As the January transfer window approaches its midpoint, Tottenham Hotspur’s only reinforcement remains goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who has impressed since joining. However, given the squad’s injury struggles, it’s clear Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy cannot afford to stop there.
Strong links had emerged to Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Randal Kolo Muani last week. However, the Frenchman now appears destined for a short-term loan to Serie A giants Juventus. While missing out on Kolo Muani is a setback, reports suggest Spurs have quickly shifted focus to another promising Ligue 1 attacker who might offer even more value: OGC Nice’s Evann Guessand.
Tottenham Chasing Prolific Forward
According to Daily Mail journalist Matt Barlow, Tottenham is among several Premier League clubs keen on signing the 23-year-old Ivorian international. Fellow top-flight sides West Ham United and Bournemouth have also expressed interest in bringing Guessand to England before the window shuts.
The good news for Tottenham is that Guessand’s price tag is relatively modest. Offers exceeding £20 million are reportedly sufficient to entice Nice into negotiations. Considering the player’s form this season, such a fee could represent tremendous value for a striker boasting superior performances compared to Kolo Muani.
Why Guessand Could Outshine Kolo Muani
Although Kolo Muani has garnered more international attention, Guessand’s output this season surpasses his compatriot’s by a significant margin.
In 25 appearances totaling 1,937 minutes, Guessand has scored nine goals and registered five assists, equating to a goal involvement every 138.35 minutes. By contrast, Kolo Muani has managed just two goals and one assist in 453 minutes spread over 14 games, averaging one goal involvement every 151 minutes.
The Nice forward, described as “very interesting” by analyst Ben Mattinson, proves his consistency through both his raw and underlying statistics.
Statistical Comparison: Guessand vs. Kolo Muani
| Statistics per 90 | Guessand | Kolo Muani |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.56 | 1.19 |
| Actual Non-Penalty Goals + Assists | 0.74 | 0.50 |
| Progressive Passes | 3.02 | 1.25 |
| Progressive Carries | 3.02 | 2.00 |
| Shots | 2.60 | 3.77 |
| Goals per Shot | 0.19 | 0.07 |
| Shots on Target | 0.99 | 1.51 |
| Goals per Shot on Target | 0.50 | 0.17 |
| Passing Accuracy | 76.9% | 73.1% |
| Expected Assists | 0.19 | 0.15 |
| Key Passes | 1.05 | 1.25 |
| Passes into the Penalty Area | 1.05 | 0.75 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 3.28 | 3.27 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.62 | 0.75 |
In many categories, Guessand outperforms Kolo Muani, notably with his superior scoring efficiency, progressive contributions, and passing precision. While Kolo Muani has an edge in certain metrics, such as shot frequency, Guessand’s overall impact is clearly more comprehensive.
A Perfect Fit for Tottenham
With Spurs facing stiff competition for Guessand, it’s imperative that they act decisively. For a club seeking to bolster its attacking ranks, his profile ticks all the right boxes. His ability to consistently contribute goals and assists, combined with progressive playmaking qualities, makes him an ideal addition to Ange Postecoglou’s setup.
Though some fans might lament missing out on Kolo Muani, Guessand offers an exciting and statistically superior alternative. At just £20 million, his potential signing could be a masterstroke for Tottenham.