If They’re Leaving Tottenham – Where Are they Going?

It has been reported earlier in the summer that Tottenham are looking to off-load a number of experienced players, some of whom played a significant part in the team last season. the names on the list include strikers, Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor, midfielders, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker and Jake Livermore, and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. If they are to leave Spurs where could they be going?

Will Scott Parker be re-united with Harry Redknapp? [Jav The_DoC_66]Jermain Defoe

It was reported in the Mirror that Stoke City were considering a move for Defoe to play alongside Peter Crouch with whom he played at Portsmouth and Tottenham. They developed an effective partnership at Fratton Park and in their first season together at White Hart Lane when Spurs finished fourth. The arrival of Rafael van der Vaart required a change in formation with Spurs more often using a lone striker.

It would make sense for Stoke to re-unite them to recreate that understanding but I would have thought that Defoe if he were to leave Tottenham would prefer to remain in London.

Emanuel Adebayor

If Tottenham are looking to sell Emmanuel Adebayor it will depend on whether a club is able to reach agreement with him on salary. He is thought to have two years left on his Tottenham contract which is partially funded by Manchester City until 2014. His poor performances through last season were in distinct contrast to those when he was on loan the previous year, scoring 18 goals and 12 assists, making him a crucial member of the side. It was only in the final weeks of last season that he showed his true form with an outstanding goal against Chelsea. In total he scored only 8 goals with 2 assists last year.

It is unlikely that any club in the Premier League would be able to afford him so it would appear that a foreign club would be the most likely. The Evening Standard reported that Besiktas are interested in signing him with a club Director confirming they have had discussions.

"“We are definitely interested in him Adebayor and have made an offer. Adebayor currently wants more than what we were hoping however, talks are ongoing however, we hope to complete the transfer as soon as possible.”"

Tom Huddlestone

Tom Huddlestone is creating interest from a number of clubs. Sunderland were reported by the Daily Mail to be considering making a bid of £5m for him while Fulham are interested according to goal.com. The Craven Cottage club were interested in signing him in the last transfer window but the injury to Sandro stopped any movement as Spurs re-assessed their needs in midfield. Martin Jol is well aware of Huddlestone’s capabilities as he was an integral part of the Spurs team during his time as manager at White Hart Lane.

Huddlestone hasn’t played much for Spurs over the past three seasons, making just 43 appearances in all competitions and hasn’t scored in the past two seasons. He has been troubled by injury and missed much of season 2011-12. His best season with Spurs was in 2009-10 as Spurs reached the Champions League but since that has been more of a squad player called in when others have been injured. He enjoyed something of a renaissance last season with 14 Premier League appearances but the arrival of Paulinho will have pushed him further down the pecking order so he could well leave this summer.

Scott Parker

Scott Parker is in a similar position to Huddlestone with the likelihood of reduced opportunities to play with Sandro, Mousa Dembele and Paulinho ahead of him in midfield. Parker is approaching 33 years of age and is a totally committed player who gives his all for the team in every match but it gets more difficult to maintain that level of endeavour as each season passes. He was out until last December through injury sustained at the end of the previous season and made worse with his efforts for England in the European Championships. In his absence Sandro and Dembele formed an outstanding partnership which will only be strengthened with the arrival of Paulinho.

Fulham were reported to be interested while the Guardian recently suggested that Harry Redknapp would like to sign Parker again as he tries to lift QPR out of the Championship at the first attempt. A fee of £2m was mentioned and if Parker can be persuaded to drop out of the Premier League, Loftus Road would seem an ideal place for Parker. Another possibility would be a return to his previous club, West Ham United, if he prefers to remain in the Premier League for another season.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto

Newspapers reports that Fenerbache are interested in Benoit Assou-Ekotto have been around since the end of the season but the player constantly insists that he doesn’t want to leave Tottenham. The Daily Mail reported on this interest in early June but Fenerbache have since had a two year ban on playing in European competitions imposed on them by UEFA for their involvement in match fixing in Turkey. they have appealed the ban. Benoit Assou-Ekotto, however, in his time at White Hart Lane has built up an affinity for the club and in May he told the Guardian,

"“I would be quite happy to see out my playing career here, although I know that it’s not my call to make. I have every desire to see out my contractual obligations and, if possible, extend so that I can be here for long enough to play at the new stadium.”"

I have a feeling that while Spurs have been reported to be considering left backs, BAE might still be at Tottenham come the new season and that he’ll show those looking to replace him that’s he’s going to put up a fight to retain the left-back spot.

Jake Livermore

Jake Livermore had few opportunities in the team last season. It was disappointing for him considering the part he’d played the previous year. It is thought that he may be available on loan to another Premier League club.

Heurelho Gomes

The Brazilian goalkeeper has been out of favour since May, 2011. He has made only a few appearances in Cup competitions and went on loan to Germany with Hoffenheim last January. He suffered injury so the deal was cut short but Gomes appears to accept that his time at Spurs is up. The Daily Express reported his comments to Globo Esporte, Gomes,

"“Now it’s over and I have to report for duty with Tottenham but it’s likely I will leave so I can continue my career as I am doing very well.”"

With Hugo Lloris as first choice and Brad Friedel continuing as back-up there seems little opportunity for Gomes. He is unlikely to move to a club in England so he may move to another European League or he could return to a club in Brazil.