Mauricio Pochettino may have more flexibility in Tottenham’s summer transfer dealings

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has told reporters that he believes midfielder Mousa Dembele can consistently play at the top of his game for another couple of seasons, ESPN report.

Question marks have been raised over Dembele’s long-term role at Tottenham considering he turns 31 this summer and has managed just 21 league starts this term. But Pochettino isn’t fazed, and responded positively when asked whether the midfielder can continue at the top level for another couple of years.

“We hope yes and I think yes. It’s not a problem but of course he’s a player we need to pay attention to, maybe more than another. Of course, we need to be careful about his ankle [at the moment] and then it’s about managing him in the best way to be fit, so he can play.”

How may Pochettino’s comments affect his summer transfer plans?

Dembele is widely regarded as one of Tottenham’s most important players, but with his age and the questions over his fitness many felt the Belgium international could end up leaving the club this summer.

Reports in the Independent only last month suggested the player is heading for a likely exit this summer, with a money-spinning move to China a plausible option.

Dembele departing the north London club would leave a massive void to fill, and it would likely result in Pochettino spending heavily on one player capable of coming in as a ready-made replacement.

It isn’t in Spurs’ philosophy in the transfer market to spend lavish sums on one particular player in his prime, but that’s what the club could be forced into doing if their star midfielder ends his affiliation with Spurs this summer.

But Pochettino’s comments suggests Dembele will remain at White Hart Lane, and that could play a big part in Tottenham’s summer transfer plans with the central midfield area already well stacked.

In Victor Wanyama, Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, Pochettino has options, and Dembele staying would allow the former Southampton manager to turn his attentions to other areas of the Tottenham squad.

Spurs could certainly improve their left-back situation should Danny Rose leave, while a Harry Kane back-up and another attacking wide player are arguably the most important positions to invest in this summer.