Tottenham in ‘very advanced’ talks with £88m Semenyo alternative over Spurs move
Tottenham Hotspur are already laying the groundwork for their 2026 transfer business, with reports suggesting that negotiations on the player side have moved into a “very advanced” stage. The club appears determined to avoid last-minute scrambling in upcoming windows, especially as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Spurs Intensify Search for Attacking Reinforcements
With the January transfer window approaching, Tottenham are believed to be accelerating their efforts to recruit fresh attacking talent. Manager Thomas Frank is said to be growing increasingly concerned about his team’s lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third—issues that have persisted throughout the early months of the campaign.
Their recent 2–2 draw with Newcastle United once again highlighted these shortcomings. Despite Cristian Romero’s heroic brace—an excellent diving header followed by an acrobatic overhead kick deep into added time—Spurs managed just two shots on target all evening. Romero, a centre-back, provided both. The match served as yet another reminder that the North London side urgently requires more quality and invention going forward.
Samu Aghehowa Among Top Targets
One name rising to the top of Tottenham’s shortlist is Samu Aghehowa, the highly rated FC Porto striker. Several reports claim Spurs are “intent” on bringing in the 21-year-old, who has caught the eye with his composure, speed, and intelligent movement.
Aghehowa has enjoyed another strong campaign for Porto so far, recording six goals and an assist in just 11 league games. Since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2024, he has amassed an impressive tally of 37 goals in 62 matches—form that has seen his reputation climb rapidly across Europe.
Tottenham’s interest comes amid ongoing fitness problems for Dominic Solanke, who underwent ankle surgery in early October and remains sidelined. Meanwhile, Mathys Tel, Richarlison, and Randal Kolo Muani have struggled to deliver consistently. Kolo Muani has been hampered by injuries of his own, though he did produce a standout performance against parent club PSG in the Champions League, scoring twice and providing an assist in a thrilling 5–3 defeat.
Yet despite his flashes of brilliance, Spurs cannot rely on isolated moments from individual players. The lack of cohesion and depth in attack continues to be a major concern.
Spurs Expected to Target a Wide Forward Over a Striker
With Solanke closing in on a return to action, Tottenham are now believed to favour signing a wide forward rather than another central striker in January. Two names that have surfaced as potential options are Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and Iliman Ndiaye of Everton.
Semenyo in particular is attracting major attention. His contract reportedly includes a £65 million release clause that becomes active in early January, although Tottenham face fierce competition from Manchester City, who are said to be equally enthusiastic about the Ghanaian’s profile and work rate.
Yan Diomande Emerges as an Alternative — And Talks Are ‘Very Advanced’
Should Tottenham lose out on Semenyo, they may pivot towards Yan Diomande, the dynamic RB Leipzig winger who has rapidly become one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Spurs are already in “very advanced” discussions with Diomande’s representatives. Liverpool are also heavily involved, and both Premier League clubs are reportedly pushing hard to position themselves at the front of the queue. Notably, neither club has made formal contact with Leipzig yet, meaning talks are still at the player-camp level.
Diomande joined Leipzig last summer from Leganés for £17.5 million and has enjoyed a meteoric rise. The 19-year-old has produced four goals and four assists in 14 appearances this season, earning a regular starting role under head coach Ole Werner. His explosive dribbling, pace, and natural flair have prompted Leipzig to reportedly value him at £88 million, a fee that could surpass their record sale of Joško Gvardiol to Manchester City.
Barcelona have also been linked with the Ivorian winger, although they have yet to initiate talks, leaving Liverpool and Tottenham as the clear early frontrunners.
Some sources, including Foot Africa, claim both Premier League sides are even contemplating a January bid, though Leipzig remain calm and have not opened discussions with any club.
High Reward — But High Risk — for Thomas Frank
For Thomas Frank, Diomande represents both an exciting opportunity and a significant gamble. On the one hand, his ceiling appears incredibly high, and his performances suggest he could develop into a top-tier attacker capable of transforming Spurs’ forward play. On the other hand, he has only been playing senior football since March and would command a huge transfer fee.
If Tottenham do proceed, it would be a statement signing—one that signals the club’s intention to build a young, dynamic, and long-term attacking core around rising talents.