Mauricio Pochettino Expects More Signings for Tottenham
There have been two signings for Tottenham so far. A third is still in the works, but Mauricio Pochettino expects more will be announced in the coming weeks.
With Victor Wanyama from Southampton and Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar already on Tottenham’s squad, Mauricio Pochettino has shed some light that Tottenham will continue to be active in the transfer window to add some more depth.
No time table has been set for the arrival of Georges-Kévin N’Koudou, but his delayed transfer (despite passing his medical and agreeing on personal terms) is being held up by Spurs’ reluctance to send Clinton N’Jie on loan to Olympique Marseille in a separate deal.
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Who knows if Tottenham will actually part ways with N’Jie but if not, then N’Koudou obsviously stays with Marseille. If that’s the case then N’Jie can continue his development under Mauricio Pochettino.
Anyways, moving on, who could Tottenham potentially target this summer?
The Argentine manager didn’t exactly reveal who they’re looking at, but one position that won’t be targeted is center-back.
“I expect some signings in the next few weeks, we will see what happens but I expect some activity,” Pochettino side ahead of Friday’s friendly against Atlético Madrid in Melbourne, Australia (via London Evening Standard).
"“Jan Vertonghen is in London but he is training very well now. He’s very close to coming back. Wimmer, Alderweireld – and Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama – can play centre-back.”“And then we have young players like [Cameron] Carter-Vickers and [Dominic] Ball. We have enough players in that position.”“He [Vertonghen] is going well in the last few days and we’ll see what condition he is in when we arrive on Monday and start training with the entire group.”“If it’s not possible [for him to play against Everton], we have enough players to replace him.”"
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What we could take from this brief interview with reporters is that Cameron Carter-Vickers and Dominic Ball will be given some opportunities to join the first-team and potentially be that fourth central defender behind Kevin Wimmer.
Because Dier typically transitions into a center-back if Vertonghen or Alderweireld roams forward with the ball, having him continuously drop deeper wouldn’t be unexpected at all this season.
Having Wanyama play at central defense wouldn’t be a bad idea either unless he is absolutely needed. So hopefully Tottenham’s center-back position doesn’t have to resort to that just yet even if he’s capable.
Some areas that Spurs could look to bring in more help is another attacking midfielder, central midfielder and winger.
After Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-Min, there isn’t that many attacking midfielders on the squad unless you count academy players. But how Mauricio Pochettino phrased it, there will be signings happening, not promotions.
Of course promoting someone like Marcus Edwards can’t be ruled out, but signing someone seems like the priority right now. Which position is targeted first is a different matter altogether.
What is known is that at least three positions need depth. N’Koudou’s arrival would help bolster the wide position but inside at attacking and central midfield still needs some work.
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There needs to be depth behind Son as he is used for all four of Spurs’ attacking roles whenever he comes in.
As for Mousa Dembélé, he needs competition behind him. The Belgian international will mostly start when healthy, but at the moment there isn’t anyone who is ready to take that backup role just yet between Ryan Mason, Tom Carroll and Harry Winks.
All in all, it’s good to hear that Tottenham will look to sign some more players before the season starts and transfer window closes.