Key decisions loom for Spurs as summer transfer window opens | OneFootball

Tottenham Players In and Out: Summer Strategy Hinges on Uncertainty and Urgency

Tottenham face a crossroads that feels familiar and yet uniquely uncertain. As the transfer window opens, what might otherwise have been a moment for strategic clarity instead reads more like an improvised act.

The club has Champions League football, a long-overdue European trophy, and a young squad with promise. Yet what they do not have is certainty. Not about their manager, not about their tactical direction, and certainly not about which Tottenham players will be heading in or out this summer.

Depth dilemma and positional priorities

The Europa League campaign may have delivered silverware, but it also exposed the structural frailty of Tottenham’s squad. Injuries decimated a core that was already too thin. Ange Postecoglou didn’t dress it up after defeat to Brighton on the final day: “We need players who are going to be comfortable at that (Champions League) level, not players who are stepping up to that level.”

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The need for a centre-forward is paramount. Dominic Solanke, a £65 million signing, carried the burden admirably but cannot shoulder it alone. Richarlison, theoretically his backup, spent most of the season plagued by calf and hamstring issues, contributing just 500 minutes.

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In midfield, neither Rodrigo Bentancur nor Yves Bissouma is a natural holding player. Both have only a year remaining on their contracts. Postecoglou, or his potential successor, must decide whether to persist or pivot.

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On the flanks, Brennan Johnson led Spurs in league goals with 11, though his performances often drifted in and out of games. Dejan Kulusevski, more effective centrally, might offer rotation, but depth is still lacking.

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Managerial shadow over recruitment

Perhaps the most pivotal Tottenham transfer issue isn’t a player at all. At the time of writing, Postecoglou’s future remains unresolved. If he stays, one expects a demand for experience to support younger talents like Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.

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If Daniel Levy decides to replace him, a new manager will almost certainly want players who fit a different style. For prospective signings, this ambiguity matters. Why commit to Tottenham if they can’t even tell you who the manager is?

Interest in versatile attackers

Tottenham made enquiries about Yoane Wissa in January. The Brentford forward is on their radar again. He scored 19 goals last season and has one year left on his deal, with an option to extend. Able to operate across the front three, Wissa would offer tactical flexibility. But at 29 in September, his fee and wages may be a concern.

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Spurs players likely to exit

There are decisions to be made on several Tottenham players. Bentancur was more consistent than Bissouma last term, and that could tilt the club toward offloading the latter. Richarlison, though impactful in the Europa League knockout stages, has struggled to stay fit over three seasons.

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Manor Solomon, fresh from helping Leeds United to promotion, is expected to be sold. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s loan to Marseille will become permanent for €20 million.

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The big question surrounds Cristian Romero. Vice-captain, leader, and inconsistent wildcard. He has publicly flirted with La Liga, and while fans would be devastated to see him go, Tottenham could demand a high fee for a player with two years left on his contract.

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Loans, arrivals and what’s next

When loans return, Tottenham will have a bloated squad. Bryan Gil is likely to leave permanently, while Will Lankshear and Yang Min-hyeok may be loaned again for experience.

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Jamie Donley’s excellent season at Leyton Orient has opened a conversation. Does he get first-team minutes at Spurs now? That decision could define his trajectory.

Luka Vuskovic, signed two years ago, will finally arrive from Hadjuk Split after turning 18. Impressing on loan at Westerlo, he is also part of Croatia’s national team setup. Whether he stays or goes on loan again will depend on Spurs’ defensive stability.

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Kevin Danso’s loan from Lens will be made permanent. Mathys Tel was loaned from Bayern Munich with an option to buy, which Tottenham must now consider. Antonin Kinsky was brought in early due to Vicario’s injury.

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Budget, PSR and financial forecast

Tottenham’s Europa League triumph may prove more valuable off the pitch than on it. Champions League money will soften financial edges. UEFA awarded €18.6 million for group-stage qualification, plus €2.1 million per win. That’s before ticket revenue, merchandising and broadcasting.

Chairman Daniel Levy addressed financial sustainability in March: “We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club.”

According to The Athletic, Tottenham have over £200 million in PSR headroom. The challenge isn’t compliance but liquidity. With revenue over £500 million in each of the past two seasons, the Champions League windfall could push Spurs to be bolder.

Ultimately, the summer rests on three things: who stays, who goes, and who leads.