Sell Cristian Romero but keep Joao Palhinha: Transfer verdict on every Tottenham player

Spurs badly need to upgrade their squad in 2026 and are set to be active in January, with the club targeting new signings in some key areas.

Here, Standard Sport runs the rule over every player in the first-team squad and assesses who they should keep and who they should sell.

Vicario has showcased both the best and worst aspects of his game under Thomas Frank. A strong shot stopper and commanding character, the Italian has saved Spurs on numerous occasions this season. But he remains prone to an error. It is clear that goalkeeper is a position that Spurs can look to upgrade. SELL

It has not gone to plan for Kinsky since he burst onto the scene at the start of 2025. Vicario’s return to fitness has seen his minutes limited, but there is still a future for the 22-year-old. It remains to be seen whether Kinsky would be open to a loan move to get regular minutes. KEEP OR LOAN

One of the few players in squad with genuine world-class potential. The Dutch centre half is growing into a leader and is considered among one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Interest is building in Van de Ven and it is imperative Spurs keep hold of him. KEEP

A player whom Frank feels he can get the best out of, Spence has become a reliable option at full-back and his versatility serves Spurs well. There are few better defenders one-on-one. A player whose best days are ahead of him, which can’t be said for most of Spurs’ squad. KEEP

Some feel Romero is the only world-class player in the Spurs squad. Other say he lets the team down too often. If, as the Lewis Family have asserted, a new era beckons then they need to move on. SELL

Having only just returned from a long injury lay-off, Dragusin could leave this month. It remains to be seen whether that will be on loan or permanently, with Frank reluctant to clarify if he has a future at the club. SELL

A dependable option in the backline, Danso provides important cover at centre-back. Frank is looking to trim his squad but Danso is a good option to call upon when needed. KEEP

Porro’s quality in attack has made him a target for some big six clubs. His crossing ability is matched by few in the Premier League. But his defensive frailties continue to cost Spurs and they would be wise to try and move on from him. SELL

Has struggled with injuries but has the potential to develop into a top-level full-back. Tied down until 2030, he is part of the core of young players who could help build the spine of the team going forward. KEEP

Has had an injury-disrupted start to life at Spurs but has a fearsome reputation from his time in Japan. At just 21, Takai is another one for the future. KEEP

Palhinha has been a solid addition to the Spurs midfield since his loan move from Bayern Munich in the summer. Spurs have an option to buy him at the end of the season, and they would be wise to use it. The 30-year-old adds experience and aggression to a relatively young midfield. KEEP

Frank trusts Gray implicitly and has referenced him as the future of Spurs’ midfield. The 19-year-old is now getting regular starts in his preferred position. Spurs have made a number of smart young signings in the last couple of seasons, with Gray arguably the pick of the bunch. KEEP

Bergvall’s ability to stretch the pitch and attack space makes him a valuable player for Spurs. The Swedish midfielder, like Gray, has earned the trust of Frank and is viewed as a crucial part of the future. Keeping Bergvall and Gray at the club is of paramount importance. KEEP

Another young midfielder with plenty of potential, Spurs need to champion Gray, Bergvall and Sarr if they want to carve out an identity under Frank. Now in his fourth season as a Spurs player, now needs to push on and become a regular starter. KEEP

Bentancur is a player with limitations, but at his best he provides a useful bridge between defence and attack that Spurs lack. With little resale value, it would be smarter for Spurs to keep hold of him, even if just to provide experience as Bergvall, Gray and Sarr take up more prominent roles. KEEP

Simons has not started brilliantly at Spurs as he struggles to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. But he is clearly talented and has shown enough to suggest that, in time, he can be the creative hub of the team. KEEP

Remains sidelined through injury but is probably the most talented player in the Spurs squad. His return to fitness will provide a major boost for Frank, whose side have looked bereft of creativity from open play. Has been linked with Manchester City in the past but is a key player. KEEP

An anterior cruciate ligament injury on the eve of this season came at the worst possible time for Maddison. There had already been talk of whether Spurs needed to move on from Maddison and, through no fault of his own, he has not had a chance to prove his worth. It feels wrong to be talking about his future when he is out injured for such a long period. KEEP FOR NOW

Frank has been suitably unimpressed by his options out wide, but Odobert is one player he seems to like. The 21-year-old provides pace in behind and has increasingly been given opportunities. Frank wants to add reinforcements in attack in January, but Odobert’s place in the side appears to be secure. KEEP

Kudus has been one of Spurs’ best players this season and has nailed down a starting berth on the right. He needs to become more consistent if he is to be considered among the best wingers in the Premier League, but he has shown enough to suggest he is capable of making that step. KEEP

Solanke’s ankle injury has been a nightmare for Spurs, who have lacked a reliable presence up front in his absence this season. The striker enjoyed a promising debut season last year and will come straight back into the team when he is fit. There is potentially a conversation to be had further down the line about whether he has the ability to make Spurs a top team. KEEP FOR NOW

A talented player with age on his side, he is not quite a striker and not quite a winger, which makes him a difficult player for Frank to fit in his team. At 20 and having only just joined on a permanent deal, there is plenty of time for Tel to prove his worth. But at the moment he does not make Spurs better. KEEP

Richarlison has scored seven goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season but he is not the answer up front, having consistently struggled for form and fitness during his time at Spurs. The club will surely assess their striking options at the end of the season, which could spell the end for Richarlison. SELL

Everyone at Spurs has been willing Scarlett to make the breakthrough into the first team. Now 21, the fear is his opportunity has passed. Another loan move could be an option, but Scarlett really needs regular football to try to forge out a career. SELL OR LOAN