Tottenham Hotspur transfer update: Latest on Antoine Semenyo, Yves Bissouma and more

Spurs poised for defining 2026 recruitment window

Tottenham Hotspur head towards 2026 with unanswered questions and growing urgency. Reporting from The Athletic paints a squad stretched in midfield and attacking areas, leaving supporters uneasy about competitiveness against direct rivals. Much hinges on fitness. Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski are expected to return from injury soon, while James Maddison faces a longer absence. If both Solanke and Kulusevski “hit the ground running”, market pressure could ease in the centre forward and creative midfield roles. As things stand, however, the impression lingers that Spurs are under-resourced compared to most of their competitors.

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There is also significant scrutiny on the Lewis family, with this upcoming window their first since Daniel Levy’s dismissal. Fans crave a statement of intent rather than another incremental adjustment to a squad that feels short of depth and authority.

Semenyo interest revives transfer rumblings

One player continues to dominate speculation. Spurs made an enquiry for Antoine Semenyo in the summer, only to be quoted a £70m fee by Bournemouth. Since then, the winger has signed a fresh contract, yet the situation has shifted. The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed last month that he has “a £65m release clause active this January”.

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There are currently no signs that Tottenham will revisit that chase immediately, despite the clause offering a defined route to acquisition. Nevertheless, the possibility remains tantalising for a fanbase eager for direct, high-impact attacking additions.

Bissouma future appears uncertain

The spotlight also falls on potential departures. Yves Bissouma “has not played a single minute for Thomas Frank yet this season”, though part of that absence is attributed to an ankle injury. His situation is complicated further by the proximity of his contract expiry. He “nearly left Spurs over the summer”, and it would be little surprise to see him placed back on the market in January, effectively drawing a line under an otherwise inconsistent Tottenham chapter.

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Outgoings like Bissouma would provide the financial and squad space required to support any incoming midfield refresh.

Melia arrival shapes January narrative

While heavy reinforcement remains undecided, one signing is already confirmed. January brings the arrival of Mason Melia, the “18-year-old Irish striker” secured in February through a £2million deal from St Patrick’s Athletic.

Melia’s numbers are encouraging. He finished the League of Ireland season as the “second-top scorer in the league, with 13 goals”, as St Pat’s claimed fifth place. He has also impressed with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

The pressing question now surrounds his immediate pathway. Will Melia integrate into first team training to compete with Dane Scarlett, remain with the Under-21s to build physically, or depart temporarily on loan? Each route reflects a club still weighing development against results, patience against pressure.

As 2026 approaches, Spurs stand at a threshold requiring boldness. Depth deficits have been exposed and supporters look to ownership for decisive leadership to re-establish genuine momentum.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Spurs’ squad is short where it matters most. Madison’s absence has robbed the team of creativity, while the reliance on Solanke’s recovery underlines worrying fragility in the forward line. Semenyo’s availability through a £65m clause appears precisely the type of opportunity Tottenham should act upon. Waiting has rarely paid off for Spurs, and hesitation now risks another wasted half-season.

The uncertainty surrounding Bissouma feels inevitable. His inability to establish rhythm has mirrored the club’s own inconsistent midfield structure. Cashing in while value remains could fund a genuine upgrade.

Melia excites supporters, but few expect an immediate solution. Youth alone cannot bridge the present quality gap. Fans want ambition that matches the stadium, infrastructure and fanbase. The expectation is simple: use this first Lewis family window to announce that Spurs are serious again about competing at the top end of the Premier League.