With four wins from four games and two promising youngsters signed, Tottenham Hotspur can consider this summer a success so far. However, with just two weeks until the Premier League returns, while Archie Gray and Yang Min-Hyeok are promising for the future, they won’t significantly impact the upcoming season.
It’s good news for manager Ange Postecoglou and his team that the club has recently been linked with several talented players, including rumors of a renewed interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. However, a new report has emerged, suggesting Tottenham is also considering Manchester United’s Scott McTominay as an alternative.
According to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles via the Football Transfers Podcast, Tottenham is interested in signing the Scottish midfielder. Fulham recently had a £20m bid for McTominay rejected, with United valuing him at around £40m.
Signing McTominay might be surprising and potentially unpopular among fans, but if Spurs can negotiate a lower fee, he could be a good alternative to Gallagher.
When comparing McTominay and Gallagher, McTominay had a better goalscoring record last season, with ten goals in 43 appearances, averaging one every 4.3 games. In contrast, Gallagher scored seven goals in 50 appearances, averaging one every 7.14 games. McTominay also played fewer minutes (2775) compared to Gallagher (4036).
In terms of underlying metrics, Gallagher excels in progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, shot-creating actions, tackles won, and ball recoveries. Meanwhile, McTominay outperforms in non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, shots on target, blocks, clearances, and aerial duels won.
Ultimately, while McTominay is the better goalscorer, both players have their strengths. If Tottenham cannot secure Gallagher, signing McTominay could provide additional depth and an attacking threat in midfield. However, with United’s £40m asking price, it might be wise for Tottenham to wait and see if the price drops before making an offer.
