FanPost

The transfer window is open. Let's look at the squad.

An earlier transfer deadline day means an earlier transfer window opening. And while there is yet to be any significant activity, the summer transfer window for 2019 for domestic deals opened on May 16th. While it may seem like any other transfer window, this is, one of the most key in Tottenham Hotspur's recent history, not in the least because manager Mauricio Pochettino has voiced his frustrations and hinted that he may leave if the club fail to convince him that they have the vision of a big club. Pochettino previously called for the club to "be brave and take risks if we want to be real contenders for big trophies". That summer Tottenham failed to sign a single player, and it wasn't the only time - the club failed to sign a single player in the winter transfer window, something no club has ever done since the inception of the Premier League.

There's a strong case to be made that Pochettino is truly an elite manager who significantly improves every squad he works with and he is the perfect manager to grow and evolve with the squad as the club reaps the benefits of its new stadium and world class facilities. He is also a manager that young players love working with and the progress he has made with the squad he inherited is significant, highlighted by the club's involvement in the Champions League final in Madrid on June 1st.

At a press conference, Pochettino has said "After five years, it's a moment to close a chapter. It's so important to have a clear idea of the project, the challenge that we're going to have ahead of us.

"It was very clear five years ago that the priority was always going to be the stadium being finished and finishing the facilities here at the training ground. We feel so proud because our capacity to manage the situation - that is very difficult, how it affects the football side at different clubs is amazing.

"To have this capacity to manage both and after five years be successful, because for the first time in our history Tottenham is going to play a Champions League final and to finish the best stadium in the world. It's a massive success. That's why we feel so proud of these five years. But what is next? What next? That's the question.

"What next and how we explain to you and what you translate to our fans, what we want for the future of our club. Of course you know it's difficult for me to explain that. It's a conversation with Daniel, I need to listen to Daniel, he's the boss, the owner. I need to know what I explain to you and you translate to our fans."

These quotes may sound like a manger frustrated by the club's hierarchy and tight budget and on the look out for a fresh challenge as the media would love to believe. Pochettino would also arguably be naive to commit his future to Tottenham without understanding what lies ahead.

I would argue that Pochettino does not want to leave. He wants a better squad to truly be a regular force capable of winning every competition that the club competes in. The more frequently the club reaches the semi finals and finals of competition with the squad in a good place, the more likely it is that Tottenham win trophies, the players and the manager are motivated and world class talent want to be a part of the squad.

While the result of the final can change the ability to attract certain players, it can only change by so much. At the end of the day, there's a (presumably non-zero) transfer budget and strengths and weaknesses in the squad.

Goalkeepers

Hugo Lloris : The world cup winner has had a mixed season with difficulties on and off the field, but has made some crucial saves, including penalty saves to remind us of his quality. While there are some very good goal keepers in the market, it is challenging, to say the least, to attract a replacement who would provide an upgrade while on a budget. Keeping Lloris happy, while having a competent backup who pushes him to perform well is the smart decision.

Retention score: 7/10

Paulo Gazzaniga : Gazzaniga has had a strong season, usurping Vorm as the backup goalkeeper and showing a lot of potential. A chance to build on a strong season is on the cards.

Retention score: 9/10

Michel Vorm : The dutch goalkeeper is out of contract and having lost his place in the first choice 18, is sure to leave the club on a free transfer.

Retention score: 1/10

Defenders

Jan Vertonghen: The Belgian is one of Tottenham's most reliable players and appears to be happy at the club. His contract was extended to 2020 and a further extension could be on the cards. No other defender performs quite as well in the left center back role.

Retention score: 8/10

Toby Alderweireld: The other Belgian in defense is likely to leave with a £25million exit clause in his contract . Perhaps winning the champions league will convince him to stay? It is more likely, though, that we hope he does not strengthen a rival upon.

Retention score: 3/10

Davinson Sanchez: Spurs' record signing has shown his youth at times, but has shown enough of ability to perform a high level. He might have big shoes to fill, depending on who Spurs sign in case of a likely departure.

Retention score: 9/10

Juan Foyth: The Argentinian Argentine player from Argentina showed promise mixed with immaturity and mistakes that he needs to cut out of his game, but did enough to warrant a squad place for the next season.

Retention score: 9/10

Danny Rose: The left back has proven that he is a quality player with the ability to impact games and shut down pacy wingers while providing an offensive threat down the left flank. The vocal England international though might be persuaded to leave if an appropriate offer comes along if he gets a big pay day. Spurs should hope that he decides to stay.

Retention score: 6/10

Ben Davies: Davies has been another disappointment, often being exposed with pace and failing to show anything to suggest competition as first choice. However, a case to keep him, even in the event of a new signing who can play left back would be Danny Rose's injury history and his ability to provide cover at center back. If a replacement is available, however, maybe it is best to move on Davies, who does not count as a homegrown player - something Tottenham are in need of.

Retention score: 7/10

Kieran Trippier: After a very strong world cup performance, Trippier has taken a step backwards. He has proven to be a defensive liability, getting caught upfield and working a lot better in a back three formation. Counting as a homegrown player and his offensive output could be enough to warrant another chance in a position of need.

Retention score: 8/10

Serge Aurier: Aurier has done little to impress in an injury affected campaign. If Spurs can find an interested party, they should use it to freshen up the squad with a new face and a replacement for the Ivorian.

Retention score: 5/10

Kyle Walker-Peters: The youngster was exposed on the few occasions that he played at right back. With Foyth preferred to Walker-Peters in latter games this past season, perhaps a loan would be best suited for all parties as Spurs reassess the right back position?

Retention score: 5/10

Cameron Carter-Vickers (loaned): Upon returning from loan, he might find a way to the first team difficult and might benefit from another loan in the championship.

Retention score: 2/10

Midfielders

Eric Dier: In an injury plagued season, Dier's versatility and ability should be enough to keep him at the club for another season - even if he doesn't count as homegrown.

Retention score: 8/10

Victor Wanyama: Wanyama's injury history, combined with mixed performances could see him make way for a new signing. While having the Kenyan in the squad, doesn't hurt, having too many injury prone midfielders in the team is less than ideal. A fresh signing in midfield could see him make way to free up space in the squad.

Retention score: 6/10

Harry Winks: Winks has been good when available. His homegrown status and ability in a position of need should see him retain a spot in the squad for next season.

Retention score: 9/10

Moussa Sissoko: The much-maligned French international has had an excellent season where he maximized his strengths while minimized his weaknesses in a more central role. He should be a strong option in midfield for the next season.

Retention score: 9/10

Oliver Skipp: The youngster made a positive impression and showed good ability at just 18 years - enough to warrant another chance in the first team, but there is a chance that he goes out on loan if there is a new signing and no outgoing players.

Retention score: 8/10

Josh Onomah (loaned): Might find it difficult to break through in a crowded midfield and could benefit from another loan in the championship or to a newly promoted team.

Retention score: 3/10

Christian Eriksen: Eriksen's contract expires in 2020 and if he does not seem like renewing, Spurs might be tempted to cash in on him or risk losing him on a free. Eriksen seems a lot more likely to stay than Alderweireld, but if a club with deep pockets and a higher profile come along, he may be tempted to leave.

Retention score: 5/10

Dele Alli: Dele's ability to pop up with important goals and assists continue to make him a key player. He has shown greater maturity in his game this season. There are a few clubs who could splash the cash to tempt him to leave but Spurs will want to hold on to one of their key players and would not want to strengthen a domestic rival in the process.

Retention score: 8/10

Erik Lamela: A clearly talented, but injury prone player should keep his place purely because of his ability to make an impact and offer creative passing ability in advanced areas which is in short supply.

Retention score: 7/10

Georges-Kevin N'koudou (loaned): An unspectacular season while out on loan should see him move away permanently this summer.

Retention score: 2/10

Forwards

Lucas Moura: His Champions League heroics put a stamp on a good first full season with the club, one from which we hope he can kick on.

Retention score: 8/10

Heung Min Son: Tottenham's player of the season really stepped up and filled an attacking void. Spurs will do everything possible to retain him.

Retention score: 9/10

Harry Kane: Tottenham's talisman suffered an injury hit campaign and will be looking to compete for the golden boot once again.

Retention score: 9/10

Vincent Janssen: Made a couple of appearances towards the end of the season despite many believing they had seen the last of him, but it appears that enough has happened behind the scenes to see him move away permanently this summer.

Retention score: 2/10

Fernando Llorente: Made some key contributions to Spurs' campaign. A veteran player whom Spurs may be tempted to keep another season for some much needed experience and a different option coming off the bench.

Retention score: 6/10

I believe that Spurs have the right number of first team players, excluding those who went out on loan and should have a one in, one out policy.

Possible departures (and possible replacements)

Michel Vorm: A replacement for Vorm would need to be addressed as three strong goalkeepers is now more of a necessity than a nice-to-have. While Brandon Austin, Tom Glover and Alfie Whiteman all are promising prospects, none of them appear to be quite ready to be called upon in case of an injury to one of Spurs' first choice keeper. Signing a young keeper, preferably homegrown would free up a place in the Champions League squad. A quality prospect, however, may not want the limited minutes a third choice goalkeeper may get. Michel Vorm made only 4 appearances towards the beginning of this season.

Toby Alderweireld: A difficult player to replace. Without a truly elite replacement available, should Spurs stick with Sanchez, give Dier more minutes at center back and hope Foyth matures, or bring in a (possibly homegrown) replacement to compete with Sanchez?

Serge Aurier: Right Back can be a difficult position to fill with all of Aaron van Bissaka, Ricardo Pereira and Max Aarons likely to command sizable transfer fees and Manchester United also looking.

Kyle Walker-Peters: While Spurs have enough options who can fill in at right back, if KWP goes out on loan, left back can be more difficult. A good option is to bring in Ryan Sessegnon to play at left back an occasional minutes in midfield. A pure left back like Celtic's Kieran Tierney coming in would mean an outgoing player.


Victor Wanyama: One midfield option could use freshening up. Lyon's Tanguy N'Dombele, Bournemouth's David Brooks, Fulham's Jean Michel Seri, Villa's Jack Grealish, Everton loanee Andre Gomes and several others are on the list.

Christian Eriksen: How do you replace a player like Eriksen? While there are great options in attacking midfield, none of them quite offer Eriksen's playmaking ability. Ajax's Donny van de Beek and Leicester's James Maddison are two potential targets.

Vincent Janssen: The striker played 36 Premier League minutes and hardly needs replacing with Son and Lucas able to fill in the attacking midfield spots. In the interest of freshening things up, Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge, surplus to requirements at Anfield could provide a different type of threat if he can maintain his fitness. A young striker would be a nice purchase with Kazaiah Sterling still a way to go before reaching the first team.

How much will it cost?

I expect a net loss of $8 -15 million in goal with Vorm out and 1 player in.

I expect a net loss of 25-40 million in defense - with some combination of a center back (Alderweireld) and a right back (Aurier) in and out or potentially adding a left back (Sessegnon).

In midfield, I expect a loss of 10- 35 million- with some combination of a central midfielder (Wanyama) and an attacking midfielder (please not Eriksen) in and out along with N'koudou

In attack, I expect a profit of 15 million to a loss of 15 million with Janssen out and possibly one player in.

Net spend: $60- $90 million

Thoughts

A potential Pochettino exit would decrease the retention rate and open the club up to more risk and a period of rebuilding - must do everything possible avoid this

Investment in the academy for more young players to break through in the next few seasons is a good longer term investment.

We should absolutely act quickly for Sessegnon - he is young, homegrown, can be moulded into a good player, plays in a position of need.

A first choice central midfielder is a must. If Eriksen stays and there are no unexpected departures the majority of the budget should be allocated here.

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