Tottenham Hotspur are a club that are in desperate need of an overhaul, with the first-team squad currently unable to be successful in the Premier League.
Countless managers have tried to end such a drought in England’s top-flight, with Thomas Frank the latest boss to struggle to with the demands in North London.
The Dane has only been able to win seven of his 21 league games since replacing Ange Postecoglou, which has led to huge rumours about his long-term future at the club.
It remains unclear how long the 52-year-old will be given to turn the current situation around, but the January transfer window could be his last chance saloon in the role.
Frank and the hierarchy appear to have made inroads into numerous deals in an attempt to improve the squad, with talks being held over possible moves for players across Europe.
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After Rodrigo Bentancur sustained a long-term injury against Aston Villa last weekend, Spurs have stepped up their efforts to land a new midfielder during the January window.
As a result, Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher is just one of the players in their sights over a possible winter move to join the Lilywhites and improve the depth at Frank’s disposal.
Spurs aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Englishman, with Aston Villa also keen on a deal, but it appears as though the Lilywhites have won the race – after an agreement was reached last night.
However, other areas of the pitch desperately need bolstering, including the goalkeeping department, which has seen murmurs over a deal to land Roma star Mile Svilar.
According to one Italian outlet, the Lilywhites are actively pursuing a move to sign the 26-year-old, who has started every game during 2025/26 to date.
The report also states that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are firmly in the race for the goalkeeper’s signature, but any deal could cost as much as €70m (£61m).
Why Svilar would be a more needed signing than Gallagher
Over the last couple of days, there’s no denying that midfielder Gallagher has been the player who has been most linked with a move to join Spurs – with a deal seemingly all but done.
It was reported late last night that Frank’s men had agreed a permanent deal with the Spanish outfit, subsequently beating Villa in the race for his services.
Any move would also hinder the progress of the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr, with the Lilywhites already home to numerous promising young talents.
The move for Gallagher appears an unpopular one with the fanbase, especially given his previous stint at Chelsea, with the hierarchy taking a risk after agreeing terms with Atletico.
As a result, a deal to sign Svilar would make more sense for Frank’s men this winter, especially considering the lack of form from current number one Guglielmo Vicario this campaign.
The Italian has come hugely under fire for his mistakes in the Premier League this season, with his showing against Nottingham Forest arguably one of his worst for the club.
The 29-year-old played a short pass into the feet of Gray, who was dispossessed by Ibrahim Sangare, which led to the Premier League strugglers taking the lead.
He also completely misjudged Callum Hudson-Odoi’s attempted cross, which ended up sailing over the Italian’s head and into the top corner – all but securing the win for the hosts.
As a result, Svilar would undoubtedly be a mammoth upgrade on Vicario, with their respective stats from the current season showcasing their difference in quality.
The Belgian, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by Kaustubh Pandey, has conceded fewer goals so far this campaign, whilst also making more saves per 90 than Vicario.
Such numbers showcase his ability to prevent losses and save his side in numerous key moments – something which the Lilywhites’ shot-stopper has failed to do in recent weeks.
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How Svilar & Vicario compare in 2025/26 |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Svilar |
Vicario |
|
Games played |
20 |
21 |
|
Goals conceded |
12 |
27 |
|
Saves made |
3.1 |
2.6 |
|
Save percentage |
83% |
68% |
|
Clean sheets |
9 |
7 |
|
Pass accuracy |
76% |
71% |
|
Clean sheet percentage |
45% |
33% |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
The Roma star’s dominance over the Italian is further reflected in his higher save percentage and greater tally of clean sheets – further reaffirming the quality he possesses.
However, arguably Svilar’s biggest asset over Vicario is his ball-playing ability, with the Belgian achieving a better pass accuracy rate in 2025/26 to date.
As a result, Frank’s men would be able to build from the back whenever needed, whilst doing so with more confidence, given the Roma star’s confidence in possession.
£60m would be a small fortune to fork out on a goalkeeper, but such a deal is massively needed for the club if they are to achieve any form of success under Frank’s guidance.
Whilst most of the focus is currently on a deal for Gallagher, it’s crucial the hierarchy also explore a move for Svilar, with the 26-year-old able to provide a massive upgrade in the defensive department.
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