Tottenham Hotspur are ready to attack the January transfer window, and if Thomas Frank gets it right, he might just land a new forward who could turn his debut season at the helm into a successful one.
However, while incomings are anticipated down N17, Spurs are also expected to push one or two of Frank’s first-team players to the exit, with Yves Bissouma, who has not played at all this season after being dropped in August, expected to leave after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide, again.
However, for less transgressive reasons, Brennan Johnson could also be on his way out, having fallen down the pecking order after poor form.
Spurs consider swapping Brennan Johnson out
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is the talk of the town, but ENIC Group are also keeping an eye on another high-performing winger in Europe.
The versatile Cherries forward has been in fine fettle in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and supplying three assists for Andoni Iraola’s side.
He is far more consistent than Johnson, who bagged 17 in all competitions last season – including the winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final – but has regressed under Frank’s wing.
Crystal Palace are interested in signing the Wales international on loan this winter, and that could free up room for a Semenyo alternative who is turning the heads of some of the Premier League’s top clubs.
Indeed, according to Sky Germany, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is on Tottenham’s shortlist ahead of the New Year, albeit with top-flight rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City also in the mix.
The 19-year-old joined the Bundesliga club this year and has quickly established prolific form, combining that sharpness with frightening physical faculties.
Leipzig know they have a gem on their hands and have priced him at a jaw-dropping €100m (about £87m). This would make him the most expensive player in the Londoners’ history.
Why Spurs should sign Yan Diomande
Diomande moved to Germany after cutting his teeth with Leganes in Spain, and he has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the brightest young wide forwards in the game, having scored seven goals and four assists across 16 outings this season.
That includes a recent hat-trick over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and it’s his natural sharpness in the danger area that has led journalist Bence Bocsak to hail him as a “generational talent”.
Diomande is not just more talented than Johnson: he ruthlessly outstrips him across a vast range of metrics, and his developing goalscoring may soon see him overtake the 24-year-old’s standout quality.
When you look at how Diomande ranks up against someone like Johnson, it perhaps becomes clear why there is such a vested interest being focused, with the Welshman simply not offering enough in the build-up and when against the run of play, that and the desertion of his potency in front of goal.
Matches (starts)
13 (6)
14 (10)
Goals
2
6
Assists
0
2
Touches
17.8
44.0
Shots (on target)*
0.4 (0.2)
1.6 (0.9)
Accurate passes*
6.7 (70%)
21.6 (83%)
Chances created*
0.4
1.0
Dribbles*
0.2
3.0
Ball recoveries*
0.9
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.1
1.4
Duels won*
1.8
4.8
There’s no question that Johnson has a natural ability to work his way into promising positions and chalk his name onto the scoresheet, but his overall play has hardly been good enough this season. For example, he’s not dribbling enough – look at his efforts in comparison to Diomande’s – and he’s only succeeding with 33% of his infrequent efforts.
Diomande, for sure, is one of the most exciting dribblers in Europe. He is fleet-footed and instinctive with his output when carrying the ball forward. He has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for “having a sensational debut season” in Germany.
Tottenham need to get this one done. If they are serious about becoming major, consistent players both domestically and abroad, this is the kind of statement signing needed, not just boosting output but reshaping the general threat of the team.
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