Tottenham Hotspur is gearing up for an active summer transfer window as they aim to meet the requirements of their new head coach, Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian manager brings a specific style of play characterized by fast and possession-oriented football, accompanied by high-pressing tactics.
As a result, the club will need to make several changes to their squad, which was previously built for different managerial philosophies, including Antonio Conte’s back three with wing-backs.
In terms of midfield and attack, Tottenham’s main priorities for the summer are to sign a new attacking midfielder for the center of the pitch and a winger for the flank.
Postecoglou’s preferred midfield setup consists of a single pivot player who collects the ball from the defense and distributes it, along with two box-to-box midfielders who support the center forward whenever possible.
The club is assessing Bryan Gil’s adaptation to the Premier League and also holds an interest in Harvey Barnes from Leicester City.
While Spurs have several players who can fulfill the pivot role, they have fewer options for the more offensive positions.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma can play in any of the three midfield positions, and Oliver Skipp is suitable for the deeper anchor role. The future of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is uncertain, and Bayern Munich has shown interest in bringing the Danish midfielder back to the Bundesliga.
Postecoglou will assess the potential of young midfielders like Pape Matar Sarr and Alfie Devine during pre-season.
Additionally, the club recently acquired Dejan Kulusevski, who can also adapt to the midfield roles required by the coach’s system.
Tottenham is also involved in discussions with Newcastle to acquire James Maddison from Leicester City. Maddison, who had an impressive 2021/22 season with 18 goals and 12 assists, can play in various midfield positions and fits Postecoglou’s style.
Tottenham is also monitoring Alex Scott from Bristol City, a promising central midfielder who can also play on the right flank.
In terms of departures, Tanguy Ndombele’s future is uncertain, with interest from clubs like Napoli and Fenerbahce. Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks are expected to leave the club after loan spells, and Harvey White might also depart if he doesn’t fit into Postecoglou’s immediate plans.
Tottenham is also looking to bring in a young winger who possesses pace, skill, and pressing ability. Players like Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Dejan Kulusevski can fulfill these requirements.
With regards to the striker position, Tottenham currently has sufficient options with Harry Kane, Richarlison, and Son. Kane’s potential departure is unlikely this summer, but if he doesn’t renew his contract, he could leave as a free agent next year.
Young strikers Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett will aim to impress Postecoglou during the summer tour to secure first-team minutes instead of going out on loan again next season.
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