Opinion: Five homegrown players Spurs should target this summer

The transfer window opened last week (June 9) and plenty of names have already been linked to Spurs, with a huge rebuild needed in North London this summer. 

However, one problem that might occur for Daniel Levy is the homegrown quota, with Premier League rules stating that teams must have at least eight locally-trained players, while UEFA state that only 17 foreign players are allowed for European competitions (Football.London).

So, I have decided to take a look at a few homegrown players that Spurs could target this summer, including some familiar names:

Danny Ings

With Spurs unlikely to take up the £36m option to buy Carlos Vinicius permanently, as reported by Sky Sports, another hunt for a backup striker is set to continue this summer.

One name that should be high on that list is Southampton’s Danny Ings, who has one year left on his contract.

The English striker has had another strong season after he netted 13 goals in 33 appearances last season (Transfermarkt) but unfortunately missed a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020.

With just 12 months left on his contract, Ings could be available for a reasonable fee this summer but could face challenges from Premier League rivals, including Manchester City, Everton and West Ham United (The Athletic).

However, Alasdair Gold has somewhat dampened any hope for Spurs supporters back in March, saying Ings is not keen on playing as a second fiddle to Harry Kane. 

A deal to sign the 28-year-old could be difficult for Spurs to complete this summer, crucially if Kane stays, but if the North London club can persuade Ings, then it’s a no brainer. 

Max Aarons

This name isn’t new for Spurs supporters after the right-back has been linked to a move from Norwich City to North London for the past few seasons.

Aarons, 21, had another stellar season for the Canaries, as they won the Championship and promotion back to the Premier League, grabbing two assists along the way (Transfermarkt).

The 21-year-old has constantly been linked to a move to Spurs over the past couple of years, but with rumours intensifying that Serge Aurier could leave the club, then a right-back is set to be high on the priority list this summer.

Norwich City are unlikely to want to sell their star players as they eye for survival in the Premier League next season, so it will have to be a tempting offer from Spurs to lure Aarons away from East Midlands. 

Sam Johnstone

A name that isn’t going to get Lilywhite supporters excited, but could be a necessary signing in terms of homegrown quota. 

The club announced Argentine Paulo Gazzaniga departed the club after the conclusion of his contract, leaving Joe Hart as deputy to Hugo Lloris and Alfie Whitemen as the third choice. 

Lloris’ future is also unknown, with the Frenchman entering his final year on his contract so a goalkeeper might be needed this summer. 

West Brom’s Sam Johnstone has been linked to Spurs over the past few months, with the Baggies reportedly setting a price tag at £10m (Evening Standard).

Although the goalkeeper was part of the West Brom side that suffered relegation last season, Johnstone was ultimately the shining light as he produced 161 saves – more than any other goalkeeper in Premier League – and had a 70.6% save percentage (FBref.com).

It wouldn’t be a signing that gets supporters buzzing ahead of the new campaign, but one that could be clever and relatively cheap.

Ben White

Another player that has reportedly interested Spurs in the past few weeks is Ben White after an impressive first full season in England’s top division.

Ben White is a top talent and has caught the eye of many Premier League giants, including Arsenal and Manchester United (Daily Express). 

The Englishman spent the majority of last season as a central defender in Graham Potter’s back-three but showed his versatility, featuring at right-back and defensive midfield. 

The only hurdle in this deal could be the price tag that Brighton Hove & Albion have set, reportedly £50m (Daily Mail), which could be well out of Spurs price range.

However, Spurs desperately need to revamp their back-line ahead of next season, and White would instantly improve on the current options, while also adding to the homegrown quota. 

Jack Grealish

Last but not least is Jack Grealish.

Unfortunately, this is more like a dream than a reality. Spurs were in touching distance of signing Grealish back in 2018 that even saw the midfielder wave goodbye and blew a kiss to Villa fans in Hull. But, at the 11th hour, the transfer fell through and, well, you know the rest.

Two years later, if Spurs are looking to steer Grealish away from Villa Park, it could well cost a fee well over £60m.

The only possible way that this deal could happen is if Kane gets his wish of leaving the club this summer, giving Spurs enough funds to spend on the midfielder. 

However, after the European Super League diabolical and Antonino Conte mess, Levy relationship with supporters has reached boiling point but making a statement signing like Grealish, also keeping Kane, could calm the frustrations ever so slightly. 

But, as mentioned above, this signing is more of a dream than actual reality, though, you never know with football.

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