(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Transfer Hub

Daniel Levy warned history could repeat itself as Tottenham target offered 'disaster' verdict

Kyrenia Shipillis
Kyrenia Shipillis

Kyrenia is a lifelong Tottenham fan who has been writing for Tottenham News since she joined Breaking Media in 2025. She will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham in 2025. She spent several months working for the Non-League Paper and has written for the Sports Gazette. Her earliest memory of the Lilywhites is sitting alone in her dad's room in front of the telly crying into her bowl of popcorn as she watched as her team were thrashed...yet again. She is happy to report that fonder memories have since blossomed.

Published on: 

Daniel Levy could be saddled with another problem from the summer transfer market.

The Lilywhites have been down a man or two since Son Heung-min left for LAFC after almost a decade in North London.

James Maddison’s more recent ACL injury, sustained against Newcastle United during pre-season, has not helped matters. 

But Levy is determined to find a solution to his woes during the final days of the window. He’ll just be hoping that his answer does not become another problem. 

Daniel Levy looking neutral at Tottenham
Levy could make another poor decision in the window (Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Tottenham’s history with French signings is not great

Maghnes Akliouche is a name linked with Tottenham in recent days, with Levy keen to sign him before the window closes.

There is a real possibility that he will become a concrete option if Spurs cannot sign Savinho from Manchester City. 

Monaco have made their stance clear to Tottenham, but Levy will believe he can finesse a deal with them if needs be. 

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has pointed out Spurs’ previous sour history when recruiting players from the French League. 

“From what I'm hearing that he is very good,” Wenham said. 

“Our history of buying players from the French League, on the whole, is diabolical. You know, Tanguy Ndombele, Benjamin Stambouli and Clinton Njie. There's a long line of complete disasters that Tottenham have signed from the French League. 

“So I think you do have to consider that as well. But many people say he's good, so I will bow down to their superior knowledge on this specific player.”

Tottenham target Savinho in action for Manchester City.
Akliouche could arrive if Savinho does not (Credit: Imago)

Tottenham’s successes with Ligue 1 exports

While they were few and in between, the Lilywhites have had some successes when signing from Ligue 1.

Lucas Moura tops this list. Signed from French side PSG in 2018, Moura’s hat-trick against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League booked Spurs a spot in the final for their first time in their history. 

  • 18 February 2018: Moura scored his first Tottenham goal in the FA Cup tie against Rochdale
  • 28 May 2023: Moura bagged against Leeds United in his final game for Spurs

Hugo Lloris is a name that has earned its spot. Lloris was signed from Lyon in 2012 and spent over a decade in North London. He left the club as one of the most respected captains in Spurs history, forever a legend at Hotspur Way. 

  • 20 September 2012: Lloris made his Spurs debut against Lazio in the UEFA Champions League
  • 2016/27 season: With Lloris in goal, Spurs recorded their best-ever defensive record, conceding 26 goals
  • 23 April 2023: Lloris was substituted off at half-time in a 6-1 defeat to Liverpool in what would be his final Tottenham appearance

With the Lilywhites having a few signings from France to remember, Levy will be hoping that Akliouche falls on the right side of history. 

Sign up for the daily Tottenham News newsletter on Substack and our new WhatsApp channel to have all the latest, breaking Tottenham Hotspur news sent straight to your phone.

Daniel Levy
Maghnes Akliouche
www.tottenhamhotspurnews.com