The Lewis family’s public explanation for getting rid of former Tottenham executive chairman Daniel Levy has been disputed amid transfer requirements ahead of the January window.
Levy was suddenly removed from his role at Tottenham in September after 25 years at the club, although he continues to own shares in the club’s ownership vehicle ENIC.
Speculation soon mounted that a takeover was imminent, although ENIC immediately claimed Tottenham were not for sale.
The Spurs owners have since pumped in £100 million in new cash but there are doubts over their long-term plans, and their willingness to spend heavily in the next two transfer windows as Thomas Frank continues to struggle.
Alex Crook claims Tottenham sale is planned
After Tottenham were easily beaten 3-0 at Nottingham Forest on Sunday it is widely thought that serious investment is needed in the playing squad, with the club currently 11th in the Premier League after finishing 17th last term.
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Speaking live on talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook expressed doubts over whether the controlling Lewis family would be willing to put their money where their mouth is in order to deliver on-pitch success as claimed.
Although a £4.5 billion Tottenham takeover fronted by Brooklyn Earick ultimately didn’t come about in recent weeks, Crook believes a sale is still on the cards, and that was the reason for Levy‘s ousting.
He said: “When Daniel Levy was ousted we were told by the Lewis family, who have now taken control of the football club and day-to-day decision-making, that they wanted sporting success.
“Well, to get that they’re going to have to break the bank. They’re going to have to do it in January, bring in some reinforcements, and they’re certainly going to have to do it next summer as well.
“So, let’s see if they actually do want sporting success or actually, as I suspect, the reason that they got rid of Daniel Levy is they’re trying to sell the football club.”
ENIC must stick or twist on Tottenham sale
In theory sporting success and a lucrative sale of the club should go hand in hand, since the Europa League win under Ange Postecoglou last term undoubtedly raised the profile of a club that simply hasn’t had the returns on the pitch for the infrastructure that has been put in place with the stadium and facilities, making it all the more attractive.
But it can’t be forgotten that this side would have been relegated from the Premier League last season if the three promoted clubs hadn’t been so badly out of their depth.
Even the threat of going down would necessarily hit the valuation of the club hugely, and would likely cause buyers to hesitate, even if just to see if they could get more of a bargain.
The Tottenham owners are reportedly still content to give Frank time despite the poor form, so if they don’t see the Dane as the problem it is hard to see any alternative than for them to back him in the transfer market.