Spurs ready to hijack move to seal an even better signing than Gallagher
Tottenham Hotspur’s season under Thomas Frank has been far from straightforward, with inconsistency, injuries and tactical issues combining to derail momentum. However, a composed and authoritative victory away in Frankfurt provided a much-needed lift, as Spurs booked their place in the Champions League last-16.
By finishing fourth in their group, Tottenham avoided an additional playoff round — a significant bonus given the scale of their fitness problems this campaign. Extra fixtures would have stretched an already thin squad, so qualification delivered both prestige and practical relief for Frank and his coaching staff.
Despite European progress, Spurs continue to frustrate domestically. Performances in the Premier League have often promised more than they deliver, and patience among supporters is beginning to wear thin. The boos that greeted the final whistle against struggling Burnley last weekend said plenty, even after Tottenham managed to scrape a late point. Frank’s side remain vulnerable to lapses in concentration, and structural imbalances across the pitch have repeatedly been exposed.
ENIC have attempted to back their manager in January, yet it is increasingly clear that reinforcements alone are not enough. Tottenham’s issues stem as much from tactical cohesion and creativity as they do from personnel, and unless those problems are addressed, progress could remain slow.
Spurs eyeing a late-market addition
Midfielder Conor Gallagher and Brazilian left-back Souza have already arrived this month to add energy and depth to Frank’s squad, but the sense around the club is that further upgrades are needed — particularly in advanced areas and in the construction of attacks.
Interestingly, Spurs have not been wasteful in front of goal. They have missed 26 big chances but still scored 33 Premier League goals, making them more clinical than many rivals. The real concern lies earlier in moves: circulation of possession, progression through midfield and chance creation from central zones.
Those weaknesses have reportedly prompted Tottenham to explore a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka. Spanish sources claim Spurs have made direct contact about a possible deal as they look to elevate the technical level and authority of their midfield department.
Goretzka, now 30, has slipped down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany at Bayern, with younger options being prioritised. That situation has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, but Tottenham are believed to be monitoring developments closely and could attempt to hijack any potential agreement.
With his contract in Munich entering its final months, Bayern may be open to negotiation rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
Why Goretzka makes sense for Tottenham
Experience is one of Spurs’ biggest shortages. Their squad has an average age of just 25.4, making them the fourth-youngest in the Premier League. While youth brings intensity, it also leads to inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure matches.
Goretzka would immediately address that gap. Since joining Bayern from Schalke in 2018, he has amassed 292 appearances, competing in Bundesliga title races and deep Champions League campaigns. Few players in Europe can match his exposure to elite football across multiple systems and roles.
Praised by teammate Aleksandar Pavlović as a midfield “machine,” Goretzka blends power with intelligence. His physical profile would translate smoothly to the Premier League, allowing him to cope with the tempo, pressing and duels that define English football.
Yet his value is not limited to strength alone. Technically, he operates at a level Tottenham currently lack in central areas. This season in the Bundesliga he boasts a 92% pass completion rate and a 72% success rate on long passes, illustrating his ability to retain possession while also breaking lines when required.
Tottenham’s biggest flaw has been their lack of imagination through the middle. Gallagher offers intensity, pressing and late runs, but creative distribution is not his main weapon. Likewise, Joao Palhinha has provided solidity and protection but is not known for unlocking defences with progressive passing.
Goretzka, by contrast, is comfortable receiving under pressure, switching play, carrying the ball forward and threading passes between defensive lines. He would give Spurs another dimension, easing the burden on wide players and reducing the predictability of their attacks.
With Kompany still trusting him regularly at Bayern, there is little doubt the German international remains at a high competitive level. A move to Tottenham could even revitalise him, handing him a leadership role alongside Gallagher and Palhinha in a midfield designed not just to defend, but to control and create.
If Spurs are serious about escaping their current rut, addressing the lack of enterprise from central areas is essential. Adding a proven, powerful and technically refined operator like Goretzka could be the kind of statement signing that transforms Thomas Frank’s project from fragile to functional — and perhaps finally gives Tottenham the platform they need to compete consistently both in England and Europe.