Graham Roberts has slammed Tottenham for buying players with potential rather than more experienced, readymade names.
Eight of Spurs’ previous 10 permanent signings have been under the age of 25, with Matt Doherty and Joe Hart the two exceptions.
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And Roberts has used Ryan Sessegnon, signed for £25m, and Jack Clarke, signed for £10m, as the two examples, with the pair bought in during a summer spree made by Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, but have little first-team action.
Clarke has made just three substitute appearances since making the eight-figure switch from Leeds, all of which came under Jose Mourinho, and has spent time on loan at three different Championship clubs since joining Spurs.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sessegnon only made a handful of appearances, mainly because he wasn’t fancied by Mourinho, epitomised by the summer addition of Sergio Reguilon, which bolstered Tottenham’s left side.
But having gained valuable experience and regular game-time out on loan in the Bundesliga last season, Sessegnon will be hoping for a fresh start under the incoming manager.
Roberts, though, has been left frustrated by the club’s transfer strategy in recent seasons. He exclusively told This is Futbol:
“I think we go for potential rather than somebody that is already ready to play, and that’s the disappointing thing.
“We’ve had Jack Clarke and Ryan Sessegnon, and I don’t think we’ve seen 10 games between them, and we paid £35m. Are we going to get that money back if we sell them?”