Tottenham Hotspur have made their first move ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
Timo Werner is in the building after his six-month loan spell, with the forward’s new loan deal drawing some criticism.
Pundit Danny Murphy was perplexed at Tottenham deciding to bring the player in because of how he performed during the recently concluded campaign.
The 28-year-old had a difficult time at Chelsea during his first spell in the Premier League and then scored two goals upon his return.
It has left some critics questioning Spurs for this move, with Ange Postecoglou clearly getting what he wants and Daniel Levy backing him up.
But Murphy was keen to point out that, while Werner won’t get the London club into the Champions League next season, the club have still made ‘a couple of brilliant signings’, as he told talkSPORT.
Postecoglou was heavily backed last summer, with many of his new faces proving to be key players in the team finishing fifth.
Murphy was keen to give Micky van de Ven his flowers and how he has been ’sensational’ for Tottenham at the back.
And how left-back Destiny Udogie, who was signed in 2022, but only made his debut this season, ‘came out of nowhere’ and has probably been the best player in his position this season.
Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie transfers
“Let’s give it balance, they have made a couple of brilliant signings,” said Murphy. “So, their recruitment isn’t all bad.
“Van de Ven has been sensational. I think he has done really, really well. Udogie. He has arguably been the best left-back in the country. He came out of nowhere. Someone is doing the right thing there.
“You are going to have the odd one that’s a more sensible safe squad bet. The way Tottenham are talking, their manager and their ambition. They aren’t getting Werner for another season to start him. Can’t be. They won’t break into the top four with the front three that they finished the season with.”
What next for Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer market?
It needs to be noted that Spurs didn’t play in Europe this season, yet some of their performances didn’t dictate that.
Plus, when players were injured, such as James Maddison and van de Ven, they struggled to cope and suffered a number of defeats.
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That’s why Postecoglou must be backed, from back to front because starting quality is needed, as well as bench quality.
But for that to happen, calls need to be made on certain players already at the club. Do Spurs accept offers for Richarlison? Does Saudi Arabia-linked Emerson Royal leave?
What about the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Oliver Skipp, who have been fringe players, is it time to take them off the wage bill and move on? Perhaps the answer is yes to all of them.
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