Club President confirms player is now set to join Tottenham this month
Tottenham Hotspur are moving swiftly in the January transfer window, with another new arrival expected to follow Conor Gallagher through the doors at Hotspur Way in the coming days.
Spurs step up January business amid growing injury problems
Spurs confirmed the capture of Gallagher earlier this week, completing a £35million move from Atletico Madrid to bring the England international back to the Premier League. The midfielder is expected to play a key role in Thomas Frank’s rebuild, and a strong finish to the season could put him firmly in contention for England’s World Cup plans.
Tottenham’s urgency in the market has been driven by an ongoing injury crisis. Frank has been forced to juggle his resources all season, with key players repeatedly sidelined. Gallagher’s arrival helps ease that burden, especially given his reliability — the former Chelsea man is renowned for his durability and has remarkably never missed a professional match through injury.
Despite the mounting problems, Frank has made it clear Spurs will not panic-buy just to plug short-term gaps. Richarlison recently became the latest name added to the treatment room, further reducing Spurs’ attacking options.
“Richy unfortunately has got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks,” Frank explained ahead of Tottenham’s clash with West Ham.
“It is what it is. We are in the market, as I’ve said many times, to see if we can improve the squad, but it needs to be something that helps us both short and long term.
“It can’t only be for the next four months. We have to think about the bigger picture. Of course, we also know that we are a few offensive players down right now.”
Behind the scenes, the Lewis family are said to be planning significant investment for the summer, but Spurs are also keen to secure young talents now who can contribute in the future as well as immediately.
Santos already spending Souza fee as Spurs deal nears completion
That long-term planning appears to be reflected in Tottenham’s move for Santos defender Souza. Reports over the past week have suggested Spurs have agreed a £13million fee for the highly-rated Brazilian full-back, who was notably left out of Santos’ squad ahead of their opening match of the season.
Supporters initially grew anxious as days passed without official confirmation, sparking memories of previous near-misses involving Brazilian players such as Willian and Leandro Damião. However, fresh updates from Brazil have eased those fears.
According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Santos are now so confident the transfer is complete that they have already begun spending the incoming money. The club are reportedly using the funds to clear outstanding debts in order to avoid potential FIFA sanctions.
Santos have endured financial struggles and flirted with relegation in recent seasons, making Tottenham’s transfer fee especially valuable. Club president Marcelo Teixeira admitted the money from Spurs will significantly help stabilise the club.
“The effort is always to balance the debts,” Teixeira said. “We already paid R$130m in transfer bans in 2024, and others were avoided through agreements. Some clubs wouldn’t even talk to Santos before.
“It’s important to remember that these debts, like the others pending at FIFA, are from previous administrations, not ours.”
What Spurs fans can expect from Souza
South American football expert Tim Vickery has already offered Spurs supporters a glimpse of what Souza could bring to north London. Despite being just 19, the defender has shown maturity beyond his years in senior football.
“Terrific business, I like it very much,” Vickery told talkSPORT. “He’s a very good left-back — physically strong, skilful, and comfortable on the ball. He can defend and he can attack.”
With Gallagher already secured and Souza seemingly close behind, Tottenham look determined to strengthen intelligently rather than recklessly. As Frank balances immediate needs with long-term ambition, Spurs’ January business could yet prove crucial to shaping the direction of their season and beyond.