There is no doubt that January will be a crucial month for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur, with signings and the return of injured players.
Postecoglou has been successful with a small squad, but one that is not quite suited to the club’s high ambitions this season.
But with Tottenham now firmly back in contention for a top-four finish and even the title, additions will be needed.
Radu Dragusin is a name strongly linked to Tottenham, with some even considering the centre-back close to a transfer.
In addition to the defender, Spurs are also reportedly looking to acquire a centre forward and a striker in January.
Of course, the catalyst for these January moves is the injury to James Maddison, a player who has no natural replacement in this Tottenham squad.
Having said that, Athletic have now announced when Maddison might return.
The English centre-forward is recovering from an ankle ligament injury he suffered almost two months ago.
According to this report, it is now hoped that he will be able to return later this month.
Tottenham’s James Maddison is expected to return from injury at the end of January
Perhaps Maddison is now planning a comeback against Brentford just before the end of the month.
In February, the match schedule increases again, so Maddison’s return would be very welcome.
The £40 million for Maddison now looks an absolute bargain as he is a player who has almost immediately instigated positive change.
And although it is difficult to find that kind of value in the January transfer window, Daniel Levy will certainly be pushing for it.
Although the deal won’t come cheap, Tottenham should now be interested in a deal with a player who already has many admirers at the club.
Tottenham will certainly see a lot of changes in January, and Maddison and Micky van de Ven returning from injury will provide important stability.
Although Cristian Romero has been surprising the Spurs staff this season with his new characteristics, he is unlikely to return to the pitch until February – which makes the quick January reinforcements all the more important.