Opinion: The best-case January transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur

With the January transfer window almost upon us, anticipation is building amongst Tottenham fans ahead of what could be a pivotal month in terms of Antonio Conte’s future at the club.

The talk on social media has been mixed; with some predicting Tottenham are ready to back Conte this winter whilst others are forewarning fans of a month that could see little in terms of transfer activity.

Whilst this is based mainly on speculation, the reality of the situation likely sits in between these two extremes, as to have any hope of keeping Conte past this summer Levy certainly needs to sanction some business, however, January is hardly the window for a squad overhaul. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at Tottenham’s best-case scenario for January; but keeping it realistic, as although we’d all love Levy to shell out for Josko Gvardiol, it’s sadly never going to happen.

At this point, Tottenham’s targets are clear; a right wingback, creative midfielder, and a forward, and since it’s the best-case scenario, let’s say Levy really pushes the boat out and recruits a centre-back too.

Starting from the back, one name that sticks out is Frankfurt’s Even Ndicka, with Spurs showing interest in the Frenchman in the summer and with just six months left on his current deal is more than gettable (Transfermarkt).

23 years old, 6ft 3”, and left-footed, Ndicka looks to tick all the boxes of desirable traits for a LCB and is likely available for a cut-price fee this winter. Easy, right?

Without a doubt, right wingback is the priority position for Spurs heading into this window.

Links to Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro have intensified over recent weeks (The Athletic) with the defender’s attacking nature and excellent return rate of 10 goal contributions in 20 games this season making the Spaniard an ideal fit for Conteball.

Whilst the suggested fee for Porro is anywhere between £25m and his £45m release clause, at just 23 he also could be a sound investment for the club and would certainly be an upgrade on any of our current RWB options.

Moving forward, the need for a creative midfielder to supplement the work of Hoijberg and Bentancur wouldn’t go amiss.

James Madison is certainly one option, and if he’s available is the obvious standout candidate, however, it’s more likely Conte and Paratici will return to Italy and Atalanta for Ukrainian Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Like Ndicka, his current deal also expires in June, so he is presumably available for a reasonable price considering he can leave for free come the end of the season.

The Ukrainian is comfortable in an array of midfield roles and has already been close to joining Spurs in the past,  so he’s clearly open to a switch to North London.

Alternatively, Spurs have also been heavily linked with a move for Juventus and France star Adrien Rabiot (The Times) whose contract also expires at the end of this season, but considering we already have Bentancur and Hojbjerg who possess similar skillsets, Malinovskyi looks the more favourable, realistic option.

Finally, with Richarlison injured and Conte clearly not convinced by Bryan Gil, another forward option could prove useful.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot in terms of rumours linking Spurs with another forward, but in a best-case scenario window a move for Jonathan David makes sense.

At just 22, the Canadian has put up impressive numbers over the last two seasons and is comfortable playing multiple attacking positions. 

Moreover, he’s quick, strong, and a good finisher, and has also expressed his desire for a new challenge in the near future and could be a useful asset for Conte’s side.  

Currently playing for Lille, he would likely command a fee not far off that of Richarlison, however, he could prove to be a gamble worth taking for whoever secures his signature.

Naturally, outgoings are also expected to be a key part of Spurs’ transfer business this January and would be a necessity if the above signings were to be made.

With that in mind, Japhet Tanganga and Emerson Royal would leave the club garnering reasonable fees, whilst Pape Matar Sarr, Bryan Gil, and Djed Spence would all depart on fruitful loan moves.

Granted, the above all is wishful, speculative thinking – but it’s not impossible.

With Arsenal on the rise and Newcastle quickly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with, Levy must invest in Spurs to first maintain our fight for Champions League but also to keep Conte at the club.

One thing is for sure, even in a worst-case scenario window, business must be done from a Spurs point of view, as we need high-quality reinforcements for what looks to be a trying second half of the season.

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