The summer transfer window is drawing ever closer, and Tottenham need to be active.
Tottenham Hotspur are still on course for a top four finish this season, and also find themselves in the Champions League semi-finals against Ajax, with a real shot of reaching the final.
Mauricio Pochettino has performed miracles once again, with Spurs challenging despite not making a new signing for over a year, going two straight transfer windows without a new face.
Surely Tottenham will be active this summer though, as they look to bring reinforcements to their new stadium, and here’s a five-point plan for how Spurs can attack this summer’s window…
1. Sort out the full back problems
One of the keys to Pochettino’s success at Spurs has been effective full back play, especially from Kyle Walker and Danny Rose in previous years. However, Rose’s injuries mean he isn’t the swashbuckling left back he once was, whilst Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier have suffered disappointing seasons on the right. Adding new options on either flank should be a priority, giving Pochettino’s side additional thrust going forward, especially as Pochettino often plays with wing backs.
2. Reinforce the midfield
Moussa Sissoko has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround this season, whilst Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp have been coming through under Pochettino, but a new midfielder – or even two – must be signed. Victor Wanyama’s future is a little unclear, and Mousa Dembele moved on in January without being replaced. Bringing in a player with Dembele’s athleticism and driving ability through midfield, as well as a player with quality on the ball to start attacks from deep would also be ideal as Winks and Skipp develop.
3. Sign another striker
Fernando Llorente became a hero with his Champions League goal against Manchester City, but his future at Tottenham remains unclear. Harry Kane’s ankle injuries are becoming a major concern now, and whilst Son Heung-min fills in well, another striker is needed, with Troy Parrott not yet ready for first-team football. Finding a striker happy to play second fiddle to Kane may well be difficult, but if Spurs have real hopes of a title push next season, another goalscoring addition is imperative.
4. Make a decision on Christian Eriksen
Sadly, Toby Alderweireld may well be on his way this summer – and fans will be hoping Christian Eriksen doesn’t follow him. The Dane hasn’t been too impressive of late, but he’s still one of Tottenham’s most gifted players. His contract expires in 2020, meaning he’s entering the final years of his deal, and Daniel Levy won’t want to lose him for free. If a new contract can’t be arranged, Tottenham need to decide whether to sell him whilst they still can, or keep pressing on trying to convince him to stay, potentially losing money in the process.
5. Focus on homegrown talent
One issue Tottenham are facing surrounds the homegrown quotas. Whilst Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Harry Winks and Danny Rose are all important, there’s actually a lack of homegrown players in the squad. They’re hit by Eric Dier not counting as homegrown, and Spurs must attempt to bring in more young English players to fit those requirements. Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Max Aarons would fit perfectly at right back, whilst Jack Grealish also makes sense further forward. It’s an issue which has crept up on Tottenham, and now needs to be addressed – especially with fringe or missing players like Michel Vorm, Erik Lamela and Vincent Janssen taking up non-homegrown spots.
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