When the transfer window opens, Spurs react slowly and miss out on some top targets as a result.
But, last summer, Daniel Levy attempted to be proactive in securing a special release clause for talented Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso in exchange for the unwanted Spurs player Giovani Lo Celso.
The entire transfer was bizarre, and now that Spurs can activate the special release clause, Cardoso has no interest in joining, leaving Spurs holding an empty bag. However, the club should view this as a blessing in disguise, as there are far superior options available to them.
Adam Wharton
Spurs could add to their embarrassment of riches in the midfield by adding another young English talent.
Adam Wharton has caught the eye of top clubs in his 43 games at Crystal Palace with his playmaking abilities.
The 21-year-old checks many boxes for Spurs. He's young, Premier League-proven, and English, which will help the club meet the homegrown quota.
Last season, Wharton provided two assists in 20 games for Palace. Still, he created nearly two chances per 90 minutes and played three accurate long balls per 90 minutes, which could play perfectly into Thomas Frank's system.
Wharton could be the perfect number 6 for Spurs in a midfield trio. Imagine a midfield of Archie Gray, Wharton, and Lucas Bergvall. It could dominate under Frank for years.
Tyler Adams
Cardoso's fellow countryman, Tyler Adams, is a better option.
The 26-year-old has played 55 games in the Premier League between Leeds United and Bournemouth. This past season was his best year in the League.
In 28 matches, he provided three assists and demonstrated solid defensive play. He won 50 tackles and 139 duels on the season and averaged 1.5 interceptions per 90.
While buying a player from Bournemouth might not be the most exciting option, Adams has experience in the top flight and has grown as a player each season. He would be a perfect buy-low opportunity for Spurs.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Noticing a trend? Morgan Gibbs-White is more of an attacking option than the first two, but he has experience in the League.
He was an instrumental part of Nottingham Forest's surprise season, which saw them flirt with qualification for the Champions League.
Gibbs-White delivered eight goals and seven assists in 34 starts this season. He completed more than five progressive passes per 90 minutes and worked hard without the ball, finishing in the 90th percentile in interceptions at his position.
In addition to his solid form, he is also English and would count towards that all-important homegrown quota. It won't be easy for Spurs to pry him away from Forest, but he would be worth it as he is just hitting his stride.
Morten Hjulmand
Going outside of the Premier League, Morten Hjulmand is another excellent option for Spurs.
Last season for Sporting in Liga Portugal, he was one the best box-to-box midfielders in the League.
The 25-year-old Denmark national chipped in with two goals and delivered two assists. Additionally, he was adept in attack, boasting a pass accuracy of over 90 percent and the ability to win free kicks, drawing more than two fouls per 90 minutes.
The impressive numbers extend to the defensive side of the game as well. Hjulmand won over 60 percent of his duels and nearly 70 percent of his tackles and saw an incredible 6.48 recoveries per 90 minutes.
If Hjulmand is interested in joining his fellow countryman, Thomas Frank, Spurs should consider spending their money on him rather than Cardoso.
Lennon Miller
Last year, Tottenham spent big money on young talents like Gray, Bergvall, and, most recently, Mathys Tel. Lennon Miller could be next in line.
The Scottish national was incredible for Motherwell last season in the Scottish Premiership.
He was everywhere for his club last season, picking up eight assists and two goals. But more importantly, in 32 games, he was credited with creating 50 chances and playing 104 accurate long balls.
In possession, he was able to draw 70 fouls and was only dispossessed 26 times. And defensively, he covered a lot of ground, posting an impressive 203 recoveries, winning 182 duels, picking up 43 interceptions, and winning possession in the final third eight times.
If Spurs are looking to continue their transfer strategy from last season, Miller makes perfect sense. The teenager has shown immense promise in a lower league, to the extent that he made his first senior caps for the national team last week.
Tottenham has made a complete mess of their Lo Celso transfer from last summer, but not getting Cardoso and instead opting for one of these better options would help clean up the mess left behind.