As the summer transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in a promising position, having secured several key signings. The club has bolstered its squad with young talents like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Yang Min-Hyeok, as well as Premier League-proven players such as Dominic Solanke.
However, the decision to extend Timo Werner’s loan for another season has raised some eyebrows, with many fans and pundits questioning whether the German forward is the right fit for Spurs’ ambitions this season.
Timo Werner’s Performance at Spurs: A Mixed Bag
Werner’s initial loan move to Spurs in January came at a time when the team desperately needed attacking reinforcements. After a rapid start to the 2023/24 season, Tottenham began to falter, and Werner, who had fallen out of favor at RB Leipzig, was seen as a potential solution. The deal, which included a six-month loan with an option to buy for £15 million, was hoped to reignite the form that once made Werner one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
However, Werner’s time at Tottenham has been somewhat underwhelming. Although he contributed two goals and three assists in 14 appearances, his performances were far from the level expected of a top-tier forward. Injuries further hampered his impact, and despite being serviceable, Werner’s contribution was merely adequate rather than game-changing.
The German international’s record over the past few seasons also raises concerns. Werner has scored 15 goals or more in a season only once in the last four campaigns, and his form at Spurs suggests that he is unlikely to reach that mark this season either. Given these issues, extending his loan deal seems counterproductive, especially when there are potentially better options available.
Kingsley Coman: A Potential Upgrade
One such option is Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks. The French winger, valued at around £34 million, has been compared to Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, and is seen by many as a significant upgrade over Werner.
Coman, a player with a proven track record at the highest level, has been described as a “complete” winger by former France U17 coach Patrick Gonfalone. While his 2023/24 season may not have been his best, Coman still managed to contribute five goals and three assists, with his previous campaign yielding nine goals and seven assists. His ability to perform consistently in top competitions makes him an attractive option for Spurs.
Comparing Coman to Saka and Martinelli
To understand why Coman is seen as an upgrade over Werner, it’s worth comparing his performance metrics to those of Arsenal’s Saka and Martinelli. According to data from FBref, which analyzes players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League, Martinelli is the most comparable player to Coman, with Saka also featuring prominently on the list.
Coman vs. Martinelli: Statistical Comparison
Statistical Metric (Per 90) | Coman | Martinelli |
---|---|---|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.53 | 0.58 |
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists | 0.49 | 0.45 |
Short Passing Accuracy | 86.4% | 86.5% |
Crosses | 4.84 | 4.87 |
Ball Recoveries | 4.03 | 4.24 |
In terms of non-penalty expected goals and assists, both players are closely matched, with Martinelli having a slight edge. Their short passing accuracy and crossing abilities are almost identical, highlighting their effectiveness in wide positions. Ball recoveries per 90 minutes also show that both players contribute defensively, with Martinelli slightly ahead.
Coman vs. Saka: Statistical Comparison
Statistical Metric (Per 90) | Coman | Saka |
---|---|---|
Expected Assists | 0.31 | 0.32 |
Goals per Shot | 0.09 | 0.10 |
Goals per Shot on Target | 0.38 | 0.32 |
Blocks | 1.21 | 1.33 |
Dribblers Tackled | 0.73 | 0.80 |
Touches in the Attacking Third | 41.4 | 40.4 |
The comparison with Saka further highlights Coman’s strengths. While Saka slightly outperforms Coman in expected assists and defensive metrics like blocks and dribblers tackled, Coman is more efficient in converting shots into goals, particularly when hitting the target. Additionally, Coman’s higher number of touches in the attacking third indicates his involvement in building up plays and creating chances.
The Case for Coman at Spurs
Coman’s similarities to Saka and Martinelli, two of the Premier League’s most promising young talents, make him an enticing prospect for Tottenham. His ability to both score and create goals, coupled with his defensive contributions, make him a well-rounded winger who could significantly enhance Spurs’ attacking options.
Unlike Werner, whose form has been inconsistent, Coman has a track record of performing at a high level in multiple leagues, including the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. His experience in the Champions League, where he has been a key player for Bayern Munich, adds to his appeal as Spurs look to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Moreover, Coman’s versatility allows him to play on either wing, providing flexibility in Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one would add a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack, complementing the likes of Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke.
The Financial Consideration
One of the factors that could influence Tottenham’s decision is the financial aspect of the deal. Coman’s reported fee of £34 million is relatively modest compared to the inflated prices seen in recent transfer windows. Additionally, there have been reports suggesting that Bayern Munich might be open to a season-long loan deal, which would further reduce the financial risk for Spurs.
Considering that Werner’s loan deal includes an option to buy for £15 million, Tottenham would only need to invest an additional £19 million to secure a player of Coman’s caliber permanently. Given Coman’s potential impact on the team, this investment could be justified, especially if it helps Spurs secure a top-four finish or progress deep into European competitions.
The Clock is Ticking
With the transfer window closing soon, Tottenham must act quickly if they want to secure Coman’s services. The Frenchman has been linked with other clubs, and competition for his signature could intensify as the deadline approaches. For Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy, this is a critical moment. Bringing in a player of Coman’s quality could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
Coman, the Missing Piece?
As Spurs aim to challenge for honors this season, the addition of Kingsley Coman could provide the spark they need to elevate their performances. While Timo Werner offers a safe, albeit underwhelming option, Coman represents a chance to upgrade and push the team to the next level.
His proven track record, versatility, and similarities to top Premier League wingers make him an ideal fit for Tottenham’s ambitions. With the transfer window ticking down, the decision to pursue Coman could define Spurs’ season. For the fans, the prospect of seeing a player compared to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in their colors is an exciting one. As Friday night approaches, all eyes will be on whether Tottenham can pull off this significant signing.