New players, new momentum for Spurs?
There’s no question about it. The 2018-19 season was a good one for Spurs. After all, they made it to the Champions League Final and finished fourth in the Premiership, a whisker behind Chelsea on points and even ahead of them on goal difference. But it’s equally undeniable that the trophy cabinet has hardly been used in recent years and changing this situation is surely a priority for Mauricio Pochettino in the coming season.
Already, anticipation is rising and there have been a number of exciting announcements. One of the biggest of these has been the unveiling of the 8 year shirt deal with AIA worth £360 million to the club. At the same time as revealing the news, Daniel Levy also stated that the next priority is to strengthen the squad to drive for the success that’s going to be needed if the club is going to be able to pay for the brand new stadium. Admittedly, the 62,000 capacity will also help, as long as the sort of football being played will be of a standard to pack the stands, not to mention make Spurs popular with sports betting fans.
But who are the players who have been signed or could be arriving at the club. And what impact are they likely to make?
Tanguy NDombele
NDombele has been the big headline signing of the pre-season so far following his £55 million move from Lyon. No doubt partially paid for by the £21 million raised by the sale of Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid, the French International has already made his mark by assisting with a Lucas Moura goal in the 3-2 victory in the friendly against Juventus.
He’s likely to strengthen the all-important midfield and form a strong unit with Lo Celso, Erickson and Dele Alli. One can’t overlook his defensive abilities either so he also gives the option of playing in the No.6 position when the need arises.
Kion Etete
Very much with an eye to the future, another of the confirmed transfers in has been the 17 year old Etete from Notts County. Having risen through the ranks of the Midlands side as part of their academy, he made his first team debut in October 2018. He quickly attracted the attention of a number of Premiership clubs and impressed on a trial with Spurs when he scored twice in a match against West Ham. So, while he’s unlikely to be pushing out Harry Kane as the team’s main striker anytime soon, he’s definitely one to watch.
Ryan Sessegnon
As Fulham prepare for life in the Championship they have been making a number of sales, including a hotly-tipped move for London-born Sessegnon. Despite being a natural left back and left winger, the 19 year old made history in last season’s away clash with Cardiff City when he became the first player born in the 2000s to score in the Premiership.
The proposed fee is around £25 million but there has also been some speculation that a double deal with Ryan’s twin brother Steven could also be on the cards.
Giovanni Lo Celso
Real Betis had been demanding £60 million for midfielder Lo Celso. But it seems like the combination of Daniel Levy’s tough negotiations and the Spanish club’s purchase of replacement player Nabil Fekir for a bargain £22 million will mean a £45 million transfer fee.
Last season Lo Celso scored for Real Betis no less than 15 times after first being on loan from PSG before being signed by the Spanish club, although he tends to be happier when hanging back in a more defensive midfield role. If the move comes off, he should also make a formidable partnership with Tanguy NDombele.
Paulo Dybala
Competition is said to be hotting up for the services of the Juventus striker Paulo Dybala with Manchester United and PSG also said to be interested. If Spurs do succeed it will probably be for a transfer record of £75 million+. Ironically, it was Dybala's goal that led to the 4-3 aggregate defeat for Spurs at the stage of 16 in the 2017-18 Champions League.
So with his kind of scoring power, as well as the desire to move up into overdrive for next season, prospects are looking good. As to whether the trophy cabinet will be needed, we’ll just have to wait and see.
P.S - Not forgetting 18 year old Jack Clarke, signed from Leeds and loaned back for the season!
Top of page | Spurs Odyssey Home Page
