It is clear that Spurs need a major squad overhaul in order to properly challenge for a trophy next season. The current squad is a mix of previous manager’s signings and numerous players out on loan. Here we look at which players need to go and whether some players will get the chance to play at the North London based team next season.
Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris - Sell
Lloris is arguably the greatest goalkeeper to have ever played for Spurs. The former French captain and World Cup winner has been at the top of the goalkeeper rankings for most of his years at Tottenham. However, in the last two years his performances have dropped significantly and also his increasing age means that it is finally time for the Spurs legend to depart the club.
Fraser Forster - Keep
Forster has made a decent impact in his first seasons at Spurs. A somewhat questionable signing from Southampton at the start of the season has turned out to be a shrewd transfer as he provides homegrown status and has been called into action a fair few times whilst Lloris has been out injured.
Right Backs
Pedro Porro - Keep
Porro has had a mixed start to his life at Tottenham. With a hefty price tag, he can be seen to have struggled adapting to the physical nature of the Premier League, resulting in a couple of sub par performances. But with the appointment of Ryan Mason as acting manager until the end of the season, Porro has added a few goals to his tally and claimed the starting right back spot.
Emerson Royal - Keep
Before his injury at the end of March that kept him out until May, Emerson was excelling. Scoring goals and being defensively solid at the back, Emerson surely would have kept off competition for his sport. His return against Crystal Palace marked a continuation of his form albeit in the right centre back spot. Perhaps this is where he can continue to play and fit into this team.
Djed Spence - Loan
Djed Spence has had a difficult first season at Spurs. From being brandished a club signing rather than a player that Conte wanted when he was in charge, Spence was unused and has only made a handful of appearances. Being loaned out to Rennes gave Spence the opportunity to show his talent but only 8 appearances later he has failed to make his mark. Another loan preferably to a Championship club should increase his progress.
Centre Backs
Eric Dier - Sell
This season has been the compounding year for Dier in the fact that he has to be sold. A longstanding Spurs player with hundreds of appearances has seen him transition from defensive midfield to centre back. This backwards movements in formation also reflect his backwards momentum in his career and it is time for Dier to leave after some dreadful games.
Cristian Romero - Keep
Defensively astute and having the ‘Rolls Royce’ attribute as a centre back, Romero will continue to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite moments of madness and recklessness, particularly after his return from the World Cup, Romero is one of the best centre backs in the league and provides great aggression at the back.
Davinson Sanchez - Sell
Signed way back in 2017, Sanchez is out of time at Spurs. A transfer under Pochettino, Sanchez has made significant errors and hasn’t been a strong candidate to start for a couple of years now. This is a sign of underperforming players that need to be moved out as soon as possible.
Clement Lenglet - Sign Permanently
With a potential sale of Sanchez, Lenglet could move to Tottenham on a permanent transfer from Barcelona. Clearly unwanted by the La Liga giants, Lenglet is a capable defender and would be able to help solidify Spurs’ defensive options. Although his time at Spurs has been underwhelming, it would be a smart option to sign Lenglet on a permanent deal for a low fee.
Japhet Tanganga - Sell
The homegrown defender has never really made his mark whilst in the first team. His aggression and speed are notable, particularly against City in the first game of the season under Nuno. But, his quality is not Premier League proven and it would be a good sell to recuperate some finances to focus on a different player.
Joe Rodon - Sell
Another player signed by a different manager, Rodon has not had the chance to properly play for Spurs. Part of the ‘Welsh Mafia’, with Ben Davies and Gareth Bale, Rodon has only a few appearances to his name for the Lilywhites and is currently spending the season at Rennes on loan. Only making 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, it's time for Rodon to find new pastures.
Left Backs
Ivan Perisic - Keep
Despite his age at 34, Perisic has been transformed under Mason’s management. Signed by Conte at the start of the season, Perisic was destined for bright things as he had previously worked under the legendary manager at Inter Milan. However, his performances did not live up to expectations. Under Mason, Perisic has put in solid showings and has the highest assists for the 22/23 season at the club.
Ryan Sessegnon - Loan
Ever since his move from Fulham in 2020, Sessegnon hasn’t hit his heights at his former club but has shown promise this season when not injured. He needs confidence and consistent game time to truly develop and could turn into a strong player. A loan spell could be needed to find his form.
Ben Davies - Keep
Davies is a solid left back and often fills in at left centre back. He has been poorly missed due to injury for parts of this season and is extremely reliable at the back. Davies has been at the club now for nearly nine years and it won’t end anytime soon.
Sergio Reguilon - Sell
Reguilon is another player who has great potential but ultimately failed to live up to the hype. Loaned out to Atletico Madrid for the season, he has been injured for parts of the season but hasn’t played often for them. Reguilon would be another of those players that could be used to obtain funds to buy an upgrade for another player.
Destiny Udogie - Keep
Easily the most exciting young player at Spurs, Udogie has been setting the Serie A alight. His bright performances for Udinese brings hope for every Lilywhite fan as he comes back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from his loan spell.
Come back for the second part later where I reveal who is offloaded and who is retained from our list of midfielders and strikers.
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