As the summer transfer window nears its closure, Tottenham Hotspur is actively assessing its squad and potential last-minute additions. The club’s opening two fixtures in the Premier League have shown promise, but there is a consensus that improvements, particularly in the attacking department, are still necessary.
Despite a 4-0 win against Everton and a 1-1 draw against Leicester City, there is room for better performances, especially on the wings.
Brennan Johnson’s Struggles
One player who has found it difficult to make a significant impact at Spurs is Brennan Johnson. After joining Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for a reported £47.5 million in the summer of 2023, expectations were high. Johnson had shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Forest, contributing eight goals and three assists during the 2022/23 Premier League season. However, his transition to life at Spurs has been challenging.
In his first season with Tottenham, Johnson’s productivity fell short of expectations. Across 35 Premier League appearances, the Welsh international managed just five goals, a disappointing return given the number of opportunities he had. Johnson missed 17 ‘big chances’ and underperformed his expected goals tally by nearly six goals, highlighting his inefficiency in front of goal. Despite these shortcomings, he did manage to register ten assists, but even this figure was somewhat misleading, as it was inflated by the quality finishing of his teammates.
Brennan Johnson – Premier League Stats | 2023/24 Season |
---|---|
Appearances | 35 |
Goals | 5 |
Assists | 10 |
Big Chances Missed | 17 |
G | 10.61 |
A | 4.50 |
The Current Campaign: A Slow Start
The 2024/25 season has not begun favorably for Johnson either. In the first two matches, he has failed to score, assist, or create any ‘big chances.’ His dribbling success rate has been alarmingly low, and his overall contribution to the team’s attacking play has been minimal. These performances have raised questions about whether Spurs should look for an upgrade in the wide areas, and with the transfer window closing soon, time is running out to make a decision.
2024/25 Season Stats | Brennan Johnson |
---|---|
Starts | 2 |
Goals | 0 |
Assists | 0 |
Big Chances Missed | 1 |
Dribble Success Rate | 0% |
The Case for Baris Yilmaz
One name that has emerged as a potential target is Baris Yilmaz, a 24-year-old Turkish winger currently plying his trade at Galatasaray. Reports from Turkish outlet Haber3 indicate that Tottenham, along with Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, is interested in securing Yilmaz’s services before the transfer window closes. Galatasaray is reportedly demanding a fee of around €30 million (£25 million) for the player, which could be a reasonable investment for Spurs if they are looking to upgrade their wide options.
Yilmaz has started the current Super Lig campaign impressively, with one goal and five chances created in his first two games. Known for his direct style of play, Yilmaz excels in taking on defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates. His dribbling ability and vision make him a constant threat in the final third, attributes that could make him a valuable addition to Tottenham’s squad.
Comparing Yilmaz and Johnson
A comparison of Yilmaz’s stats from the 2023/24 season with Johnson’s highlights why the Turkish winger could be considered an upgrade. While Johnson scored five goals and provided ten assists in 35 Premier League appearances, Yilmaz managed six goals and six assists in 37 Super Lig appearances. Yilmaz’s xG of 4.08 indicates that he outperformed his expected tally, suggesting a more clinical edge in front of goal compared to Johnson. Additionally, Yilmaz completed 1.8 dribbles per game, a figure that far exceeds Johnson’s 0.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League.
Player Comparison | Baris Yilmaz (Super Lig) | Brennan Johnson (Premier League) |
---|---|---|
Appearances | 37 | 35 |
Goals | 6 | 5 |
Assists | 6 | 10 |
xG | 4.08 | 10.61 |
xA | 5.51 | 4.50 |
Dribbles Completed Per Game | 1.8 | 0.8 |
Why Spurs Should Act Now
Tottenham’s interest in Yilmaz could be the club’s opportunity to address a lingering issue in their squad. Yilmaz’s ability to both score and create goals makes him a versatile option who could provide more than Johnson in the final third. The Turkish winger’s direct approach could offer Spurs a different dimension in attack, something that Johnson has struggled to provide consistently.
Given the competitive nature of the Premier League, having depth and quality in every position is crucial. If Spurs are serious about challenging for a top-four finish, or even more, they must ensure that every area of the pitch is adequately strengthened. Yilmaz could be that missing piece in the puzzle, offering manager Ange Postecoglou a valuable alternative on the wings.
As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, the pressure is on Tottenham to make the right decisions. Signing Baris Yilmaz could prove to be a smart move, not just as an upgrade on Brennan Johnson, but as a statement of intent from a club that is determined to compete at the highest level.