Tottenham have made waves in the January transfer market by agreeing a deal for Conor Gallagher, but it has now emerged that the North London club were closely monitoring Liverpool’s Curtis Jones before.
In a swift move to bolster Thomas Frank’s midfield following a devastating injury to Rodrigo Bentancur, Spurs agreed a £34.7 million fee with Atletico Madrid for Gallagher on Monday.
Aston Villa made the initial move to sign the former Chelsea man but Spurs swooped in to hijack the deal.
However, club insiders suggest that the recruitment team had spent weeks evaluating several high-profile targets to find the right profile of a progressive central midfielder.
Tottenham were interested in Curtis Jones
Renowned Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe shed light on the club’s transfer logic via X, revealing that the Liverpool academy graduate was firmly in the frame.
When asked by a fan if Spurs are looking for a ‘progressive’ midfielder, O’Keefe stated: “Not really progressive but they had Curtis Jones on their list. Presumably they scrub that now – 1 year left on his deal.”
I don’t know. Not really progressive but they had Curtis Jones on their list. Presumably they scrub that now –
1 year left on his deal.— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) January 13, 2026
The 24-year-old midfielder, who has previously been described as ‘exceptional‘ by Jurgen Klopp, has enjoyed a resurgence under Arne Slot at Anfield but is entering a critical period regarding his contract.
With his current deal set to expire in June 2027, he is effectively entering his final 18 months, a situation Spurs were reportedly prepared to exploit before turning attention towards Gallagher.
How Jones and Gallagher compare in playing style
While both players operate primarily as No. 8s, they offer vastly different tactical solutions.
Curtis Jones has evolved into a high-level “press-resistant” controller under Arne Slot, boasting a pass completion rate of over 91%.
He excels in keeping the ball in tight spaces and moving play forward through short, intricate passing sequences.
His profile would have suggested a more technical, possession-heavy approach for Spurs.
In contrast, Conor Gallagher is defined by his relentless physical output and defensive tenacity.
Gallagher’s game is built on high-intensity pressing, winning second balls, and making late late runs into the penalty area.
While he may lack Jones’s elite ball retention, his defensive stats, averaging nearly three tackles per 90, provide the engine room grit that Thomas Frank reportedly prioritized to protect a vulnerable backline.
Thomas Frank eyeing more signings
The imminent arrival of Gallagher is a statement of intent for a Tottenham side currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League.
The England international is set to be joined by 19-year-old Brazilian left-back Souza, who is arriving in a £13 million deal from Santos to provide cover for the injured Destiny Udogie.
Despite these two significant additions, the Spurs board may not be finished. With Thomas Frank under increasing pressure to turn results around, the club is being linked with further reinforcements.
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