Tottenham Hotspur’s ability to pull top-level talent in the transfer market has been reflected by their move to land Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer.
The Ghanaian has been a key threat in the Premier League over the last couple of years, scoring 13 times in his two seasons across the capital with the Hammers.
Before moving to join the Lilywhites, the 25-year-old was on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich – but decided in favour of a move to join Thomas Frank’s men.
He’s already made an immediate impact with his new side, registering two assists in his first four Premier League outings – the most of any player in the first-team squad.
Whilst it’s still early days for Kudus in his career in North London, he has already adhered himself to the fanbase – potentially benefitting from one player’s talents had the board kept hold of him.
Harry Kane’s record-breaking spell as a Spurs player
No Spurs fan would have ever expected Harry Kane to have had the impact he did in North London after making his senior debut for the club as a youngster back in August 2011.
He would have to wait three years for his first start, but once he forced himself into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, there was no looking back for the former academy star.
Fast-forward to the present day, the 32-year-old managed to rack up 280 goals for the Lilywhites in his 435 appearances – scoring over 30 goals in 50% of his decade-long spell in the first-team.
Such a record makes him the club’s highest-ever goalscorer, whilst also sitting second in the Premier League’s all-time scoring chart – with only Alan Shearer scoring more at present.
However, despite his phenomenal nouse for scoring goals, he was unable to catapult the Lilywhites to any silverware, which led to his transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for £82m.
Since joining the Bundesliga outfit, the Englishman has netted 93 goals in his 102 outings, further highlighting his talent in attacking areas – undoubtedly going down as one of the best English forwards in football history.
His move away from North London has left a huge void over the last couple of seasons, with new boss Frank hoping that one player can step up to the plate over the next couple of campaigns.
The Spurs player who could be their best forward since Kane
Whilst Kane was more often the man to finish off chances for Spurs, he also struck up an incredible partnership with Heung-min Son in the final third over countless years.
The Englishman and the South Korean linked up for 47 Premier League goals throughout their time together, sitting at the top for the most goals created by a single two-player partnership in Premier League history.
However, the latter of the pair also departed the Lilywhites this summer, joining LAFC in a £20m transfer – leaving yet another huge hole for Frank to fill in his first year at the helm.
As a result, the hierarchy delved into the transfer market and completed the £52m signing of forward Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old can either operate in a central role behind the striker or off the left-hand side, subsequently offering the Dane a versatile option within attacking areas.
The Dutchman has arrived in England with huge expectations, and understandably so given his record in Germany last campaign, with the youngster registering 19 goal contributions in just 33 outings.
Whilst he’s yet to notch his first goal for the Lilywhites, he’s already caught the eye in his first two outings – even registering an assist for Pape Matar Sarr in the 3-0 triumph over West Ham United last weekend.
Simons, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has already racked up over 160 senior appearances despite his tender age, with his underlying stats from his first handful of Spurs games already catching the eye.
The Dutchman has already created three chances in his first two outings – the most of any Lilywhites player in that time – showcasing the creative spark he possesses despite his youthful age.
Games played
2
Minutes played
148
Assists
1
Shots taken
3
Pass accuracy
80%
Successful passes
52
Chances created
3
Dribble success
75%
Dribbles completed
4
Fouls won
3
He’s also completed 75% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst winning three fouls – tallies which highlight the danger he has already caused to the opposition during his bedding-in period.
Simons’ tally of 1.5 shots per 90 also highlights he’s more than capable of going alone when needed, but he just needs his first goal in English football to help kickstart his spell under Frank.
£52m may appear to be a mammoth investment by the board, but it’s one that could be worthwhile if he can continue producing the calibre of performances he has in the early stages of his Spurs career.
Given the levels produced by Kane in North London, he certainly has a long way to go before getting near his cult hero status, but there’s no disputing he has bags of time on his hands.
If he can carry on his superb start in England, there’s no reason why he can’t be the club’s best attacker since the English international – potentially able to write a new history for the side under Frank’s guidance.
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