Brad Friedel has noticed some big changes with the way Tottenham Hotspur are operating this summer, and he is excited about what the upcoming season could have in store.
After the club escaped relegation on the final day of the season, several senior Tottenham officials promised fans that the club would show ambition in the transfer window.
They are delivering on that promise, with Spurs having announced the signings of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dúbravka already.
Additionally, the Lilywhites have spent a total of £185m on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes over the last two days, thus sending a statement about their ambition.
Brad Friedel identifies three exciting features of Tottenham’s business so far
Friedel has admitted that he likes what his former club are doing in the summer so far, as the North Londoners look to get back up the Premier League table next season.
The American has liked Tottenham’s urgency, their pursuit of proven quality and decision to prioritise Premier League experience, and he predicted that De Zerbi’s men could be back in the European places next season.
When asked about the North London club’s transfer business so far, the former Spurs goalkeeper told Tribal Football: “I like what I am seeing from Tottenham right now. It’s good to get signings in nice and early and to rebuild with quality. Defensively, Spurs have had injuries, so signing Van Hecke from Brighton is a very good signing by De Zerbi. Premier League experience; he can do well at Tottenham. I also like Tonali. He is a top midfielder who can do well at Tottenham.
“Andy Robertson is an experienced full-back who can give excellent leadership at Tottenham, so as well as on the pitch, off the pitch he can be very important. So, so far, this is looking like a promising transfer window for Spurs, and it’s important they continue to build and then, yes, build a squad capable of qualifying for Europe.”
Friedel not surprised big names are willing to join Spurs
The fact that Tottenham have been able to beat out big clubs to the signings of Tonali and Fernandes has caught many by shock, given that the Lilywhites have finished 17th twice in a row.
However, Friedel is not surprised that Spurs remain an attractive destination, pointing out that they remain one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League off the pitch despite not getting things right on it over the last few years.
When asked why so many players are keen to join Tottenham after they were nearly relegated, the 55-year-old said: “Tottenham have one of the best stadiums in Europe, London is a great location, and their facilities in the training ground are outstanding. They are a huge club off the pitch and although the last few seasons they have struggled on the pitch, they still offer a great place to play football in the Premier League.
“With De Zerbi now in charge, they are looking to really build positively and not finish just above the relegation zone. They know they need to compete with wages, and I believe there is going to be a change to pay higher wages to be able to compete and attract more players.”