Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp has blasted the club for selling Kyle Walker in the summer and setting a precedent for other players such as Toby Alderweireld to follow.
Spurs sold Walker for £50million to Premier League rivals Manchester City in the summer, and the right-back has gone on to become a key player for them this season as they have stormed to a commanding lead at the top of the table.
Tottenham signed Serge Aurier from PSG as a replacement for Walker, with the Frenchman and Kieran Trippier sharing right-back duties for Spurs so far this season.
Redknapp has taken issue with the sale of Walker, not necessarily for footballing reasons, but for the damage it may have done in the dressing room.
Speaking on ‘The Debate’ on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: “Letting Kyle Walker go in the summer looks like a huge mistake. I thought it was good business at the time but now what it has done is set a precedent in the dressing room. It looks to me that the players know what the going rate is.
“Toby Alderweireld is one of the best centre-backs in the world – why has he not signed? Go and give him whatever he deserves. Tottenham have got players anyone in the world would want, but things can quickly slip through your fingers. Once one leaves, then another one. It gives every player an out. They’ve still got a small club mentality there. It’s not changed since I was there.
“These players are well aware of what the going rate is. It’s about going into the England dressing room and seeing a player that plays in your position, knowing he’s getting two or three times what you’re getting a week. It shouldn’t be like that.”
OPINION
Spurs undoubtedly got a great deal for Walker, financially speaking. But Redknapp is spot on here about the damage it may have done in the dressing room. And come the end of the season, the issue here may be more than just financial. If Tottenham players see Walker leave to City and immediately win the Premier League title, among other possible accolades, the club could have a real problem on their hands. More than money, players crave silverware, and to see Walker leave and achieve both in copious amounts could be a fatal blow to Spurs continued success at the top of English football.