Richarlison, Bissouma among those on Tottenham's summer clear-out list

It seems like the message has been made clear by Ange Postecoglou. After four consecutive defeats – two of which Spurs were left off the scoresheet entirely – the verdict is to either buy into his system or look for another club.

It was anticipated Spurs would depart with many second-team or underperforming players, but the scope of Postecoglou's rebuild is coming into view. Sunday Times journalist Tom Allnutt reported that the club could sanction sales of up to seven key players.

That could include Richarlison and Yves Bissouma, who had mixed second seasons in North London. Bissouma had a bright start in the first half of the season but has never reached the same levels after his red card at Nottingham Forest in December. Richarlison has posted 11 goals and four assists, a much better output from his 2022-23 season, but he has been held back by injuries.

Ange Postecoglou has said that it's on him to reshape this squad, and to get Tottenham to where he (and the fans) want them to be, there needs to be a certain cutthroat nature to the club's transfer dealings.

"We already made tough decisions letting experienced players leave... it's the only way if you want to change. Sometimes you let people go who you think: he’s a good player! But how am I going to change if I don’t do that?" Postecoglou said about his team-building philosophy.

The Australian manager has made it clear that Tottenham aren't at the level of some of their rivals, even with some favorable results this season. It has been about establishing an identity and style of play, and while these last four matches have dimmed some of the mood around the club, Postecoglou has continued to ask the fans for patience. It has not been a bad season for the club.

They are set to finish higher than last season and if they maintain fifth in the Premier League table, they'll be back in European football with Europa League qualification. There have been disappointing results, too, especially in another trophy-less season.

Postecoglou wants players who will buy completely into his methodology, and if some players won't, then it is time to move on. Players like Richarlison and Bissouma will fetch hefty fees, and the Brazilian striker has interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. However, his fight and recent goalscoring record might suggest he could still be useful for the club.

Fringe players like Bryan Gil and Ryan Sessgnon are expected to go as well. Manor Solomon, injured since October with a meniscus tear, could also be moved on. He never really got going for the club and his injury only makes his future less certain.

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Even stalwart Ben Davies is said to be on the transfer block. Even though he played well at center-back during the winter injury crisis, Emerson Royal certainly is on the way out after his last two performances. Postecoglou is said to be targeting greater strength in midfield, defense, and striker.

The club has indicated they are ready to give the manager time and the players he wants. However, they will remain in the confines of their young player strategy, but ones who attack aggressively and can play possession-based football. They will need to show fight and commitment to the cause because it will get the club running as a unit and will hopefully get the Spurs back on track.

The club will look to capitalize on the financial situation of several clubs. Chelsea, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa are some clubs that will have to offload players to balance the books. Tottenham could potentially seal the deal for long-time target Conor Gallagher, swoop in for players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Jacob Ramsey, and Amadou Onana, and potentially splash the cash on Alexander Isak if Newcastle truly need to sell him to meet PSR regulations.

Key players have often been sold for less, and this club knows that all too well (Christian Eriksen). This time, though, there is a vision that wants to be achieved. Daniel Levy and Johan Lange will have their work cut out for them come August.