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French journo warns Tottenham about key summer signing; not an upgrade over Brazilian star

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 9:20 AM ET

Julian Laurens believes Randal Kolo Muani is far from a difference making addition to Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur had been looking to bring in a new striker along the summer transfer window, as Daniel Levy wanted to add some firepower up front, and after shuffling between picks all summer, he chose to make a surprise move for French striker Randal Kolo Muani.

The Frenchman was subject to talks with Juventus, who had spent weeks trying to negotiate a move for the 26-year-old, but the Lilywhites came in at the last minute to secure his signatures. The North Londoners have held long-term admiration of the French striker, given how the Lilywhites also tried to sign him back in January when Ange Postecoglou was still in charge of the proceedings at Tottenham.

The North Londoners brought Muani from PSG on a vanilla loan deal in the final hours of deadline day of the recently concluded summer transfer window. Given the injury to Dominik Solanke, this is a major coup in terms of depth for Thomas Frank’s roster. The Dane head coach will get someone who is a versatile presence upfront, given how he can lead the line or play out wide, whilst he also brings that Champions League and World Cup pedigree with him.

But not everyone has been convinced about his signing.

Laurens questions Tottenham signing Muani

French football expert Julien Laurens gave us a mixed assessment of the North Londoners securing his services. He did praise the attitude and versatility that Kolo Muani possesses but then went on to question whether he solves the real problem that Tottenham have at the moment (creativity).

Laurens told ESPN FC:

“It’s not a bad deal for Spurs. He’s a good player, he’s a good kid, really. Not the most clinical, not the most gifted technically too, but he started well at Juventus, he can play in different positions, he runs, he can press, he’s got the right mentality.

“But I’m not sure how much him arriving at the club, and yes, there is Richarlison and Solanke, and I can see him playing ahead of them if he does better and he takes his chances.

“I’m just not sure how much this moves the needle for Spurs in this huge season, where they will be back in the Champions League.

“As we saw against Bournemouth, they were so inoffensive. I’m not sure Kolo Muani, if you bring him in instead of Richarlison in the team that lost to Bournemouth, changes this.”

Tottenham need Kolo Muani to step up

If we are talking about this from Tottenham’s point of view, the aforementioned doubts around Kolo Muani show exactly what he is (and in a sense what he isn’t). The 26-year-old may not be the ruthless finisher that the Lilywhites faithful have been asking for, but then he gives you something that Frank clearly values a lot. He brings that sense of pressing and movement in the front line, complemented by his ability to stretch defences.

Playing in a team who already have those creative dynamos in James Maddison (once fit) and now Xavi Simons, his role will be more about making those passes shine. And whether that proves enough to take this Tottenham team deep in the Champions League remains to be seen. But Laurens has his warning clear: Kolo Muani is no silver bullet.

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

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