Tottenham technical director Johan Lange has opened up about a deeply unsettled month at the club, shedding rare light on the disorder behind the scenes and highlighting the sudden emergence of a new dressing-room presence who is already making a strong impression.
January proved to be another bleak period for Spurs supporters. Once again, the transfer window began with optimism, only for it to fade as negotiations dragged on, targets slipped away, and long-standing frustrations resurfaced.
Matters off the pitch have been just as concerning. An injury crisis has torn through the squad, with Hotspur Way resembling a medical facility rather than a training base. No fewer than 11 senior players are currently sidelined, leaving Thomas Frank constantly reshuffling his team simply to field a competitive side. Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury against Manchester City only worsened an already desperate situation.
Recruitment failed to ease the pressure. After months of preparation involving detailed scouting, background checks and talks with agents, Spurs unexpectedly pulled back from a move for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche. Despite being willing to approve a fee exceeding £50 million, the club chose to wait, believing a cheaper deal could be struck in the summer.
A similar outcome followed with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. Although a £5 million agreement was largely in place, reluctance from both the player and his club meant the transfer never materialised.
When the window finally closed, Tottenham’s activity appeared limited: Brazilian left-back Souza, Hearts youngster James Wilson arriving on loan as an academy signing, and one marquee addition — Conor Gallagher.
According to Lange, that final deal could ultimately shape Spurs’ season.
Gallagher’s choice to turn down Aston Villa in favour of Tottenham has already delivered on the pitch, but it is his influence away from it that has most impressed those inside the club. Lange revealed that Spurs’ admiration for the former Chelsea captain stretches back several years, not just this winter.
The Dane pointed to Gallagher’s experience at the highest level, citing his Premier League reliability and time in Spain as crucial to his growth, both as a player and as a character.
Crucially, Lange believes Tottenham have acquired something they have been missing: a true leader.
From the outset, Gallagher’s intensity, energy and drive in midfield have stood out. Yet it is his authority in the dressing room that has made the biggest difference. Lange described the 25-year-old as a natural leader — someone teammates listen to, respect and follow.
Handed starts in his first three league matches, Gallagher quickly made his mark with an assist for Solanke’s clever back-heel equaliser against Manchester City. Combined with his homegrown status and proven leadership credentials, Spurs may have quietly secured one of the shrewdest signings of the window.
With Aston Villa also pushing hard for his signature, Tottenham’s move for Gallagher is now beginning to look less like a short-term fix and more like a bold statement signing that went large you unnoticed.
