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Tottenham eyeing Real Madrid star to fill James Maddison-sized midfield void

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 3:08 PM ET

Tottenham are considering a move for Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz in the wake of James Maddison’s knee injury

Tottenham Hotspur are undergoing squad rebuild under new boss Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer.

in Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, the Lilywhites have made some exciting signings in this summer transfer window and they remain in the market for more. The unfortunate injury to James Maddison has struck a big blow to Thomas Frank’s plans heading into the new season.

Before Maddison’s injury which is looking to be a serious one, Spurs were interested in signing a creative midfielder in the form of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. But, a move collapsed and Gibbs-White ended up signing a three-year contract with Nottingham Forest. To make matters complicated, Dejan Kulusevski is set to miss the opening games of the new season as he is yet to heal fully after undergoing knee surgery in May.

As things stand, Kudus will likely shoulder the team’s creative burden for the start of the 2025/26 season. There is an immediate requirement for a new No.10 to act as Kudus’ backup, especially if Maddison is ruled out for long term.

Real Madrid attacker is on Thomas Frank’s transfer wishlist

Now, according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz is on Tottenham gaffer’s wishlist. Spurs are considering a move for the Morocco international in the wake of Maddison’s injury.

Brahim Diaz had an overall decent 2024/25 campaign for Real Madrid, racking up four goals and two assists in 31 La Liga appearances. The versatile attacker managed only 16 league starts due to fierce competition under Carlo Ancelotti. With Xabi Alonso replacing Ancelotti at the club’s helm, it was thought that there would be a new opportunity, but the competition in his position remains intense.

This could significantly reduce the Malaga-born talent’s playing time at Santiago Bernabeu next season. While this may lead him to reconsider his future, the aforementioned report adds new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has already made it known internally that he views Brahim crucial to his plans moving forward.

What should be Tottenham’s play?

Real unwilling to listen to offers for Brahim should come as a blow for Spurs. Frank has him on his transfer wishlist, but Brahim wants to continue at Real and prove himself under the new boss.

The Morocco international would have been a smart fit in Frank’s system, offering creativity, versatility, speed, energy and dynamism. He can be used through the middle as a No.10, in a midfield three or out wide, as well as off the bench against tiring defences. However, as the Spanish giants are planning to keep him at the club, Daniel Levy and Co. must turn their attention elsewhere to sign a creative midfielder before the 2025/26 campaign commences.

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

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