On the latest episode of the Last Word On Spurs podcast, Ricky Sacks, Lee McQueen, Michael Bridge and Ricky Norwood have been reflecting on Spurs’ 2-1 win against Arsenal last weekend, as well as looking forward to the game against Newcastle United later this week.
One topic of discussion on the recent episode, which was titled: ‘Spurs Silence Arsenal‘ was the north London club’s recruitment in recent seasons. Tanguy Ndombele became the club’s record signing when he was brought in from Lyon in a deal worth £53.8 million last summer (per BBC), but he has struggled to have much impact in his first season with the club; making just 12 starts in the Premier League, averaging a 6.71 rating (per WhoScored).
Here’s what McQueen had to say about Spurs’ recent transfer business:
“Every time he’s [Daniel Levy] gone and spent big money on a player, they’ve virtually failed. [Erik] Lamela – £30 million, [Roberto] Soldado – £30 million. Ndombele – £65 million, you could argue this all day long. Paulinho – £20 million. The list goes on and on and on, the recruitment is shocking at Spurs and that’s the bit that needs to happen. At the end of the day, our recruitment is shocking. At the end of the day, that’s the bit that’s going to change the club.”
TIF Thoughts…
We can understand McQueen’s frustration, considering Ndombele was very much a marquee signing for the club and yet he has played less than 90 minutes since the Premier League restart last month. Soldado was signed for £26 million and went on to score 16 goals for Spurs in 76 appearances (per Transfermarkt), so it can certainly be argued he wasn’t a success.
Is Spurs' recruitment 'shocking'?
Yes
No
Perhaps, after their disappointing season, we will see Spurs’ attitude in the transfer market this summer change for the better.