Tottenham Hotspur have had to face the huge prospect of replacing Heung-min Son, after the winger departed the Lilywhites after a decade at the club.
The South Korean joined the club way back in the summer of 2015, with many supporters unaware of the calibre of player they had signed from Bayer Leverkusen.
He ended up making a total of 454 appearances for the club, scoring on 173 occasions, whilst laying on 101 appearances for his teammates – with his goal tally the fourth-highest in their history.
However, the 33-year-old would depart North London during the recent summer, with the attacker making a £20m transfer to join MLS outfit Los Angeles FC.
Thomas Frank has subsequently been tasked with the responsibility of finding a suitable replacement in recent months, with the current window presenting the perfect chance for the Dane to do so.
Spurs considering bid to land £35m Diomande alternative
In an attempt to land a new winger, Spurs have recently turned their attention to RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the Ivorian a key target for numerous Premier League teams.
The teenager has endured a phenomenal breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga, subsequently scoring six times in his first 14 outings of 2025/26.
If the Lilywhites are to secure his signature, they could be forced to make a club-record offer, with Liverpool and Manchester United two other sides keen on the youngster.
As a result, other options are being drafted up by the hierarchy, which has seen Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis being named as a possible alternative this winter.
According to TEAMtalk, Frank’s men are considering making a bid for the Greek international this window, after registering 16 combined goals and assists in his 18 league games to date.
The report also states the Belgian outfit don’t want to lose their star man during the middle of the campaign, but are likely to be forced to part ways if an offer of £35m is presented.
However, it also states that the player currently prefers a move to Liverpool, but it’s unclear whether he can be convinced to make the switch to North London.
Why Tzolis would be Spurs’ best winger since Son
After Son’s departure in the summer, and no new left-winger being added, Spurs boss Frank has been tasked with finding a temporary solution in recent months.
Randal Kolo Muani, who was signed on loan from PSG last summer, was brought in to operate as a number nine, but has been forced to feature out wide in recent months.
The Frenchman has struggled to adapt to the demands of featuring in such a role, as seen by his tally of zero goals in his first 14 league appearances of the season.
Xavi Simons, who also joined in the summer, has been asked to play off the left, with such a position taking away from his best qualities, as seen by his own goalscoring tallies.
The Dutch international has only scored once in the league, whilst laying on just three assists – a poor record given the £52m fee paid for his signature in the summer.
As a result, a new left-winger appears to be a priority for Spurs, as seen by their recent efforts to land Diomande and Tzolis during the January window.
The Ivorian would cost a figure that is likely out of the hierarchy’s range for the current window, which could make a move for the Greek international more likely.
However, despite the difference in price tag between the pair, the Brugge talent has managed to outperform Diomande in numerous key areas during the ongoing campaign.
Tzolis, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist Daniel Pinder, has posted a tally double than that of Diomande for combined goals and assists this campaign.
Such a tally showcases his incredible ability to find the back of the net in the final third, whilst also being able to find a teammate and subsequently bolster their own tallies.
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His creativity is further highlighted in his higher tally of key passes and passes into the final third per 90 – subsequently handing Frank the needed left-wing option he’s craved.
How Tzolis & Diomande compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Tzolis
Diomande
Games played
18
14
Goals & assists
16
8
Progressive passes
5.2
4.1
Key passes
2.9
1.4
Passes into final third
2.1
1.5
Carries into 18-yard box
3.6
3.3
Crosses completed
8.1
0.9
Aerials won
37%
11%
Stats via FBref
However, the Brugge star has further impressed with the ball at his feet, as seen by his remarkable tally of crosses completed – with such a tally nearly eight times higher than the Leipzig star.
Other tallies, such as carries into the opposition box and aerials won, showcase his all-round dominance over Diomande, which could make him a steal at £35m this winter.
Whilst the Ivorian may remain a lot of fans’ first choice to fill the void vacated by Son, a deal for Tzolis could be a much more cost-effective one – whilst also handing the side a bigger talent.
If a move is completed, and he gets anywhere near close to the levels produced by the South Korean, it would be yet another incredible piece of business which could ignite the Dane’s time at the club.
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