Daniel Levy has told Tottenham fans that the increased cost of building the new stadium will not impact on the club’s ability to operate in the transfer market.
It was confirmed on Sunday that Spurs’ first game in their new ground will be against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 3 April, seven months after they were due to move in.
At a meeting with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust last Tuesday, Levy made it clear the new stadium outlay would not affect the amount available for transfers.
“Daniel Levy said no. The fact that stadium costs had risen does not impact that number,” read the minutes of the meeting. “Levy said that with a debt of £637million, subject to reasonable assumption on interest rates, the net spend on players would not be affected.
“He continued that Champions League qualification gave more flexibility. There is a certain amount the club wants to invest in the team. If players are sold, that amount increases.”
OPINION
While this stops short of a declaration from Levy that the club will be ambitious and active in the summer transfer market, it is a clear statement from the chairman that the stadium debt will not prevent Mauricio Pochettino from using a kitty that has remained untouched in the last two windows. Much will depend upon Champions League qualification for next season, as well as which of the big names fail to commit to returning next season, with Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen looking the most likely of the first-team stars to be heading out of the stadium shortly after it opens. Other players like Victor Wanyama, Vincent Janssen and maybe even Danny Rose and Eric Dier could also raise considerable funds towards a summer overhaul. Should Spurs also continue to progress through the rounds of this season’s competition, another windfall could be on the way. It is a fluid situation, for sure, although Levy’s starting position will be regarded as satisfactory by fans.