Why Tottenham fans should not panic over summer transfer window silence
Tottenham fans are starting to get restless as transfer activity slows down, but here is why the silence may not be a cause for concern.
The Premier League season is now less than a month away, and for Tottenham Hotspur, it is just two proper new signings – or should I say two new faces that fans would instantly recognise as additions.
Tottenham have technically signed four new players and spent over £100million in the process, having paid £21million for Kevin Danso, £29.5million for Mathys Tel, £5million for Kota Takai and £55million for Mohammed Kudus.
However, for a side that finished 17th last season, one would have expected Tottenham to be getting deals done right, left and centre in a bid to ensure a significantly better campaign next term.
That appeared to be the case, as after the club went big on Kudus, reports quickly emerged that Spurs had activated Morgan Gibbs-White’s £60million release clause, with a medical expected within 24 hours – it was an exciting few hours for Tottenham fans, who were beginning to see some ambition from their club.
Well, the Gibbs-White deal has since been delayed, and two weeks have now passed without any further additions. Spurs fans may have every reason to be anxious, but the transfer patterns under the current regime suggest otherwise. Here is why.
Big six transfer activity highlights why Tottenham fans are uneasy
At the start of the transfer window, we noted that with the slow pace at which Tottenham were operating, they risked being left behind in the race for the top six.
Not long after that observation, Tottenham completed deals for Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai, followed swiftly by the Morgan Gibbs-White development.
At present, however, frustration is brewing among Spurs fans due to the lack of activity in the window, a frustration only amplified by the speed and scale at which rival clubs are strengthening.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been aggressive in the market – signing top players early, ensuring they integrate with the squad well before the season begins, and reducing the usual adaptation period that comes with such arrivals.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City will be among the Champions League participants next season, and their spending patterns suggest a clear intent to retain that status. For Tottenham, who only qualified through the back door, there is a valid concern about how they can keep up – especially given the need for significant reinforcements.
Tottenham transfer silence fits Johan Lange’s past patterns
Despite the concern, it is not yet time to hit the panic button, because this sort of slow, quiet window has become quite familiar since Johan Lange took charge of Tottenham’s transfer strategy.
Under Fabio Paratici, fans often had an idea of the club’s primary targets even before a deal was completed – perhaps a key reason why the Italian is still fondly remembered by many in north London.
Since Lange’s appointment, however, Spurs’ transfer activity has become more controlled, with fewer leaks and an increasing number of surprise deals.
This summer is a case in point. Tottenham were widely linked with Antoine Semenyo, Eberechi Eze and Bryan Mbeumo – players tipped to be the main targets.
Yet it was not until talks with West Ham United reached an advanced stage that reports linking Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham began to surface.
Kota Takai was barely mentioned in the rumour mill before his move became public knowledge, and the same was true for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Let us also not forget the club’s move for Wilson Odobert last summer, which came out of the blue and caught many by surprise.
This is how Lange operates, and it will likely remain the theme this summer – meaning fans may need to stay patient, as Tottenham’s approach may still deliver a few shock signings before the window closes.
Of course, there is a fair debate to be had about whether this is the most effective approach, especially when rival clubs appear to be getting business done quickly and efficiently.
Spurs are scheduled to depart for their pre-season tour in a matter of days, but as things stand, there have been no further new additions. The hope, however, remains that when these signings do come, they will be of the calibre required to elevate this squad to a much higher standard.
The post Why Tottenham fans should not panic over summer transfer window silence appeared first on Spurs Web.