6 moves Tottenham need to make in the January transfer window

Mourinho has a big squad at Tottenham
Mourinho has a big squad at Tottenham / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
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Things are going well for Tottenham this season.

They've started the Premier League campaign in more promising fashion than last time out and have even been mentioned as possible contenders in the title race - though losses to Liverpool and Leicester have halted that particular bandwagon.

But even after a summer of major upheaval, there's still room for improvement in Tottenham's squad. If the January transfer window was attacked positively by the north London side, 2021 may be a positive year - though we end up saying that most years, don't we?

Here are a few things Spurs can do in the upcoming transfer window.


Find a Successor for Moussa Sissoko

Sissoko has grown in importance since joining Tottenham in 2016
Sissoko has grown in importance since joining Tottenham in 2016 / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Moussa Sissoko just won't leave Tottenham.

Mauricio Pochettino didn't fancy him when he first arrived from Newcastle, but eventually the Frenchman became an important part of the squad and later a starting XI regular. Jose Mourinho seemed to have little intention of using Sissoko in central midfield and his reaction in the All or Nothing series to being told the 31-year-old is an influential member of the squad was priceless.

But there will come a point where Spurs need to move on from the France international and find someone who can perform a similar role defensively while adding more end product in attack.

Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso may be paired more often in central midfield as the months go on, but whether they can provide the same balance with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg behind them remains to be seen.


Decide What to Do With Dele Alli

Alli's chances have been limited this season
Alli's chances have been limited this season / Julian Finney/Getty Images

Seeing Alli's fall from grace has been tough for Spurs fans, and it's upsetting to see him post more about video games than the goals he scores on the pitch.

He had a difficult 2018/19 season but seemed to be getting better under Mourinho, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in the Premier League last term.

However, the England international has been ostracised ever since the 1-0 defeat to Everton on the opening day, with Mourinho opting to make his side more defensively resilient and sacrificing Alli as a result.

January is the time to figure something out for Alli. He'll still want to make England's Euro 2020 squad, but that won't happen if he's not playing.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain have been linked as potential suitors on a loan basis and it may give the former MK Dons attacker the perfect platform to display his attacking strengths.


Loan Out the Promising Youngsters

Oliver Skipp has benefitted greatly already this season by going out on loan to Norwich. He's been voted the Canaries' man of the match an alarming amount of times so far, even if those Twitter polls are being hijacked by Spurs fans.

He's one player getting valuable game time, but there are a fair few others who won't be involved as the games become more important as the season progresses.

Players like Jack Clarke, Harvey White and Dennis Cirkin could all do with half a season of competitive football, especially now last minute Europa League appearances are unlikely to come their way.


Send Gedson Fernandes Back to Benfica

Fernandes won't make the grade at Tottenham
Fernandes won't make the grade at Tottenham / Marc Atkins/Getty Images

This one just never worked out, did it?

Portugal international Fernandes joined Spurs in January 2020 on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy. However, the youngster struggled for minutes and was left out of this season's Europa League squad.

He's unlikely to get a look in anytime soon, having only been named on the bench once this season - for the 1-1 draw with Newcastle - so Spurs should just cut their losses, cancel the loan and send him back to Benfica.


Sign a Creative Midfielder

Tottenham's last out and out number ten was Christian Eriksen
Tottenham's last out and out number ten was Christian Eriksen / Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Sure, the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal have been great. They're emotional, backs to the wall performances which have fans screaming 'COME ON!!!' as phlegm splatters across the TV.

However, recent defeats to Liverpool and Leicester have shown the need for a player who can pick locks to be brought in. Ndombele and Lo Celso may end up forming a more creative partnership, but an attacking midfielder would still be desirable.

There aren't many available for decent prices, however, so seeking one out may prove more difficult.


Let Danny Rose Leave

Rose has played with Tottenham's youth sides
Rose has played with Tottenham's youth sides / James Chance/Getty Images

Nearly forgot about this one. It's time. Rose has played enough with the Under-23s, he needs to be allowed to leave and play regular football as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Just c'mon now. It's the season of giving. Give Danny his exit.


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