How to Fix Tottenham Hotspur: A Detailed Transfer Market Analysis for 2023-24
Assessing Tottenham’s Turbulent Season
The 2022-23 campaign marked a low point for Tottenham Hotspur as the club failed to clinch a European qualification spot, ending the Premier League season in eighth place. Despite Harry Kane’s remarkable tally of 30 goals, the team’s reliance on his output was clear; without him, Spurs could have finished even lower, potentially close to struggling rivals like Chelsea.
However, a complete squad overhaul may not be necessary. The core of Tottenham’s squad still contains quality, but success hinges on finding a manager with a clear tactical identity who can extract the best from this group. This was evident in the 2021-22 season under Antonio Conte, whose structured approach propelled the team to fourth place.
Key Areas Requiring Upgrades
While a major rebuild isn’t needed, some positions are in dire need of attention—most critically, the defense. The team needs:
– A new goalkeeper to step in for the aging and error-prone Hugo Lloris
– Two reliable centre-backs to fit into a stable back-three and provide defensive solidity
– Strengthening both wing-back positions, though Pedro Porro appears to be emerging as a long-term solution at right wing-back
Retaining the attacking trio of Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane, and Heung-Min Son is crucial, as their established chemistry offers one of the Premier League’s most promising front lines, especially in counter-attacking setups. In midfield, the partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg should be maintained. Their form earlier in the campaign was pivotal to Spurs’ balance, and Cristian Romero remains an asset if his aggressive style can be refined under the right leadership.
Recruitment Strategy and Criteria
Tottenham faces a challenge in the upcoming transfer window due to the absence of European football and a limited budget. As a result, the club must be strategic in player selection:
– Target players under €35 million in market value
– Prioritize those under 28 to ensure longevity
– Focus on players from smaller clubs who are more attainable
– Insist on strong dueling ability (minimum 45% duel win rate) and technical proficiency (minimum 75% passing accuracy)
– Emphasize a warrior mentality and work ethic, bringing in players with a proven combativeness similar to Højbjerg and Romero
Goalkeeper Targets: The New Foundation Between the Posts
For several seasons, Spurs have needed a goalkeeper with the attributes of a modern sweeper-keeper—someone proactive off their line, with the ability to organize the defense and distribute the ball effectively.
Based on recent analysis of Europe’s top sweeper-keepers, several affordable and suitable candidates emerge:
– Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia), age 22: Shows excellent stats in shot stopping, sweeping, and ball distribution. Notably strong in long passing and progressive play.
– Vanja Milinković-Savić (Torino): Strong command of his area and impressive sweeping ability.
– Arijanet Muric (Burnley): Noted for his distribution and quick reactions off his line.
While David Raya (Brentford) offers Premier League experience and leadership, he is likely to receive offers from clubs with higher ambitions and greater financial muscle. Therefore, prioritizing a rising talent like Mamardashvili would be a logical move for Tottenham.
Central Defensive Reinforcements: Transforming the Back Line
The fall-off after the departures of ex-defensive stalwarts like Alderweireld and Vertonghen has left a void. A combination of inconsistency and a lack of defensive leadership have plagued Spurs’ back line. To stabilize, two new centre-backs should be targeted—one to organize the defense (possibly replacing Eric Dier as the central ‘libero’), and another to strengthen either flank.
Key candidates include:
– Axel Disasi (AS Monaco): A French international with excellent leadership, dueling stats, and ball progression ability.
– Evan Ndicka (Free agent, formerly Eintracht Frankfurt): Offers pace, strength, and attacking threat from deep; ideal for both a back-three and back-four. His contract situation makes him an attractive, cost-effective option.
– Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen): Has developed into an all-around centre-back, adept across all positions in a back-three, and boasts a high defensive dueling rate.
– Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice): Strong in 1v1 duels, commanding in the air, and comfortable distributing from the back.
A pragmatic approach would be to secure one of Disasi or Todibo for the central spot, complemented by the dynamic presence of Ndicka or Tapsoba on the left.
Left Wing-Back Solutions: Strengthening Both Flanks
The left wing-back position should have been secure but has become an open question due to inconsistent performances and loan decisions. Ivan Perišić brought experience but struggled defensively and faces age-related physical decline.
Several options could address this gap:
– Antonee Robinson (Fulham): At 25, Robinson leads all candidates in duel win rate (57%) and defensive duels (71%), demonstrating both defensive certainty and Premier League readiness. His crossing is on par with Perišić, and his pace is vital for transitions.
– Ian Maatsen (Chelsea/Burnley, loan): A young, energetic option who can cover ground box-to-box, though still refining his defensive robustness.
– Timothy Castagne (Leicester City): Versatile, solid defensively, and likely available at a discount given Leicester’s relegation.
– Ferdi Kadıoğlu (Fenerbahçe): A highly versatile 23-year-old who has built leadership experience and brings dynamic attacking contribution, winning 4.1 dribbles per 90 minutes.
– Owen Wijndal (Ajax): Excels in ball progression and final-third passes, ideal for possession-based play.
Ideally, Spurs should acquire both a proven Premier League performer (Robinson) and an up-and-coming talent like Kadıoğlu for squad balance and depth.
Potential Starting XI: A Newlook Tottenham Lineup
By focusing on targeted reinforcements that balance leadership, youth, defensive solidity, and technical skill, Tottenham could field a competitive lineup capable of pushing back into the Premier League’s upper tier. The rebuilt squad would feature:
– Sweeper-keeper with strong distribution and command
– Two commanding centre-backs flanking Romero
– Wing-backs who defend and create in attack
– Retained midfield duo who dictate the play and protect the back line
– A front three boasting established chemistry and finishing prowess
This approach maintains the club’s core strengths while addressing key weaknesses.
Conclusion: Strategic Decisions to Propel Spurs Forward
Tottenham’s disappointing season need not signal a total reset. With a focused recruitment drive—prioritizing attainable, committed, and technically adept players—the team can restore stability and aim for European qualification in 2023-24. The right coaching appointment, aligned with player strengths and development ambitions, will be essential to turning potential into tangible progress.
For further in-depth recruitment strategies and tailored club analyses, professional consultation is available. Implementing a clear, data-driven transfer philosophy could be the key to Spurs’ resurgence in the coming season.
