Following Tottenham‘s failed pursuit of Ross Barkley and Andre Gomes over the summer, and the continued confusion over Erik Lamela’s return date, Mauricio Pochettino’s side appear to be short of attacking options for the new season. 30-year-old former Italian international Giuseppe Rossi could be the solution to this problem.
Is Giuseppe Rossi the Short-Term Answer to Tottenham’s Lack of Depth?
Any deal for the Italian free agent will likely be concluded in early October. He has only arrived in London recently and is reportedly talking to several clubs in England and abroad.
Rossi: a Short-Term fix?
Any deal for Rossi will likely be a 2-3 month long contract that will help him to be fit and ready for the upcoming MLS season. Any move he makes would likely be an attempt to have numerous MLS teams interested in him. If he joins, it will likely be up until the January transfer window when the club hopes to complete a deal for Ross Barkley or another midfielder.
He would likely provide cover as an attacking midfielder, but given the fact he has played the majority of his career as a forward, it can be expected that he will be able to fill in there if and when required to do so.
Change in Policy
The signing of Rossi would provide further evidence of Spurs and Pochettino no longer adhering to their strict 25 years old and under transfer policy. This policy has shown signs of valuing potential sell-on value over guaranteed success. In the past, many have cited a lack of experience as one of the reasons behind the squad’s “bottling” reputation.
The potential transfer of Rossi, coupled with the deal for 32-year-old Fernando Llorente which was completed over the summer, seems to suggest Pochettino is addressing the problem and this change in stance will be welcomed by a lot of Tottenham supporters.
Play it Safe or one Last Crack at Glory?
As well as Spurs, it has also been claimed that London rivals West Ham United are interested in acquiring the Italian. Despite their rivalry, however, there is a massive gulf in quality on the pitch, and Rossi will take this into account when choosing his last shot at the big time; guaranteed games or a chance to fulfil his potential?
At West Ham, he would likely earn as well as feature more. Also, he will likely have the option of adding more months onto the deal if he wants. At Tottenham, it is likely that he will not be viewed as anything more than a back-up option, unless someone picks up injured. In that case, he would have an opportunity to prove himself at a much stronger club. If he were to take it, there is a possibility that he would be fortunate enough to receive a long-term deal at the club.
The American Dream
The very best scenario for Rossi would be that gets a better contract at Tottenham and goes from one last MLS paycheck to playing Champions League football for one of England’s elite.
Having grown up in New Jersey, it is likely he grew up with tales of the American Dream and will welcome the challenge of trying to revive his career at Spurs. This may sway his decision in Tottenham’s favour.
Win-win situation
Should Giuseppe Rossi come to Tottenham, the worst case scenario is that he doesn’t play but trains for three months with England’s best. Then he’s ready for the start of the MLS season.
From a Spurs perspective, the best-case scenario is that he scores a few goals and allows them the opportunity to rest key players in cup games and against the less prestigious Premier League sides. The worst-case scenario is that the injury problems that have blighted his entire career continue and Tottenham have a former Italian international around the training pitch to give tips and advice to a youthful Tottenham squad.
Rossi could very well prove himself to be the short term answer to Tottenham’s lack of depth. He is a risk-free investment with no financial loss except for a few months’ wages.
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