OPINION: Spurs Emerge as Favorites to Sign Prolific “Machine” Who Could Finally Replace Kane

For the past decade, Tottenham Hotspur fans have enjoyed the brilliance of Harry Kane. As the club’s all-time top goalscorer, Kane remains a legend, but his departure last summer has left a significant void. Despite Richarlison and Heung-min Son’s efforts to fill this gap—especially the impressive performances from Son—a true replacement has yet to emerge.

This summer, things could change. Ange Postecoglou is eager to strengthen his attack with a top-quality number nine. Journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Spurs are interested in Santiago Gimenez, a Mexican striker who made a mark at Feyenoord last season. Gimenez is attracting attention from several clubs, including Liverpool, but Bailey believes Spurs are currently the frontrunners, stating:

“I think Spurs like him a lot, they’ve been doing work on him. I’d be making them favourites in that race at the moment.”

Gimenez may not be a household name for Premier League fans, but he has been making a significant impact in Europe over the past two years. Since joining Feyenoord, the 23-year-old has excelled in the Eredivisie and various European competitions, scoring 49 goals in 86 appearances.

In the 2022/23 season, Gimenez netted 15 league goals in 21 starts, and his form has only improved since. This season, he has scored 26 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, including two in the Champions League in just four matches, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. Football scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “machine,” reflecting his impressive goal-scoring prowess.

Gimenez, like Kane, is a center-forward who needs only a half-chance to score, as evidenced by his xG to goal ratio. This quality could have made a difference for Spurs this season. Additionally, he contributes creatively with his link-up play, recording six assists and creating nine big chances. His style involves staying on the fringes of the game and making crucial impacts, often playing on the shoulder of defenders, as shown by his low touches and pass statistics.

While Son has been exceptional this season, scoring and assisting prolifically even without Kane, he doesn’t fit the mold of the number nine that Postecoglou seeks. The introduction of Gimenez could revolutionize Spurs’ attack, providing a constant threat inside the box and enhancing the performances of creative players like James Maddison, Pedro Porro, and Brennan Johnson.

Overall, securing Gimenez should be a priority for Spurs this summer. He has the potential to be the perfect replacement for Kane and could significantly boost the team’s attacking prowess.