Spurs make “world-class” £80m star their new top target, he’s a bigger talent than MGW

Tottenham Hotspur made headlines across the footballing world on Thursday night after officially announcing the high-profile signing of Mohammed Kudus from Premier League rivals West Ham United. The Ghanaian international, renowned for his dynamic attacking play and versatility, has committed his future to the North London club by signing a long-term deal. With Spurs set to return to the Champions League stage next season, Kudus is expected to play a pivotal role in Thomas Frank’s evolving project.

But Tottenham’s transfer ambitions are far from over.

Spurs Still Pushing for Morgan Gibbs-White

According to The Guardian, Tottenham are also actively pursuing Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. However, what initially looked like a straightforward deal has now hit a roadblock. Despite the existence of a £60 million release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract, Forest have lodged a formal complaint, accusing Spurs of contacting the player without permission and breaching confidentiality terms surrounding the clause.

Forest officials reportedly consider the deal to be off, at least for now. However, there’s growing belief in North London that the protests are more likely to slow down negotiations than cancel the transfer altogether. The saga continues to unfold, and Tottenham remain hopeful they can strike a deal in the coming weeks.

What Would Gibbs-White Offer Tottenham?

At 25 years old, Gibbs-White has proven himself to be a capable Premier League performer. His creativity, technical flair, and vision have made him a key player for Nottingham Forest, and Spurs see him as someone who can provide depth and competition in attacking midfield. However, it’s important to manage expectations.

While talented, Gibbs-White shouldn’t be seen as a transformative signing or a game-changer on the level of someone like James Maddison. In fact, statistical comparisons from the 2024/25 season show that Maddison still outperformed Gibbs-White in several key areas—most notably in goals scored and expected assists (xA)—despite playing fewer games and maintaining better ball retention.

Rather than being a clear upgrade, Gibbs-White may offer healthy competition and rotation in the number 10 role. His arrival could boost squad depth and give Frank tactical flexibility, but it’s unlikely he will immediately displace Maddison in the starting XI. Additionally, with just four England caps to his name, he is still striving to establish himself at the international level.

Tottenham Also Eyeing Premier Talent in Adam Wharton

While negotiations over Gibbs-White continue, Tottenham are simultaneously plotting an even more ambitious midfield acquisition. According to GIVEMESPORT, Thomas Frank has identified Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as a top target. The 21-year-old central midfielder is regarded as one of the most exciting young English talents in the league, and Spurs are seriously weighing up a move.

Palace are reportedly demanding a fee of at least £80 million for Wharton—a figure that exceeds Gibbs-White’s release clause by £20 million. But the difference in price reflects Wharton’s rising stature and immense potential. Daniel Levy has already been given the green light to continue investing in the squad, and Wharton is said to be firmly in the club’s sights.

Why Wharton is Worth the Investment

Tottenham should strongly consider splashing the cash on Adam Wharton if the financial conditions are right. At just 21 years old, he’s already earned caps for England and is seen by many as a future star. He offers much more than raw talent—he brings a rare blend of intelligence, composure, defensive steel, and passing prowess.

Wharton is a deep-lying midfielder with the physicality to break up play and the technical skills to dictate tempo. In the 2024/25 season, he averaged an impressive 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game, along with 5.1 ball recoveries. Notably, he didn’t make a single error that led to an opposition shot or goal—an indication of his tactical discipline and concentration.

His attacking contributions are also noteworthy. Compared to Spurs’ current options like Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma, Wharton is far more progressive in possession. He consistently helps move the ball up the pitch, contributes to build-up play, and creates goal-scoring opportunities from deeper areas. Journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell even described him as “world-class,” and it’s not hard to see why.

Wharton vs. Gibbs-White: Who’s the Better Buy?

While both players would strengthen Tottenham’s midfield in different ways, Wharton appears to be the more impactful addition. His youth, versatility, and ability to slot straight into the starting XI make him a more exciting prospect. Gibbs-White, while a solid Premier League performer, may struggle to secure a regular spot given the presence of Maddison and other attacking options.

In short, if Tottenham are to make one marquee midfield signing this summer, Wharton would be the more forward-thinking investment—offering both present quality and long-term value. He’s a player who could anchor the midfield for years to come and help define the next chapter of Spurs’ evolution under Frank.

Tottenham’s summer window is heating up, with Kudus already secured and negotiations ongoing for both Gibbs-White and Wharton. While the former would offer depth and creativity, the latter has the potential to be a game-changing presence in the heart of midfield. With Daniel Levy showing a willingness to back Thomas Frank in the market, Spurs supporters can dare to dream of a squad equipped to challenge on multiple fronts in the 2025/26 campaign.