Tottenham are fighting for their Premier League survival, and a string of first-team stars could wave goodbye if they are relegated to the Championship
Tottenham are facing the very real prospect of relegation from the Premier League. And the north London side's starting XI would look very different next season if they drop down to the Championship.
Spurs haven't won a top-flight match in 2026, and their unfathomably poor run of form has seen them plummet into the bottom three. Roberto De Zerbi replaced the firefighting Igor Tudor at the beginning of the month, but his team still sit two points off West Ham in 17th.
With other potential relegation candidates, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, putting together results, and both Burnley and Wolves already down, it appears to be a two-horse race between Tottenham and the Hammers for Premier League survival.
Should De Zerbi's side lose this battle, one would assume that the squad would undergo a monumental change in the Championship. football.london takes a look.
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Firstly, there are a handful of current Tottenham stars that would be unlikely to feature in the Championship, given their quality and wages. These include Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. This group of five, valued at £230m by Transfermarkt, could help Spurs balance their books slightly.
It could also be said that the likes of Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall would wish to seek a move away. Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha's loan moves would almost certainly not be made permanent either.
Many other first-team players could wish to leave, meaning that Spurs would likely have to rely on some of their academy stars to make an impact. Young Mikey Moore has thrived on loan with Rangers this season, and he could return to spearhead the Spurs attack. Wilson Odobert has Championship experience from his time with Burnley.
Dane Scarlett could lead the line at centre-forward for Tottenham, having enjoyed loan spells with Oxford United and Ipswich Town in the second tier.
Conor Gallagher and James Maddison are both reportedly two of the club's highest earners, and so they'd need to take a pay cut if they stuck around. But the English pair could put their faith in an immediate promotion and stay put.
Archie Gray has been a bright spark in what is a dark time for Spurs, and he could round off the midfield. In defence, Kevin Danso's reportedly low wages could make him an ideal stalwart at the back, with Radu Dragusin also potentially remaining.
Brazilian teenager Souza could be given the nod at left-back, and if Gray isn't used at right-back and an academy star doesn't step up, a fairytale return for Kyle Walker, who has just been relegated with Burnley, isn't entirely far-fetched.
It is also worth noting that while Spurs would take a significant financial hit upon relegation, they could also strengthen their squad with further signings. Antonin Kinsky can keep his place in goal, however.