Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements during the current transfer window, especially if Thomas Frank is to be a success in North London.
The Dane has certainly struggled in the role since taking the reins in the summer, as seen by the Lilywhites currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table.
However, his attacking department has become somewhat depleted in recent weeks, with a solution needed to the issues before the end of the transfer window.
Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of action for a couple of months after limping off against Sunderland, whilst Brennan Johnson has left the club to join Crystal Palace.
As a result, numerous players have been identified as potential reinforcements, but it remains to be seen how much the hierarchy would splash on new additions.
Spurs want move to land £87m talisman this January
In an attempt to bolster the attacking department, Spurs have identified Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential addition before the January window closes.
The Norwegian international has also been on the radar of numerous other Premier League clubs this month, with the likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest also keen on the 25-year-old.
However, any deal would likely cost a pretty penny, with Rob Edwards’ side currently demanding a fee in the region of £40m to offload their talisman during the ongoing window.
Strand Larsen isn’t the only number nine currently in the Lilywhites’ sights at present, with Porto sensation Samu another star that’s currently admired by the hierarchy.
According to A Bola via Sport Witness, the Spurs hierarchy have consistently monitored his progress over recent months, even being spotted watching the Spaniard earlier this week.
The report also states that Frank’s men would be open to making a potential move, but it would be an expensive addition, with the 21-year-old costing as much as €100m (£87m).
Why Samu would be the perfect Richarlison upgrade
Since Frank’s appointment during the summer, Brazilian forward Richarlison has been the club’s starting number nine with Dominic Solanke missing the majority of the campaign through injury.
The 28-year-old has racked up 21 appearances in the league to date, scoring seven times – the highest of any player the squad – but it appears as though he’s set to miss an extended period of action.
He limped off in the 31st minute of the FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa, with Frank confirming the striker is set to miss the next two months after tests were conducted.
Randal Kolo Muani will likely inherit the starting role until Solanke gets up to full fitness, which showcases the lack of depth in the centre-forward position.
As a result, it’s no doubt fuelled a potential move for Samu before the end of the January market, with the Porto star offering an end to the current number nine issues.
He’s been in tremendous form in the Liga Portugal, catapulting the side to the top of the table, subsequently creating a seven-point gap to second-placed Sporting CP.
When comparing his subsequent stats to those of Richarlison in 2025/26, Samu has dominated in various key areas, which highlight why he’d be able to solve the current issue in the final third.
Samu, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored more goals than the Brazilian this season, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.
Such numbers showcase his incredible ability to trouble the opposition in front of goal, with his figures handing Frank the clinical nature he’s lacked since taking the reins.
How Samu & Richarlison compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Samu
Richarlison
Games played
16
21
Goals scored
12
7
Shot on target accuracy
54%
36%
Pass accuracy
71%
60%
Shot-creating actions
2.6
1.4
Take-on success
45%
43%
Aerials won
47%
37%
Goals per 90
0.96
0.47
Stats via FBref
The Spaniard has also posted a better goal per 90 record this campaign, nearly managing to score a goal per game at present, with such a tally nearly two times higher than Richarlison’s.
However, away from his goalscoring record, the Porto star has further demonstrated his all-round quality, as seen by his higher tally of passes completed and aerials won.
The aforementioned areas would allow the Lilywhites to have a focal point to play off, which in turn could allow other forwards to improve their own tallies.
£87m would be a mammoth sum – subsequently breaking the club’s record – but it’s one that would hand them an elite-level talisman for at least the next decade.
If he can replicate such levels in North London, Samu could easily end the career of Richarlison at the club, with the Brazilian having no chance of returning to the role upon his return to action.
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