Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur supporters can expect a much more intriguing summer transfer window after they sealed qualification for the Champions League via their Europa League conquest last week, with chairman Daniel Levy set for a recruitment boost.

Tottenham transfer plans after winning Europa League

Spurs are set for a significant financial windfall after confirming their place in Europe's most prestigious competition next season, and their pull in the transfer market has also dramatically increased as a result.

Tottenham have suddenly become genuine contenders for Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane as the German's contract ticks down towards expiry on June 30, despite genuine interest from Arsenal (The Times), and Bundesliga insider Christian Falk insists that his arrival woud likely to have an effect on their plans for Mathys Tel.

A big-name with plenty of experience at the highest level, at both Bayern and Man City, Sane is exactly the type of player who Spurs are arguably crying out for.

Tottenham chiefs believe that they need to sign more experienced players to balance out their very youthful squad (Sami Mokbel), and Sane's status as a soon-to-be free agent opens the door for Levy to provide Ange Postecoglou (or any new manager) with that calibre of signing at zero transfer cost.

The main obstacle would be Sane's extortionate wage demands. Sky and Sport Bild, via Tribuna, believe they equate to a £192,000-per-week fixed salary, plus £2.5 million in performance-related bonuses and a signing-on fee.

This would make Sane their highest-paid player above Son Heung-min, and if they don't fancy agreeing to terms of that nature, Tottenham's need for experienced players could push them to other targets.

Another player of a similar mould to Sane, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, has also been heavily linked in the build up to June 1.

The 26-year-old guided Palace to their first ever major trophy, scoring the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City at Wembley, and his rise to the top suggests that he's a player with an elite mentality following a previous spell at Arsenal's acadmey as a youngster.

His contract includes a £68 million release clause, and according to TEAMtalk, these are tempting figures within the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham prepared to trigger Eberechi Eze £68m release clause

Other reports have previously claimed that Spurs are ready to trigger Eze's clause, but TEAMtalk state they're also prepared to go further.

The outlet states that Tottenham remain prepared to fork out the £68m necessary for Eze, but they may even propose a 'player plus cash' deal for his services, which would seemingly bring his overall cost down.

It is unclear which Lilywhites players would be offered up in this scenario, but Spurs' serious interest is worrying Palace, who are trying to tie Eze down with a new contract.

Postecoglou is already well aware of the attacking midfielder's quality, with Eze scoring both goals in a 2-0 Palace win away to Tottenham towards the end of 2024/2025 and giving them nightmares throughout that game.

Alongside Spurs, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are named as contenders for the ex-QPR star, so he isn't exactly short of suitors. Privately, though, Eze is reluctant to force a move, given how content he's been at Selhurst Park.

Had Tottenham Hotspur not won the Europa League final against Manchester United last week, this campaign would’ve been a real failure for the club, falling way below the levels they’ve set for themselves.

Ange Postecoglou has been a man under pressure throughout 2024/25, with their European success handing the Aussie a lifeline to resurrect his time in North London.

The 17th-place finish in the Premier League this campaign highlights the need for improvement next season, with Ange running the risk of losing his job should he fail to do so.

However, the summer presents another opportunity to invest and improve the first team squad, possibly able to attract some top-level talent given their Champions League qualification.

Even though the window has yet to open, numerous names have been touted with a switch to North London in an attempt to bolster the options at the manager’s disposal.

The latest on Spurs’ move to land a new striker

Liam Delap is a name that has been on Spurs’ shortlist over the last couple of weeks, monitoring his situation and preparing a move after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, it appears as though the Lilywhites are set to miss out on the 22-year-old this window, after it was confirmed he has agreed a move to join London rivals Chelsea.

Such a move could prove to benefit Ange’s side over the coming months, potentially allowing Christopher Nkunku to depart Stamford Bridge after falling down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.

The Frenchman has been the subject of an enquiry from Daniel Levy, opening the door to a potential £50m switch across the capital to link up with the Lilywhites in North London.

It’s evident that a new forward is on the agenda this summer, but one player who previously plied his trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has thrived since his departure over the past few seasons.

The former Spurs player who’s outscored Delap & Nkunku in 2024/25

Over the last 12 months, Spurs have had numerous attackers who have contributed to their various levels of success, helping them in their quest for European glory.

Brennan Johnson has proved the doubters wrong in recent times, scoring 18 goals across all competitions - including the all-important strike against United that secured the club’s first trophy in 17 years.

The Welsh international has thrived under Postecoglou, now being a key player and registering over three times more goals than he did during his first year in North London.

However, the side could’ve benefited further had they kept hold of Ivan Perišić, with the Croatian winger thriving for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands despite being 36.

He joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving on a free transfer under Antonio Conte after his release from Inter Milan at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Croatian made 44 appearances during his first season at the club, notching one goal and 12 assists, but he would be unable to make such an impact during his second season in North London.

He would tear his ACL in the early stages of 2023/24, featuring in just six matches, before moving to Hajduk Split on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024.

However, Perisic, who was labelled a “massive waste of money” by The Athletic’s James Maw, has thrived at PSV this campaign, registering 16 goals in all competitions - tallies higher than Delap and Nkunku, who’ve scored 12 and 14 respectively.

Given his age and the long-term injury he sustained at the club, it’s understandable that the club would allow him to leave - especially considering he was on £180k-per-week, as per Capology.

His return to form, even scoring in the Champions League, is a credit to Perisic, making Spurs rue their mistake in allowing him to depart and showcasing his elite-level talents despite his entering the back end of his career.

Going into the 2025/26 campaign, Tottenham Hotspur will have added confidence and swagger, knowing that they are the defending Europa League champions.

Ange Postecoglou has managed to end 17 years of suffering for the fanbase, handing a generation of supporters a night to remember after their 1-0 triumph over Manchester United in Bilbao.

However, if given the opportunity to remain as the club’s manager, he will need to address their dismal form in the Premier League, which saw them finish in 17th place.

Signings and investment may be needed from the hierarchy if the Aussie is to change their fortunes in the league, with numerous players also potentially being offloaded.

With the summer transfer window now just around the corner, it’s a surprise to no one that work has already commenced behind the scenes, with numerous players already on their radar.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané has emerged as a potential option for Spurs this summer, with the German looking for a move away from the Bundesliga side.

The 29-year-old has registered 11 goals and five assists in the league throughout 2024/25, but could face competition from North London rivals Arsenal for his signature.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently in their sights, with the hierarchy already making an enquiry to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, according to talkSPORT.

Their report claims that the Frenchman is set to leave the Blues this summer after making just nine league starts under Enzo Maresca throughout the most recent campaign.

However, the 27-year-old has still managed to net 14 goals across all competitions, with the Blues demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the former RB Leipzig talent.

Why Spurs’ £50m target could end Son’s time in North London

Heung-min Son will forever be a legend at Spurs regardless of whatever happens between now and the end of his time at the club - reaching levels way beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.

The South Korean forward captained the side to European glory, something which would cement his place in the history books, with his showings also catapulting him into the hearts of all supporters.

The 32-year-old has scored 173 goals in his 454 appearances for the Lilywhites, putting himself fourth on the club’s all-time goalscoring charts, sitting behind Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Smith.

However, he’s noticeably failed to match his own levels of performance, starting just 24 out of a possible 38 matches, scoring just seven times - his lowest tally since his debut campaign in 2015/16.

He could find himself further down the pecking order next campaign in Ange’s plans, especially if Nkunku signs during the off-season, having the tools to add a different dimension to the attack.

When comparing his stats to those of Son in 2024/25, the Chelsea ace has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting what an excellent signing he would be this window.

Nkunku, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered a higher shot on target accuracy rate and a better minute per goal record - showcasing his impressive ability when in front of goal.

He’s also completed more take-ons and registered a higher aerial success rate - offering Ange an all-round option across all areas of his front line.

The Frenchman has also completed more passes and made more passes into the final third, having the tools to aid other players around him in improving their own tallies in attacking areas.

£50m may seem a hefty fee for a player who’s so far been unable to make an impact in England, as seen by his lowly tally of starts at Stamford Bridge this campaign.

However, their loss could be Spurs’ gain, with his potential move to North London gradually phasing Son down the order and softening the blow from his eventual departure in the near future.

Tottenham Hotspur will let Mathys Tel go back to Bayern Munich this summer if they can sign a highly-rated forward, according to a report this week, with Spurs holding a "concrete" interest heading into the first summer window on June 1.

Tottenham's option to buy Mathys Tel may be renegotiated

After a mixed first season at Spurs for Tel, with the Frenchman bagging just three goals and an assist in 20 total appearances so far, there are suggestions that chairman Daniel Levy will seek to bring his costs down.

The Lilywhites have an option to buy Tel permanently for around £42 million, which was negotiated when Spurs signed the versatile attacker on loan in January, but Levy apparently wants to renegotiate the fee needed to make him a Tottenham player next term.

GiveMeSport and some reports from Germany indicate that Spurs will enter discussions with Bayern over a fresh deal for Tel, with the former claiming Ange Postecoglou's side wish to bring his price down to somewhere around the £30 million mark.

The 20-year-old has displayed flashes of real promise during his time in N17, but there are arguments that Tel needs to improve his consistency and output in front of goal, so it will be intriguing to see whether Levy can whittle down Bayern's asking price or move on to other targets.

Interestingly, credible reports this week have started linking Tottenham with another Bayern star - £242,000-per-week winger Leroy Sane - who is out of contract this summer as things stand.

Super-agent Pini Zahavi was pictured meeting with Bayern chiefs again over the prospect of a new deal, and the lengthy ongoing saga surrounding whether he'll remain has motivated Premier League sides to consider him.

The 29-year-old has reportedly been offered to many clubs in England (Graeme Bailey), while some German media sources claim that Tottenham are currently the strongest contender to sign Sane on a Bosman deal (Sport Bild).

Tottenham unlikely to sign Mathys Tel if they seal Leroy Sane deal

The likelihood of them sealing a deal for the "dangerous" ex-Man City forward will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Tel's future, according to Bundesliga insider Christian Falk.

Falk tells FC Bayern that, if Tottenham manage to sign Sane, they're "unlikely" to pursue a permanent deal for Tel.

Spurs are said to hold a "concrete" interest in the former, and his agent Zahavi has a "very close" relationship with Levy, who is actively looking to find a suitable landing spot for his client if they cannot agree fresh terms with Bayern.

While Vincent Kompany's side are attempting to restructure Sane's initial contract offer to better suit the German, there remains a strong possibility that he chooses a move to London, especially considering his family currently reside in the English capital.

While they haven't always been the most successful team over the last 15 years or so, Tottenham Hotspur have been blessed with plenty of incredible players.

The likes of Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, Mouse Dembélé, Son Heung-min, and more have all dazzled fans and Premier League rivals alike with their sensational talent and ability.

However, for all the unreal stars who have pulled on the famous white shirt, there have been more than a few flops over the years.

One such disappointment was Roberto Soldado, and unfortunately, it looks like the club has their modern-day version of the Spaniard in the squad.

Soldado's Spurs career

In the summer of 2013, around a month before the then-world-record sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, Tottenham were looking for a player who could come in and help replace some of the goals they'd end up losing with the Welshman.

So, they looked to La Liga and decided to sign Valencia's prolific striker Soldado for around £26m - a club record - which seemed like a brilliant piece of business at the time.

After all, across his final two campaigns with the Spanish giants, the Valencia-born poacher managed to score 57 goals and provide 11 assists in just 97 appearances, which worked out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games.

Unfortunately, such red-hot form did not follow him to North London. In fact, he seemed to lose almost all of his goalscoring abilities upon arriving in England, as in his first season, he managed a rather average return of 11 goals and five assists in 36 games.

Things got even worse in his second year with the club, as in 40 appearances across all competitions, the previously prolific number nine could muster up just five goals and six assists, which came out to an uninspiring average of a goal involvement every 3.63 games.

With Soldado an undeniable flop by this point, Tottenham agreed to sell him to Villarreal two years after signing him, only to make a similar mistake less than a decade later.

Spurs' new Soldado

Unfortunately for Spurs, they have made more than their fair share of bad signings since Soldado left the club, from Tanguy Ndombele to Vincent Janssen.

However, when it comes to someone who could be described as the club's modern-day version of the Spaniard, only one player comes to mind: Richarlison.

The Brazilian joined the North Londoners for a massive fee when Antonio Conte oversaw his £60m move from Everton in the summer of 2022.

Moreover, while the former Watford star was an effective attacker at his previous side, racking up 53 goals and 15 assists for the Toffees, he has failed to establish himself in the Lilywhites' first team - just like the former Valencia star.

For example, in his first season at the club, the 28-year-old racked up a disastrously poor tally of three goals and four assists in 35 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every five games.

The following campaign was certainly better as he scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances, but then this season was once again rather underwhelming, as he scored five goals and provided two assists in 24 games.

The Nova Venécia-attacker is an incredibly "frustrating" player, per Ally McCoist, because, like Soldado before him, he's undeniably talented, but he's just not been able to show it enough since moving to the capital almost three years ago.

Ultimately, while he played his part in the Europa League triumph last week, it might be in everyone's best interest if Richarlison is sold this summer.

This summer simply has to be a seismic one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou and his squad turned what could have been an utterly disastrous campaign into an iconic one with their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last week, and now it's Daniel Levy and Co's turn to deliver.

With Champions League football secured, the Lilywhites board should be able to push the boat out that bit more in the transfer window and bring in the right stars to ensure their Premier League campaign next year can be just as memorable as their European one this year.

Fortunately, that seems to be happening, as recent reports have linked the North Londoners with one of the most exciting players on the continent and someone who could send Son Heung-min packing.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the young superstar in question, it's worth looking at some of the other impressive players who have been linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Marc Guehi and Leroy Sané.

The former could cost up to £50m, and while that is a lot of money, he'd bring plenty of experience at the domestic and international level while also potentially being the perfect replacement for Cristian Romero should the World Cup finally move on this summer.

Sané, on the other hand, would be completely free thanks to his contract expiring in June, and while he's nearer to the end than the start of his career, he'd undoubtedly add something to the Lilywhites attack, as in just 45 games this season he has scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

However, another more exciting major target for Tottenham has now entered the picture: Xavi Simons.

According to a recent report from ESPN, Spurs are interested in the RB Leipzig star, although they are certainly not the only ones.

Other stories from earlier this month have also credited the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United with an interest in the Flying Dutchman, who could cost around £67m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Simons' incredible ability and potential, it's one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect Son upgrade.

How Simons compares to Son

So, the first thing to say is that one of Simons' biggest strengths is that he can play off the right or in attacking midfield with relative ease, but considering Brennan Johnson has been in fine form in the former and James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski occupy the latter, it seems likely that he'd come in as a left-wing option.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for game time, and the man he'd ideally be the long-term heir to, is Son, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it's the former Pairs Saint-Germain gem, with 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 first-team appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games.

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances for the North Londoners this season, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this year? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Chuncheon-born icon, this is another battle he loses, as in most relevant metrics, bar a few here and there, the 22-year-old "game-changing signing," as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out comfortably ahead.

These metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the final third and penalty area, expected assists, tackles won, interceptions, blocks, clearances, successful take-ons, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Finally, the Amsterdam-born "superstar," as dubbed by Mattinson, is a decade younger than the captain, so there is every chance that he'll continue to get better and better in the coming campaigns, which is a scary thought indeed.

Ultimately, Son has been an incredible player for Spurs over the years, but Simons looks to be better than him in practically every way, so Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

One club are willing to sell their star midfielder to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and plan to replace him with Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham, according to an intriguing report this week.

Tottenham target midfielder after 2024/2025 injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou was left desperately short of options in numerous areas throughout 2024/2025, which undoubtedly played a key role in their lowly 17th-placed finish and record number of Premier League defeats.

Injuries threatened to dampen their Europa League final success as well, particularly in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison both forced to sit out of their eventual 1-0 win over Man United in Bilbao.

Star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has suffered fairly frequent lay-offs over the last two campaigns as well, and the South American's presence is always missed when unavailable.

Postecoglou or any new manager is also facing the looming threat of AFCON midway through 2025/2026, with both Pape Sarr (Senegal) and Yves Bissouma (Mali) set to compete at the tournament in Morocco.

The Lilywhites face being left very short in the middle through a combination of possible injuries and international obligations, leaving little surprise that chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has his eyes on new options.

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is a reported target for Tottenham, with the England international recently confirming that he's set to quit his club this summer after his contract expires.

"After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it's time for me to say goodbye," he said.

"This club has been more than just a team - it's been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I'm truly grateful to my team-mates and the fans for sticking with me throughout."

Gomes' availability at zero transfer cost makes him a prime candidate to reinforce Spurs' midfield, but he's by no means their only target.

Eintracht Frankfurt prepared to sell Larsson to Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson is on their radar as well, following his very productive campaign with the Bundesliga side.

GMS report that Eintracht are "prepared" to sell Larsson to Tottenham, if Levy pays the required £50 million to secure his signature, and Dino Toppmoller's side are targeting Sunderland's Bellingham as a replacement for the 20-year-old.

However, while the door is described as open for Spurs to move ahead with negotiations, the £50m asking price could still prove to be a sticking point, despite the riches acquired from qualifying for next season's Champions League.

The Sweden international could be considered an elite midfield technician, having registered an 87.4% passing accuracy in the Bundesliga this season (WhoScored), and he's even been compared to Balon d'Or winner Rodri by some.

Tottenham Hotspur face the very real prospect of losing a key member of their squad when the summer window reopens, despite their Europa League triumph last week, with an elite club set to open imminent talks over his signature.

Tottenham preparing for summer with Ange Postecoglou future uncertain

The main topic at N17 right now is manager Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future.

The Australian guided his side to a first European trophy since 1984, ending their 17-year wait for any major trophy in the process and securing a spot in the Champions League for next season - which comes as an almighty transfer boost for the Lilywhites.

However, Postecoglou's domestic campaign told an entirely different story.

The 59-year-old oversaw Tottenham's largest number of Premier League defeats in a single season (22), with the north Londoners finishing just one place above the relegation zone.

The joyous celebrations and emotions that come with the end of Tottenham's trophy drought have given Levy some serious thinking to do, with Spurs chiefs currently '50/50' about sacking Postecoglou, according to some reports.

A decision must be made soon, as this summer's first mini-transfer window opens in just three days.

Tottenham have been handed a significant financial windfall from their qualification from the Champions League, not to mention more pull in the transfer market overall, with Spurs suddenly a more appealing destination for out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané (Sport Bild).

There is a consensus within the club that they need to bring more experienced players in to bolster their young squad (Sami Mokbel), and while their Europa League glory will help in that aspect, there is still a very real possibility that they lose some imperative stars as well.

Atletico Madrid to open imminent talks for Cristian Romero

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero remains high on the agenda of Atletico Madrid heading into June 1.

The Argentine played a crucial role in helping to deliver Spurs their Europa winners' medal, being crowned the tournament's Player of the Season, all while putting in a Man of the Match display against United in the final.

However, Spanish media sources believe Romero still has every intention of leaving Tottenham this summer, despite their memorable night in Bilbao, following other previous reports that the £165,000-per-week centre-back is keen to quit the club for Atletico (Marca).

Postecoglou's side value him at around £60 million, and won't sell for any lower than £44 million (Marca), even if the La Liga side wish to negotiate an agreeable fee.

Following these reports, Thomas has claimed that Atletico could open talks for Romero as early as this week, with Diego Simeone's side competing in next month's Club World Cup and potentially wanting to get business done early.

Tottenham Hotspur are now seen as the favourites to sign a highly-rated forward, despite his agent's talks with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Daniel Levy gifted Spurs transfer boost after Europa League triumph

Spurs' triumph in the Europa League final last week stands to seriously benefit the Lilywhites in far more ways than ending their long wait for silverware.

While Ange Postecoglou fulfilled his promise of 'always' winning silverware during his second season in charge, subsequently ending Spurs' 17-year wait for a major trophy, chairman Daniel Levy will also have a much easier task when it comes to attracting the club's top transfer targets.

The north Londoners are reportedly set to receive £38 million in prize money from winning the Europa League, and will earn at least £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if they lose every game and go out in the group phase (Sky Sports).

The boost is clear from a financial perspective, but Spurs' place in the Champions League draw next term now suddenly makes the club a far more attractive landing spot for big-name players.

As reliably reported, Tottenham are aiming to sign more experienced players this summer (BBC), and their European status makes this objective all the more possible.

This is especially true when it comes to Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane, who is out of contract beyond June 30, with Sky Sports reporting earlier this week that Postecoglou's side have now been offered his services.

The 29-year-old is a proven attacking star at the highest level and possesses great Premier League experience from his time at Man City.

Since departing Eastlands for Bavaria, he's racked up 61 goals and 55 assists in 220 appearances at Bayern, with 27 of those goal contributions coming in the Champions League.

Some may even suggest he is exactly the calibre of player needed to bolster Spurs' inexperienced squad.

Tottenham favourites to sign Leroy Sane ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal

Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Sane within the past few months, but Tottenham's Europa League win has now catapulted them into pole position.

That is according to Sport Bild, who report that Tottenham are ahead of both Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for Sane, despite the latter two sides holding talks with his agent, Pini Zahavi.

Discussions over a new deal for Sane have stalled recently, thanks in part to the £242,000-per-week winger appointing Zahavi, but the representative travelled to Munich this week for another meeting with Bayern regarding the player's future.

For this reason, we advise an err of caution when it comes to Sane. There is reason to believe this flirting with Premier League sides could simply be a ploy to encourage improved terms from Bayern, and Levy won't want to be embroiled in a dramatic transfer saga.

This summer feels like Tottenham Hotspur's most important for a very long time.

While the club endured a torrid Premier League campaign, Ange Postecoglou's side did the unthinkable on the continent and won the Europa League.

With Champions League football now secured, Daniel Levy and Co have the chance to genuinely back the manager by bringing in a number of top-quality players in the coming months.

However, on top of getting their incomings right, the North Londoners need to nail their outgoings, which means moving on a fan favourite before the end of his time at the club goes down a similar path as Mousa Dembélé's did.

Dembélé's Spurs career

In the summer of 2012, Spurs decided to spend around £15m on a midfielder from Fulham by the name of Dembélé, and over the next six and a half years, he'd go on to become one of the very best players in the Premier League.

The Belgian was renowned for his silky technique and utterly ridiculous ability to never lose the ball, regardless of the opposition or the pressure he was facing.

It might sound like hyperbole, but you don't have to take our word for it, as his former teammates couldn't praise him enough, with Kyle Walker describing him as "the best player I've ever seen play football" and Eric Dier claiming "he's a monster and he's got ballerina feet at the same time."

In all, the midfield "genius," as former boss Mauricio Pochettino labelled him, made 249 appearances for the club, in which he scored ten goals and provided ten assists, but in his later seasons in North London, he began to be plagued by injury, with reports even claiming he admitted that the physical demands of the league were becoming too dear.

For example, even though he only spent half of the 18/19 campaign at the club before moving to the Chinese Super League, the Antwerpen-born star missed a staggering 22 games through injury, and the season before that, it was nine.

In short, there is a strong argument that Dembélé should have left Tottenham in the summer of 2018, as his final six months at the club didn't do his status as a great any good, and the same argument could be made for someone in the current squad.

The Spurs star who should leave this summer

So, while there are a number of players who should probably be sold or moved on this summer, the one we are talking about might have a genuine shout for being one of the most popular players in the club's modern history: Son Heung-min.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, we are not trying to disparage the South Korean superstar, as, without a shadow of a doubt, he's now secured himself the status of a club legend, if not a legend of the Premier League in general.

Moreover, he's the first club captain to lift a major honour for the Lilywhites in 17 years and the first to lead the club to a European title in two generations.

Yet, that, in part, is why he should leave the club this summer, as he'd be departing on the highest of highs and having achieved something genuinely remarkable.

Furthermore, while he's not been terrible this year, there is no denying the fact that he simply isn't as devastatingly effective as he once was.

Now, that's not his fault, as, based on research by The Athletic, wide players hit their peak at 26 years old and see a steep decline in their ability to beat defenders at 30 years old.

In other words, with the "incredible" international, as dubbed by Postecoglou, set to turn 33 in a couple of months, he's just a victim of time.

We can also see this decline in the data, as, according to FBref, he was in the top 25% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful take-ons in the 19/20 season but has dropped into the bottom 42% this season.

Moreover, like Dembélé before him, injuries seem to be more of a problem, as across the last three seasons, he has missed 34 games, whereas across the three seasons before that, he missed just 14 games.

Ultimately, Son is an icon for Spurs and the Premier League as a whole, but to ensure he doesn't leave the club on a downer, he should move on this summer, basking in the glory of European success.