Bale 2.0: Spurs frontrunners to sign “hugely impressive” star after talks
It’s sacking season in the Premier League, although Tottenham Hotspur are holding their nerve with regard to Thomas Frank, even amid a difficult spell for the former Brentford boss.
A frustrating 1-1 draw with Sunderland last time out again saw the Dane’s defensive-minded substitutions backfire late on, with the Lilywhites currently lacking that cutting edge and killer instinct in the final third.
It’s been pragmatic and cautious, an approach that might be a much-needed change from Ange Postecoglou’s tenure, although it is winning Frank few friends at N17.
Perhaps, however, patience is merely what is needed in north London, with it looking as if the club are ready to back their man in the winter window to try and improve upon their current malaise.
Spurs still holding talks over exciting January deal
The ongoing woes at Spurs were again encapsulated over the weekend, with Frank and co signing off on the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, only to then see Mohammed Kudus forced off in the first half against the Black Cats.
With Johnson having arguably been the most obvious understudy to Kudus on that right flank, it would be no surprise to see the north Londoners dip into the market, with a move for Manchester City’s Savinho still being mooted.
Reports last week also claimed that talks were advanced for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, although there is yet a third Brazilian target on their radar, in the form of Santos starlet, Souza.
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As per TEAMtalk, Tottenham have not given up on signing the 19-year-old even after seeing their initial bid rejected, having again been holding talks regarding a potential deal.
The report suggests that while rival interest is mounting from the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea’s BlueCo owners, it is Spurs who appear to be the frontrunners still, having been described as the ‘most advanced’.
In terms of a price tag, with ENIC’s initial £8.7m bid having been rebuffed, the Brazilian outfit are looking for closer to £17.3m.
Why Souza could be Spurs' next Bale signing
It’s fair to say that Spurs’ high-profile, more marquee deals haven’t exactly paid off in recent years, be it Tanguy Ndombele, Richarlison or Dominic Solanke, the latter of whom has been riddled by injury over the last 18 months or so.
There has arguably been much more success and enjoyment gained from plucking out something of a bargain instead, not least the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski.
Plumping for young, high-potential talent in that mould appears to fit the ethos of Spurs, with that theme of the 21st century in north London, not least with the likes of Dele Alli and Gareth Bale.
As an exciting, teenage left-back, Souza could well look to follow in the footsteps of Bale at the club, with the legendary Welshman having joined as a 17-year-old back in 2007.
Signed by Daniel Levy for just £5m, the now-retired speedster endured a sticky start after failing to win any of his first 24 Premier League games, prior to exploding onto the scene following that night away at the San Siro.
From struggling full-back to explosive winger, the left-footer was the perfect example of what Spurs should be all about, ultimately racking up 124 goals and assists in 237 games across his two spells for the club.
Suggesting that Souza could follow in those footsteps might appear hyperbolic, although he is a “hugely impressive” figure in his own right, in the view of scout Ben Mattinson, catching the eye in his embryonic senior career at Santos.
Souza (Santos) – 2025 League stats
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games
24
Starts
19
Goals
1
Assists
2
Big chances created
4
Key passes*
0.6
Pass accuracy*
85%
Successful dribbles*
1.0
Total duels won*
55%
Stats via Sofascore
In all, the teenager has made 38 appearances for his current side at first-team level, racking up five goal involvements in that time as a mark of his attacking prowess.
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Bale, for comparison, had made just 45 appearances himself at Southampton, prior to moving to the capital, albeit while contributing 17 goals and assists for the Saints.
Souza is then arguably more of a natural left-back, although his potential is sky high, with Mattinson – who has also pointed to his “good athleticism” – suggesting that he will go “right to the very top”.
In the view of South American journalist Nathan Joyes too, his “attacking numbers would drastically improve” if placed in a “better squad”, with Joyes noting that the youngster is “tall, direct, athletic” – all attributes shared with a young Bale.
It is then clear to see why Spurs are so eager to get this deal done, with there likely to be another bargain to be had for the north London outfit this month.
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