Spurs lining up club record move for “deadly” Xavi Simons upgrade

In Conor Gallagher, Tottenham Hotspur have added an experienced and industrious midfielder to help shore up Thomas Frank‘s engine room.

In Andy Robertson, Spurs are pushing to sign one of the Premier League‘s most decorated modern players, the Scotsman having won the full gamut across years of service at Liverpool.

Two shrewd signings that very much have the feel of Frank’s influence on them. However, with Tottenham flattering to deceive in attack this season, some more creativity is needed, especially with so many key offensive players out injured.

How Spurs plan to improve their attack

ENIC Group are willing to invest this month, but the January transfer window is notoriously tricky to land statement signings. Clubs are often loath to let their best players leave midway through the season.

But Spurs are persistent, bringing over players who can make a difference over the business end of the season. Now, Frank needs to ensure a playmaking presence is welcomed to the side, lest Spurs continue to produce blunt attacking performances.

Xavi Simons has shown promising signs in recent games, but the 22-year-old Dutchman is still inexperienced and inconsistent. He could do with some competition, especially as James Maddison remains sidelined and Dejan Kulusevski could feature prominently on the right wing when he returns from a setback that has kept him out for the campaign.

According to Sports Boom, Tottenham are among the growing list of Premier League clubs interested in signing Can Uzun, who has emerged as Eintracht Frankfurt’s latest superstar forward.

Only 20 years old, Uzun is an inexperienced attacking midfielder, but he’s still been electric in the Bundesliga this year and has been priced at €80m (equating to £69m) – a figure that would eclipse the club-record fee dished out on Dominic Solanke.

This might hand Spurs an advantage in the race, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United less likely to stump up such a hefty sum.

Tottenham would be interested in striking a deal this month, but should they be knocked back, interest will be carried into the summer transfer window.

What Can Uzun would bring to Spurs

A versatile forward, Uzun is skilled in attack, boasting a natural eye for goal and an underlying creative sparkle that could see him become an instant hit in the Premier League.

The up-and-comer is showing little sign of slowing down, already having developed the kind of balance and grace that would see him hit the ground running in the Premier League.

This season, the youngster has scored eight goals and supplied four assists for Die Roten, a penetrating force from attacking midfield who has been praised for his “deadly” quality in front of goal by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Uzun might not have the same combative defensive approach that Simons has caught the eye with since arriving in north London, but he’s got an innate ability to make things happen in the final third.

Tottenham need a bit of that. Frank’s side lack game-changers, difference-makers, players who can influence in the final third and step up when their side need something special.

With that in mind, it’s probably worth directing attention to Uzun’s zero big chances missed in the German top flight, underscoring how devastating he is when collecting in space in the danger area.

Talent scout Jacek Kuliug has remarked that Uzun has an “incredible future ahead“, and given his potent offensive style, ‘deadly’ in front of goal while adding much to his team’s supply line, it’s clear to see why Frank’s keen on snapping him up and letting him jockey with Simons for a place in the Tottenham first team.

He is a “special prospect” after all, in the view of Mattinson.

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Tottenham have found themselves lacking in attack under Thomas Frank this season.