‘Free transfers’ – Pundit claims coronavirus has come at the ‘wrong time’ for Spurs

Former Sunderland striker, Kevin Phillips, does not expect Tottenham to spend any money this summer as he feels the Lilywhites will be one of the worst-hit clubs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With footballing action suspended for almost two months, there has been no confirmation on whether the season is going to resume, with clubs potentially losing out on £1 billion if the campaign is voided (Daily Mail).

Tottenham could be hit particularly hard if next season is played behind closed doors with Football Insider reporting that the Lilywhites could lose out on over £100 million in matchday revenue.

Former Spurs director of football, Damien Comolli, has suggested that Spurs are in a particularly precarious position due to the substantial debt they owe on the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Sky Sports).

Phillips fears that the timing of the financial blow could have a knock-on effect on the North Londoners for several seasons to come and suggested that the club might have to settle for free transfers.

When asked if Tottenham’s transfer plans could be scuppered if next season is played behind closed doors, the former Golden Boot winner told Football Insider: “If there is no crowd in that stadium next year, with the salaries they have got to pay you would fear it would have a knock-on effect.

“You saw it with Arsenal when they went into the Emirates. It is a tough one.

“This virus has come for the wrong time for Tottenham, having moved into a new stadium and with the revenue that generates on matchdays – it is huge to the football club.

“It will have an effect on future transfers. They will need continue down the route they are on with Willian, free transfers.”

Spurs Web Opinion

With epidemiologists and public health experts predicting a second wave later this year, it seems inevitable that at least a portion of next season will be played behind closed doors. I don’t expect us to make much money off player sales this summer either. So, we are going to have to go after free agents and bargain deals.

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