Competition intensifies for £50m Ligue 1 star; Can Tottenham come out on top?

So far, Frank has alternated between Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson in that position, but neither have shown the consistency required to make the role their own. The manager has also experimented with Xavi Simons on the left flank, though the Dutchman has consistently proven to be more effective in the central No. 10 position, where he can influence play more directly.

Tottenham aiming to bring in Lyon star Malick Fofana in January

Given how crucial a dynamic left-winger is to Frank’s tactical setup, Tottenham are expected to prioritize strengthening that position once the January transfer window opens. The club’s goal is clear, to find a long-term successor to Son. But they will need to navigate the market carefully to avoid another mid-season misstep.

Recent reports suggest that Spurs are interested in signing Malick Fofana from Lyon. The highly rated 20-year-old Belgian has reportedly expressed his desire to test himself against elite opposition and take the next step in his career. The Lilywhites view Fofana as an ideal heir to Son, believing he possesses the raw ability and potential to develop into a world-class player under Frank’s guidance.

However, landing the young Belgian may not be as easy as it sounds for the North London club. As per Caught Offside, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Inter Milan are all tracking Fofana’s progress at Lyon as they aim to make a move for him in the coming months. The talented forward has made some huge strides in France, so there is no surprise that a lot of top European clubs are willing to add him to their ranks.

Lyon have placed a £50m price tag for his services, and rightly so. Fofana enjoyed a productive campaign for Lyon last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 41 games across all competitions. And credit to him, the 20-year-old has continued that good form this time around as well, scoring two goals and providing an assist in nine games. His blend of pace, dribbling ability, and directness in attack makes him one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe.

For Tottenham, signing Fofana could prove to be a masterstroke, both in the short and long term. The Belgian would not only add much-needed depth and competition on the left-flank, but also align perfectly with the club’s strategy of investing in youth with high upside. His explosive speed, elite close control, and goal-scoring instinct could bring a new dimension to Spurs’ attack as they look to build on last season’s Europa League success.