Spurs’ Levy: Pochettino Decided Against Signing a Striker
Spurs had the necessary funds to sign a striker during this past winter transfer window but Mauricio Pochettino decided to not sign one according to Daniel Levy.
First things first, there are no issues between the chairman and the manager for Spurs. Daniel Levy is behind Mauricio Pochettino when it comes to building the club’s squad whether it’s through the youth academy or transfer windows.
Secondly, while there may have been money to sign another proper striker to compliment Harry Kane, if Pochettino felt that he wouldn’t be able to dramatically improve the team, then it would be a waste to spend money on said striker.
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Negotiations between Fulham and Spurs regarding the transfer of Moussa Dembélé broke down — despite the French striker completing a medical — because of the Cottagers’ insistence to have Dembélé return on loan.
After being hit with a transfer embargo by the Football League, it wasn’t exactly surprising to see Fulham want one of their key players to return for the rest of the season before joining Tottenham in the summer.
Technically speaking, this shouldn’t have been a problem for Spurs because Mauricio Pochettino kept talking about other strikers who could fill in the void for Harry Kane if need be. Players like Son Heung-min, Nacer Chadli and Clinton N’Jie. But apparently a loan-back to Fulham didn’t sit too well with Pochettino and a £5 million transfer didn’t go through.
Now, while Daniel Levy made it known that Mauricio Pochettino opted against signing a striker, it’s hardly the work of one man to make a big decision such as this, even if he is the manager. Most likely, Pochettino expressed interest in signing backup for Harry Kane under one condition. The player has to improve the squad, if not, then no signing would be made.
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Levy obviously agreed to these terms and when talks broke down with Fulham — even with available funds and a loan-back option — there was no else who could improve Spurs’ chances of winning a title.
Daniel Levy is merely stating what happened which the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) is relaying to everyone (quotes taken from ESPN UK).
“Daniel Levy also explained that transfer funds would be available should Mauricio Pochettino identify a player he felt could improve our squad,” read the minutes of Wednesday’s board-to-board meeting.
“Funds had been available in January. Mauricio Pochettino was not a manager who believed that by simply spending, the squad would be improved. The decision to not sign a striker was Mauricio Pochettino’s, and although he would have perhaps liked a young striker, he will only sign a player of the quality that can make a difference.”
With players already on the squad who can fill-in as strikers if need be: Chadli, Son and N’Jie there wasn’t as much pressure to sign a striker — sans Moussa Dembélé because Spurs were close. And with Mauricio Pochettino already bringing in youth players from the academy, Shayon Harrison and even Kaziah Sterling, would be two names to keep an eye on if Tottenham need immediate help at the striker position.
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Placing faith in academy players is the main reason why Spurs not only boast the youngest squad in the Premier League, but also have plenty of future stars on the rise. With Mauricio Pochettino believing in the development of homegrown talent and augmenting it with minimal signings, Spurs have a nice balance on their squad that will set them up for success in future seasons when money is tight because of their £400 million stadium that is being built.