Looking forward into Tottenham’s future, I am first going to assume that Harry Redknapp will guide Tottenham into a Champions League qualifying place this season. Then what?
Will he then turn his back on day to day management and take over as England manager? Personally I think it is a poisoned chalice at the moment. With the next two World Cups being held in Brazil and Qatar, England are unlikely to do well in either. That’s just realism. And wouldn’t Redknapp relish another crack at Champions League football?
So let’s assume Redknapp stays, where should he focus his attention when it comes to improving his squad. Well strangely that is beyond Harry’s control. I think the White Hart Lane heirachy should first adjust the wage budgets to allow Redknapp the scope to keep players like Adebayor, Bale, Modric and van der Vaart.
They have enough in the goalkeeping departments although neither of their keepers are spring chickens. There’s every chance that Gomes will be offloaded somewhere. A young understudy is something they will need eventually, but with Freidel between the sticks this isn’t a major priority.
Defence is an area that needs an addition or two. The acquisition of another centre back as well as a two-footed full-back capable of playing on either side, would compliment the players already at the club. Vedran Corluka is another who could be on his way out alongside Sebastien Bassong.
In midfield Tottenham don’t really need any reinforcements. The question is: who is on their way out? Sandro, David Bentley, Steven Pienaar and Jermaine Jenas could all be surplus to requirements as Tottenham look to adjust their wage budget to keep a Champions League squad intact.
Up front I like Adebayor and Louis Saha, who I’d like to see stay at Spurs past the end of this season. While I think the decision on Defoe staying will be entirely down to him. I expect Giovani Dos Santos to leave though.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Tottenham need to make signings this summer or should the main concern be getting rid of deadwood?
Written by Wesley Hillier @armchairstato.blogspot.com.
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
We were totally outplayed today, and we displayed weaknesses all over the park. While Ledney has been great for us, and is solid, he is not vocal enough, and today, against Arsenal’s pace, he looked far too slow. A top class centre back with pace is needed.
How many times do I have to watch Bale continually drift inside, and move over to the right. He is devastating making his trademark runs on the left, but this season seems to have got ahead of himself, and started thinking he’s the new Ronaldo, which from what I am seeing, he definately is not.
Krankjar is not good enough, too lightweight, too inconsistant.
Lastly I would criticise Adebayor. Again not good enough imo. Runs around like an antelope, and controls the ball poorly. He rarely looks like scoring, and again is lightweight in the tackle. I hope we let him go following his loan spell, especially considering what we will have to pay him to stay. Moved on from previous clubs for a reason.
Still third though, and hopefully will stay there.
OUT: Gomes, Corluka, Bassong, Bale for bucks, Bentley, Pienaar, Jenas
IN: Damiao/Cavani, Vertonghen, Hazard, Marvin Martin, Corchia, Boudebouz
It is a massive shake up, but I think Sochaux should get raided if they go down, especially after coming 5th last season, and this is very much in Harry’s wheeler dealer style.
Sandro should be a perfect replacement for Parker eventually, there’s no way he’ll be surplus Kranjcar is quality and should definitely not go.
We do need at least one marquee signing, with a striker being the main target in my opinion.
Adebayor is a good player, but he is on too much and doesn’t score enough, so probably let him go back to Man City.