Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions to improve their frontline have been evident over the last couple of weeks, as they look to add key depth to the department to hand Thomas Frank the tools for success.
The Dane has already completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, with the Ghanaian likely to play an important role in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.
However, the injury to James Maddison and the departure of winger Heung-min Son have further highlighted the need for added reinforcements before the end of the window.
The Englishman suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for the majority of the campaign, whilst the South Korean completed his £20m move to LAFC – ending his decade-long stint in North London.
As a result, numerous players are being considered by the board as potential options, with moves desperately needing to be made in the next couple of weeks.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer
After suffering relegation to the Championship with Leicester City, Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss is almost certain to secure a move to a European giant before the September 1st deadline.
Spurs have been one of the sides mentioned as an option for the 21-year-old, who could be available for a bargain fee of just £22m, due to the relegation release clause in his current contract.
However, he’s not the only attacker currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’re pursuing, according to TBR Football’s latest report.
They claim that the Lilywhites are waiting for a green light from the LaLiga giants that they’re willing to allow the 24-year-old to depart before making their opening offer.
The report also states that North London rivals Arsenal are firmly in the race for the Brazilian’s signature this window, leading to a £70m price tag being mooted in recent days.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Bale
Gareth Bale will undoubtedly go down as one of the best ever players to play for Spurs – especially when taking all the factors around his spell at the club into account.
He originally joined the club from Southampton as a left-back, before shifting into a more attacking role, subsequently scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League back in 2010.
Such a game would catapult him to stardom with the Lilywhites, going on to score 55 times in his 194 appearances during his six-year spell in North London – 26 of which came in his final season.
The Welshman would subsequently join Real Madrid in an £85m transfer back in the summer of 2013 – a then world-record and a fee that remains the highest ever received for a player in the Lilywhites’ history.
His talents of cutting side were there for all to see, scoring banger after banger off the right-hand side, a move that became a real trademark during his career as a professional.
Current boss Frank must wish he had an elite-level talent like Bale within his current ranks, potentially landing his own version of the superstar with a move for Rodrygo this summer.
The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already showcased his ability to score similar goals, with his effort against Atlético Madrid evidence of the talent he possesses.
His underlying stats from last season are just as impressive, registering 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas – just as Bale did a decade ago for the Lilywhites.
|
Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
30 |
|
Goals & assists |
11 |
|
Pass accuracy |
91% |
|
Progressive passes |
5.1 |
|
Progressive carries |
5.3 |
|
Successful take-ons |
2.3 |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
50% |
|
Key passes made |
1.6 |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
The 24-year-old also completed 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition before cutting inside or setting up a teammate – adding the needed quality the hierarchy are hunting for.
Whilst it’s unclear if the player himself is keen on a move to join Spurs, the prospect of Rodrygo plying his trade under Frank is certainly one for the supporters to be excited about.
Should he join the club, it would be a huge coup and one that could help the side in their ambitions of Premier League success – especially if he gets anywhere near the levels Bale produced during his own time in England.
