Sport Writer George Wellbelove takes a look at how Spurs’ Winter transfer business has put them in a strong position to excel in 2024
Tottenham’s transfer policy has always been one characterized by frugality. Chairman Daniel Levy prefers to keep his cheque book closed and only spend small fees for players. Spurs fans will be used to the sight of Levy being unwilling to spend that little bit extra when trying to meet the valuation of a player, which often leads to another club swooping in to hijack the deal. However, infrequent spending appears to be in the past for the North London club and Tottenham are running riot in the transfer window period.
Tottenham failed to sign a player over an eighteen month period from January 2018 to the summer of 2019. Whilst the cost of building their new stadium at the time will have affected transfer proceedings, this is a remarkable occurrence. This ended with the signing of Jack Clarke from Leeds United who immediately went back out on loan. The business that Spurs did during this period is arguably a failure. Jack Clarke, Steven Bergwijn, Gedson Fernandes and Matt Doherty all experienced limited game time and failed to contribute significantly to the efforts of the team. This could also explain the lack of success for managers Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte as Levy did not properly provide funds to sign the players needed to push Spurs to the next level.
Tottenham’s transfer policy has always been one characterized by frugality
But in 2023 and in the Postecoglou era, this has all changed. Helped by the record sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, Spurs now have money to spend to sign the players they want. Largely due to the efforts of former managing director, Fabio Paratici, Spurs have looked to the Serie A to rebuild their stricken squad. Rodrigo Bentacur, Dejan Kulusevski and Cristian Romero have been extraordinary since their arrivals a couple of years ago. Now with Postecoglou at the helm, he seems to have cracked Levy’s minimal spend policy.
Tottenham have signed a remarkable nine players this season, most notably England international James Maddison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Along with Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski securing permanent deals from their time on loan, Postecoglou’s team is taking shape into a formidable side. This probably would not have been possible without the sale of Kane but Postecoglou has taken the opportunity extremely well.
The start to the 23/24 Premier League season was excellent and having been unbeaten from August to October, the signings looked to have made an impact. Maddison ran riot in the midfield and the centre back partnership of Van de Ven and Romero was reminiscent of the days of Vertonghen and Alderweireld. With a mid-season injury crisis and a dip in form, Spurs now found themselves in fifth place but only six points off top spot.
Spurs are winning the January transfer window so far and have made superb signings
Now deep into the winter transfer window, Spurs have continued with their investments and have brought in Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin. Werner was underwhelming at London rivals, Chelsea, but if there’s one manager who can bring the best out of him, it is surely Postecoglou. Spurs fought off competition from Bayern Munich for Dragusin which is testament to their great form this season. These two players are exactly what Spurs need to reinforce their squad and perform to Postecoglou’s attacking and fast pressing style of football.
Departures have also been clinical in January so far. Djed Spence has moved to Genoa on loan which should be his last chance to resurrect his career before being sold permanently. Long-serving Eric Dier has left to Bayern Munich and eighteen year old Ashley Phillips has been afforded a short term loan to Championship side Plymouth Argyle to gain some first team experience. Hugo Lloris has joined LAFC which has freed up a large chunk of funds from the wage bill.
Postecoglou’s side are in a good place at the moment. Another midfielder would be desirable but with Maddison nearly back from injury, Tottenham’s squad is looking dangerous and it will be truly exciting to see how they progress in the Premier League. Spurs are winning the January transfer window so far and have made superb signings. From a lack of signings to a large amount of first team quality players, Levy and Postecoglou are building something special in N17 and Tottenham should be the ones to watch for the rest of 2024.
Read more Sport articles here:
Comments