Key Takeaways:
- Tottenham are targeting FC Porto’s 21-year-old Samu Aghehowa as their primary forward option
- Manchester City are considering triggering Antoine Semenyo’s £65 million release clause in January
- Porto have valued Aghehowa at €80 million and are not planning to sell during the upcoming window
Transfer Targets Under Threat
Tottenham Hotspur have placed the spotlight firmly on Samu Aghehowa of FC Porto as they look to bolster their options up front. The 21-year-old Spaniard has drawn significant praise for his impressive goal-scoring form in Portugal, firmly cementing his status as a top target in North London.
Spurs’ search for attacking reinforcements is becoming urgent, particularly with the club’s attack heavily reliant on Richarlison under manager Thomas Frank. However, their ambitions face substantial obstacles, with FC Porto reportedly setting a valuation of €80 million for Aghehowa and declaring he is “not for sale” in the mid-season window.
🚨| #Spurs appear more ready to pay what is required to land Antonie Semenyo this time around, but they face competition from Manchester City and Liverpool. @SkySports pic.twitter.com/Vcci055erk
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) December 2, 2025
Complicated Pursuit of Semenyo
While Spurs have not abandoned their hopes of landing Aghehowa, they are actively monitoring Bournemouth’s 25-year-old forward Antoine Semenyo as an immediate alternative. Semenyo has attracted attention throughout the Premier League, and his contract contains a release clause of £65 million, which activates at the beginning of January.
This narrow window has accelerated competition among top clubs, with Manchester City reportedly keen to engage and potentially outmanoeuvre Tottenham by triggering the clause. Such a development would likely price Spurs out of the race given their current budget constraints.
| Player | Age | Current Club | Reported Price / Clause | Interest From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samu Aghehowa | 21 | FC Porto | €80 million (valuation) | Tottenham |
| Antoine Semenyo | 25 | Bournemouth | £65 million (release clause) | Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City |
January Prospects and Strategic Options
Despite being high on Tottenham’s wishlist, Aghehowa’s potential January arrival appears unlikely given Porto’s stance on his availability and the substantial transfer fee involved. As such, a deal for the Spaniard may prove more feasible in the summer, allowing Spurs greater opportunity for financial planning and squad integration.
In the meantime, Tottenham continue to consider Semenyo as an option for instant reinforcement. However, with Manchester City evaluating an early move and the risk of overcommitting resources across two high-value targets, Spurs may be forced to adjust their strategy or refocus their priorities.
Forward Line Necessities
Tottenham’s forward contingent has struggled to provide the consistent quality required for top-level competition this season, increasing the pressure to secure attacking signings. At present, the prospect of landing a marquee striker in January faces significant hurdles, both in terms of finances and intensified interest from wealthier rivals.
The club’s decision-makers understand that the next steps will prove crucial as they look to avoid being gazumped and ensure any addition is both timely and sustainable.
