Bigger talent than Eze: Spurs make contact to sign “exceptional” £60m star
Tottenham Must Build on Europa League Glory – Transfer Market Moves Underway to Fuel Champions League Comeback
Tottenham Hotspur have recently demonstrated they are more than capable of delivering on the big stage, having lifted the Europa League trophy with a memorable 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao. Despite a hugely disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League, that continental triumph has ensured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League – offering a crucial opportunity for a reset.
With this European success providing a silver lining to an otherwise turbulent campaign, it is now vital that Spurs capitalise on the momentum. New manager Thomas Frank, who took over following Ange Postecoglou’s departure, is tasked with restoring Tottenham as a consistent top-tier force in English football. To achieve that, he must instill his philosophy quickly while also reshaping the squad to meet his tactical and strategic demands.
Having impressed with his previous work at Brentford, Frank is expected to be hands-on this summer. With Daniel Levy still at the helm as chairman, the club will need to back their new boss financially, giving him the resources to make meaningful upgrades to the playing squad. So far, Tottenham have been linked with several ambitious signings across Europe as they prepare for a season that promises high expectations on multiple fronts.
Spurs’ Transfer Targets: Lookman, Kudus, and Akliouche on the Radar
Tottenham’s recruitment team is already active in the market, holding preliminary discussions with the representatives of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, whose stock has risen significantly following an outstanding campaign at Atalanta – including a hat-trick in the Europa League final. Lookman could provide the kind of attacking flair and versatility that Frank values highly.
Another major target is Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, a player Spurs have tracked extensively. However, the Ghanaian international’s reported £85 million release clause presents a financial challenge, especially as other areas of the squad also require investment.
With Kudus potentially out of reach, attention may be shifting to Maghnes Akliouche, the talented 23-year-old attacking midfielder from AS Monaco. According to L’Équipe, Tottenham have formally expressed their interest in the Frenchman, who is also attracting admiring glances from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest. Monaco reportedly value him at around £60 million – a significant fee, but one Spurs could view as a more viable alternative to Kudus or Eberechi Eze.
Why Akliouche May Be a Smarter Signing Than Eze
Eberechi Eze has long been on Tottenham’s radar and continues to shine at Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old English midfielder enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season, notching 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions and earning regular call-ups to the England national team. However, his £68 million release clause – combined with growing interest from Arsenal, who have already opened talks – could make the deal difficult.
By comparison, Akliouche presents a compelling blend of current quality and future potential. The Monaco midfielder contributed directly to 19 goals last season (7 goals, 12 assists in 43 appearances) and is widely viewed as one of Ligue 1’s brightest young talents. He offers versatility in attacking roles and boasts impressive technical attributes, including dribbling, passing, and movement in the final third.
Head-to-Head: Akliouche vs Eze – 2024/25 Season Breakdown
Statistic (per 90 mins) Akliouche Eze
Games Played 32 34
Combined Goals & Assists 15 16
Shot on Target Accuracy 28% 27%
Progressive Carries 4.8 2.4
Progressive Passes 6.5 3.3
Pass Accuracy 81% 74%
Passes into Final Third 3.4 1.7
Take-On Success Rate 49% 48%
Carries into Final Third 1.8 0.7
Data via FBref
These figures clearly highlight Akliouche’s edge in multiple creative metrics. He not only outperforms Eze in terms of progressive play but also shows greater precision in distribution and involvement in build-up sequences. His superior pass accuracy and higher number of passes into the final third reflect a player capable of knitting attacks together and creating space for teammates.
Furthermore, being four years younger than Eze, Akliouche offers more long-term value. If he continues his upward trajectory, Tottenham could find themselves with a future world-class midfielder for a price lower than some of the more established names currently being pursued in the market.
Final Thoughts
With the Champions League beckoning and a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the club, Tottenham have a golden opportunity to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite. Smart investments, like a potential move for Akliouche, could be critical in laying the foundation for sustained success under Thomas Frank.
While proven talents like Kudus and Eze carry appeal, Spurs may find the best value and highest ceiling in the Monaco playmaker – a player who combines flair, efficiency, and vision in equal measure. Backing Frank with the right players this summer could make all the difference come the 2025/26 season.