Spurs have been pursuing an international player for £15 million, who has been compared to Georginio Wijnaldum, behind closed doors.
Ange might not have enough space in the Spurs midfield.
In addition to dealing with his current squad injury issue, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou faces the very real risk of lacking midfield depth come January 1.
After January, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma will fly to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, although Rodrigo Bentancur may not return to action until February due to an ankle ligament injury.
In addition to James Maddison’s absence—who is anticipated to return in January but has not stated when—Postecoglou might soon find himself without many choices in the middle of the park.
Additionally, Fabrizio Romano recently disclosed that Spurs are reportedly reluctant to approve Pierre-Emile Hojberg’s loan move, maybe due to Postecoglou’s player scarcity. According to reports, Tottenham is reportedly looking to sign a center midfield player in January (The Guardian). Postecoglou has bemoaned his team’s lack of success in terms of injuries. “It wasn’t a great tackle,” said Postecoglou on Bentancur’s injury. “I thought he started the game so well and I think it was the reason we got a real good foothold on the game. He’s such a creative player. It’s the last thing we needed, another injury. So disappointed to lose him but we’re yet to see the extent of it.”
Spurs have also been tipped to move for a new centre-back, which they are still determined to do, and a forward – but Bentancur’s latest problem and a few more imminent absentees perhaps warrants more numbers in midfield.
Tottenham make “manoeuvres” for El Khannouss
Now, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the north Londoners have apparently made behind-the-scenes move for a new transfer target. Spurs are initiating “manoeuvres” to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Genk, with the young midfielder showing a lot of promise in the Jupiler Pro League right now.
Since being promoted to the first team in 2022, El Khannouss has played 67 matches in all competitions, racking up four goals and seven assists in that time. The Morocco international could also cost around £15 million to prise away from Genk, which would come as a pretty affordable price from Tottenham’s perspective.
El Khannouss’ playing style has been likened to that of Wijnaldum by Football Transfers. Given the Dutchman’s past starring role for ex-club Liverpool, it’s a pretty tantalising comparison.
Genk technical director Dimitri De Condé, speaking back in 2022, hailed the 19-year-old’s potential as a real “pleasure to watch” when at his very best.