For Tottenham Hotspur, this could be a difficult summer. In recent seasons, Spurs have done well with limited resources compared to their rivals. As good as the progress is, the squad could come under threat from rivals in this summers transfer window. Kyle Walker left for Manchester City and won two trophies. Former teammates will be looking on with envy. So who will stay and who may go?
A Difficult Summer for Tottenham Hotspur
There is a sense around Tottenham that some of the biggest names will be targeted this summer. Good performances in the World Cup will only see players’ stocks rise. Daniel Levy’s resolve will be tested more than ever before.
The Main Players
Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris has come in for stick from his own fans recently after making high profile errors against Chelsea and Stoke City. Against Watford, he proved that he is still a top keeper at this level. The Spurs captain is yet to taste success in North London. In 2017 he said he was glad he had stayed at Spurs:
“But there is a great potential in the squad, a great project in our club, and I am looking forward to seeing this development. I try my best to help the team and the club to develop.”
Now a year later and six seasons down the line, has Lloris still got time to win big with Spurs?
Verdict: Stay
Kieran Trippier
Even with the arrival of Serge Aurier in the summer, Trippier is considered to be Spurs’ main right back these days. After playing second fiddle to Kyle Walker, he has grasped his chance and his crossing has added something different to the raw pace of Walker. He is early in his career at Spurs and not looking for an exit route just yet.
Verdict: Stay
Toby Alderweireld
One of the best centre-backs in world football today but has not even been a bit-part player for Spurs since picking up an injury against Real Madrid at Wembley. It is hard to see anything but a departure from Spurs in the summer window.
Verdict: Go
Jan Vertonghen
Despite the clear talent of Alderweireld, it is Jan Vertonghen who has become one of Tottenham’s star performers. He is a candidate for being Spurs captain should Lloris ever leave and someone who embodies Mauricio Pochettino’s philosophy. Another player who may feel he needs to move to win silverware in England but sounds committed to the cause for now:
“We’ve shown we can compete with everyone in the world. The case now is not to do it for one or two games, but to do it consistently for 10-11 months.”
To gain success, Vertonghen is a player Spurs can ill afford to lose.
Verdict: Stay
Davinson Sanchez
Another newcomer who, although still raw, has performed well alongside Vertonghen and has even drawn comparisons with Ledley King. One to watch.
Verdict: Stay
Danny Rose
Another player who has struggled for game time after injury and did little to endear himself to the fans and manager by expressing his concerns in the media about Spurs’ lack of success and big-name signings. When he has got on the pitch, he has looked overweight and lacking in fitness. This is a story that looks certain to end this summer.
Verdict: Go
Ben Davies
Ahead of Danny Rose and something of a mixed bag. Spurs fans move from praise to harsh criticism and he is not what you could term a fans favourite. Unlikely to walk into one of the other top six teams.
Verdict: Stay
Moussa Dembele
After the Champions League first-leg tie with Juventus, the media went into overdrive, calling Dembele ‘World Class.’ It was a sublime performance but he has since flattered to deceive. There has always been a sense that he has never truly fulfilled his potential. Against Manchester United, in the FA Cup semi-final, he was one of Spurs’ worst players. He has only delivered 12 assists in his entire Premier League career and if big money is offered, it makes sense to cash in.
Verdict: Go
Christian Eriksen
The Dane has had a superb season, scoring 14 goals and providing ten assists. He has run games for Spurs and been at the heart of their best performances. Paris Saint-Germain are rumoured to be preparing a £100 million bid in the summer and that amount of money is known to turn Daniel Levy’s head. Replacing the Dane would be a hard task. He is a player Pochettino will want to see back for training after the World Cup.
Verdict: Stay
Eric Dier
Linked with Manchester United last season and underrated. A versatile performer who would be a loss to this squad. A good World Cup could see bids coming in again.
Verdict: Stay
Erik Lamela
The key to his future could lie with the manager himself. Pochettino rates Lamela highly and has high hopes for his fellow countryman.
Lauded by some Spurs fans and maligned by others, he is someone who always gives his all and it would be a surprise to see him part just yet.
Verdict: Stay
Dele Alli
Another player who has a strong bond with the manager.
At times sublime, at others naive, there is no doubting that there is more to come from this young man and there should be no reason to look elsewhere in his career just yet. Much may depend on the size of offers that may come in for him and whether his agent has his eye on a bigger prize.
Verdict: Stay
Son Heung Min
Son had a flying start to the season and the honour of ‘Nice on Cyril’ becoming is own song from the fans. He has lost a touch of form in recent weeks but has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Verdict: Stay
Harry Kane
£500 million. Whatever the offer, Spurs cannot sell Harry Kane. He is the heart of this Spurs squad and can lead the club to glory. Selling Kane would spell disaster.
Verdict: Stay
The Rest
Spurs will need to sell to buy. Departures loom for Fernando Llorente, Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko, Anthony Georgiou and Michel Vorm. Kyle Walker-Peters and Josh Onomah could well see loan spells away from their own club and there doesn’t look to be too many chances for youth players any time soon
Tottenham Hotspur’s Difficult Summer
There will be comings and goings before the opening of the new stadium. A new era is about to dawn.
This summer could be pivotal in where Spurs go from another season without success. The players that leave will need replacing. Some will be easier to replace than others. Some may even be irreplaceable and Spurs might need to dare to do if the success they seem so close to is to materialise.
It would be a shame for any of this squad to miss out on the success they have been part of building. But no one waits forever.
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