Tottenham have announced their 25-man squad to partake in the Champions League group stages and Football London report Harvey White might have to be included – but is the club’s treatment and usage of White unfair?
Tottenham’s squad includes the new signings – such as Richarlison, Yves Bissouma and Clement Lenglet. But the squad falls below the threshold of including eight homegrown players, with Antonio Conte’s side naming just seven.
Matt Doherty, Eric Dier and Ben Davies do not count. Fraser Forster, Djed Spence, Harry Kane, Ryan Sessegnon, Oliver Skipp, Japhet Tanganga and Brandon Austin count. They need one more, and it will also mean another drops out.
Football London report that White is the likeliest to come in – even though he could be named on the B list. However, it will mean either Bryan Gil or Pape Matar Sarr come out. But is Tottenham’s usage of White harsh on the player?
Tottenham treatment of White unfair, with decision to be made
Spurs have waved goodbye to the likes of Harry Winks, Dane Scarlett and other players that would meet the criteria. But 20-year-old White has stuck around. Spurs might have decided to keep him, simply so they comply to rules.
But like Scarlett, like Troy Parrott and others that have left Spurs on loan – White needed to go too. Conte is not renowned for giving younger players a chance. The competition in midfield, and at left-back, is aplenty.
White is not going to get a chance in the senior side. He failed to make a single appearance for Spurs last season. He really needed to leave this summer but it appears Spurs knew he would have to stay all along, to comply with rules.
Spurs have put the progression of White’s career, at least for the 22-23 campaign – on hold. It seems unfair on White, who will have to stick around for another season in the club’s Under-21 side. Just so, Spurs can meet the criteria.
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