Tottenham are looking to make significant defensive decisions now that the summer transfer window has reopened.
Daniel Levy was unimpressed with Spurs’ defensive structure in the Premier League last season.
The Lilywhites conceded 65 league goals under former manager Ange Postecoglou – the fifth most in the division. As such, Tottenham are planning a defensive overhaul this summer, and these decisions could even extend to the North London club’s academy.
Tyrell Ashcroft faces questions over his future at Tottenham
Tottenham signed Tyrell Ashcroft from Reading in 2022, with the right-back joining Spurs’ academy.
The 20-year-old has struggled to break into the first team, having only recently become a regular starter for the Under-21s at Hotspur Way.
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Despite his struggles, as reported by Lilywhite Rose via X (9 June), Ashcroft has signed a contract extension with Tottenham.
However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – still believes Ashcroft will leave Tottenham in the near future, and was surprised to see his contract had been extended.
“I thought Ashcroft would have been released this summer,” Wenham said.
“I’m surprised he’s been given a new contract. He’s never had any first-team involvement. We signed him from Reading, where he was playing with the first team at a young age.
“He probably would have been better off staying at Reading. Okay, he’s signed another one-year extension with Tottenham. However, I’m not sure what the future holds for him.
“If he goes out on loan this season, that will allow him to attract interest for a permanent move when his Tottenham contract expires.”
Ashcroft should be loaned out this summer
The competition for first-team places at Tottenham next season will be fierce.
While Cristian Romero could leave, Spurs have already identified several replacements. This indicates that integrating an academy defender into the first team will not be Spurs’ first point of call should Romero move on.
Furthermore, it is not guaranteed that new manager Thomas Frank will rely on Spurs’ youth players as much as Postecoglou did.
It is already thought that several of Spurs’ youth players could follow former assistant coach Ryan Mason to West Brom on loan.
This would be the ideal situation for Ashcroft, who could gain experience in the Championship. Therefore, the youngster should consider a loan, whether this is to prove himself to Tottenham or to put himself in the best position for a transfer.