Tottenham have carried out mixed business over the years, but now it is paramount that the North London club add genuine quality.
In January 2024, Spurs took a gamble on Timo Werner, a man who struggled to light up Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
While that signing can only be described as dire, at least the Lilywhites did not take up the option to buy him from RB Leipzig.
This summer, Tottenham were faced with a similar decision with Mathys Tel, who spent the second half of last season on loan, but they decided to sign him for around £30million.
Werner endured Tottenham nightmare
Werner faces an uncertain future after his Tottenham departure, but Spurs supporters will be thankful he is not returning.
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The German spent a year and a half in North London, but only managed three goals in 41 appearances for the Lilywhites.
Not only were his numbers poor, but the 29-year-old often looked lost on Ange Postecoglou’s wing, confidence shattered.
When the RB Leipzig man was one-on-one with a goalkeeper, the shotstopper was always the favourite.
Last season in the Premier League, Werner did not manage a single goal despite the high volume of injuries at the North London club.
Perhaps the damage had been done in his Chelsea days, but evidently, Werner is not cut out for the Premier League.
Tel to follow in Werner’s footsteps in North London
In fact, Werner enjoyed better figures during his first six months, netting twice but assisting twice more than Tel during their initial loan arrivals.
Of course, the Frenchman is only 20, so Spurs clearly regard the winger as one for the future, but the signs are not promising.
If Tel is not handed a starting berth under Thomas Frank, then confidence could become an issue, as happened with Werner.
At around £30million, Tel is a relatively cheap risk given the astronomical fees flying around, but that money could have been spent elsewhere.
With Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, and Son Heung-min for competition, one wonders where Tel will fit in, as Spurs return to the Champions League.