Tottenham have been hit by an injury crisis this season to leave them with a threadbare squad as they battle against relegation. They have only used 24 of the 25 available spots in their Premier League allowance, though, meaning they could turn to a free agent outside the transfer window. Even without such an urgent recruitment drive, they may well want to look at free agents who could help save them money when it comes to their summer recruitment. It's something which has served them well over the years, whether that meant adding depth to the squad or snapping up players who could immediately contribute to the cause.
The London side spent big in January, bringing in Conor Gallagher and Souza for a combined £48million. Results have yet to improve, though, leading to the club sacking manager Thomas Frank and putting Igor Tudor in interim charge. A number of Premier League stars are free to sign pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs ahead of their deals expiring this summer, while Spurs could pounce if any of that number opt to run their deals down. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Marcos Senesi or Harry Wilson would be on the club's shopping list - and they are not the only ones with contracts expiring this summer - but Spurs have made good use of the free agent market in recent seasons.
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Ivan Perisic
Spurs, under Antonio Conte, acted swiftly before the 2022 summer transfer window to secure Ivan Perisic on a free transfer. The then 33 year old arrived as a versatile wide player on a two year contract, having finished the 2020/21 season as a Serie A champion under Conte after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich one year before that.
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The seasoned Croatian had long been courted by Premier League rivals Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho eager to secure Perisic's signature during the summer of 2017. Nevertheless, Inter rejected an offer from the Red Devils and it took another five years before the player made it to England.
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Perisic proved instrumental during his debut campaign with Tottenham, but sustained an ACL injury in his second season before joining Hajduk Split on loan during the second half of the campaign. He moved to PSV Eindhoven in 2024, winning the Eredivisie title in his first season and scoring in a memorable Champions League win away to Liverpool this term.
Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster arrived within days of Conte landing Perisic in June 2022, with the keeper another to arrive on a free transfer. The experienced shot-stopper agreed a two-year contract in north London once his Southampton contract had formally concluded.
The England international signed an extension midway through the 2023/24 season, keeping him at the club until 2025 before joining Bournemouth on a free transfer this term. He played four times in the Europa League last season and was given a winner's medal despite not featuring in the final.
Teddy Sheringham
Tottenham confirmed in May 2001 that they would bring back legendary forward Teddy Sheringham, following a trophy-laden four-year stint with Manchester United that included a famous 1999 Treble. Sheringham had previously spent five productive years at White Hart Lane from 1992, finishing with 98 goals in all competitions before his £3.5m move to Old Trafford.
Then-Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle was a keen admirer, having consistently picked him for the England squad during his time as Three Lions boss. This proved valuable in helping Spurs reach a pre-contract agreement to bring the 35-year-old back to north London following the expiry of his Red Devils deal.
Sheringham helped Spurs finish ninth in his first season, their best showing in six years, while also reaching the League Cup final. His second spell brought 26 goals across 80 appearances, and he later enjoyed spells with Portsmouth, West Ham, and Colchester United before retiring at 42.
Brad Friedel
Tottenham executed a clever piece of business by acquiring experienced goalkeeper Friedel on a free transfer in June 2011. The USA icon arrived on a two-year contract after three seasons at Aston Villa.
At Spurs, he became the oldest player to feature in a Premier League match and was an ever-present when they finished fourth under Harry Redknapp in 2011/12. He turned out 67 times for the club before calling time on his career at the conclusion of the 2014/15 season.
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