After missing out on the signature of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, Tottenham Hotspur have been trying to secure a new attacking midfielder ahead of the new campaign.
The signing of Joao Palhinha in a deep-lying position has solved one of the underlying problems in the side, allowing them to focus on other areas of the pitch as a result.
James Maddison has for so often been the player who’s occupied the number ten role in North London, but new boss Thomas Frank will be unable to rely upon him during the first few months of the campaign.
The Englishman sustained an ACL injury in the pre-season clash against Newcastle United, which is expected to rule him out for the majority of the 2025/26 season.
Such a setback has highlighted the further need for additions in the middle of the park, which could see numerous players being pursued before the September 1st deadline.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder
Over the last couple of days, it’s been confirmed that Spurs have entered talks with Crystal Palace over a potential deal to sign midfielder Eberechi Eze.
However, if they are to secure the signature of the England international this summer, they will have to battle North London rivals Arsenal – in what could be a two-horse race.
He’s not the only player they’ve been considering as of late, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss also in their sights, according to TheBoyHotspur.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites are set to trigger his £22m relegation release clause in his contract, after the Foxes suffered an immediate return to the second tier last season.
It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with their Champions League status seen as a huge bonus in their pursuit of the Moroccan international.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Eze
There’s no denying that Eze would be a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, but it’s currently unclear as to whether he would want to join Frank’s side.
The 27-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most potent forwards in recent times, as seen by his superb tally of 16 goal contributions in his 34 appearances throughout 2024/25.
He’s registered three goals and one assist in his seven outings against the Lilywhites, potentially landing a star who has constantly caused havoc against them in England’s top-flight.
Having a player of his talent would hand the new boss the added quality he needs to build on the Europa League success achieved last season, whilst also denting their rivals’ ambitions in the process.
However, whilst he may remain as many of the supporters’ first choice this window, El Khannouss could be an excellent alternative to Eze, following a similar trend should he move to North London.
The 21-year-old would replicate the Englishman in joining the club from a Championship outfit, before developing into one of the biggest threats in England’s top-flight.
Despite suffering relegation to the Championship last season, it didn’t stop the youngster from outperforming Eze in numerous key areas – arguably being a better addition for the club this summer.
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How El Khannouss & Eze compare in the PL (2024/25) |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
El Khannouss |
Eze |
|
Games played |
33 |
34 |
|
Goals & assists |
6 |
16 |
|
Progressive passes |
5.4 |
3.3 |
|
Progressive carries |
2.9 |
2.4 |
|
Goals per shot on target |
0.3 |
0.2 |
|
Pass accuracy |
75% |
74% |
|
Passes into final third |
3.8 |
1.7 |
|
Take-on success |
57% |
48% |
|
Carries into the final third |
1.9 |
1.6 |
|
Stats via FBref |
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El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “elite” by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better goal per shot on target rate last season, arguably being a more clinical option for the Lilywhites within the final third.
He also notched higher tallies for progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90, able to create more chances for his potential new teammates throughout 2025/26.
The Leicester star’s dominance is further highlighted in his higher take-on success and tally of carries into the final third, subsequently able to single-handedly create an opportunity out of nothing for Frank’s men.
£22m would be a sensational piece of business by the club, able to land a talent with bigger potential for a fraction of the cost if they decide to move for the Moroccan instead of Eze.
Given the lack of quality in such a department, given Maddison’s injury, it’s vital the club make the right addition, with El Khannouss able to fill the void and continue his development and become a leading Premier League talent in North London.
