How Early Business Could Facilitate Success at Tottenham Hotspur

A flurry of signings at Tottenham this summer has seen fans’ anticipations grow ahead of the new season, and whilst this is a refreshing twist compared to previous years, the real difference for Spurs is the efficiency of this summer’s business.

In years gone by, last-minute moves have been the norm at N17, and whilst this provides some much-loved deadline day drama, there’s a lot to be said for getting business done early.

With Fabio Paratici, Antonio Conte has rewritten the script when it comes to Tottenham’s transfer policy, opting for quality, experienced players rather than the often unproven, hot prospects of old.

Time is on Tottenham’s side, for once

Moreover, with the bulk of signings now presumably completed, such proactivity may give us an edge ahead of the Premier League’s return next weekend as it has afforded Conte sufficient time to work with the squad.

For new players, the adjustment to Conteball will be a steep learning curve, so having as close as possible to a full pre-season at Tottenham for our new boys has been crucial.

In Ivan Perisic’s case, he simply needs reintroducing to Conte’s methods, thriving in the system beforehand as the duo combined in Inter Milan’s recent title-winning campaign.

However, unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the likes of Richarlison and Bissouma, so for both player and coach, having as much time as possible to learn and perfect their roles is imperative prior to competitive football restarting.

Off the pitch, allowing players time to settle personally, form connections at the club, and feel comfortable in any new surroundings will also be beneficial, as they can enter the new season with full focus on football.

Furthermore, financially conducting moves early is also a sound strategy, as in the past, we have been privy to being suckered into the mania, which is deadline day.

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Put bluntly, deadline day is a minefield for clubs with only a few diamonds in the rough to be found. More often than not, clubs – including Tottenham, have been seen to overpay and panic buy as the clock ticks on.

Paratici and Conte have worked to avoid this scenario, as although there is still potential for more incomings, the remainder of our transfer activity is likely to be trimming what is a now bloated squad.

Having said that, with the season starting next week, a handful of matchdays will occur within the transfer window, so if any shortcomings in the squad are identified Conte still has ample time to rectify this.

Tottenham starting to act like a big club

Outside of Tottenham, look at Manchester City and Liverpool, the last five Premier League Champions.

Both clubs operate with distinctly different transfer models; however, one commonality shared between the two is, as a rule of thumb, their business is conducted early and efficiently, usually without long, drawn-out transfer sagas.

The duo set the bar for English clubs, and whilst Tottenham hasn’t precisely mirrored them, we have certainly taken a step in the right direction in having six signings present in our pre-season games and an improved squad as the league restarts.

That said, this doesn’t mean late transfers are inherently bad, as there is certainly scope to pick up a late bargain for a wantaway player as clubs, like us, will look to offload talent and reduce their wage bill.

Undoubtedly Paratici and Conte will have more names in mind either for this or a future window, but for us fans, it’s refreshing to see Tottenham acting as an elite-level, well-oiled club, and we will be hoping to reap the rewards of a well-thought-out window this coming season.