Tottenham Hotspur’s start to life under manager Thomas Frank has been a mixed bag.
Spurs sit in 11th place on the Premier League table, but are in a decent position in the Champions League.
The North Londoners have shown promise with the Danish tactician at the helm, but are missing a few ingredients needed to challenge consistently for major honours.
Tottenham need reinforcement in the transfer window to complete the squad, and with the market becoming increasingly competitive, the transfer team needs to be inventive.
The French and Portuguese markets offer good value for money, and Tottenham should consider shopping there for their defensive midfield, left wing, and centre-forward needs.
Defensive midfield
Tottenham signed Joao Palhinha on loan, and he has been a revelation in the engine room.
Spurs should make his transfer permanent, but the club still needs a younger deputy for the 30-year-old.
The Europa League winners could use the services of Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old broke out last season and has continued to shine for the French side this term.
Bouaddi is a rangy but surprisingly imposing ball-winner with remarkable physicality. His ability to ride challenges and carry the ball forward is equally impressive.
Despite recently signing a contract extension, rumours persist that he could still be on the move this summer, and Spurs should be at the front of the queue for his signature.
Unlike Palhinha, he wants to get on the ball as much as possible and always presents good options to receive it, earning attention across Europe for his skill set.
Also, don’t be deceived by his age. He is an experienced professional with two seasons under his belt. He would be quite the pick-up for Spurs.
Striker
With Dominic Solanke failing to justify his £65 million switch from Bournemouth and Randal Kolo Muani not showing enough to justify a permanent transfer, Tottenham need a new striker.
The North London side should follow through with a move for FC Porto hitman Samu Aghehowa. Spurs have been linked to the Spanish international, and he is quite the prospect.
The 21-year-old has 13 goals in 20 appearances for the Portuguese giants this season, spearheading them to the top of the log with a game in hand.
Last term, he bagged 27 goals in 45 appearances, announcing himself as one of the best young strikers in the game, and Spurs should be all over him.
His touch can be raw, but his physicality, power, and ruthless finishing ability will improve Tottenham.
Left wing
Spurs failed to replace Son Heung-min, and that decision continues to haunt the club.
There is no difference-maker in that position, and Tottenham should be lining up for Marseille star Igor Paixao following his brilliant debut campaign in France.
Igor initially struggled after his summer switch from Feyenoord, but he has found his groove, registering seven goals and three assists in 19 appearances.
He is a fearless and tenacious dribbler with end product to boot. His ability to cut inside and go outside makes him an unstoppable force, and Tottenham need to be in the mix for his signature.
The 25-year-old is about to hit his prime, and Tottenham need to convince him about a move to N17.
Igor can provide the spark and inspiration that Spurs are desperately missing down the left flank, and he should be on the club’s transfer radar.