Tottenham Hotspur have suffered yet another blow in the transfer market after receiving a firm update on one of their long-standing targets — a setback that highlights just how challenging recent months have been for the club, both on the pitch and behind the scenes. A message delivered on deadline day has now been reinforced, with Spurs set to miss out on the player not only this January, but potentially on a permanent basis.
Thomas Frank’s debut campaign in north London has been far from straightforward. Tottenham have endured a miserable start to the season and currently find themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League after a disastrous first half of the campaign. A relentless injury crisis has stripped the squad of its spine, repeatedly forcing Frank to rely on stopgap solutions and inexperienced options. Weaknesses in depth and overall quality have been ruthlessly exposed, making the January window a pivotal moment for the club.
Despite the clear need for reinforcements, Spurs’ transfer activity ultimately fell short. The club did complete a £35 million move for Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, injecting much-needed energy, leadership and top-flight experience into midfield. They also secured left-back Souza for around £13 million, a signing viewed as an investment for both immediate impact and long-term development. Beyond those arrivals, however, Tottenham’s plans quickly began to falter.
The January window proved deeply frustrating for the Lilywhites. While the recruitment team assessed numerous options and held talks over a range of targets, few progressed into tangible deals. Strengthening the attack was a key priority, with Tottenham closely monitoring Monaco creator Maghnes Akliouche throughout the window. Although extensive groundwork had been completed, the club ultimately opted against submitting a formal bid, prompting fresh doubts over whether ambition once again failed to match intent.
There was also late optimism surrounding a potential cut-price move for Liverpool defender Andy Robertson. Reports suggested Spurs had reached a provisional agreement on a £5 million fee — exceptional value for a player of his experience. However, the transfer collapsed at the final stage, with neither Liverpool nor the Scotland international prepared to give final approval. It was another deal that promised much but ultimately went nowhere.
Now, further frustration has surfaced with Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano. Reports claim Tottenham were informed on deadline day that the French defender — a long-term target — would not be joining them this year, despite his contract nearing its final months. Spurs were not alone in their interest, with Chelsea and Liverpool also tracking his situation. All three Premier League clubs were told the same thing: Upamecano had no desire to leave Bayern and was instead focused on agreeing a new contract.
The news is particularly painful for Spurs supporters amid reports from Argentina suggesting Cristian Romero could depart this summer. Upamecano would have been an ideal successor — an elite, battle-tested defender approaching his peak and potentially available on a free transfer.
Any lingering hope has now been extinguished. Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Upamecano is close to finalising a new long-term deal with Bayern Munich, leaving Tottenham and other Premier League suitors watching from the sidelines.
Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £38 million, Upamecano has become a key figure in Bayern’s back line. He has made 178 appearances for the German champions, helped secure three Bundesliga titles, and established himself as one of Europe’s most physically dominant centre-backs. His speed, strength and composure on the ball would have suited Tottenham’s high defensive line perfectly.
Instead, Bayern’s move to secure his future has shut the door completely. Upamecano has committed to remaining in Bavaria, bringing an end to any realistic hopes of a switch to north London.
For Spurs, it is yet another high-profile target lost and another reminder of opportunities that slipped through their fingers. With defensive reinforcements urgently required, a thin squad, and key players potentially heading for the exit, the failure to land elite-level signings could carry serious long-term implications.
As the campaign continues to stumble forward, the pressure on Thomas Frank intensifies. Performances remain inconsistent, confidence is fragile, and the lack of significant January backing only increases scrutiny around his position. For a Tottenham side desperate for stability, leadership and quality, this latest transfer setback feels like yet another step in the wrong direction.
