Pochettino promises transfers but what Tottenham deals are still on the table?
By Gary Pearson
Mauricio Pochettino admitted Tottenham are behind the summer transfer season eight-ball but all but guaranteed Spurs fans that help is on the way.
The gaffer is in no rush to impetuously add to his roster. Pochettino, in no uncertain terms, said Spurs’ inactivity in the transfer market is not due to a lack of ambition at the club. Anyone who supports – or follows – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club knows this is unquestionably true.
When he signs a new player, it will be on Tottenham’s terms.
There is, however, one slight problem with the manager’s resolute and unwavering stoicism: Father time is no longer on Spurs’ side if they are to strengthen the squad before travelling to Newcastle on Aug. 13.
Pochettino and Daniel Levy have seen a number of Tottenham targets sign with other clubs.
We’ll never unequivocally know whether this worrying trend is caused by Levy’s tight pockets, or if it’s down to the individual player’s personal preference. Regardless of the root cause, Matthias Ginter – signed by Borussia Moenchengladbach – Juan Foyth – who recently agreed terms with PSG -Michael Keane – signed by Everton – Chicharito – signed by West Ham – and Harry Maguire signed by Leicester – have all slipped through Tottenham’s grasp.
So, what potential Spurs deals are still left on the table?
Ross Barkley
This rumour will not fade quietly into the night. Barkley will have to take a pay cut – and rightly so – if he wants to join Spurs. That is the only way the mercurial midfielder will wear Tottenham’s vaunted Nike shirt.
Adrien Silva
I still think the Sporting Lisbon captain would be an invaluable asset to an already stacked Spurs midfield. Victor Wanyama is prone to a slight knock and so too is Mousa Dembele. Silva is a great leader who has wonderful chemistry with Eric Dier. He’s also won a European Championship with Portugal. Paying £26 million for a player of his pedigree, experience and stature would be a great bit of business for the perpetually shrewd Levy.
Max Meyer
Another central midfielder, Max Meyer probably won’t be joining Tottenham any time soon. He is young, energetic and industrious, but Meyer isn’t high on Spurs’ priority list. The 21-year-old would cost Tottenham about £17.5 million, so maybe it’s not such a bad idea after all.
Joel Veltman
The 25-year-old Ajax center back was on Tottenham’s radar a month ago. That’s probably not the case now, however. Eric Dier is not going anywhere so Veltman would undoubtedly be a fringe player. Veltman can play as a right back but he’s much more comfortable in the heart of defence.
Cédric Soares
The Southampton right back is a viable cover option for Kieran Trippier. Soares isn’t the most durable player, though. He rarely plays an entire season without suffering an injury or other fitness problems. He would help with depth at the position, though.
Ricardo Pereira
Another right back, Ricardo Pereira is probably Spurs preferred right back option on the transfer market. Unfortunately, Tottenham and Porto cannot, unsurprisingly, agree on the fee for the Portuguese international.
Demarai Gray
One of the only attacking options on Spurs’ transfer radar, Leicester’s Demarai Gray is also being chased by Liverpool, who are touted as the favourites to land the quick winger. He is mostly untested at an elite level and would offer Spurs more question marks than answers.
Riyad Mahrez
A polarizing topic, Riyad Marhez has also popped up in Tottenham’s transfer speculation. Nobody can deny how talented Marhez is. He can turn a game on its head in an instant, offering moments of pure magic. But would he fit in at Spurs? That isn’t the only issue with this rumour. Leicester wants about £50 million for their marquee playmaker which isn’t conducive to Levy’s thrifty transfer policy.
Next: Expect Spurs to be much better going forward
There are other players on Tottenham’s transfer radar but the aforementioned names have created the most chatter. The list should include more attacking options to support Harry Kane if you ask me, but maybe Pochettino still has a few tricks up his sleeves with what little time remains.