Tottenham in talks to sign £21m speedster as alternative to Savinho

Tottenham Hotspur have opened discussions to sign Eintracht Frankfurt winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya this summer, according to The Athletic. The 20-year-old Frenchman is being considered as a cheaper alternative to Manchester City's Savinho, with a reported fee of £21 million.

Who is Jean-Matteo Bahoya?

Bahoya rose through the youth ranks at Angers before making his senior debut in Ligue 1. His performances earned him a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he has continued to develop. Last season, he completed 59.4% of his attempted dribbles, a statistic that places him among the most effective ball-carriers in the Bundesliga for wide players.

Standing at 5ft 10in, Bahoya combines pace with low centre of gravity, making him a constant threat in one-on-one situations. He is comfortable on either flank, though he predominantly operates from the left wing, cutting inside onto his stronger right foot. His direct running style would offer Tottenham a different dimension in attack, particularly in transition.

Tactical fit at Tottenham

Manager Ange Postecoglou has favoured a high-pressing, attacking system since arriving at Spurs. Bahoya's dribbling success rate aligns with the need for players who can beat defenders in tight spaces, stretching opposition defences. With Dejan Kulusevski often drifting centrally and Brennan Johnson providing width, Bahoya could act as a rotational option on the left, competing with Son Heung-min, who will be 33 next season.

His ability to carry the ball forward at speed could also help Tottenham counter-attack more effectively, a facet that has been inconsistent this campaign. Last season, Spurs ranked fifth in the Premier League for successful dribbles per game but often lacked penetration in the final third against deep blocks.

Transfer market context

At £21 million, Bahoya represents a more moderate investment compared to Savinho, who has been valued at over £40 million by Manchester City. Tottenham have already spent significant sums on players like James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, and the club's recruitment strategy under technical director Johan Lange appears to favour younger, high-potential talents with resale value.

Frankfurt have a reputation for developing and selling attackers at a profit, having moved on Randal Kolo Muani and Jesper Lindstrom in recent windows. Bahoya's contract is understood to run until 2027, giving the German club leverage in negotiations. However, the reported interest from Tottenham suggests a deal could be structured, potentially with add-ons.

Fantasy Premier League implications

For FPL managers, Bahoya would likely start as a £6.0-£6.5 million midfielder if signed. His dribbling stats suggest he could earn bonus points through successful dribbles, but his goal and assist output—five goals and four assists in all competitions last season—needs improvement. Upcoming fixtures for Spurs in the early season are mixed, but Bahoya could be a differential if he quickly adapts.

  • Successful dribble rate of 59.4%, top among Spurs wingers last season
  • Likely to compete with Son Heung-min and Manor Solomon for minutes
  • Age 20, high ceiling but raw end product

What's next for Tottenham and Bahoya?

Negotiations are at an early stage, with Tottenham yet to formalise a bid. The club is also monitoring other wide targets, including Savinho and Pedro Neto, but Bahoya's lower price and potential make him an attractive fallback option. If a deal is reached, he would become Tottenham's second summer signing after the expected arrival of a centre-back. With the transfer window open until 1 September, Spurs have time to complete the move, but Frankurt will want a quick resolution to plan their own recruitment.

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