Their new Dembele: £87m “monster” midfielder has become a target for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur’s N17 draw against Sunderland to kick off 2026 was imperfect, but it did suggest that Thomas Frank has been receptive to the criticism that has come his way.
It was an improvement on the drab goalless draw at Brentford days before, though admittedly, it would have been a feat to have produced a more lifeless and uninspiring display than that one.
Premier League 25/26 – Lowest xG Totals
Team
Goals Scored
xG
West Ham
21
20.5
Wolves
14
19.0
Tottenham
28
18.9
Burnley
20
17.6
Sunderland
21
16.8
Data via FBref
Tottenham need more impetus and verve in the centre of the park, and the right acquisition could have a transformative effect on the wider
system.
One of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League has been earmarked.
Spurs lining up Premier League midfielder
Tottenham’s usual midfield duo consists of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha. Both stars lack the multi-dimensionality to charge Tottenham’s midfield and provide playmaking support to sit alongside their natural defensive strengths.
Tottenham are searching for energy and inspiration. The current crop are too tentative and inanimate in the middle of the park.
Brighton talent Carlos Baleba could be the answer to the Londoners’ problems. According to Caught Offside, Spurs are in the mix for the 22-year-old, ready to challenge long-term suitors Manchester United.
Valued at around £87m, he wouldn’t come cheap, but it’s tacitly accepted at the AMEX that his dip in performances and the abiding interest in his signature point toward a departure in 2026.
Despite a poor season on the south coast, the Cameroon international has the potential to become one of the best in the world, perhaps even growing into Spurs’ new version of Mousa Dembele.
Why Baleba could be Spurs' new Dembele
Baleba was immense for Brighton last season, with his performances leading analyst Ben Mattinson to describe him as “one of the best midfielders in the league” last year.
After an intense Man United-centred transfer saga last year, Baleba has struggled for form this season, but with such potential and a proven ability to perform in the Premier League, he could bring the spark that has been lacking.
This complete midfielder might even establish himself as the next Dembele, especially given that he would join from a divisional rival.
Carlos Baleba’s Premier League Form
Stats (* per game)
24/25
25/26
Matches (starts)
34 (31)
16 (14)
Goals
3
0
Assists
1
0
Touches*
54.0
32.3
Accurate passes*
33.6 (88%)
19.9 (86%)
Chances created*
0.6
0.2
Succ. dribbles*
1.0 (62%)
0.4 (58%)
Ball recoveries*
5.8
3.2
Tackles + interceptions*
3.7
2.0
Duels (won)*
5.9 (55%)
3.1 (46%)
Data via Sofascore
Baleba hasn’t been at the races for a while, but he’s still a physical and athletic force. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 21% of midfielders across Europe for successful take-ons and the top 13% for ball recoveries per 90, as well as the top 15% for aerial duel success rate.
Dembele, too, knew something of the art of progression. The retired Belgian midfielder has secured cult status in north London, playing across seven campaigns and drawing praise from many around him, with countryman Kevin De Bruyne even claiming he was “the best in the world” during his prime.
So silky on the ball and industrious when against the run of play, Dembele made it tick in the middle, so intelligent and aware of his surroundings.
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Baleba isn’t there yet, but he’s shown that he can develop into a Premier League superstar. Indeed, the young Cameroonian has been described as a “monster” of a midfielder by football scout Antonio Mango.
Given that Dembele took a while to get himself up to speed after joining the club from Fulham over a decade ago, it’s clear that Baleba could be a consummate success if signed.
Sure, he’s not at his peak, and he’s inconsistent, but there is such talent there, and he would add not one but a range of dimensions to a static Spurs midfield.
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