Ange Postecoglou’s departure may be the spark that triggers a mini-exodus at Tottenham, with several key players now considering their futures at the club. Here are five Tottenham players who might leave Spurs this summer, following the sacking of Postecoglou.
Despite receiving significant support from his Tottenham Hotspur players, Ange Postecoglou was handed his marching orders just yesterday by chairman Daniel Levy.
Ironically, the decision came on the Australian’s two-year anniversary at the helm, a sacking that now makes him the 15th manager to be dismissed by club chairman Daniel Levy.
Several Tottenham players have paid tribute to Postecoglou, with many thanking him for delivering long-awaited silverware, and club captain Heung-min Son even labelled the 59-year-old a Spurs legend in his message.
However, according to a report by The Telegraph, some Tottenham players have been left furious by the club’s decision to sack Postecoglou and are weighing up exits this summer.
We have now put together a list of five Spurs players who could be heading for the exit door following Postecoglou’s departure.
Cristian Romero linked with Atletico Madrid move
The Argentine centre-back’s future has been uncertain for some time, with Cristian Romero refusing to sign a new deal despite Tottenham’s offer, and just two years remaining on his current contract.
There had been some hope that qualification for the UEFA Champions League might sway Romero’s decision, but even with Spurs lifting the Europa League trophy, the 27-year-old still needs some convincing, as Atletico Madrid circles.
Atletico are reportedly keen to push ahead with a move for Romero this summer, regardless of Tottenham’s stance, and journalist Dan Kilpatrick has previously stated that Romero’s decision could hinge on Postecoglou’s presence.
Postecoglou had already urged Tottenham to keep Romero at Spurs, and one would imagine that if the Australian manager remained at the club, he would have done everything he could to convince the Argentine to sign a new deal.
But the 59-year-old has since been dismissed, leaving the chances of Romero staying at Tottenham slimmer than ever.
Pedro Porro would be frustrated by Tottenham’s decision to sack Postecoglou
Pedro Porro was among the most vocal supporters of Ange Postecoglou when rumours of his potential dismissal began to surface.
The Spanish full-back openly defended the manager, expressing disbelief that the club would even consider parting ways with someone who had united the dressing room and brought the best out of him on the pitch.
Despite his public backing, the club hierarchy went ahead with the sacking. Porro has since paid tribute to the former boss, thanking him for believing in him, and given Manchester City’s reported interest in Porro, the 25-year-old could be tempted by a fresh start.
Heung-min Son’s Tottenham future unclear amid Saudi Arabia links
Heung-min Son quickly rallied behind Postecoglou following Tottenham’s Europa League triumph, and in the wake of the Australian’s dismissal, he was among the first to hail him as a Tottenham legend.
A summer of upheaval is already underway at the club, with a high-level executive departing, Ryan Mason stepping down from his coaching role, and now the man in the dugout gone too.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that Tottenham were open to the idea of parting ways with Son, and given the wholesale changes at the club, it would not be surprising if the captain considered a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Rodrigo Bentancur yet to agree new deal as Atletico Madrid circle
Rodrigo Bentancur has entered the final year of his contract, and while Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to extend his stay, the midfielder has not yet signed a new deal.
Bentancur is said to be awaiting clarity on the club’s next managerial appointment before making a decision, and Postecoglou’s departure is sure to throw fresh doubt over his future.
Atletico Madrid are monitoring Bentancur’s situation closely, and if the 27-year-old is not convinced by the club’s next steps, it would not be a shock to see him consider a move away from north London should the right opportunity arise.
Dejan Kulusevski could reunite with Conte in Italy
Another top player who could consider his future at Tottenham Hotspur is Dejan Kulusevski, who has been linked with a move away from north London, with Italian clubs said to be interested in the Swede.
Conte is reported to be keen on reuniting with Kulusevski, and while it was revealed that the 24-year-old was not considering a move away from Spurs anytime soon, the departure of Postecoglou could change Kulusevski’s mind.
Interestingly, it was also reported that the versatile midfielder is not against a move to Italy, and that a transfer there is one that could appeal to the Spurs man in the future.
Indeed, Tottenham will be hoping that Postecoglou’s departure does not bring that future closer than it was. However, with three years left on Kulusevski’s contract, Spurs could demand a significant fee should he choose to depart.