Yes and, what Tottenham Hotspur needs to do beyond the expected

Down to the final day of the transfer window, there are several moves that most expect Tottenham Hotspur to announce. However, it will be the deals beyond the expected that shape the narrative of the window.

It was an okay window where some business got done. That is likely how most fans will describe Spurs’ January transfer business if all Spurs accomplish are the five deals most expect. Ultimately, if it happens, it will be the unexpected that will most tell the story of the Tottenham window.

Moves Tottenham still needs to make

Even with the five moves we expect taken into account, Tottenham has more work that hopefully will occur on Monday. Spurs still need to move a few players out and bring in additional support, and the question is can it happen.

Dele needs a deal

Assuming there are no snags in the Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso loans, the one big outgoing deal Spurs need to make is regarding Dele Alli. The formerly brash attacking midfielder has become a shell of himself over the last two seasons.

Dele drifts in and out of matches, failing to make the kind of impact he used to. Occasionally we have seen the runs that used to be hallmarks of Dele’s game, but less frequent are the finishes and feistiness that once made Alli special. Whether or not a change of scenery can make a difference is unknown, but clearly, what is happening in north London is not working for him or the club, and something have to give.

In the perfect world, Dele goes somewhere – say Everton – and refinds himself and comes back committed for next season. However, for that ideal world to exist, Dele first must leave N17, and that is one deal Spurs need to make Monday.

Tottenham needs more depth, and the question is where

In adding Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, Tottenham has added depth to their wings and the defensive midfield. Both are helpful additions to the club. However, just two signings are likely not enough for the run in front of Spurs in the race for the top four positions in the league.

Sure, a world-beater like Jonathan David would be great; more likely, if Spurs add another player, it will again be a depth move. The question is where. Popular thinking says Tottenham most need a right-wing-back, but Spurs also still need back-ups for Harry Kane and Ben Davies.

If Tottenham can get a player to compete at any of those three positions, striker, wing-back, or left-back, on top of the two expected signings, this will be a window most can call a success.

Sure, signing a big name would be nice; however, getting a footballer who can contribute to the team and provide support where there is none currently would be nice too.