Whatever way you look at it, Tottenham Hotspur's top 4 hopes are certainly more vulnerable this season compared to the previous year, with more competitors and financial powerhouses in the fight.
Spurs struck gold last January when sporting director Fabio Paratici raided his former club, Juventus of two of its players who were undoubtedly on the fringe - Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski. These two players elevated the quality of the squad, and contributed to crucial results, which gifted the club a return to the Champions League.
Each year, the quality of the Premier League improves, as clubs are willing to invest larger sums in the transfer market to reach a higher position. In the last year, two Premier League clubs have been taken over with new ownership; Chelsea under Todd Boehly, and Newcastle who have investment from Saudi Arabia. With the leniency of financial fair play in football, this means both clubs can spend hundreds of millions on players in the transfer market. While Chelsea is in a transition period, they will inevitably come strong. Newcastle's investment has already reflected with results, as they sit handsomely in 3rd in the Premier League as it stands.
Spurs are not renowned for throwing money in the transfer market, or even directly investing money into the club, and prefer to work on profits. This changed in the last summer window, where ENIC, the majority shareholder, invested a further £150m in the club. This allowed greater freedom in the transfer market, and saw signings such as the permanent deal of Cristian Romero, and the £60m signing of Richarlison from Everton.
It is vital that in this January transfer window, Tottenham once again invest appropriately, otherwise a top four finish is in jeopardy. Simply being in the UEFA Champions League financially boosts the club. Certainly, it is crucial this year more than ever with more competitors that money is injected. Tottenham have historically shown a lack of ambition under Daniel Levy, and history repeating itself has consequences.
One of those consequences undoubtedly is losing the manager, Antonio Conte. He has repeated consistently that he needs time, but equally needs backing from the owners. Conte is one of Tottenham's greatest managers based on repertoire and losing him could spiral Spurs into a decline. Harry Kane requested a transfer move away from the club in 2021 under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, where top signings were sparse.
Tottenham's squad have displayed obvious weaknesses, particularly in defence. Conceding the first goal in the last nine games is a statistic which tells you investment is needed in defence, and certainly at least one high-quality player needs to join the club to improve the squad. Other signings may be needed to improve depth and quality, as competition in the squad is non-existent as it stands.
If ENIC fail to invest and back Conte, there will be consequences. If they can no longer financially compete, could they sell the club?
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