Tottenham transfers: Todibo & Branthwaite interest, Hojbjerg could dictate Gallagher move
Tottenham Hotspur were able to conduct the majority of their January transfer business towards the start of the window, which is a change of pace from previous years.
Chairman Daniel Levy has been known to wrap up transactions later in the window in order to try and get the best possible value out of a deal and keep options open, but Spurs moved swiftly this month to bring in Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig and Radu Dragusin on a permanent deal from Genoa.
With time running out to buy and sell this month, here’s what else is on Spurs‘ agenda.
Prior to signing Dragusin, Tottenham asked Ligue 1 side Nice about the availability of France centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, but were put off by the €60m asking price.
Though Spurs have still been linked with Todibo in the weeks after Dragusin’s arrival, 90min understands there are no plans to resurrect their interest this window. Tottenham could return with a fresh approach in the summer should they desire another defender, but by then Todibo could be the subject of interest and bids from several other teams whose January business has been disrupted by Financial Fair Play or Profit & Sustainability worries.
Another centre-back Tottenham admire is Jarrad Brainthwaite, but again there will not be any movement in January, not least because Everton do not want to sell him at this moment in time.
Branthwaite is being considered by Spurs as a potential summer target, and they may even move for him out of opportunism should Everton be relegated to the Championship – Tottenham pounced quickly to sign James Maddison from Leicester City last summer following their relegation.
Spurs are not the only side with eyes on Branthwaite however, with Manchester United also interested in the 21-year-old.
Tottenham may hold onto Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg until the summer window despite interest from across Europe.
Italian champions Napoli recently ended their pursuit of the midfielder, though their Serie A rivals Juventus could yet reignite their own interest having missed out on the loan signing of Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips to West Ham United.
Atletico Madrid made a loan offer to Tottenham towards the end of the summer 2023 window but there is no indication they will return for Hojbjerg.
Having seen his game-time increased in recent months due to Spurs‘ well-documented injury struggles, Hojbjerg could remain in north London until the end of the season and reevaluate his future then.
If Hojbjerg does depart though, Spurs could make a last-ditch bid for Conor Gallagher. Chelsea would expect a minimum of £45m plus bonuses – the most significant fee of the January window. It would not be an easy deal to get done, but it would be of no surprise if Tottenham at least formally enquire about Gallagher should Hojbjerg leave before the deadline.
Tottenham have already rejected a bid worth nearly £20m from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr for Emerson Royal, and they could yet receive another offer before the transfer deadline.
Al Nassr, whose star players include Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, are on the hunt for a new right-back. They also hold an interest in Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but the Red Devils also anticipate keeping hold of him this window. The summer might be a different story.
The same can be said for Tottenham and Emerson, with neither party looking to end their association this month. The Brazil international is happy in north London and has been afforded several opportunities in Ange Postecoglou’s setup this season, filling in all across the backline.
Emerson joined Spurs for a £25.8m fee from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 and has gradually established himself as a popular player among both fans and teammates.