£40m star has personally spoken to Frank about joining Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves once again moving aggressively in the transfer market, with a mixture of urgency and ambition shaping their plans after a summer of significant change.
Fresh from celebrating their first European trophy in over four decades, Spurs are preparing for a Champions League campaign that promises excitement but also raises big challenges. The squad, however, has been left noticeably short of creative midfield options due to a combination of high-profile departures and untimely injuries.
One of the biggest blows was the exit of Son Heung-min, who departed for LAFC earlier in the summer. His move ended an era at Tottenham, leaving behind a massive gap in terms of attacking influence and leadership. To make matters worse, the club’s marquee playmaker James Maddison—expected to be the creative heartbeat of Thomas Frank’s new system—suffered a devastating season-ending ACL injury during a pre-season clash with Newcastle United in South Korea.
Thomas Frank’s Challenge: Balancing Attack and Adaptation
Now, Spurs boss Thomas Frank faces a delicate balancing act. He must keep Tottenham’s attacking intensity alive while also bedding in new signings capable of handling the demands of both the Premier League and Europe’s toughest competition.
The club have already shown ambition in the market, most notably with the £60 million capture of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, a move that underlined their intent to add dynamism and creativity. Negotiations are also ongoing with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze, another versatile midfielder who could offer guile and flair.
Yet, Maddison’s absence has created a void that is proving difficult to fill, accelerating Tottenham’s search for a technically gifted, versatile midfielder who can not only step into his shoes but also provide a fresh dimension in attack.
Spurs Turn to Harvey Elliott
In recent days, Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott has emerged as a genuine target. TEAMtalk reports that Spurs are prepared to meet Liverpool’s £40m valuation for the 22-year-old, who has already spoken positively about the possibility of joining Tottenham following discussions with Frank.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has labelled Elliott a “special talent,” and his profile has attracted admiring glances from multiple clubs. Crystal Palace are said to be eyeing him as a potential replacement for Eze if Spurs do seal that deal, while Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are also monitoring his situation due to his limited starting opportunities at Anfield.
Elliott vs. Maddison: Numbers Behind the Pursuit
The statistical case for Elliott is compelling. Despite limited Premier League minutes last season, he still managed one goal and two assists in 18 league appearances, while making a far greater impression in Europe. In the Champions League, he scored three goals in five games, including a decisive winner at the Parc des Princes against PSG—a performance that hinted at his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
On the international stage, Elliott has been integral to England’s U21 success, contributing to back-to-back European Championship triumphs and establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in his age group.
When compared with Maddison, the metrics are strikingly similar:
Progressive carries per 90: Elliott (2.44) edges Maddison (2.24)
Progressive passes per 90: Elliott (10.7) vs. Maddison (8.16)
Pass completion rate: Elliott (82.2%) slightly higher than Maddison (81.3%)
Progressive passing distance per 90: Elliott (247.8) almost identical to Maddison (250.1)
Shot-creating actions per 90: Elliott (4.48) just above Maddison
These numbers paint the picture of a player not only capable of advancing play but also consistently creating opportunities. Add to that his versatility—comfortable on the wing, in central midfield, or as a more advanced playmaker—and it becomes clear why Spurs are so eager to bring him in.
Experience Beyond His Years
Despite his youth, Elliott already boasts experience in some of football’s most testing environments—Champions League fixtures against Europe’s elite, pressure-filled Premier League clashes, and international tournaments with England’s U21 side. This exposure could prove invaluable for Tottenham as they attempt to juggle a grueling domestic schedule with the intensity of Champions League football.
While Maddison brought proven experience and consistent end product, Elliott offers something different: a blend of youthful energy, tactical flexibility, and untapped potential. He represents not just a stop-gap for Maddison’s absence, but a long-term investment who could evolve into one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders.
The Road Ahead for Spurs
For Tottenham, time is of the essence. With the transfer window fast approaching its deadline, the club remain determined to strengthen their squad. Their pursuit of Elliott highlights both their intent to remain competitive and their recognition of the challenges ahead.
A successful deal would give Thomas Frank greater tactical freedom, an additional creative spark, and—most importantly—an injection of youthful energy as Spurs look to make their mark in the Champions League while maintaining strong domestic form.
In many ways, Elliott could be the perfect player for this new era at Tottenham: a rising star ready for a bigger stage, and a midfielder capable of helping the north London club transition into life without Maddison and Son while chasing silverware on multiple fronts.