Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a significant midfield blow with the confirmation that key player Rodrigo Bentancur has undergone surgery and faces an extended period out of action. The club is responding swiftly in the transfer market, closing in on a major signing to fill the void.
Bentancur Sidelined After Hamstring Surgery
The club officially confirmed on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, that the Uruguayan international midfielder has had an operation on his right hamstring. The injury was sustained during Tottenham's dramatic 3-2 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth last week, forcing Bentancur off in the latter stages.
Medical assessments indicate the 28-year-old could be absent for up to three months, dealing a serious setback to manager Thomas Frank's plans. Bentancur now joins a treatment room that includes Lucas Bergvall, who was also injured against Bournemouth, and the long-term absentee James Maddison.
"We can confirm that Rodrigo Bentancur has undergone surgery on his right hamstring," stated the club via their official social media channel. "The midfielder will now begin his rehabilitation programme with our medical team."
Gallagher Deal Agreed as Immediate Replacement
In direct response to this injury crisis, Tottenham have moved decisively to bolster their midfield options. The North London club has agreed a deal worth £34 million to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.
The 25-year-old former Chelsea star, who has been impressing in La Liga, was also the subject of an approach from Aston Villa. However, Spurs secured the transfer by presenting a more compelling proposal to both Atletico Madrid and the player himself. Gallagher is expected to provide the immediate energy and depth required in Bentancur's absence.
Spurs Reignite Interest in French Talent Akliouche
Tottenham's recruitment drive does not stop with Gallagher. The club is also actively looking to further strengthen its creative options and has reignited its interest in Monaco's attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche.
The 23-year-old Frenchman was a target during the summer transfer window, and Spurs' long-standing admiration has now been revived. Manager Thomas Frank has been keen to add more threat in the advanced midfield positions since his arrival, having signed Xavi Simons last summer after missing out on other targets like Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal.
This double-barrelled approach in the market underscores Tottenham's determination to mitigate the impact of Bentancur's surgery and maintain their competitive edge during a crucial phase of the season.
