Tottenham missed out on French talent during the winter transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur had a quiet winter transfer window, securing only two signings despite facing an injury crisis.
Spurs have struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities in Thomas Frank’s tactical setup since the start of the season. The injury situation has further complicated matters, leaving Frank in urgent need of attacking reinforcements. However, transfer deadline day passed without any new arrivals, which disappointed supporters.
Tottenham showed interest in AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, contemplating a bid for the player after missing out last summer. Ultimately, Spurs chose not to pursue the player further. The reason for this decision has now been revealed.
AS Monaco blocked Akliouche’s transfer to Tottenham
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Tottenham opted not to approach Akliouche due to AS Monaco’s refusal to let him go mid-season.
Monaco is having a tough season in Ligue 1, currently sitting in 10th place, but they have advanced to the Champions League playoff stage, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain for a chance to reach the last 16. The club’s ambition to progress in the Champions League led them to retain key players like Akliouche.
“I’m sure he remains on their list,” Pete O’Rourke stated on the Transfer Insider podcast (h/t Football Insider).
“Akliouche is a talented player. Spurs considered a deal for him last summer.”
“They did not take further action in the January window because Monaco was unlikely to sell.”
“Monaco would have demanded significant money even to consider a sale, especially with their Champions League ambitions intact.”
“He fits the profile of the type of player Tottenham wants—creative, skilled at carrying the ball, and capable of scoring and assisting goals.”
Tottenham planning to revisit Akliouche in summer
Having been disappointed in their pursuit of Akliouche in two consecutive transfer windows, Spurs are still hopeful of signing him in the future.
Recent reports indicate that Tottenham will reconsider a move for the French winger this summer. After failing to meet Monaco’s valuation of over £50 million, Spurs will aim for a more favorable deal when the transfer window reopens.
Akliouche is having another successful season, already scoring four goals and providing five assists in 29 appearances. His creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring skills are notable. If he continues to excel and earns a call-up to Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the World Cup later this year, securing Akliouche for under £50 million may become increasingly difficult for Tottenham.