MusaTottenham Hotspur could be heading for a major January transfer shake-up, with the club facing growing pressure to raise funds through player sales before they can strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s struggling squad.
Spurs have endured a miserable start to the campaign, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League with just two goals scored despite spending more than £300 million during the summer transfer window. Following Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa, pressure is already mounting around De Zerbi, while the club’s desperate situation in attack has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Richarlison situation continues to cause problems
The unresolved Richarlison situation remains one of the biggest headaches at Hotspur Way.
Tottenham’s attempts to find the Brazilian a new club collapsed during the summer, with potential moves to Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama failing to materialise. De Zerbi has also made it clear that Richarlison will not feature again for Spurs, even when he is fully available.
According to Alasdair Gold, there has now been interest from the UAE, with Shabab Al Ahli making an enquiry about the financial requirements of a potential deal. However, no formal offer has been submitted, while those close to Richarlison reportedly doubt whether the move would appeal to him.
With the UAE transfer window closing next Monday and Richarlison’s Tottenham contract running until 2027, the club have limited time to find a solution if they want to generate a transfer fee.
Spurs could be forced into a January fire-sale
The Richarlison situation comes amid reports that Tottenham are already planning to sell players in January to help finance the arrival of a proven striker.
Football Insider have reported that Spurs recognise they will need to balance the books through player departures before making another major attacking investment.
Mathys Tel could be one of the most significant names placed on the transfer list.
Football FanCast sources understand that Tel is another player De Zerbi would be willing to see leave in the winter window. Unlike Richarlison, however, Tottenham are believed to feel confident that they could still command a substantial fee for the 21-year-old.
Tel remains under contract until 2031 and arrived in North London with a strong reputation after emerging through Rennes’ highly regarded academy system. Bayern Munich had also previously taken a chance on his potential before his move to Tottenham.
The forward was left out of the squad for the defeat to Aston Villa following what appeared to be a disagreement with De Zerbi during the previous draw against Everton.
De Zerbi later explained that Tel’s omission was a tactical decision and insisted he had already discussed the matter with the player.
Tottenham need a new striker
The need for attacking reinforcements has become increasingly urgent, particularly with Dominic Solanke still waiting for his first Premier League goal of the season.
Spurs are therefore expected to explore the striker market in January, but any major signing could depend on how much money the club can raise from departures.
Ivan Toney remains one name that has repeatedly been linked with Tottenham. The former Brentford striker established himself as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards before moving to Saudi Arabia and was included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this summer.
His ability to lead the line, hold the ball up and finish chances could make him an attractive option for a Tottenham side desperately lacking a reliable focal point.
Victor Osimhen would represent an even bigger statement.
The Nigerian striker has continued to demonstrate his goalscoring ability since leaving Napoli and has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. His strength, aerial ability and finishing would provide Tottenham with qualities currently missing from their attack.
However, a deal for Osimhen would likely require a huge financial commitment and could prove difficult without significant player sales first.
With Tottenham already under financial pressure after their heavy summer spending, the January window could therefore become a defining period for the club.
If Spurs are determined to bring in a major striker, players such as Richarlison and Mathys Tel could become crucial to their plans, with their departures potentially providing the funds needed for another expensive attacking addition.
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