£40m target has personally spoken to Frank about joining Spurs, he’s a Madders upgrade – opinion
Tottenham Hotspur’s Transfer Urgency Intensifies as Maddison Injury Forces Creative Midfield Reinforcements
Tottenham Hotspur enter the final stretch of the summer transfer window with a familiar feeling of urgency, as injuries and high-profile departures have left gaps that threaten to derail their progress before the new campaign truly gets underway.
Fresh from lifting their first European trophy in over four decades, the north London club should be heading into their Champions League return with confidence. Instead, manager Thomas Frank faces the daunting task of reshaping his squad to handle the dual pressures of domestic and European football. The optimism generated by their Europa League triumph has been tempered by the loss of key attacking outlets, leaving Spurs scrambling for creative solutions in the market.
A Squad Hit by Departures and Injury
The departure of club legend Son Heung-min to Major League Soccer outfit LAFC brought an emotional end to an era. Son’s consistency and attacking prowess made him one of Spurs’ most reliable players over the last decade, and his exit has left a noticeable void in goals and leadership.
Adding to the difficulty, playmaker James Maddison — who was signed last summer to bring creativity and guile to Spurs’ midfield — suffered a devastating ACL injury during a pre-season clash with Newcastle United in South Korea. The injury has ruled him out for the entire season, denying Frank his most natural creative outlet at a time when Spurs are expected to compete at the highest level.
For Frank, who arrived from Brentford with a reputation for developing talent and building attacking systems, the situation represents a stern early test. He must simultaneously maintain Tottenham’s attacking fluency while bedding in new arrivals capable of handling the intensity of the Premier League and Champions League.
Tottenham’s Market Moves: Targeting Young Talent
Tottenham have already spent heavily this summer, securing West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus for £60m in a deal designed to bolster their attacking versatility. Kudus’ arrival adds energy, creativity, and a goal threat, but Spurs remain intent on further strengthening their midfield before the window closes.
Reports suggest that Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze remains a high-priority target, with Tottenham ready to test Palace’s resolve after Son’s departure and Maddison’s setback. However, in recent days, a new name has emerged as Spurs intensify their search — Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are prepared to meet Liverpool’s £40m valuation for the 22-year-old, who has already held conversations with Frank about a potential switch. Elliott, described by ex-Liverpool striker Neil Mellor as a “special talent,” has grown increasingly open to a move due to the competition for places at Anfield.
The young midfielder’s situation has also drawn interest from other clubs. Crystal Palace are monitoring him as a potential replacement should Eze move on, while Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are keeping tabs as they continue their strategy of targeting high-potential Premier League youngsters.
Why Elliott Fits Tottenham’s Needs
The appeal of Elliott is clear when examining his performances across club and international competitions. Last season, he featured 18 times in the Premier League, scoring once and assisting twice. Though those numbers may appear modest, his influence was more prominent in Europe. In the Champions League, Elliott netted three goals in just five appearances, including a crucial winner against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes — a performance that underlined his ability to thrive on the biggest stage.
Internationally, Elliott has been part of England’s back-to-back U21 European Championship triumphs, consistently showing maturity and technical quality beyond his years. His trajectory suggests he could develop into a mainstay for both club and country over the next decade.
Elliott vs. Maddison: A Statistical and Tactical Comparison
While Maddison’s absence is a major blow, Spurs see Elliott as a player who can fill part of that creative void while also bringing fresh qualities. Maddison, 28, offers experience, set-piece expertise, and proven end-product in the Premier League. By contrast, Elliott provides a more dynamic style, with his game centered on progressive passing and ball-carrying.
Looking at last season’s metrics:
Progressive carries per 90: Elliott (2.44) vs. Maddison (2.24)
Progressive passes per 90: Elliott (10.7) vs. Maddison (8.16)
These numbers underline Elliott’s effectiveness in advancing the ball and involving teammates in attacking phases. Furthermore, his versatility — being able to operate centrally or out wide — gives Frank tactical flexibility to alter formations depending on the opposition.
Comparisons have already been drawn between Elliott and Europe’s brightest young midfielders, such as Barcelona’s Fermin López and Dani Olmo, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Spurs view him as a long-term investment who can grow into a central creative role while also offering immediate contributions.
A Pivotal Few Weeks Ahead
With the transfer window rapidly approaching its conclusion, Tottenham know their business in the coming days could shape the entire season. Securing a talent like Elliott would not only cover for Maddison’s absence but also signal the club’s intent to back Thomas Frank in his first campaign in charge.
The combination of Kudus, a potential marquee arrival like Eze or Elliott, and Spurs’ established core could provide the balance needed to compete on multiple fronts. Yet failure to adequately strengthen risks undermining their progress at a time when expectations among supporters are rising.
As Frank himself has admitted, the coming weeks will be a defining period for Tottenham’s project. With Champions League nights on the horizon and domestic rivals strengthening around them, Spurs cannot afford to stand still.