Tottenham Eye German Striker as Solution to Early-Season Goal Crisis

Tottenham Hotspur are turning their attention to the transfer market to address the goal drought that has left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. The north London club are now being linked with Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib, who has impressed in the early weeks of the 2026-27 season.

Spurs' decision to hunt for a new striker is not without reason. In their four opening Premier League matches, Roberto De Zerbi's side have yet to score a single goal and have not won a game. Dominic Solanke salvaged a point against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but the forward line remains a weak point. Meanwhile, Richarlison has been frozen out of De Zerbi's plans, with the coach openly stating that the Brazilian's future is no longer his concern.

According to a TEAMtalk report, Tottenham have sent scouts to watch Ebnoutalib in person during Frankfurt's 1-0 win over FC Koln last weekend. The interest is no mere rumor. Ebnoutalib's name has risen after he scored six goals in all competitions this season, including an average of 1.08 goals per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga—a figure that even surpasses Harry Kane's record (0.81) in the same league.

The 23-year-old has also earned recognition from Germany national team coach Jurgen Klopp, who has just handed him his first international call-up. Scout Jacek Kulig described Ebnoutalib's surge in form as "astronomical" given that two years ago he was still competing in the fourth tier of German football. His flexibility in scoring goals and creating chances—with two assists to his name—makes him an attractive target for a club in need of instant sharpness.

"I don't know, that's not my problem anymore. You have to ask Vinai (Venkatesham) and Johan (Lange), not me. I can only accept and support, take the pressure and responsibility even though it wasn't my decision," De Zerbi said when asked about Richarlison.

Even so, Tottenham have been advised not to rush. Ebnoutalib is only in his first season in the Bundesliga, so his consistency still needs to be tested. Spurs are said to be continuing to monitor his progress until the January transfer window. With a stagnant forward line, the pressure to bring in a new striker is mounting, especially if Solanke again fails to score in the crucial match against Coventry City on Monday night.

For Tottenham, the pursuit of Ebnoutalib reflects a shift in strategy: from relying on big names to an approach based on data and potential. But can a young player with one season in a top German league carry the weight of expectation in the Premier League? The answer will determine the direction of Spurs' season—and perhaps also De Zerbi's future in the dugout.