
Key passes made |
1.7 |
1.3 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
3.2 |
3.1 |
|
Take-on success |
57% |
44% |
|
Progressive carries |
2.9 |
0.9 |
|
Carries into the ultimate third |
1.9 |
1.2 |
|
Stats by way of FBref |
||
Nonetheless, an attacking midfielder is especially accountable for probability creation – one thing which the Moroccan demonstrated in abundance all through 2024/25.
He bettered Paqueta for each key passes made per 90, while creating extra capturing alternatives for his teammates, having all of the instruments to thrive behind the striker in North London.
El Khannouss’ abilities with the ball at his toes are additional mirrored in his greater take-on success charge, subsequently taking the ball into the ultimate third on extra events within the Premier League final marketing campaign.
There’s no denying that each one the Spurs trustworthy are vastly targeted on a deal to land Simons – and rightfully so given his mammoth switch charge, which has seen him edge nearer to finishing his transfer.
Nonetheless, El Khannouss can be a superb backup to the Dutchman, together with his potential late arrival handing Frank the added squad depth he’s been craving since taking the reins.
