Tottenham’s shrewd summer dealings

As the transfer window went into the deep ends of July, most Premier League clubs were well into their summer business, but not Tottenham Hotspur. Till the last week of the summer there was no new signing, prompting doubts of Tottenham’s suitability to challenge for the title like last season. The stadium developments and a restricted wage structure reduces Tottenham’s ability to splurge money at will, but for most fans spending money is viewed as the first step towards success. But Pochettino burst from his cage in the last week, decisively landing his targets, and with five signings, he shouldn’t have much to complain.

While three of the five high-profile departures this summer were deals agreed last summer (Bentaleb, N’Jie and Fazio), Kyle Walker’s decision to sign for Manchester City was a hammer blow to Tottenham. Losing a player to a direct title rival was tough, even with the money received. After all, after the Gareth Bale-charged splurge, Tottenham know the difficulties of spending wisely. One of the best right-backs in the countries, Walker suited Spurs’ game-plan well. His near name-sake, academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters has impressed but is not experienced enough to be a starter; Kieran Trippier is more defensive minded.

The signing of Serge Aurier ticks all the on-field boxes in that regard. A player with a temperamental character, he has had behavioural issues at PSG, along with some racial and homophobic slurs that have dulled the hype of his move. While fans may not be happy with the example set by his signing, Aurier is one of the best young full-backs in Europe, and at 24, has his peak years ahead of him. It is an excellent signing for half of Walker’s price- some may regard Aurier as the better right-back. It’s a risk only for Aurier’s disruptive dressing room presence, but if Pochettino can manage that, it’s an excellent upgrade on Walker. The odds on him being a success for Spurs are as safe as with the matched bets offered through bigfreebet.com.

With the first team settled, it was a natural prerogative to add depth, especially at defence. The signings of Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth fulfilled that emphatically. Sanchez, linked with Barcelona in the past, had an excellent season at Ajax as a dominant centre-back who uses his stature and power but is also comfortable on the ball. Sanchez provides another alternative to Alderweireld and Vertonghen, especially as he could deputise in defensive midfield too. At a club-record 36 million euros, it could be a solid investment down the years. Juan Foyth is the unknown quantity here, but the Argentinian is highly-rated. A ball-playing defender, he looks suited for Pochettino’s style of play. The two defenders provide competition for the starting duo and are likely to press them for gametime as the season progresses.

Excluding Paulo Gazzaniga, back-up keeper, Fernando Llorente is the only other significant deal. Hijacking Chelsea’s deal, Llorente is a better source of regular goals than Vincent Janssen, even at 32, and should adapt to the style of play, having played for Bielsa’s Bilbao. As a substitute to Kane, it is an excellent short-term deal that should benefit Tottenham if Kane is unable to play.

All in all, Tottenham’s transfer dealings have been shrewd, and should set the tone for another strong showing from them this season.

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