Tottenham are said to be lining up a possible successor to Brennan Johnson, with one option already being touted as a future Gareth Bale due to his blistering speed, flair, and match-changing potential.
Spurs are under mounting pressure to show clear progress in the second half of the 2025/26 season. Sitting 13th in the Premier League at the midway point, the club is still struggling to establish a clear identity or consistent style under Thomas Frank.
The Danish manager inherited a tough situation. Despite lifting the Europa League last season, Tottenham collapsed to a worrying 17th-place league finish under Ange Postecoglou, exposing serious flaws within the squad. Frank has since been tasked with leading a major overhaul.
To date, performances—especially in attack—have been unconvincing. A visible lack of cohesion, creativity, and cutting edge has made change inevitable.
The £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace looks to be the first major move in reshaping the squad.
Spurs intensify search for Johnson replacement
Johnson etched his name into Tottenham history by scoring the winning goal against Manchester United in the Europa League final, ending the club’s long wait for silverware. That strike capped an 18-goal campaign, but his form dipped notably thereafter.
Although he remained a scoring threat, Johnson’s all-round influence was inconsistent, prompting Frank to approve his departure. With his exit now complete, Spurs are eager to move quickly in securing a suitable replacement.
According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are increasingly confident about reigniting their interest in Manchester City winger Savinho. The Brazilian’s future at the Etihad appears uncertain, particularly as Pep Guardiola keeps tabs on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Spurs failed in a bid for Savinho last summer, but circumstances may now be more favourable—though City are reportedly demanding around £63m.
Why Savinho could thrive in north London
Savinho joined Manchester City from sister club Troyes in 2024 for approximately £31m and immediately impressed with his pace, flair, and creativity. However, his opportunities this season have been limited, with just six Premier League starts.
Even so, the 21-year-old’s underlying statistics stand out. Over the past year, he has ranked among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90 minutes, according to FBref. City analyst Steve McInerney has praised his “electric acceleration,” and his profile suggests he could flourish as a wide attacker at Spurs. Some have even likened him to Gareth Bale.
While Savinho is far from replicating Bale’s legendary career, the similarities are clear—explosive pace, direct running, and the ability to impact games from wide positions. Compared to Johnson, Savinho appears to offer greater ball progression, creativity, and overall attacking influence. Analyst Ben Mattinson has also highlighted his knack for gliding past defenders and finishing decisively, drawing further parallels with Bale in his prime.
Tottenham are confident of landing a successor to Johnson, with the player already drawing Gareth Bale comparisons due to his blistering pace and ability to change games.
Still developing, Savinho’s tally of eight assists from just 21 Premier League starts underlines his potential. Much like Bale, who required time to fully blossom after leaving Southampton, Savinho may also need patience and the right guidance.
If Tottenham succeed in signing him and carefully develop his talent, they could reignite the attacking spark and ambition that has been absent for far too long.
