Conor Gallagher Tottenham
Conor Gallagher Tottenham
With the January transfer window now less than two months away, Tottenham have several important decisions to make as they look to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. From a potential new left-back to growing interest in some of their own players, here is a look at the latest transfer developments surrounding Spurs.
David Ornstein reveals Tottenham’s January transfer strategy
We have heard several reports in recent months suggesting Tottenham could take a more restrained approach to January following their huge summer spending spree, instead looking for value-for-money deals.
However, there is little doubt that a new number nine remains a priority. Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush have struggled in front of goal, and a whole host of strikers across Europe have already been linked with a move to North London.
Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe has also suggested that the club’s summer spending will not prevent them from going ‘big’ on a new centre-forward in January. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has also confirmed the same, saying:
“I think in an ideal world, the best case scenario would be to sign a new striker who can be their line leader for the next 10 years.
“What we’ve seen of their ownership in recent times and their hierarchy is that they’re prepared to go big in the market and invest heavily and back Roberto De Zerbi. “Their ambition is high, so if there were the perfect candidate on the market, I don’t have reason to think they wouldn’t go for them.
“There’s a second part of this. We’re not living in an ideal world if you look at clubs at the very top level that were linked with strikers in the summer: Barcelona and Arsenal.
“Barcelona ended up signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. Arsenal didn’t bring anyone in that department, despite the links with Julian Alvarez and others. “So that’s how tough it is in a summer market where it is said to be easier to do these deals, so that particular position is a real problem.”
ALSO READ: All 15 strikers Tottenham are linked with ahead of January transfer window – Spurs Web
Conor Gallagher Tottenham
Credit: @gragrapix / Instagram
Tottenham do not want to let Conor Gallagher leave in January
Conor Gallagher has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs ahead of January, including Everton, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Aston Villa. The England international has struggled to establish himself in De Zerbi’s strongest XI, having started just three league games this season.
Everton, in particular, have maintained a long-standing interest in the midfielder, having tracked him during his spells at Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
However, a report from Football Insider suggests Tottenham have no intention of allowing Gallagher to leave in the upcoming transfer window.
De Zerbi reportedly considers the Chelsea academy graduate a ‘valuable asset’ and is said to be a ‘big fan’ of the 26-year-old. The report also cites former Spurs scout Mick Brown, who does not expect the midfielder to depart in January.
Gallagher has largely been used as an impact substitute this season, but he has done a decent job of stabilising things in the middle of the park when called upon.
De Zerbi has always rated him highly, once saying: “When Gallagher plays like this (following Spurs 2-1 win over Aston Villa, 4 May 2026) we play with 12 players because you can find him as a striker, as a midfielder, as a full-back – everywhere on the pitch you can find him“.
It would therefore come as little surprise if the Italian wants to keep hold of him. Gallagher may not be a regular starter at the moment, but his versatility and work-rate make him a useful option to have around.
Tottenham could turn to Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde for left-back cover
Destiny Udogie has started just twice in the Premier League this season because of recurring fitness problems, something that has troubled him throughout his three-and-a-half years at Tottenham. Summer signing Andy Robertson has consequently had to fill in for much of the campaign.
The Scot has done a decent job, but at 32, he is well beyond his peak years. Spurs could certainly do with a more reliable long-term option at left-back, and an interesting name has emerged in recent days.
According to reports from Spain, Tottenham are among the clubs monitoring Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, who has struggled for regular minutes under Hansi Flick. The 22-year-old is reportedly aware that he is unlikely to become a regular in the Catalan side and has asked his agent, Jorge Mendes, to explore potential destinations.
A move to the Premier League is believed to be his preferred option, with Mendes already in contact with several English clubs.
However, Spurs are far from alone in their interest. Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are also aware of the conditions required to sign him, while Manchester City are reportedly in the mix.
Barcelona are said to be seeking around €40 million (£33.3 million) for the left-back, although they could also consider a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy. A final decision on Balde’s future is expected to be made by the player and his representatives in December.
Pedro Porro Tottenham
Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / Instagram
Pedro Porro’s Tottenham future remains uncertain despite his new contract
Tottenham were rather clever to tie Pedro Porro down to a new contract before his World Cup triumph, as the Spaniard’s stock has risen considerably since then. However, the new deal has done little to put an end to speculation surrounding his future.
Barcelona and Real Madrid were interested in the right-back even before he extended his contract, and neither appears to have been deterred by the agreement.
Reports over recent weeks have suggested Barcelona have been in contact with Porro’s representatives about a potential move to Camp Nou.
Sources have even claimed the Catalan club had asked the Spain international to help lower Tottenham’s asking price, with a January or summer transfer being considered. Real Madrid have also reportedly kept the possibility of signing him open.
Porro did little to quieten the speculation when asked about Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s reported admiration for him. Speaking to Sport, he said:
“Really?! I hadn’t seen that. Well, it’s flattering coming from him. It’s nice that the president of another club, one that isn’t mine, likes me. It probably means I’m doing things well.”
“I have a contract with my club, and I’m very happy there. I also have to respect my club. Obviously, that’s football; things come out, rumours come out. But I’m focused on the national team now, and then we’ll see.”
“Yes, of course it’s flattering. When the best clubs in the world are interested in you, or at least that’s what you’re telling me, it’s always good. It probably means you’re doing your job well, so you just have to keep going in the same direction.”
TEAMtalk have also suggested that Tottenham recognise the appeal of a move to either the Santiago Bernabeu or Camp Nou for the 27-year-old, who is contracted to the North London club until 2031.
However, Spurs are not expected to let him go cheaply. It is claimed that it would take a world-record fee for a full-back to prise Porro away, surpassing the £57 million Paris Saint-Germain paid for Achraf Hakimi in 2021.
Neither Spanish giant appears to have been deterred by that valuation, though, with intermediaries continuing to explore whether a deal could be possible.