(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)

Jack Heath

Thu 21 August 2025 21:00, UK

Tottenham have completely fumbled the bag as they now scramble for a new Eberechi Eze replacement with one Barcelona option possibly holding the key.

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Another transfer target, another disappointment for Spurs fans as Eze looks set to join Arsenal from Crystal Palace.

The deal appeared to be completely done until the Gunners hijacked the move, prompting fans and pundits to put the blame on Daniel Levy for his poor negotiation skills.

Tottenham lost out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this window as their potential James Maddison replacement with additional option Harvey Elliott heading to RB Leipzig most likely.

With slim pickings at White Hart Lane, Thomas Frank must now think outside of the box and scurry to find a new creator for his attack as the north London club may look to Spain for an exciting alternative buy.

The Englishman looks to be on his way to the Emirates (Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media)

According to data from FBRef, La Masia graduate Fermin Lopez presents himself as an enticing comparable alternative to the Eagles talisman.

The 22-year-old is now in his third season with the Catalan giants and is slowly becoming one of Barcelona’s most exciting young talent to come out the revolving door of the academy.

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Last season, the number 16 racked up 13 goal contributions domestically, albeit half of Eze’s 26, yet managed to do this in just 15 starts for the Spanish side, showing even with limited minutes he has the capacity to perform at an excellent level.

Domestic stats 2024-25Eberechi EzeFermin LopezAppearances (starts)43 (40)34 (15)Minutes played3,2831,570Goals157Assists116Goal involvement per-900.710.75(Source: FBRef)

If Frank is after an attacking-midfielder with the same flair for popping off shots in front of goal, Lopez rivals the Englishman, taking 2.76 shots per-90 in 2024-25 with a better shots on target percentage than the Palace man of 37.5% vs 29.3%.

Moreover, the Spaniard possesses a higher passing accuracy of 81.8% compared to Eze’s 74.2%, demonstrating his awesome potential to lead the Spurs attack.

Furthermore, the five-foot-nine midfielder is known for his high pressing and intensity, characterised by his 1.44 tackles won per-90, eclipsing the ex-QPR’s 0.66.

There’s a lot of things to like about Lopez and the Danish manager should be in Levy’s ear pushing him to sign the number 10 he is crying out for after the failed pursuit of Eze.

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The added aspect of a prospective deal for Lopez is the fact the Blaugrana are in a woeful financial situation.

Barcelona struggled to get new signings Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia registered in time for the season opener.

Marca (20 August) revealed that the club are open to offers for the 22-year-old, especially after main competition Dani Olmo openly stated that he will not accept a reduced role at the Camp Nou this season (El Nacional, 16 August).

Photo by Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty Images

Therefore, with Hansi Flick more likely to want to appease the 27-year-old, the German may look to loan or permanently ship off Lopez to prioritise more game time for the former RB Leipzig midfielder.

This presents Tottenham with a golden opportunity to swoop in and pick up a talented player younger than Eze and cheaper, valued at around €50million (£42.3m) (Transfermarkt).

Still, whatever impressive alternatives I throw at the Spurs chairman is likely to fall on deaf ears given how slow we have been in the transfer market this summer.
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