After a disappointingly quiet January transfer window, it seems as though Spurs will look to invest more in summer, a common decision amongst most Premier League teams in this day and age. In the midst of a relegation battle, it is clear Tottenham are in need of improvement in the shape of new additions. However there is an argument that it’s an already capable set of players, that just seem to be underperforming. As has been the case in the las three seasons at Spurs, yet again injuries have played a huge part in the teams struggles. So what and who do the club need, to help them kick on next season and return to their ‘big club’ status.
When looking ahead at what profiles Tottenham need, it is important to assess the gaps in the squad. To add to the gaps already in the squad, Spurs will have to battle to keep hold of key players, with it being unlikely that they have European football to offer, as well as some players being frustrated with the board. It is likely that one of Romero or Van de Ven will go, with the latter a potential suiter to Van Dijk at Liverpool, and Romero having strongly voiced his dissatisfaction of the board on social media. Lucas Bergvall is also attracting interest from clubs such as Chelsea and Aston Villa, whilst Mathys Tel was unhappy with his gametime, but that may change after the sacking of Thomas Frank. It also remains to be seen whether the loan of Joao Palinha will be made a permanent deal, whilst the loan of Kolo Muani will also expire. The futures of both Yves Bissouma and Ben Davies also appear up in the air.
Whilst it’s inevitable there will be some key departures, there will also be some important names returning to the club after loan spells. Some of these players will certainly come in to play a big role in the first team, none more than exciting centre back, Luka Vuskovic. The 18 year old centre back has generated a lot of noise around Europe, after impressing at Hamburg in the Bundesliga so far this season. He has won rookie of the month in the German league three times, as well as being awarded Bundesliga player of the season so far by fans in January. Not only does he have an extremely exciting future, but he will also be a big boost in the first team next season, if Spurs can manage to fend off any interest. Players such as Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett, Ashley Phillips and Tyrese Hall also will be pushing for first team places next season, the latter particularly being a profile that Spurs have missed this season.
With all this being considered, what are the gaps in the squad that need addressing? Tottenham Number one, Guglielmo Vicario, has shown a few weaknesses in his game this season. The main two of those are his ball playing ability and his lack of conviction when the ball is crossed in the box. Despite his great shot stopping ability, in the modern game ball playing is so crucial for a goalkeeper, so an improvement in that area seems necessary. A centre back may be needed if one of the key names departs, and a more experienced left back to compete with Destiny Udogie, whilst Souza still adjusts to English football. Right back and midfield has plenty of depth and returns for both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski will be welcomed with open arms next season. With Kudus and Kulusevski competing on the right wing that looks good, however an out and out left winger should be an absolute priority. Xavi Simons plays better in a more central attacking midfield role, whilst Richarlison is better through the middle of a front three. Both Odobert and Tel are still improving, so it seems the area that has the least quality across the squad. Solanke and Richarlison are both competing up front for the starting spot, so whilst an injection of quality would be beneficial, it doesn’t seem like a priority.
With the main gaps seeming to be goalkeeper, left back, centre back and left wing, the questions begs to be which players are available on the market. With no European football to offer and a tight wage structure, attracting high quality players will not be easy. It will largely fall on who the manager will be at the time, with one of the favourites seeming to be Mauricio Pochettino, to sell the project. Andy Robertson was a target in January, so expect to see that revisited in summer, as someone who is a leader, won the premier league and champions league and still capable of competing for a starting spot. In the goalkeeper spot, with the downfall of Crystal Palace in terms of management, performance and harmony within the club, Dean Henderson is an option they may wish to explore. Another man wanting a move out of the club is tricky striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who also may be of interest. With Vuskovic coming back from loan, a new centre back may come in to add depth rather than improve the starting 11. Someone like Maxime Esteve would be a great option, as Burnley look to be heading towards relegation. In the left wing spot, a few names that have already been explored will likely resurface in summer. Maghes Akliouche could be the leading candidate, as a tricky, young winger who Tottenham have been actively scouting since last summer. Rafael Leao, Savinho and Omar Marmoush are all also names who’ve been mentioned. All three would definitely improve the squad, but with no Europe to offer, deals for these players would be complicated.
Bringing in these additions will not be simple, it will take a lot of convincing, promises to be fulfilled and ultimately an improvement in performance. However if any of these deals are completed, it will be a massive factor into returning Spurs to where they should be, in and around the top of the table.
