Tottenham Hotspur ‘currently have no interest’ in signing midfielder Leon Goretzka, according to The Athletic.
Spurs were reportedly keen on a move for the Bayern Munich ace, but the rumours have been dismissed.
Goretzka has six months left on his deal and could have been a solid pick-up for Tottenham under the right terms.
However, Tottenham are not looking his way. The German international (67 caps) has fallen down the pecking order at Bayern when everyone is fit.
Besides his ability to arrive late in the box, he does not offer other important qualities required in the engine room.
What do Tottenham need in the midfield this January?
Tottenham need a holding midfielder who can break up play and move the ball forward with purpose.
They may not be able to land a world-class defensive midfielder until next summer.
Joao Palhinha’s loan spell from Bayern Munich has addressed only half of that equation.
His ball-winning instincts and positional discipline have been useful, but his limitations in progression slow Spurs down and leave the build-up overly dependent on centre-backs.
For a side that wants to control games higher up the pitch, that isn’t sustainable. Spurs need a midfielder who can screen the defence, play through pressure and connect phases.
The squad needs someone comfortable receiving on the half-turn and feeding runners between the lines.
Slotting that profile alongside Rodrigo Bentancur would give Spurs balance, tempo and control. Until then, their midfield will remain functional but incomplete.
