Tottenham Hotspur have a significant amount of work remaining before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday, September 1.
Johan Lange faces considerable tasks ahead as the market draws to a close next week. This summer, the Tottenham sporting director has spent £237million on new arrivals while bringing in £213million from player departures, yet there is still substantial business to conduct over the coming days.
Speaking to journalists after the defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi defended his rebuilt squad. The Lilywhites manager stated that the primary focus and objective is to develop into a proper team.
He explained that a team cannot be created through the transfer window, through new signings, or on paper. Players develop into a team by finding connections between themselves, discovering their collective spirit, and uncovering their soul, as he mentioned the previous day. This is a process that takes time.
He subsequently noted that when asked about targets and satisfaction regarding the transfer window, he responded that becoming a team must come first. To achieve this, two essential elements are required at his club: soul and a distinctive style of play.
He continued that once these two elements are found, the team can become a threat to any opponent. Until those conditions are met and reached, they must endure difficulties.
Despite strengthening the squad with numerous players who have proven themselves in the Premier League, Lange has yet to secure an attack-minded player this summer. That situation appears set to change soon, though time is running short.
With this in mind, football.london has examined what Tottenham must accomplish before the transfer window closes next week.
Tottenham finally complete £181million spending spree
Once Lange secures Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City in a move that could amount to approximately £130million, he must quickly shift focus to Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool wideman has been strongly linked with a switch to Spurs for some time as they seek to reinforce their attack, though reaching an agreement has proved challenging.
Gakpo would represent a solid acquisition for the Tottenham squad, offering De Zerbi a different option on the left flank. The Dutch international has already demonstrated his worth to Andoni Iraola, helping the Reds secure a point against Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign with an impressive long-range effort.
Cody Gakpo found the net for Liverpool in their 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at the weekend.
Liverpool would certainly seek to replace a player of his calibre, which could prove difficult at this late stage of the summer. Consequently, the Reds could demand a premium fee for Gakpo and continue to increase their asking price as time goes by.
The quicker Spurs finalise a deal for the £51million-valued winger, the sooner Liverpool can pursue a replacement. Should the Reds feel they cannot source a suitable alternative to Gakpo, they may either refuse to sell or insist on an excessive fee for their asset.
Better late than never
Pending signings: Savinho, Omar Marmoush, and Cody Gakpo.
De Zerbi addresses Richarlison’s future
Next, De Zerbi must resolve the situation regarding Richarlison, who has now entered the final year of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. From January, overseas clubs will be permitted to open pre-contract negotiations with the Lilywhites forward regarding a free transfer at the season’s end, unless he commits to a new deal in north London.
Should Richarlison fail to sign a fresh contract, Lange will face a tough decision. Tottenham must weigh up whether to risk eventually losing the Brazilian for nothing or accept a loss and sell him now.
football.london understands that Tottenham possess an option to extend Richarlison’s stay by an additional year, but even De Zerbi is uncertain where the forward might be playing his football this term. Earlier this summer, when questioned about the Brazilian’s prospects, the Spurs manager admitted that he appreciates Richarlison both as a player and as a person.
He described him as exceptional in terms of attitude and conduct. Ultimately, they must respect whatever the player decides to do. Sometimes Richarlison states he wishes to remain, other times he indicates a desire to leave. They must communicate properly. There is no issue. He is a fantastic individual.
Regarding the Brazilian’s character, De Zerbi stated that for him, Richarlison remains a significant player because finding another striker of his quality is no easy task. Richarlison knows how to find the net. With any new forward, there are no guarantees.
He netted 12 goals last season, not through fortune but because he understands the art of scoring. Everyone at the club, including teammates, the organisation, and the staff, holds him in high regard because he works diligently every single day and there is nothing negative to say about his performances on the pitch.
Lange moves four Tottenham players on
In the closing days of the transfer window, Lange must arrange loan moves for Souza, Kota Takai, Dane Scarlett, and Mikey Moore. Each would benefit considerably more from consistent playing time at a club away from the spotlight. However talented they may be and despite their potential value from the substitutes’ bench, particularly the latter, De Zerbi must stabilise the situation before exposing them to intense pressure.
Following consecutive seasons narrowly avoiding relegation, Tottenham are under examination. The Lilywhites will face intense scrutiny this campaign, and every minor error, on or off the field, will be subject to detailed analysis, which could damage the confidence of these four young players.
Players requiring loans: Souza, Kota Takai, Dane Scarlett, and Mikey Moore.