After weeks of hunting for a new attacking midfielder, Thomas Frank looks finally about to land a new talent to his Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad.
Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were two players constantly on their radar, but ultimately, the Lilywhites missed out on the aforementioned duo for various reasons.
However, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise, after the hierarchy agreed a deal to land RB Leipzig talent Xavi Simons, despite the Dutchman previously agreeing terms with Chelsea.
It’s been reported that a €60m (£52m) deal has been agreed for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the youngster even completing his medical after travelling to North London yesterday.
Despite the agreement for Simons, it appears as though Frank and Co. aren’t done in this summer window, subsequently targeting other players before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Spurs’ hunt for new additions after Simons
Over the last couple of weeks, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs – but no deal has yet been agreed for the Brazilian.
Talks have been held between the two clubs to try and reach an agreement, leading to the Hammers placing a £60m price tag on the 27-year-old’s head.
However, he’s not the only player who’s been on their radar during the summer window, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss still in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
They claim that Frank’s men could still make a move for the Moroccan, reporting that a late deal could be landed for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder on deadline day.
It also states that the manager and the staff behind the scenes are constantly monitoring his situation, with the youngster seen as a player who can add further quality to the current side – potentially being available for just £22m.
Why Spurs’ £22m transfer target is just like Paqueta
A deal for a star from West Ham may appear controversial, given the rivalry, but it wouldn’t be the first time this summer, after previously completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian has already made an immediate impact in North London, registering two assists in his first two Premier League outings under new boss Frank.
Should they agree a deal for Paqueta, he would be the latest star from Graham Potter’s side to make the move, but it would be a huge investment given his £60m asking price.
The pending deal for Simons could potentially put such a move on the back burner, which could make El Khannouss a more cost-effective squad option for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.
Whilst many supporters will raise their eyebrows at such a move, given the Foxes’ relegation last campaign, the Moroccan still managed to be labelled as a similar player to Paqueta by FBref.
When comparing his stats to those of the Brazilian from 2024/25, El Khannouss managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb addition to the side this summer.
The Leicester star, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more combined goals and assists, whilst also achieving a better shot on target rate in front of goal – a record that would hand the Lilywhites an added threat in the final third.
Games played
33
33
Goals & assists
6
4
Shot on target accuracy
23%
7%
Progressive passes
5.9
5.8
Key passes made
1.7
1.3
Shot-creating actions
3.2
3.1
Take-on success
57%
44%
Progressive carries
2.9
0.9
Carries into the final third
1.9
1.2
However, an attacking midfielder is mainly responsible for chance creation – something which the Moroccan demonstrated in abundance throughout 2024/25.
He bettered Paqueta for both key passes made per 90, whilst creating more shooting opportunities for his teammates, having all the tools to thrive behind the striker in North London.
El Khannouss’ talents with the ball at his feet are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, subsequently taking the ball into the final third on more occasions in the Premier League last campaign.
There’s no denying that all the Spurs faithful are hugely focused on a deal to land Simons – and rightfully so given his mammoth transfer fee, which has seen him edge closer to completing his move.
However, El Khannouss would be an excellent backup to the Dutchman, with his potential late arrival handing Frank the added squad depth he’s been craving since taking the reins.