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Good morning!
After bemoaning the lack of crazy transfer rumors yesterday, I'm in a summer transfer window talking kind of mood. This doesn't happen too often, so let's roll with it.
I'm just going to throw this out there. We don't need to sign any more attacking midfielders. We'll probably sell one this summer (looking at you Nacer), leaving us with, seemingly, a gaping need.
Not so fast.
We've played much of this year without Clinton N'jie, but he's an attacking mid/supporting striker. There is also Heung Min-Son, an attacking mid who can support the striker or lead the line in a pinch. The wild cards in all of this are Ryan Mason and Alex Pritchard. They can also both be deputized across the attacking band and, theoretically, be useful.
That leaves us, potentially, seven deep in the attacking band with one sale and no purchases. Now, I'm not saying if we have a chance to buy the next great player, we pass because Alex Pritchard had a good season in the Championship last year, but I'm looking at reasonable expectations in the market, based on the squad we have.
Also, aside from injuries opening up playing time, I expect to see less wholesale substituting from Mauricio next year and more strategic; it is a luxury to have players as adaptable as Sonny and Clinton available to spell players when they get tired or pick up knocks. So even though some of us are a little disappointed in our big transfer coup from earlier this year, we would do well to remember what a luxury his presence is in this squad; and, if we're being honest with ourselves, we recognize that we'll need Sonny make around 30 appearances next year (not all starts) if we hope to be successful on all fronts.
tl;dr I can't wait for Son to fulfill his potential at Spurs next year even if he isn't a week in, week out starter.
And now for the "news":
Gareth Bale to reject a new contract from Madrid| Mirror
I take it all back. Sell all or attacking mids to make room! Be still my Gareth loving heart.
Tottenham's defense is like a 'warm bath'| London Evening Standard
But is it Roman?
Leicester and Tottenham in for Marseille center back| Express
Mon dieu! We are linked to a player that isn't an attacker. Srsly tho 2/10. Wnt a signing 2 get exited about
Manchester City: crap in the league, Champions League semifinalists| NBC Sports
Coefficient good?