He’s like Isak: Spurs make contact to sign £47m Premier League “monster”
Tottenham Hotspur in Turmoil but Looking Ahead with Ambition
It’s fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur have experienced a whirlwind few months, filled with drama, change, and uncertainty. After years without silverware, the club finally ended their 17-year trophy drought under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership. However, in a surprising turn of events, Postecoglou was shown the door just weeks after delivering that long-awaited triumph, and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank was appointed as his successor.
Frank now faces the monumental challenge of rejuvenating a Spurs side that has struggled to meet expectations on a consistent basis. While their recent trophy win offered a glimmer of hope, there is still considerable work to be done if Tottenham are to return to the Premier League’s upper echelon. Fortunately for Frank, club chairman Daniel Levy appears committed to backing his new manager with reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
Transfer Strategy: A New Attacker in Focus
One area that has come under particular scrutiny is Tottenham’s attacking line. While defensive frailties were more glaring in the 2024/25 season, the forward line also failed to fire on all cylinders. Spurs ended the campaign with fewer goals than six other Premier League sides — a telling statistic for a team aiming for European contention.
As a result, it’s no surprise that the North London outfit have been linked with a number of attacking talents. Among them are Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford and PSG’s Bradley Barcola. However, those pursuits may already be slipping away — with Mbeumo seemingly edging closer to a move to Manchester United, and Barcola’s exorbitant price tag, rumoured to be north of £100 million, putting him out of Tottenham’s financial reach.
Enter Diogo Jota: A Proven Premier League Performer
With those targets potentially unattainable, Spurs have now turned their attention to a more attainable, proven talent in Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. According to journalist Matt Thielen, Tottenham are one of several clubs to have initiated contact with the 28-year-old Portuguese international, signalling genuine interest in bringing him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, they’re not alone in this pursuit. Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a number of clubs from outside England have reportedly also reached out regarding Jota’s availability. Liverpool, for their part, are thought to be open to a sale if the price is right, with their valuation set at €55 million — roughly £47 million.
A “Monster” in the Mold of Isak
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jota’s potential transfer is how closely his profile matches that of Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak. FBref, a football analytics platform, recently ranked Isak as one of the ten most similar forwards to Jota across Europe’s top five leagues. This comparison is based on advanced metrics, including expected goals and assists, progressive carries, clearances, and more — offering an analytical endorsement of Jota’s quality and versatility.
In fact, Jota and Isak are nearly identical in several key performance indicators:
Non-penalty expected goals + assists per 90: Jota (0.74) vs Isak (0.70)
Expected assists per 90: Jota (0.08) vs Isak (0.12)
Progressive carries per 90: Jota (2.78) vs Isak (2.71)
Goals per shot on target: Identical at 0.46
Blocks per 90: Jota (0.68) vs Isak (0.59)
These numbers demonstrate that Jota not only brings goal-scoring prowess but also contributes significantly in build-up play, defensive effort, and chance creation — a blend of attributes that would be invaluable to Thomas Frank’s tactical system.
Not Just Numbers: Jota’s Consistency Is Key
Beyond the statistics and comparisons, Jota’s track record in the Premier League speaks volumes. Since the beginning of the 2021/22 season, he has registered 52 goals and 25 assists in 152 matches, totaling over 8,500 minutes of top-level football. That equates to a direct goal involvement every 1.97 games, or more impressively, one every 110.5 minutes.
Nicknamed a “monster” by Liverpool blogger Si Steers, Jota has shown time and again that he can deliver in high-pressure environments, whether it’s at Wolves or Anfield. His ability to perform against top sides, coupled with his positional flexibility — able to play across the front line — makes him an ideal fit for a Spurs squad in need of attacking dynamism and experience.
Why Spurs Should Go All In
Bringing Jota to Tottenham would not be without its complications. The £47m fee is a significant investment, and there’s stiff competition for his signature. However, Spurs have lacked a player with his all-around profile for some time — someone who combines work ethic, intelligence, movement, and composure in front of goal.
Moreover, with the Premier League becoming increasingly competitive, Tottenham cannot afford to rely on potential alone. Proven performers like Jota, who have demonstrated consistency and resilience over several seasons, could be the missing piece in the puzzle as the club looks to reestablish itself among England’s elite.
Final Verdict
In a summer of upheaval and ambition, signing Diogo Jota would represent more than just a quality addition — it would be a statement of intent. Comparisons to Alexander Isak only underline his capabilities, but it’s his record and experience that make him such a tantalizing option.
For Thomas Frank, who faces a difficult rebuilding job at Spurs, Jota could provide the attacking impetus and leadership required to spearhead a new era. And for Daniel Levy, securing such a signing would show fans and rivals alike that Tottenham Hotspur are not just aiming to compete — they’re aiming to win.