Bigger talent than Simons: Spurs in talks to sign a "£100m-plus footballer"
da aposte e ganhe： All summer long, Tottenham Hotspur fans have been crying out for a new number ten to help Thomas Frank in his quest for success during his spell in the role.
da bet nacional： James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are the two players who shared the role in 2024/25, but the Dane will be without the duo until at least the start of 2026 through various injuries.
The hierarchy have attempted to fill such a void in the last few weeks, turning to Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze – but they ultimately missed out on both of the aforementioned talents.
However, their hunt has come to an end in recent days, landing the signature of Xavi Simons, with the Dutchman joining the Lilywhites in a £52m transfer from German side RB Leipzig.
With just a couple of days left in the window, the new boss still looks as though he wants added reinforcements this summer, subsequently targeting multiple other talents before Monday’s deadline.
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Premium Tottenham Hotspur Experiences Spurs’ hunt for new signings after Simons
Savinho is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar all throughout the current window, but their attempts to land the Manchester City star have so far been to no avail.
Despite their inability to land the Brazilian international, talks have once again been held for his services in recent days – leading to reports suggesting the player wants to move to North London.
However, he’s not the only Manchester-based player in their sights, with Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo also on their radar, according to TEAMtalk.
Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an approach to the Red Devils to discuss a potential deal for the 20-year-old midfielder, who rose through the academy at Old Trafford.
It also states the player himself would be keen on a temporary move to join the Lilywhites before the deadline, after he stated his desire to gain more game time away from Ruben Amorim’s side.
Why Mainoo is a bigger talent than Simons
The deal to land Simons this week has generated huge excitement amongst the Spurs fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 18 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga last season.
£52m is an excellent price for the 22-year-old, having huge potential to develop into a world-class talent under Frank’s guidance – especially if he continues on his current trajectory.
Given the injury situation in such a position, it was vital that the manager and the board secure the signature of a new number ten – with Simons having the chance to demonstrate his quality in the Premier League this season.
However, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, subsequently needing further additions to help Frank in his quest for success during his spell in North London.
A deal for Mainoo would provide added quality and talent in the midfield department – arguably being a bigger talent than the Dutchman when delving into his stats from 2024/25.
The 20-year-old, who’s been described by United writer Alex Turk as a future “£100m-plus footballer”, ranked in the 84th percentile of all players in the Premier League for tackle success rate (60%) whilst winning 1.6 tackles per 90.
Such numbers could provide a needed presence at the heart of the side for Frank – but his numbers in possession would also offer the boss a new dimension in tight areas.
Kobbie Mainoo’s stats for Man Utd in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
25
Minutes played
1656
Pass accuracy
87%
Passes into the final third
2.7
Tackles won
1.6
% of tackles won
60%
Take-ons completed
1.3
Carries into the opposition box
0.6
Interceptions made
1.1
Stats via FBref
The Englishman ranked in the 84th percentile for take-ons completed per 90 (1.3) also notching 0.6 carries into the opposition box per 90 – which places him in the top 19% of stars in England’s top-flight.
The youngster would be able to operate in a perfect box-to-box position for the Lilywhites – which could see him dictate the play and often provide Simons with chances in forward areas.
Despite his tender age, Mainoo has already racked up 50 appearances in the Premier League, having the potential to develop into a generational talent if given the game time under Frank.
Such a move would be an excellent coup for Spurs, adding further depth and quality to their midfield department – following in the footsteps of Simons and Joao Palhinha this summer.
If the pair can operate together in North London, there’s no reason why Frank can’t help the side battle for a spot in the Champions League once again come the end of the 2025/26 season.
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