Tottenham Hotspur all of a sudden look a lot stronger in midfield, but it means one prospect is further from the first team once again.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks
Many Tottenham Hotspur supporters were impressed with the performances of Harry Winks this summer, and were looking forward to seeing him pushing for first team action this season as the club’s latest academy star.
But with Spurs buying Moussa Sissoko for big money, it may have been better for the England Under-20 player to have taken in a loan before the end of the transfer window in order to push on as much as possible this season.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli and Harry Winks during training
Winks demonstrated during preseason that he could well be worth some minutes in the coming campaign, proving himself an impressive forward thinking player in the pivot.
With the absence of Mousa Dembele at the forefront of Mauricio Pochettino’s mind when it comes to signing a central midfielder who could contribute to offensive play from the middle of the pitch, and also in more traditional attacking midfield positions, it is perhaps no surprise that he spent big money to bring in someone like Sissoko who has many qualities Winks doesn’t and likely never will possess.
The Frenchman’s powerful and direct style, as well as his versatility and experience of international football are undoubtedly valuable additions to Tottenham’s squad.
But it may have shelved Winks’ first team impact for the foreseeable future, even though his passing ability and physical improvements suggest he is a much more worthwhile option than fellow academy graduate Tom Carroll.
France’s Moussa Sissoko in action with Switzerland’s Admir Mehmedi
In truth, the lateness of Sissoko’s arrival would have meant any decision to let Winks leave earlier that day was a risk, but if nothing else it is another reason to get transfer business done as early as possible in a window, even if it does mean less excitement on deadline day.
With the abolishment of the loan window this season, Winks will have to wait until January if he is head out for regular first team football. It would be a surprise if he makes substantial appearances for Spurs this season, with a single minute coming at the end of the game with Liverpool even before Sissoko’s transfer and Dembele’s impending return.
The 20-year-old could feature against Gillingham in the League Cup, but any further action could depend on whether Spurs progress in that competition, and what kind of opposition they draw if they manage to get past the Gills.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks in action
Given his age, Winks still has plenty of time to find a place in Pochettino’s first team squad, and given the status of the club now, it may be harder for younger players to seize a chance moving forward, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the midfielder head out on loan in January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
