The frightening implications if Tottenham don’t qualify for Europe
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham have to consider the possibility of missing out on next season’s Europa League, a worst-case scenario that could have wide-reaching implications.
The thought of not qualifying for next season’s Champions League is difficult to come to terms with. Now imagine Spurs, who are on the cusp of falling out of European contention altogether, are forced to play the 2021-22 campaign totally devoid of Wednesday or Thursday evening fixtures.
It’s an abhorrent thought, one whose probability increases with each dejecting defeat. The Athletic recently reported that Harry Kane will request a transfer if Tottenham finish outside of the top four. You can guarantee his bags will be packed if the Lilywhites fail to qualify for the Europa League.
Missing out on the Europa League could symbolize the dam bursting at Tottenham Hotspur. Surely this scenario would result in the dismissal of Jose Mourinho from his managerial duties.
And who knows what other players will desire to start a new chapter elsewhere. Sergio Reguilon, along with Gareth Bale, will almost assuredly head back to Real Madrid.
Hugo Lloris’ contract expires in 2022 and, regardless of where Spurs finish, is most likely finishing his last season in north London. Dele Alli’s future is in serious doubt at the club, while Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela are entering the final year of their contracts.
Reports of Moussa Sissoko’s potential departure are ramping up while Toby Alderweireld is entering the twilight of his career in north London. His eventual departure is imminent. The question is whether he’ll stay for another season. Son Heung-min is in discussions with the club about extending his contract, which is currently set to end in 2024. While it’s likely Son will stay at Tottenham, nothing is guaranteed considering the current uncertain climate at the club.
Talent drain will also invariably occur on the purchasing side of the equation, as elite players will think won’t want to ply their trade with a side not competing in Europe, no matter how exquisite the club’s venue and training facilities. The same goes for trying to hire a top-notch manager, though a number of second tier gaffers should still be interested in the potential upside of being Spurs manager.
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Thinking of the worst-case scenario accelerates quickly the aging process. And hopefully it’s merely my pessimism getting the better of me.
The lads still have time to get their act together and avoid a nightmarish reality for Daniel Levy, whose thoughts would quickly turn to how in the world, without the injection of revenue European participation facilitates, his club will afford to pay for their opulent state-of-the-art stadium.