The summer transfer window is drawing ever closer, and Tottenham may look to make changes.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have been slow to get going in the last two summer transfer windows, and may be hoping to do more swift business this summer despite the World Cup taking place in Russia.
A top four place is on the horizon for Spurs, and with the move to their new stadium coming up this summer, Tottenham should be appealing prospect for new signings, but keeping key players will also be important.
With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for Tottenham’s summer transfer window…
1. Resolve Toby Alderweireld’s future
One of the main problems for Tottenham Hotspur heading towards the summer surrounds defender Toby Alderweireld, who has yet to sign a new contract with the club. A key player for Spurs since his 2015 move from Atletico Madrid, Alderweireld has become one of the Premier League’s best defenders but isn’t paid as such, and with a £25million release clause in his deal which can be activated in 2019, Spurs may decide to cash in on the Belgian this summer – but Spurs must decide one way or the other this summer and end the questions as soon as possible.
2. Sign another goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris hasn’t quite enjoyed his best season so far, whilst Michel Vorm’s contract expires this summer and Paulo Gazzaniga has been little more than third-choice this season. If Vorm leaves, then Pochettino would be wise to bring in another goalkeeper to challenge Lloris for the number one jersey. Pochettino favourite Pau Lopez – who spent last season on loan at Spurs – is out of contract at Espanyol this summer, and could be a smart addition on a free transfer having starred in Spain this season.
3. Address left back problems
Ben Davies has enjoyed his best season as a Tottenham player, but Pochettino still faces problems at left back. Danny Rose was disgruntled late last summer and hasn’t played a prominent role this season, suggesting Spurs may cash in on the England international this summer. If Rose goes, then another left back will be needed, with Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon or Manchester United’s Luke Shaw both touted as potential replacements.
4. Move for Doucoure as Dembele successor
Mousa Dembele’s future has been brought into question of late, given that he has just over a year left on his deal and has put contract talks on hold. Whether Dembele stays or leaves, Spurs will be looking for an eventual successor to the Belgian this summer, and Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure fits the bill. The French midfielder has shown his goalscoring ability this season as well as his defensive work in terms of tackles and interceptions, suggesting that he could be the ideal box-to-box player to contend with Dembele at Spurs.
5. Offload Janssen and Llorente
Tottenham have seen Harry Kane enjoy great success in recent years, but their record when it comes to buying strikers has been less than stellar. Vincent Janssen struggled last season following a move from AZ Alkmaar before being sent out on loan to Fenerbahce, whilst Fernando Llorente hasn’t impressed since his August switch from Swansea City. Neither player figure to be part of Pochettino’s plans moving forward, and both should be flogged this summer to make way for a better replacement.
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