Spurs step up bid to sign £37m “magician” from PL club, he could be their next Dele
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 Premier League season has been nothing short of catastrophic. Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, a campaign that began with optimism has descended into chaos. Yesterday’s humiliating defeat against a relegation-threatened Everton side marked Spurs’ 12th loss in just 22 league games. The Toffees dismantled the North London outfit with ease, making them look like lower-league opposition in a one-sided FA Cup tie.
This dreadful form has left Spurs languishing far closer to the relegation zone than the coveted Champions League spots. For a club of their stature, this predicament is unacceptable. However, amidst the despair, there are glimmers of hope for the future, particularly in the form of the club’s emerging young talents. Players like Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Mikey Moore have shown flashes of brilliance. While they are still raw, with time and the right teammates, they could form the core of a brighter future for the club.
But for these young prospects to truly inspire a revival, they will need to take an even greater leap forward—comparable to the seismic impact a young Dele Alli had during his breakout season. Back in the 2015/16 campaign, Dele was a revelation, amassing 20 goal involvements in 46 games and propelling Spurs into title contention. Though his career trajectory has since hit turbulent waters, with the midfielder now plying his trade at Como, Spurs fans fondly remember his transformative influence.
Spurs’ Relentless Pursuit of Facundo Buonanotte
In their quest to rebuild, Tottenham have been linked with a player who could potentially emulate Dele’s impact: Brighton & Hove Albion’s exciting Argentine talent, Facundo Buonanotte. Reports from Spain suggest that Spurs are maintaining a “relentless pursuit” of the 20-year-old midfielder.
Postecoglou is said to be keen on bolstering his midfield options, and Buonanotte has emerged as an ideal candidate. However, there’s a catch—the youngster is currently on loan at Leicester City, where he has impressed during his stint in the Championship. Brighton, aware of his potential, are reportedly eager to retain his services once the loan ends.
Securing Buonanotte’s signature would not be easy or cheap. Previous reports have indicated that a bid of around €45 million (£37 million) might be sufficient to tempt Brighton into selling. While this price tag reflects the complexity of the deal, it also highlights the regard in which the midfielder is held.
Drawing Parallels: Buonanotte and Dele Alli
While it would be unfair to expect Buonanotte to replicate Dele Alli’s peak form immediately, there are undeniable similarities between the two players that should excite Tottenham fans.
First and foremost, both players are versatile attacking midfielders. During his time at Spurs, Dele showcased an ability to operate across various positions, including central midfield and as a second striker. Similarly, Buonanotte has proven his adaptability, excelling as a central midfielder, right midfielder, and even as a right winger. This flexibility would make him an invaluable asset for a Spurs squad plagued by injuries.
Secondly, despite his young age, Buonanotte has already demonstrated his ability to thrive in a highly competitive environment. At Leicester City, he has contributed five goals and three assists in just 22 appearances across all competitions, averaging a goal involvement every 2.75 games. This maturity and productivity at such an early stage of his career are reminiscent of Dele’s rapid rise.
Another shared trait is their aggression and work rate. Dele was renowned for his knack for pressing opponents, winning the ball high up the pitch, and driving at defenses. Buonanotte displays a similar tenacity. According to FBref, the Argentine ranks in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers for tackles in the attacking third, the top 6% for tackles in the middle third, and the top 8% for shot-creating actions originating from successful take-ons—all per 90 minutes.
These statistics are particularly impressive given that Buonanotte is still just 20 years old, suggesting significant room for further development. His fearless playing style and knack for contributing in both attacking and defensive phases make him an exciting prospect for a team looking to build around youth.
The Case for Signing Buonanotte
While there is always an element of risk in investing in young players, Tottenham have reaped the rewards of such gambles in the past. Signing Dele Alli as a teenager from MK Dons proved to be a masterstroke, and while Buonanotte may not immediately reach those same dizzying heights, his potential to influence the game in similar ways is clear.
For Postecoglou, who has prioritized building a youthful and energetic squad, Buonanotte could become a cornerstone of his Tottenham project. His technical ability, versatility, and competitive spirit align perfectly with the manager’s vision for the team.
With the club desperately in need of inspiration, chairman Daniel Levy must do everything in his power to secure the Argentine’s services. If Spurs can fend off Brighton’s resistance and bring Buonanotte to North London, they may finally find the spark needed to reignite their faltering season and lay the foundations for a brighter future.
