Why Spurs must sign £70m winger alongside Folarin Balogun this summer

Roberto De Zerbi must have been promised the earth if he kept Tottenham Hotspur in the division because this has been one of the best transfer windows we can ever remember for Spurs.

The Lilywhites have finished the last two Premier League campaigns in 17th place and the owners are in no mood to see them embroiled in a relegation battle again.

They have broken their transfer record twice, strengthened their defence considerably and sold their captain, Cristian Romero, to Atletico Madrid.

It’s been a busy time alright, but they are still missing a couple of additions at the top end of the pitch. In recent days, Folarin Balogun is the name on everybody’s lips. They are reportedly in talks to sign the USA international and he is keen on a move.

How Folarin Balogun compares to Dominic Solanke

The starting XI at Tottenham next season already looks so much stronger. If they are down at the bottom of the league again, it would be remarkable.

Instead, Spurs look as though they are in the hunt to qualify for a Champions League place. Anything less than that would be a failure considering the money they have spent.

However, they still need a new striker. The much-maligned Richarlison ended 2025/26 as the club’s top scorer with 12 to his name which rather says it all.

They did suffer from Dominic Solanke’s injury. He missed pretty much all of the Thomas Frank era and only scored six goals in 20 matches. As the search for a clinical Harry Kane successor goes on, there is a realisation that the former Bournemouth centre-forward is not their man.

Perhaps Balogun could be? Compared to Solanke, he looks a class above.

Last term, the former Arsenal man bagged as many as 19 goals in all competitions during what was one of the best seasons of his professional career.

For Monaco, Balogun showcased why he is one of the most clinical centre-forwards in Europe right now but he’s not a one trick pony. Compared to Solanke, he’s a more creative threat, providing more big chances from open play for his teammates.

Furthermore, he’s so much more progressive with his actions. While the USA star may not be as good in the air, when possession is on the floor – as it is likely to be under De Zerbi – he will offer plenty.

Should a deal for Balogun be explored and indeed completed, they will need to surround him with more creativity.

Why Spurs must partner Balogun with £70m winger

One of the biggest problems at Tottenham last term was a lack of creativity. With James Maddison missing much of the campaign, Dejan Kulusveski absent for the whole season and Mohammed Kudus sitting out the back end of proceedings, it was hardly a surprise.

Maddison is back for the start of 2026/27 while Kulusveski is in first-team training. Kudus is still out but it will hopefully not be too long before he is in the reckoning again.

However, there is a sense that Spurs are still light in attack heading into the first Premier League game with Brentford on Saturday 22nd August.

Perhaps Savinho is the answer then? The Lilywhites have wanted to complete a deal for much of the summer window and it would appear that they are finally closing in on a move that is set to be worth around £70m. Sport Witness has revealed that the Manchester City winger has already spoken to De Zerbi multiple times on the phone and he appears to be convinced that joining is the right thing to do.

Tottenham have struggled to close a deal with City but there is a belief that things are now moving in a positive direction. Ben Jacobs, reporting on the Last Word on Spurs late on Wednesday night said: “It’s basically agreed verbally in terms of club to club finances. The money is not an issue. Club to club negotiations have never been an issue. Savinho is frustrated. He wanted the move last summer and he wants the move this summer.”

Well, what a relief that is. Now, if they could combine him with Balogun, Spurs’ attack would be a lot more vibrant.

Sure, Savinho is not full of goals. He bagged just three last term, but what he is, is one of the most direct and creative wide players around. For any striker, let alone Balogun, that would be music to their ears.

Last season, the Brazilian ranked among the highest 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five league for progressive carries. What that means is that he gets possession up the field in a remarkably efficient way. Furthermore, in 2024/25, he created 13 assists in all competitions.

In the league that term, only Kevin De Bruyne in the Man City ranks provided more key passes than Savinho’s tally of 1.6. He may not have played much in 2025/26 but it is easy to forget just how big an impact he made at the Etihad during his debut year in English football.

For a Spurs side looking to improve multiple areas of their forward line, signing the young wide man would go down a treat.

He’s menacing with the ball at his feet, he’s an efficient dribbler and he’s immensely creative. Just imagine him and Balogun. It’s a mouthwatering thought.