Grading every Tottenham signing from first transfer period under Conte

Outgoing signings

Wow, that’s a whack load of outgoing signings. One clear concern is the net negative players-in-to-players-out ratio. But most of them make a lot of sense, especially considering Conte’s sky-high expectations. He knows the type of player he needs and a lot of the below list, in terms of senior players, don’t meet his highly defined, idyllic prototype.

Dele Alli to Everton

Being a Dele supporter (not so fervent in recent years I must admit), I’m thrilled to see him provided a new lease on life. It was needed. For both the player and the club. It didn’t look like this deal was going to get done, but Everton came through in the clutch, offering Dele a chance to resurrect his career. And maybe he can one day return to Spurs revitalized, rejuvenated and ready to play like his former self, the superstar all of us came to love.

But his fall from grace in his last two seasons was one of the most severe and precipitous in Premier League history. Let’s see how we reacts on Merseyside under Frank Lampard’s stewardship. Don’t like the free transfer until Dele plays 20 matches, but I understand why it was stipulated. Can’t be too aggrieved about it.

Dele loan — A-

Bryan Gil to Valencia

I love everything about this deal. Bryan Gil was clearly not going to play enough at Spurs. Additionally, he wasn’t adapting particularly well. He struggled to take his opportunity, most notably against minnows like Morecambe FC, and needs more experience, which he’ll gain in sunny Spain.

The best part about this deal is his imminent return to Hotspur Way at the end of the season. No option to buy. He has the potential of being an instrumental asset to Tottenham’s future, but first needs time to mature, learn and grow. Valencia is the perfect temporary spot to do so.

Gil loan — A+

Tanguy Ndombele to Lyon

Well, well, well. This was as inevitable as London’s abbreviated winter days. Had to happen and I’m confident in saying almost every single Spurs supporter will agree. There might be some discontent French men and women, but Hugo Lloris is still representing fantastically. I wish there was a mandatory to-buy clause stipulated, but we can’t have our cake and eat it too. Though what’s the point of getting a cake if you can’t devour the bloody thing.

If I’m being really pedantic, finicky and picky, it would have been nice to see Lyon pick up the entire tab on his weekly earnings. That was always aspirational, though, with only fat-cat teams like PSG actually considering such an absurdity.

Ndombele loan — A+

Giovani Lo Celso to Villarreal

Still not sure about the specifics of this deal, but, in theory, it seems like a somewhat solid bit of business. I still think Lo Celso had more to offer and could have stayed until the end of the season, as I’m slightly concerned about depth issues with three senior, sort of four if you include Gil, players being sent on loan.

On its own merit, the deal makes sense. Giovani never reached his full potential in the three years he’s been at Tottenham. Hopefully some time at Villarreal will liven the lad up a bit.

Lo Celso loan — B+

Nile John to Charlton Athletic loan

Nile John deserves first team football, which he’ll certainly get at League 1 Charlton. It’s a good loan all around. Nothing bad to say about this one. John wasn’t going to ascend any higher at Spurs and needed a new environment to grow.

John loan — A+

Jack Clarke to Sunderland loan

This loan makes sense, though Jack Clarke has now been sent temporarily to different clubs more than my mum uses my Netflix account. Clarke is a journeyman who is honing his craft every where but Tottenham. Though it was a deal made out of necessity.

Clarke loan — A-

Dilan Markanday to Blackburn Rovers, undisclosed

Markanday was enjoying an outstanding season for Spurs’ U23 side in the Premier League 2, scoring 12 goals and five assists in 14 matches. But there was no signs of advancement. Way too far down the pecking order, the only hope for Markanday was to go elsewhere to play senior-level football.

He can make a real impact at Blackburn, maybe even helping the club to Premier League promotion. Spurs didn’t really cash in on the academy player, though. They sold him for between £500 000 and £1 million, a fairly paltry, insignificant amount, the main reason the grade is so low.

Markanday loan — D

Kion Etete to Cheltenham loan

Another good academy loan, Kion Etete, after returning from a loan stint at League 2 Northampton Town recently, has a chance to impact proceedings in League 1. He needs to keep ascending the ladder and hope to be plucked by a Championship side. That will be Tottenham’s hope too, as maybe they’ll earn a decent cheque upon his eventual sale. It’s the only end game here that makes viable sense for Spurs.

Etete loan — A-

Overall outgoings — A

Agree or disagree? I’d love to hear your thoughts.