With the January transfer window just about a week away, Antonio Conte is no doubt already assessing the Tottenham Hotspur squad and is ready to bring in new faces he feels he needs. Historically, the January transfer window has provided a difficult challenge for clubs looking to bring players into the fold. That said, while we should not expect major changes from Conte and Fabio Paratici, the expectation is for Spurs is to bring in a few new players that could improve the overall level of the dressing room and bolster the options Conte will have to choose from.
Given their games in hand, Spurs are more than capable of finishing in the Top 4 — something that any Spurs fan would have felt was impossible just two months ago when Spurs were put to the sword against Arsenal. That being said, it will obviously be an extremely important window for the club to make the correct moves.
With the club switching from Nuno Espírito Santo to Conte, the scope of positions that needed improvement have certainly changed. Due to Nuno’s preference of a back four during his tenure at Spurs, the lack of emphasis of creativity in the midfield was abundantly clear and it was easily the most-needed position to upgrade. Now with Conte, Spurs’ ball-progression abilities have obviously improved given that the group looks to be a bit more capable with better attacking patterns. However, with Conte’s extreme reliance on quality wingback play, the position will be the area the club looks to add reinforcements.
Putting on our Paratici thinking caps here and knowing that Daniel Levy will be very involved, let’s discuss some options at each position of need.
Reports have suggested that Spurs will be targeting a forward and right wingback in January. In looking at wingbacks in particular, it has become clear under Conte that Spurs need a bit more consistency from their options. I have mentioned before how Spurs seem OK on the left side with their options in Sergio Reguilón and Ryan Sessegnon. However, on the right, the only reliable option is really Emerson Royal, who has showcased some struggles, particularly in attack, adapting to the wingback role. Behind him, Matt Doherty seems primed for a move away and Japhet Tanganga is likely more of a right centerback in the back three. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Spurs are targeting improvements at the position, despite recently adding at the position over the summer in Emerson.
In attack, Conte has consistently selected Harry Kane. But given the Englishman’s injury history as well as the bevy of games Spurs will have over the next few months, more options will be needed. Spurs supporters have long called for a second striker to be brought in, so it also comes as no surprise that the club will be looking to improve the options in attack.