Spurs submit bid to sign “electric” £62m “level-raiser”, he’d be Son’s true heir
Tottenham Hotspur entered Sunday’s North London derby with a clear tactical plan from Thomas Frank, but the approach backfired dramatically. The Danish manager’s conservative setup—designed to frustrate Arsenal and hit on the break—proved ineffective, leaving Spurs comfortably second best throughout the afternoon.
The statistics underline just how toothless Tottenham were. They mustered only three shots across the entire match, one of which was a speculative 45-yard attempt from Richarlison that summed up their attacking struggles. Maintaining possession and building meaningful attacks has been a recurring challenge for Spurs all season. According to FBref, they sit 17th in the Premier League for expected goals (11.1) after 12 matches—a worrying indicator of how little they are creating under Frank.
While some of these issues stem from the manager’s tactical framework, this isn’t solely about coaching. Several attacking players have underperformed, contributing to a lack of spark and consistency in the final third.
Tottenham’s Attacking Output: The Standouts and the Strugglers
Among the forward line, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison have been the rare bright spots. Richarlison, enjoying a mini-resurgence, has produced five goals and two assists in all competitions. Kudus—signed for around £55m from West Ham—has settled in quickly, recording one goal and five assists while emerging as one of the side’s most creative outlets.
However, the same cannot be said for some of the club’s other significant investments.
Xavi Simons, a £52m arrival from RB Leipzig, has struggled to impose himself. Despite featuring in 15 matches in all competitions, the Dutch playmaker has no goals and only two assists to his name. Initially tasked with stepping into the left-wing role vacated by club legend Heung-min Son, Simons has found it difficult to replicate the dynamism and directness required in that position. His omission from the starting XI against Arsenal was telling, and given the fee paid for him, he ranks among the most disappointing performers so far.
Only Dane Scarlett and Dominic Solanke rate lower in output, though that is largely due to the limited 59 minutes of football between them—far too little to make a meaningful impact.
The reality is simple: Tottenham are still searching for a genuine successor to Son. Their marquee signing from Leipzig has yet to deliver, and the club’s recruitment team is already looking toward a high-profile solution.
Spurs Push for a New Winger: Nico Williams Bid Submitted
Reports from Spain claim that Tottenham have joined Chelsea in submitting formal offers for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams ahead of the January transfer window. Both London clubs have reportedly put forward bids in the region of £62m as they fight to bolster their attacking options.
The same report suggests that Spurs and Chelsea are preparing contract proposals that would triple Williams’ current wages—an aggressive move to convince the highly rated winger to make the jump to the Premier League. Whether Athletic Bilbao are willing to sanction a sale, or whether Williams is ready to leave Spain, remains uncertain.
However, if Spurs succeed in completing the deal, they may finally secure a left-sided attacker capable of filling the enormous void left by Son.
Why Nico Williams Could Become Tottenham’s New Heung-min Son
Nico Williams has long been viewed as a special talent, and his profile mirrors many of the traits that made Son one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. Como scout Ben Mattinson has described Williams as a “level-raiser”—a player whose presence immediately elevates a team’s attacking threat.
Much like Son, Williams possesses blistering speed. His “electric burst of pace” allows him to get in behind defences, stretch opposition back lines, and transition rapidly from defence to attack. A recent goal against Real Oviedo showcased his frightening acceleration, tight control, and ability to finish with either foot—one of Son’s most defining qualities.
Williams’ productivity has steadily increased. This season, he has recorded two goals and two assists in nine LaLiga appearances. Last year he contributed 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions, but his breakout season came in 2023/24 with an exceptional eight goals and 18 assists across 37 matches.
These numbers underline his ability to both score and create, echoing Son’s balance of goals (173) and assists (101) during his sensational Tottenham career.
Underlying metrics further reinforce the similarities: Williams excels as a ball-carrier, driving his team up the pitch and unbalancing defensive structures. This is precisely the type of player Spurs lack right now. Their display against Arsenal proved that without a direct, pacey threat on the wing, their attacks become stagnant and predictable.
With Williams in the side, Frank could afford to defend deeper—something he attempted on derby day—knowing he’d have a lethal outlet on the counter. His presence would give Tottenham a dynamic weapon capable of flipping games in an instant.
A Signing That Could Transform Spurs’ Season
If Tottenham can close a deal at around £62m, Nico Williams could prove to be a transformative addition. He fits the stylistic profile Spurs have been missing since Son’s departure, offers creativity, pace, and end product, and brings the type of attacking fear factor the team sorely lacks.
For a club in desperate need of inspiration in the final third, Williams could be the long-awaited heir to Heung-min Son’s throne—and the spark that reignites Tottenham’s season.