Spurs Forced Back into Transfer Market as Creativity Concerns Grow | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Midfield Crisis Grows as Injuries Mount and Son Departure Nears

Creativity Void Looms Large in Spurs Midfield

Tottenham’s summer, once full of optimism under Thomas Frank, has taken a concerning turn. The Athletic’s latest report details how the club’s midfield options have been decimated by injury, raising urgent questions about squad depth just weeks before the season begins.

James Maddison’s knee injury during Sunday’s friendly against Newcastle has left fans and club officials holding their breath. “The big question for Spurs is whether Maddison’s knee injury forces them back into the market to add some creative quality before the end of the window.” With Dejan Kulusevski also sidelined, creativity is fast becoming a glaring issue.

Tottenham made an ambitious move for Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer, with a £60 million bid lodged. But Forest held firm. The lack of a back-up plan has exposed a thin core. “With Gibbs-White staying at Forest, and Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both down with knee injuries, Spurs have a serious lack of midfield to start the season.”

Frank’s philosophy relies on midfield balance and control. Right now, that foundation is under threat.

Photo IMAGO

Palhinha Provides Stability But Not Spark

There was one positive development for Spurs this week. Joao Palhinha has arrived on loan from Bayern Munich. The Portugal international brings Premier League pedigree from his spell at Fulham and fills a long-standing gap at the base of midfield.

As noted by The Athletic, “Tottenham have lacked a solid defensive midfielder for years.” Palhinha’s strengths, such as interceptions, ball recoveries, positioning, offer much-needed protection. He may not be the marquee name fans expected, but he is a player Thomas Frank knows how to utilise.

The issue remains, though. Palhinha is a defensive anchor. He does not solve the creative void left by Maddison, or the wide playmaking threat missing without Kulusevski.

Photo IMAGO

Squad Depth Tested Across All Positions

While midfield is the immediate concern, Spurs are also short elsewhere. A new left-sided defender is on the wishlist, and another centre-forward could be needed if Son Heung-min’s transfer to LAFC is confirmed.

In defence, there is reason for concern. Radu Dragusin is recovering from an ACL injury, Kota Takai is out with a foot problem, and Luka Vuskovic is likely to go on loan. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are first-choice, but both missed key stretches last season. As The Athletic reports, “Spurs need more depth and quality to enable them to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League.”

Thomas Frank knows this. His backline was the foundation of Brentford’s solidity. At Tottenham, he wants more security, especially in light of last season’s injury crisis under Postecoglou.

End of an Era as Son Prepares for Farewell

Sunday was also marked by emotion. Son Heung-min, the heartbeat of the club for the last decade, played what is likely to be his final game for Spurs. “Negotiations are currently ongoing for a move to LAFC, and Son played 66 minutes of the friendly against Newcastle before he was taken off to huge applause.”

Photo: IMAGO

Few players have connected with fans quite like Son. His departure, though expected, feels seismic. Tottenham will bank around £20 million, near enough what they paid for him ten years ago. But replacing his influence on and off the pitch is another challenge for a club already juggling too many.

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For Tottenham fans, this week has been unsettling. The Maddison injury alone is enough to send alarm bells ringing. Losing him, even temporarily, removes the one player capable of threading passes, breaking lines and keeping the tempo high. Without him and Kulusevski, it is hard to see how Spurs start the season with rhythm or attacking spark.

Palhinha’s arrival is welcome, no doubt. He’s strong, smart and proven in England. But fans know he is there to do a different job. He is the destroyer, not the creator. So why haven’t Spurs followed through with another playmaker signing? The failed bid for Gibbs-White shows intent, but intent does not fill gaps on the pitch.

Then there’s Son. His goodbye was beautiful and heart-breaking. No matter how ready the club is to move on, fans will struggle to imagine life without him. That kind of energy cannot be manufactured. It must be replaced, and right now, there is little sign of that happening.

Supporters want to believe in Frank’s project. But belief needs action, and this month could define the direction of the entire season.