After a disappointing 11th place finish in the Women’s Super League (WSL), where they garnered just 20 points across 22 matches, Tottenham Hotspur is showing promising signs of improvement under new manager Martin Ho. The team is currently sitting in fifth place with 16 points from their opening nine games and has recorded four clean sheets — the joint highest in the league, and double their total from the entire previous season.
The signs of advancement are clear. After bringing Ho over from Norwegian club Brann, Spurs have enhanced their squad with notable players such as Toko Koga and Cathinka Tandberg. Now, they’re set to make another significant move, with 20-year-old midfielder Norway’s Signe Gaupset joining from Brann in January for a club-record fee of £378,000 (€430,000) to reunite with her former coach.
Gaupset made headlines in 2021 when she signed with IL Sandviken (now Brann) ahead of her 16th birthday and played a crucial role in their domestic double victory the following year, starring in the cup final with two goals and an assist.
She gained attention in the UEFA Women’s Champions League through impressive performances against OL Lyonnes during the 2023-24 season, and was named the best player in the Norwegian league this season, tallying 15 goals and 14 assists in 26 Toppserien games, more than doubling her contributions from the previous year.
After making her senior international debut for Norway in 2024, she showcased her talent at Euro 2025 this summer, scoring four goals and providing two assists in a match against Iceland. She has quickly become a key player for both her club and country, with her contributions encompassing build-up play and chance creation.
What sets her apart? And how will she integrate into Spurs?
Position
Gaupset is a dynamic talent, capable of playing on both wings or in central midfield.
She can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, serving as the primary option for ball progression from the back and finishing plays in the attacking phase.
As a marquee player, she has the ability to shift the outcome of a game, and her diverse goal and assist repertoire showcases her well-rounded abilities.
Strengths
At just 20 years old, she has exceptional technical skills and is adept with either foot. Her delicate first touch pairs well with her powerful runs, while her vision is complemented by an ability to shoot from distance, making her a threat from anywhere on the field.
Standing at 5-foot-8 and having played against boys until age 14, Gaupset possesses a physical advantage over many of her contemporaries. She is strong in challenges, yet her standout feature is her remarkable ball-carrying ability.
Gaupset can sprint down the pitch with the ball expertly controlled at her feet, and her agility allows her to change direction quickly, making her a challenging opponent. Whether cutting inside or racing down the touchline, she is equipped with a full arsenal of attacking skills to create opportunities.
Knut Slatleim, her assistant coach at SK Brann, noted that she has an “unusual determination,” always looking for ways to get involved and contribute to her team’s success.
Alongside her ball mastery, her shooting is impressive. She strikes the ball with power and precision, allowing her to pose a threat from various positions. Her recent two-goal performance for Norway against Japan was a testament to her striking ability, and she contributed substantially in the Euro 2025 game against Iceland, being involved in all four goals — scoring twice, assisting twice, while also creating seven chances, recovering five balls, and winning three out of four aerial challenges.
The versatility of her contributions in the match against Iceland, utilizing both feet and showcasing prowess from inside and outside the penalty area, emphasizes her capability to excel in diverse situations.
Areas for Development
At just 20, there is still potential for her to enhance the accuracy and timing of her final passes.
Although she frequently identifies passing opportunities, improving her decision-making and reducing turnovers can elevate her game to the level of emerging stars like Vicky Lopez (Barcelona) and Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid).
Moreover, increasing her influence throughout the duration of matches is another area of focus.
How Will She Integrate with Spurs?
Given that Gaupset has surpassed the level at Brann, Spurs serve as an ideal stepping stone to transition from the Toppserien to the WSL. It wouldn’t be surprising to see her move on to an even larger club for a higher fee in the future.
While Spurs have made quality signings in recent transfer windows, there are still deficiencies, particularly in the attacking area. The team is among the bottom four in the WSL for shots and non-penalty expected goals (npxG), as well as bottom three for penalty area touches.
While Ho aims to build a possession-based strategy, the implementation of these tactics will take time. Currently, Spurs have leaned on their defensive strengths to secure points, often relying on critical saves and blocks. They currently lead the league in blocks and are the only team yet to commit an error leading to shots this season, showcasing the quality of Koga and the revival of defender Clare Hunt.
However, this defensively-oriented approach underscores the need for effective offensive additions for the club’s future success. While Tandberg’s recruitment mitigated the reliance on Beth England for scoring, the creativity and contributions from the wings remain inadequate; Jessica Naz and Matilda Vinberg have combined for just one goal contribution and five chances in the WSL this season.
While the wingers have demonstrated one-on-one capabilities, with Naz ranking among the WSL’s top three for attempted take-ons (29), their overall effectiveness has been limited. Notably, Naz has been dispossessed the most in the league, ten times more than her nearest rival.
Gaupset’s arrival offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges. She can serve as both a creative powerhouse and a goal-scoring threat from midfield or the wings, enhancing the quality and efficacy of one-on-one situations and ball carrying.
While her preferred position is as an attacking midfielder (No. 8), she may initially need to fill some gaps on the flanks. Ho recognizes her quality and should facilitate a smoother transition between leagues.
Ultimately, Spurs now have a true creator and goal scorer to support their forwards, alleviating the burden on the full-backs to contribute significantly in attack. The club is eager to elevate their performance, and Gaupset has the potential to drive them to new heights.