Three Transfer Mistakes That Tottenham Have Done In Recent Times
Tottenham Hotspur, notoriously known for blowing away the ‘Gareth Bale Money’, have come a long way ever since. Their latest upsurge under Mauricio Pochettino has earned a lot of acknowledgments across the football world and Spurs have become an admirable English force once more since Gareth Bale’s departure. But they are no more dependent on one individual; the young Argentine gaffer has emphasised on ‘team game’ and the North Londoners are functioning as a well-oiled machine.
A number of youngsters have stepped up under Pochettino who, along with a few veterans, have made Spurs look like title contenders for the past couple of campaigns. They had a sensational 2016-17 Premier League season and finished as runners-up behind champions Chelsea, defying all odds. They have achieved consistency and Pochettino has managed to keep hold of a majority of his stars who are continuing to impress in this new campaign.
Since joining them back in 2014, the former Southampton boss has got rid of some big-name stars like Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, and brought in the likes of Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son, Victor Wanyama and Toby Aldeweireld etc., who have fit in perfectly in his energetic style of football. Most of his recruits have boomed under him, barring a few who are still struggling to find their feet and need to be off-loaded soon enough.
Georges-Kévin Nkoudou
The 22-year old former France youth international arrived with a huge reputation last year, as Spurs agreed on a fee of £9million with his previous employers Olympique de Marseille. But the youngster struggled to register himself as a first-team regular like Eric Dier and Dele Alli did. Also, Spurs already have enough options on the wings and with Erik Lamela’s return on cards, Nkoudou will eventually slip further down the pecking order. The young wingman appeared only 14 times last season across all competitions and failed to leave an impact. He needs to play regularly to flourish and Spurs must allow him to explore (either on loan or a permanent deal) options in January.
Vincent Janssen
The 23-year-old Dutchman came with a huge reputation following a high-scoring campaign for his former side AZ Alkmaar where he netted 27 times in 34 league outings and registered himself as Eredivisie Top Scorer of 2015-16 season. He was scouted extensively by Spurs and completed a £18.6million move last summer. But he could not settle in and his poor run forced Pochettino to play Son up front during Harry Kane’s injury absence.
He appeared 27 times in the league last season (the majority of which came as a substitute), and only netted twice in due course. He was not in Pochettino’s plans this year and Spurs were determined to offload him before the transfer deadline. However, the player rejected a possible switch to Premier League counterparts Brighton & Hove Albion but reluctantly agreed on a season-long loan offer from Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahce. Although he has made early impressions in Süper Lig, he is still a misfit in Spurs’ style of football and he should be transferred out permanently in the upcoming transfer window.
Moussa Sissoko
Tottenham Hotspur sensationally snatched a deadline day deal for the Frenchman last summer following a majestic display for his national side during UEFA Euro 2016 competition. He completed a £30million move from Newcastle United last year, which was Spurs’ club-record transfer fee until Davinson Sanchez’s arrival for £42million.
However, Sissoko could not match his previous excellence and struggled to have enough first-team opportunities due to underperformance. Pochettino admitted his willingness to offload the midfielder but could not do so for lack of interest from possible suitors. Sissoko has been handed opportunities this term to prove his worth but is yet to match the expectations. Sissoko’s days are numbered at Tottenham unless things change drastically in the coming days.
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