The summer ahead looks to be pivotal in the progression of Tottenham Hotspur in becoming a top European team. Spurs have now established themselves as a Champions League team, after securing their third successive top-three finish. In a transitional period for the club, maintaining a top-four position, alongside an impressive Champions League campaign, was arguably good enough this season. However, the lack of silverware ultimately provides Daniel Levy with a dilemma this summer. Mauricio Pochettino has arguably pushed this squad to its limit. The first XI has enough quality to compete with anyone. Competing in four competitions requires more than just 11 players, however. Does Daniel Levy break the bank and push to build on the foundations Spurs have set? Or does he stick with the current transfer policy that has brought Spurs to where they are now?
Tottenham Hotspur: Realistic Transfer Targets
Whilst many fans will be wishing for an enthralling summer of high profile signings, it is more likely that Levy will stick to the current transfer policy. This is signing players who demand less significant transfer fees, but who offer high potential to succeed. Below is a list of five potential players Pochettino will look to bring in.
Ryan Sessegnon
Tottenham have been linked with the explosive Fulham starlet for some time now. At the age of only 17, Sessegnon has caught astronomical attention for a player within the Championship. He became the first ever Championship player to be nominated for the PFA young player of the year award. Interestingly, he is also the first 17-year-old to have scored a hattrick in any of the top four English divisions since Dele Alli in 2014. Sessegnon’s transfer to Spurs would make sense to both all parties concerned. Fulham would, of course, lose a key player. However, the money they would receive for a player who may push for a move could be highly beneficial to them. Sessegnon would also gain the opportunity to work under Pochettino, a manager with a phenomenal reputation with youngsters, especially full-backs.
Johnjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey is one that could divide the fans. Many consider him to be no more than an average Premier League footballer with a bad track record for ill-discipline. On the other hand, he is a player always willing to get on the ball and move the ball forward. The array of passes on display in his recent performance against Spurs was impressive. He then followed that up with a man of the match performance against Chelsea. Surprisingly, Shelvey hasn’t picked up a single Premier League booking in 2018, showing that his temperament is improving. Shelvey would undoubtedly be a good squad player for Spurs. He would come with both a manageable transfer fee and wages. He also has proven Premier League quality and would be a sensible purchase.
Jamie Vardy
Vardy isn’t a player who is currently linked with Spurs. However, pursuing the England international would make a lot of sense. Scoring 20 goals this season, Vardy has shown he is a top-level striker. With blistering pace and an eye for goal no matter the angle, Vardy would be a fantastic addition to any squad in the Premier League. He has played many times with Harry Kane and the other England internationals within the squad. In addition, he will surely be looking for Champions League football. At the age of 31, he will feel it’s crucial to be playing at the top level. Again, neither the transfer fee nor the wages will be out of Tottenham’s budget. It seems a no-brainer.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is a player now heavily linked with a move to Tottenham. With Toby Alderweireld looking likely to leave, many are touting de Ligt as his replacement. The Ajax defender, who used to play alongside Davinson Sanchez, would reportedly cost around £50m. Whilst this is a lot of money, it would largely be subsidised by the sale of Alderweireld. If the Belgian is set to leave the club, de Ligt would make sense as his replacement. At an incredible age of 18, de Ligt already has 5 caps for Holland, showing he is well ahead of his age. The presence of Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen would be instrumental in helping him settle into a new league. Many fans will remain hopeful that Alderweireld will stay. However, it seems his imminent departure is inevitable, with de Ligt a likely replacement.
Alfie Mawson
Alfie Mawson is another player who has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time. Perhaps the least exciting on the list, Mawson looks set to leave Swansea upon their relegation from the Premier League. Mawson started every Premier League game for the Swans this season. He is very calm and capable on the ball, also having an eye for goal, scoring twice this campaign. Mawson would surely be no more than a signing to bolster the squad. Whilst Pochettino has high hopes for Juan Foyth, not making a single Premier League appearance this season implies he’s not quite ready. Mawson would certainly provide solid cover for the starting centre backs and would be a sensible purchase.
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