# Tottenham Hotspur striker recruitment efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tottenham-hotspur-striker-recruitment-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-21T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

Tottenham Hotspur is intensifying its search for a new striker ahead of the January transfer window to resolve a severe goalscoring deficit. Under manager Roberto De Zerbi, the club has recorded only three goals in six league matches, the lowest tally in the Premier League.

A five-man shortlist has been established, featuring Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace, Vangelis Pavlidis of Benfica, Roberto Fernandez of Espanyol, Endrick of Real Madrid, and Igor Matanovic of Freiburg. Mateta is considered a Premier League-ready option, despite recent injury concerns. The recruitment drive follows scrutiny of current striker Dominic Solanke and the anticipated departure of Richarlison.

Vangelis Pavlidis has emerged as a primary target. While earlier reports suggested a £85m demand, more recent information indicates Benfica maintains a strong negotiating position due to a €100m release clause in the Greece international’s contract, which runs until 2029. Benfica is reportedly keen to retain Pavlidis through the winter period to maintain attacking strength, preferring to evaluate offers during the summer window to allow time to find a replacement.

Tottenham is also targeting Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi. The German U21 international has seen his market value exceed €50m following a prolific season, including a Champions League hat-trick. Tottenham faces increased competition for Tresoldi from Arsenal, AC Milan, and previously AS Roma, who reportedly had a €35m offer rejected during the summer.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Tottenham Hotspur targets Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis

Tottenham Hotspur is targeting Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis for the winter transfer window, though a €100 million release clause may complicate a midseason move.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tottenham-hotspur-targets-benfica-striker-vangelis-pavlidis

### 2026-10-19: Tottenham Hotspur targets Pavlidis and Tresoldi in striker search

Tottenham Hotspur is targeting strikers Vangelis Pavlidis and Nicolo Tresoldi for the January window, facing high costs and competition from AC Milan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tottenham-hotspur-targets-pavlidis-and-tresoldi-in-striker-search

### 2026-10-15: Tottenham Hotspur shortlist five strikers for January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur has identified a five-man shortlist of strikers, including Jean-Philippe Mateta and Vangelis Pavlidis, to bolster their attack during the January transfer window.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tottenham-hotspur-shortlist-five-strikers-for-january-transfer-window

### 2026-10-13: Tottenham Hotspur eye Benfica targets in transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur is targeting Benfica players Vangelis Pavlidis and youngster Daniel Banjaqui to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tottenham-hotspur-eye-benfica-targets-in-transfer-window

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Cite as: Tottenham Hotspur striker recruitment efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tottenham-hotspur-striker-recruitment-efforts