‘Will leave’ – European giants confirm No. 10 is available for Tottenham to sign
Tottenham Hotspur enter the final stretch of the summer transfer window with one priority dominating discussions behind the scenes: the urgent need to recruit at least one creative midfielder. James Maddison’s ACL injury has left a gaping hole in the side, while the painful rejection from Eberechi Eze – who opted to join rivals Arsenal instead – has only intensified the club’s desperation for a solution before the deadline strikes at midnight on August 31.
For manager Thomas Frank and the Spurs hierarchy, the search for a new playmaker has become more than just a matter of squad depth; it is about keeping the momentum of a promising season alive. Tottenham’s dominant 2–0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad highlighted their potential ceiling under Frank, but it also underlined how thin their creative options are without Maddison pulling the strings.
Interestingly, Spurs are simultaneously working on a potential deal for Brazilian winger Savinho, currently at Manchester City. The talented wide man has been admired across Europe for his flair and directness, but questions remain as to whether City will sanction a move to a side now emerging as a genuine Premier League title rival. Spurs’ triumph over Pep Guardiola’s side could either strengthen their negotiating position—proving they are a serious destination—or persuade City to block any deal, wary of strengthening a direct competitor.
That uncertainty leaves Tottenham scouring the market for affordable but high-upside opportunities. One name under consideration is AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini. Once hailed as one of Europe’s most versatile and technically gifted attacking midfielders, Pellegrini enjoyed several strong seasons in Serie A, registering five consecutive campaigns with at least nine goal contributions. However, last season was a disappointment for both player and club, as his form dipped sharply and he lost his place as the heartbeat of Roma’s midfield.
Roma, now transitioning under Gian Piero Gasperini, are prepared to move on from their former captain. Sporting director Frederic Massara, speaking via Fabrizio Romano, confirmed the situation bluntly:
> “Lorenzo Pellegrini will leave, now or in January for sure. We won’t extend his contract and we are looking for a solution not to lose him as a free agent.”
At 29 years old, Pellegrini should still be in the prime years of his career. Yet his heavy workload over the past decade in Serie A has raised concerns over whether his decline last season was a temporary blip or the beginning of a permanent downturn. For Tottenham, that makes him a gamble—albeit a potentially low-cost one. With Roma keen to avoid losing him for free, Pellegrini could be available for under €10 million, a fee that might make him worth the risk as a stop-gap option.
Spurs are not alone in eyeing him, though. West Ham United are also circling, sensing that Pellegrini’s creativity and leadership could add much-needed depth to David Moyes’ squad. Ironically, if West Ham do secure his services, it could indirectly benefit Tottenham. The Hammers’ pursuit of Pellegrini may open the door for Spurs to take advantage of other situations—most notably the futures of Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá.
The prospect of Kudus and Paquetá eventually wearing Spurs colours under Thomas Frank in 2025/26 may feel far-fetched now, but football has a way of reshaping transfer landscapes quickly. What seems like a missed opportunity today could pave the way for a far more ambitious signing tomorrow.
For now, though, Tottenham must act decisively. Maddison’s absence has left them short of invention, and while Savinho and Pellegrini remain possibilities, the clock is ticking. The final days of the transfer window will reveal whether Spurs can turn frustration into opportunity—or whether they will be left scrambling, haunted by the one injury and one transfer snub that defined their summer.