Better signing than Kudus: Spurs prepare bid for “world-class” £50m star
Tottenham’s Europa League Triumph Sets the Stage for Ambitious Summer Under Thomas Frank
Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic Europa League victory at the end of the 2024/25 season not only brought long-overdue silverware to North London but also injected a renewed sense of belief and optimism into the club. The triumph, achieved in Bilbao, marked the end of a 17-year trophy drought—an agonizing stretch that had often left Spurs as the butt of jokes among rival fans.
Now, with that burden finally lifted, Spurs find themselves at a turning point. The next step is to build on that success and firmly establish themselves as a force both domestically and in Europe. Under the guidance of new manager Thomas Frank, the club appears to be heading in a bold new direction—one aimed at sustainable success, smart recruitment, and a winning mentality.
The facilities at Tottenham’s disposal—from the world-class Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to their state-of-the-art training complex—signal a club ready to compete at the highest level. But to truly challenge Europe’s elite and evolve into serial winners, chairman Daniel Levy must provide the financial and structural backing to support Frank’s vision.
Summer Transfer Window Critical for Spurs’ Next Chapter
The ongoing summer transfer window offers Frank his first real opportunity to shape the squad in his image. Spurs have already been linked with several high-profile names, underlining their intent to add quality and depth to the team. One name that has repeatedly surfaced is West Ham United’s versatile attacker Mohammed Kudus.
Reports suggest that Spurs submitted an opening bid for the Ghanaian international, though West Ham swiftly turned it down. Negotiations are expected to continue, with a second offer reportedly in the works. Kudus has already agreed personal terms with the North London club, but the two sides remain apart on valuation—especially with an £85 million release clause currently attached to the player’s contract.
Ademola Lookman: A More Practical and Potent Alternative?
While Kudus remains a target, Spurs are also casting their net elsewhere—and Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has emerged as a compelling alternative. According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have been keeping close tabs on the Nigerian international, who enjoyed a breakout season in Italy, registering an impressive 20 goals and six assists during the 2024/25 campaign.
Lookman is reportedly available for a significantly lower fee of around €60 million (£50 million), making him a more financially viable option. And when comparing the two players’ outputs over the past season, it’s clear why many view Lookman as the better all-around choice.
Statistical Comparison: Lookman vs Kudus (2024/25)
Stat (per 90 mins) Ademola Lookman Mohammed Kudus
Games Played 31 32
Goals & Assists (combined) 26 (20G + 6A) 8
Shot on Target Accuracy 40% 28%
Progressive Carries 5.7 3.4
Progressive Passes 2.9 2.7
Key Passes 2.4 1.1
Carries into Opposition Box 3.2 1.4
Aerial Duels Won 57% 21%
(Data via FBref)
Not only did Lookman outperform Kudus in key attacking metrics, but his superior accuracy and creativity also suggest he’d be more effective in unlocking opposition defenses and contributing to the team’s fluid, attacking style of play. He’s also been more effective in progressive movements, both in passing and carrying the ball forward, while winning a significantly higher percentage of aerial duels—highlighting his physical edge and versatility.
BBC journalist John Bennett even went as far as to label Lookman “world-class,” a sentiment increasingly echoed across the European football landscape.
A Smart Move for Spurs?
Though Kudus certainly remains an exciting talent with a high ceiling, the financial reality and performance data suggest Lookman might be the more strategic signing. Not only would Spurs be acquiring a player in red-hot form, but they would also be doing so at a considerably lower price. With several key areas in need of reinforcements, saving £30–35 million on one position could allow Tottenham to address other needs across the pitch.
As Thomas Frank begins his journey at the helm of Tottenham, securing the right players to fit his tactical blueprint will be crucial. Lookman’s blend of creativity, pace, work ethic, and end product make him an ideal candidate to take on a starring role in Spurs’ new era.
Ultimately, the choice between Kudus and Lookman may come down to more than just stats—it’s about system fit, budget, and long-term vision. But if Spurs are looking for an immediate-impact forward with elite-level numbers, Ademola Lookman might just be the smarter, more effective move.