I dare to say, it is not easy to write these kinds of articles following the end of a 17-year trophyless drought. Like many Spurs fans, I got emotional and deservedly praised the player for their effort to finally bring silverware to White Hart Lane. A day I will never forget in my life.
More than that day, I will never forget the players who made that dream possible, as much as they might not have been crucial for the Europa League title. For someone who spends so much time supporting a club that never wins, when it was finally our time, it was unbelievable to think of all the players who have not won a title for Tottenham.
Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Luka Modrić, Mousa Dembélé, Rafael van der Vaart, and many others quality players who have not won, and, still, I will always remember lads like Timo Werner as part of the squad who made one of the happiest days of my life possible.
Enough emotions for now, so shall we use rationale a little bit? Even though Spurs claim that trophies are more important as of now (and it's true, in our case), the season was much more than that magical night in Bilbao. And, with inconsistency and injuries illustrating a season that ends in a fairy tale coming true, here are some players who need to go if Spurs wish to elevate their standards:
***Disclaimer: Players with contracts running out, currently injured, or from the academy were not considered for this list.***
Ashley Phillips
You were probably expecting Radu Drăgușin to be here, right? I would also argue that Drăgușin would be a topic to be discussed, but I don't really think he is a bad player; just a poor scheme fit for what Ange usually goes for. Now, with Ange likely staying, Drăgușin would be a clear candidate for sale if it weren't for his injury, which wouldn't make it easier, nor realistic, to sell him now.
Even so, I believe Spurs desperately need to offload some players to provide more quality depth in defense, which the squad desperately needs. This take might be a controversial one, but I am pretty unsure that Ashley Phillips is the type of player that fits the mold Spurs are aiming for. Despite his young age (19), Phillips is not the prototype this team looks for, as his passing stats are below what possession-based sides would expect.
Another loan couldn't hurt, indeed, but if a suitable offer comes for Phillips, I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to it. I was never particularly impressed with him, and I think his future lies elsewhere. At the same time, Spurs could open space for either more signings in central defense or more high-ceiling young talents, such as Alfie Dorrington and Luka Vušković.
Yves Bissouma
This one is going to hurt a bit. Even though Yves Bissouma was always a question mark at Spurs, his performance at the Europa League Final was pivotal for Tottenham to lift that trophy after 17 years, both on and off the ball. As I said previously, I will never forget this squad for accomplishing what many couldn't, but we need to be rational following the initial trophy euphoria.
Considering his inconsistency issues, I have already made a point on why Bissouma shouldn't start for Spurs next season. At age 29, coming into the season's start, selling Bissouma now would be the wisest decision from a financial and process perspective. Tottenham still needs an unquestionable pivot at the six position, which is likely our most significant priority in the market, and, despite his Europa League bounce-back, Bissouma never was a certainty at Spurs.
Manor Solomon
Selling Manor Solomon now is likely the best deal in terms of cost-benefit for the Spurs during the summer transfer market. Coming on a free in 2023, Manor Solomon didn't really have time to shine in Lilywhite. Following a season-ending injury on his first campaign, Solomon was loaned out to Leeds United for the Championship, and he did not disappoint there.
With 23 goal contributions this season, including the saving goal that gave Leeds the Championship title, it sounds like a perfect time for a Manor Solomon sale. As his physical profile worries me, I am unsure how Solomon would raise Spurs' floor, so a departure is the most probable outcome. Even with Transfermarkt valuing him at 12 million euros, I believe Spurs can get more for him, and make a transfer that came with close to zero expectations into a guaranteed profit.
Bryan Gil
I believe this is likely the most no-brainer transfer take from this list. Bryan Gil arrived in North London with a lot of potential and promise. However, he never delivered what was expected of him, as I believe he, like Solomon, struggled in the Premier League due to his physical traits. Moreover, his technical output fits the La Liga profile much more than it does in English football.
In 2024/2025, Bryan Gil had seven goal contributions in 32 matches played while on loan for Girona, with 2,232 minutes total. Not necessarily impressive numbers, but enough playing time to materialize a sale. With an estimated 15 million euros market value, according to Transfermrkt, this summer will probably be Gil's last in Lilywhite. As Spurs will not recover their investment in him (25M), it is time to move on from what was a promising prospect.
Richarlison
Letting Richarlison move will also hurt the Spurs community, including me. However, it looks like the best outcome for all parties involved. Richarlison also played a key role in Spurs' Europa League glory, as Son was not fully fit to start in Bilbao. Despite his tireless effort, the Brazilian has not contributed much in goals and assists (7 G/A in all competitions), and his injury track record doesn't help (short of 1000 minutes this season).
Tottenham Hotspur will possibly never recover the 60 million euro investment on him. Still, with his current market value of 25 million euros per Transfermarkt, it might be an interesting occasion for a sale. As much as we love good old Richy, it would be the most reasonable to sell him now, capitalize a little, and reinvest the money in a younger and higher-ceiling striker who can compete immediately with Dominic Solanke.