Emilio is an experienced football content writer and journalist with six years under his belt on the website.
After graduating with first class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn’t take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism – here at Snack.
Emilio has written for a host of the company’s biggest past and current football news websites – Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and FootballFanCast.
Having worked through the COVID lockdown, Spurs’ infamous 2021 manager search and a succession of transfer windows – Emilio is well versed in the fast-paced and ever-changing news landscape of the beautiful game.
In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, on a dance floor or even in a boxing ring…
Spurs have been fairly modest so far this window out of all the Premier League clubs when it comes to transfer activity, securing midfielder Conor Gallagher and left-back Souza whilst offloading Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.
However, going by recent reports, Thomas Frank’s squad rebuilding appears far from finished as deadline day approaches.
The north Londoners confirmed Gallagher’s £34 million arrival from Atlético Madrid mid-January, beating Aston Villa to the England international’s signature after both clubs submitted proposals to the Spanish side.
Gallagher signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, bringing Premier League experience spanning 136 appearances across spells with West Brom, Crystal Palace and Chelsea before his £38 million Madrid move in summer 2024.
Frank described his new signing as “a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad,” highlighting Gallagher’s leadership qualities, pressing ability and running power as crucial attributes for Tottenham’s needs.
The 25-year-old’s arrival addressed an urgent need following Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, though questions persist regarding whether his combative profile resolves Spurs’ creativity.
Tottenham simultaneously secured 19-year-old Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos for £13 million, with the defender signing a long-term contract.
Souza enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, starting 19 league matches and frequently linking with Neymar on the flank before the veteran’s injury problems.
The acquisition future-proofs Spurs’ left-back position following Ben Davies’ recent ankle fracture and Destiny Udogie’s injury proneness, though that didn’t stop Tottenham trying their hand at a deal for Liverpool legend Andy Robertson.
Johnson’s £35 million departure to Palace represented significant business, with the Welsh winger having fallen foul of Frank’s plans despite finishing 24/25 as their top scorer and bagging the Europa League final winner.
As Monday’s deadline approaches, multiple attacking injuries, including star winger Mohammed Kudus recently, highlight the need for another attacking option.
While Tottenham are believed to have been rebuffed in an approach to sign Serge Gnabry recently, they may have better luck snapping up another ex-Arsenal forward.
Tottenham eye late January move for Raheem Sterling
That man is free agent Raheem Sterling, who mutually agreed to terminate his £325,000-per-week Chelsea contract earlier this week.
According to CaughtOffside, Spurs have expressed interest in Sterling following his Stamford Bridge exit, though they face significant competition from London rivals West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Sterling’s situation offers unique appeal given he is ‘ready to sign’ for dramatically reduced wages — from his mammoth figures at Chelsea to below ‘one-third’ of that amount — roughly £108,000-per-week.
His representatives are also believed to be holding discussions with seven to eight clubs.
The 31-year-old prioritises remaining in London for family reasons whilst seeking regular football ahead of this summer’s World Cup, giving Spurs a potential opportunity despite his previous struggles at Cobham, where he managed 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 appearances.
Foreign clubs including Juventus, Napoli, Bayern Munich and Roma monitor Sterling’s availability, alongside MLS approaches, though the England international’s preference is to compete at elite European level.
The ex-Man City and Liverpool star is part of the division’s 100 club for goals scored and a serial winner, not to mention blessed with proven top-level experience.
In terms of an attitude for the dressing room, Sterling could give Frank’s side a major lift in that sense, but there is also a serious case to be made that his best days are long gone.
