PL rivals believe “sensational” £50m star is now joining Spurs, he’d be Dele Alli 2.0
Tottenham Hotspur Could Bid Farewell to Another Icon as They Eye Their Next Dele Alli
Tottenham Hotspur may soon have to part ways with another beloved figure in their storied recent history, as the summer transfer window approaches its final stages. With clubs scrambling to finalize deals ahead of the early September deadline, all eyes are on whether Spurs will sanction the sale of club captain and long-serving star Heung-min Son.
According to The Telegraph, there’s a growing possibility that the South Korean talisman could leave North London in the coming weeks, despite having just led Tottenham to a triumphant Europa League campaign. Son’s future is reportedly uncertain due to the club’s desire to raise funds in preparation for their return to the Champions League, and interest from the Saudi Pro League could provide Spurs with a financially tempting exit route.
Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son has become one of the club’s most iconic figures. With an astonishing 173 goals and 101 assists across 454 appearances, the forward has consistently delivered in the biggest moments. His speed, finishing, and passion for the badge have earned him legendary status among fans.
However, should he depart this summer, it would mark the end of an era for Spurs supporters. His potential exit would complete the dismantling of the renowned attacking trio that once lit up the Premier League under former manager Mauricio Pochettino — Dele Alli, Harry Kane, and now, possibly, Son.
Remembering the Glory Days with Dele Alli
Before his career saw a downturn, Dele Alli was once one of English football’s brightest prospects. Tottenham signed him from League One side MK Dons for a modest fee of £5 million in 2015, and Pochettino immediately integrated him into the first-team setup.
Alli exploded onto the Premier League scene, contributing ten goals and eight assists in his debut top-flight season. Over the course of his Tottenham career, he amassed 67 goals and 59 assists in 269 appearances — an impressive output for a midfielder. He offered dynamism, flair, and a knack for arriving in the box at the perfect moment.
Crucially, Alli brought tactical versatility. He could operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even drift in from the left flank when needed. This adaptability allowed Pochettino to experiment with formations and unlock Alli’s creative talents in various ways. Though now playing for Como in Italy at the age of 29, his time in North London remains fondly remembered by Spurs fans.
Is Jacob Ramsey the Next Alli?
Now, Tottenham may be on the verge of finding their next version of Dele Alli — a young, English attacking midfielder with an eye for goal and positional versatility. According to HammersNews, West Ham United believe Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey is poised to join Spurs this summer, despite their own interest in the player.
A representative close to the West Ham ownership reportedly stated: “I think the player (Ramsey) is going to Spurs.” If accurate, this would signal a major coup for Tottenham, who have been tracking the 24-year-old as a potential addition to Thomas Frank’s evolving midfield.
Manchester City have also been linked with Ramsey, and The Boot Room noted earlier this year that Villa value him at approximately £50 million. While it’s unclear whether Spurs will pay that full fee, the belief is growing that they are in the driver’s seat to secure his signature.
Why Jacob Ramsey Could Thrive at Tottenham
While Ramsey’s 2023/24 campaign was modest in terms of statistics — only two Premier League goals — his prior seasons suggest a much higher ceiling. In the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, he showcased his immense potential, notching a combined total of 12 goals and 8 assists in the league. Particularly in 2022/23, he stood out with six goals and seven assists — eye-catching numbers for a midfielder.
Described as “sensational” by football journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, Ramsey has proven his ability to both score and assist in equal measure. Much like Dele Alli during his Spurs heyday, Ramsey thrives in advanced midfield roles and offers the kind of flexibility that modern managers crave. His most commonly played positions — central midfield, attacking midfield, and left midfield — mirror the variety of roles Alli fulfilled under Pochettino.
If Frank can nurture and develop Ramsey in the right way, he could become the club’s new creative engine — a player capable of ghosting into the box, linking up play in the final third, and turning games on their head with a single moment of inspiration.
The Bigger Picture for Spurs
If Son does indeed depart this summer, it will be an emotional blow for Tottenham supporters. However, the club appears to be planning proactively for the future. By targeting emerging talents like Ramsey, they are setting the foundations for a new era — one that blends youthful energy with attacking flair.
The potential arrival of Ramsey also fits into new head coach Thomas Frank’s philosophy. Known for getting the best out of dynamic midfielders at Brentford, Frank could help Ramsey rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents just a few seasons ago.
This would not just be a sentimental move to recapture the spirit of Alli, Kane, and Son, but a forward-thinking signing aimed at building a new identity in midfield — one that can compete on both domestic and European fronts.
Conclusion
Tottenham Hotspur face a pivotal summer that could define their next chapter. With Heung-min Son’s future up in the air and nostalgia lingering over the club’s former stars, Spurs must make bold decisions. Signing Jacob Ramsey could be one of them. While he may not yet have Alli’s glittering highlight reel, the raw materials are there — technical ability, positional versatility, and attacking drive.
If given the right platform and guidance under Thomas Frank, Ramsey might just become the next fan favourite in North London — the creative heartbeat of a new-look Tottenham side determined to return to the top of English and European football.