Spurs to make huge bid for “sensational” £42m talent, he would be perfect for Eze – opinion
Over the last few months, Tottenham Hotspur have served as a reminder of just how ruthless the world of professional football can be. Success, no matter how significant, often counts for little when weighed against the relentless demands of the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou, who guided Spurs to their first European trophy in nearly three decades by lifting the Europa League in May, might have expected that achievement to grant him breathing space. Instead, chairman Daniel Levy decided that domestic struggles carried greater weight, and the Australian was dismissed after a disappointing 17th-place finish in the league table.
In came Thomas Frank, poached from Brentford, tasked with balancing the dual responsibility of continuing Spurs’ European progress while stabilising their league form. It was a bold decision by Levy, one that risks upsetting the continuity that Postecoglou had begun to establish. However, it also reflects Tottenham’s determination to not allow sentiment to cloud long-term ambition.
Levy backing Frank with transfer funds
If there is one encouraging sign for Spurs supporters, it is the level of backing Frank is already receiving in the transfer market. Levy appears willing to hand the Dane the resources needed to reshape the squad in his own image. Despite Tottenham finishing last season with one of the highest goal tallies in the division — netting 64 times — Frank has wasted no time in pushing for reinforcements across the attacking and midfield units.
The headline addition so far has been Mohammed Kudus, secured from West Ham in a £55m deal. Kudus’ arrival has not ended Tottenham’s business, however, with the club also making concrete moves for Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze. At 27, Eze is entering his peak years, and his tally of 16 goal contributions last term highlighted why he has become one of the most coveted playmakers in the league. Spurs are understood to have prepared an opening offer, but Arsenal’s lingering interest could ignite a fierce North London bidding war.
Gallagher emerges as another top target
While Eze dominates headlines, Tottenham have also turned their attention to the midfield engine room. Spanish media report that Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has emerged as a leading target, with Spurs among several Premier League clubs weighing up formal offers. Atlético value the England international at around €50m (£42m), a price that would represent a swift profit on the £34m they paid Chelsea just last summer.
Crucially, Gallagher himself is believed to be open to returning to England after a solitary season in La Liga. At 25, he offers both immediate quality and long-term value, with his energy, pressing intensity, and durability fitting the profile Frank typically values in his sides.
Why Gallagher could complement Eze
Should Tottenham succeed in landing both Eze and Gallagher, the pair could address two of the most glaring issues Frank identified upon arrival: a lack of creativity from midfield and inconsistency in ball recovery.
Eze would provide the artistry — a player capable of unlocking stubborn defences and producing match-defining moments, such as his stunning strike against Arsenal last season. Gallagher, meanwhile, would offer the industry and balance, ensuring Spurs maintain control even when facing elite opposition.
The statistics back up Gallagher’s credentials. According to FBref, he ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8 per 90) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries (5.9 per 90). His ability to regain possession before driving the ball forward — with 3.5 progressive passes per game at an 85% completion rate — makes him far more than just a destroyer. Journalist John Cross has even described him as “sensational,” praising his two-way contributions.
Another appealing trait is his durability. Gallagher has never missed a senior match through injury, something that could prove invaluable for a Spurs side plagued by fitness setbacks in recent seasons.
Building a new spine
For Tottenham, the idea of pairing Gallagher’s grit with Eze’s guile represents more than just a summer of lavish spending. It would be an attempt to build a spine capable of competing both domestically and in Europe. Eze’s flair, combined with Kudus’ directness and Gallagher’s energy, could give Frank a midfield that balances creativity with steel — something Spurs have often lacked since the departures of Mousa Dembélé and Christian Eriksen.
Of course, there are risks. Eze’s £60m valuation makes him a high-pressure signing, and Gallagher’s adjustment back to England would need to be swift. Yet, the potential upside is enormous. Together, the pair could elevate Tottenham from Europa League winners fighting relegation battles to genuine top-four contenders again.
Levy’s gamble
Ultimately, Levy’s decision to replace Postecoglou with Frank will be judged on the Dane’s ability to integrate these new arrivals and restore Spurs’ Premier League standing. Success in the transfer market is only half the battle; the challenge lies in moulding these players into a coherent system.
For now, though, Tottenham fans can at least take comfort that their club is acting decisively. Rather than standing still after European glory, Spurs are pushing forward — ambitious, aggressive, and willing to take risks in pursuit of something bigger. If Frank’s vision takes shape, the combination of Eze and Gallagher could come to be remembered as the summer Tottenham truly rebuilt their midfield for the future.