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'Be careful'- Dimitar Berbatov warns Tottenham not to ‘breed problems’ in the January transfer window

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 9:12 AM ET

Tottenham are looking to bring in more attacking reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window

Tottenham have made a positive start to the new Premier League season, even though they have already lost three home matches under Thomas Frank. The Lilywhites are just one point behind the top-four positions and look well placed to secure European football once they improve their home form in the coming months.

However, there are still some clear issues within the squad that need addressing if the North London club are to close the gap on their rivals this season. The biggest concern remains the lack of a reliable goal scorer who can consistently find the back of the net. Tottenham have struggled with inconsistency in the final third, which has not helped Thomas Frank as he looks to build on last season’s Europa League success.

Richarlison, similar to previous seasons, has not been able to maintain his early-season momentum. The Brazilian is currently on a ten-match goal drought and has failed to take his chances under Frank. Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke is recovering from an ankle injury. The England international is running out of time to prove himself at N17, with reports suggesting that Frank could be open to letting the former Bournemouth striker leave in January.

Tottenham must remain careful while signing a new striker

Tottenham clearly need a new centre-forward if they want to close the gap in the second half of the campaign and push for European qualification. The Lilywhites lack a strong presence up front, someone who can get the team out of tight situations and consistently make an impact in attacking areas.

However, club icon Dimitar Berbatov has warned that signing a new striker could cause unnecessary disruption within the dressing room. Speaking to talkSPORT, Berbatov said,

“Sometimes you need to be careful because it can breed problems. Because football players, especially the strikers, big egos, big personalities. We all think we are the special one, the chosen one, and sometimes that can lead to more trouble in the team.”

Berbatov believes that bringing in a new striker can sometimes create issues due to strong personalities and egos that centre-forwards often possess. According to him, most strikers see themselves as special, which can make selection difficult for the manager and potentially cause tension within the squad.

A successful striker must have confidence and a strong mentality in order to perform under pressure. But it is equally important to think about the team first and prioritise the club over individual ambition. So far, Frank has managed the forwards at his disposal effectively. Tottenham’s attackers understand that the manager rotates his front line based on tactical needs and performance levels.

Now, Spurs are considering a move for Ivan Toney from Al Ahli in January as they look to strengthen their attack for the second half of the season. Toney is known for his strong character and desire to play regularly, especially with the World Cup squad selection in the future. Signing him could present a challenge for Tottenham, as he may become unsettled if he is not consistently selected.

So, it remains to be seen how Spurs deal with the issue and whether they still go on and sign a new centre-forward in the coming months.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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