Tottenham Hotspur made an unexpected move on Friday morning by signing Wilson Odobert from Burnley, a transfer that caught many off guard due to its sudden nature and the unconventional manner in which it was announced.
In contrast to the club’s recent, highly publicized signings, such as Dominic Solanke and Archie Gray, whose arrivals were marked by elaborate videos and media packages, Odobert’s signing was quietly unveiled. There were no dramatic video montages, no grand social media campaigns—just a straightforward announcement that felt almost old-fashioned in today’s football landscape.
The subdued nature of this announcement has raised some eyebrows, including those of Josh Hughes from The Mail. During an appearance on The Spurs Chat Podcast, Hughes expressed his surprise at the way Tottenham revealed Odobert’s transfer. He noted that the club’s use of the phrase “subject to formalities” was particularly unusual, something he hadn’t encountered in quite some time.
Hughes elaborated on what he found odd about Tottenham’s announcement. “One thing I would say, and we spoke about this off air. They say ‘subject to formalities.’ That is a very strange use of words,” Hughes said. “That is the first time in a long time I’ve seen Spurs doing a post about a deal for a player subject to formalities and not holding up the shirt with an announcement video. The whole thing is very strange.”
The journalist’s remarks underscore how atypical this announcement was for a club like Tottenham, which has become known for its slick, polished presentations when unveiling new players. Normally, fans are treated to a carefully crafted video package, complete with dramatic music, slow-motion shots, and behind-the-scenes footage of the player arriving at the club’s training ground, undergoing a medical, and eventually holding up the Spurs shirt with a big smile. But with Odobert, there was none of that.
Hughes speculated that the unusual nature of the announcement might have been a result of timing and circumstances. “You’d think considering that he’s passed a medical they would’ve put something together,” he continued. “However, yesterday was the media access day at Spurs and all of the focus was on getting ready for Leicester. So maybe it was just a case of this happening quickly, the whole thing is just mad isn’t it?”
Indeed, the timing of the announcement appears to have played a significant role in how it was handled. Friday was a crucial day for Tottenham, as it served as something of a mini-deadline day. With the weekend’s fixtures looming, any new signings needed to be completed by 12 PM if they were to be eligible to play in the upcoming matches. Tottenham announced Odobert’s arrival at 10:30 AM, just under the wire, ensuring that the Frenchman would be available for selection against Leicester City on Monday night, should Ange Postecoglou choose to include him in the squad.
Given this tight timeline, it’s understandable that Tottenham’s media team may have had to prioritize getting the paperwork done and the registration completed over producing an elaborate unveiling video. As Hughes pointed out, Thursday had been a media access day at the club, with much of the focus on preparing for the Leicester game. It’s possible that the Odobert deal came together quickly, leaving little time for the usual fanfare.
While the announcement may have seemed rushed or even a bit strange to some, the most important thing for Tottenham was securing Odobert’s services in time for the weekend. The club’s decision to push through the deal in such a manner suggests that they see the young Frenchman as a valuable addition who could potentially make an immediate impact.
Odobert, who made his name with Burnley, is a player with considerable promise. His arrival at Tottenham could provide Ange Postecoglou with another exciting option as he continues to mold the squad to fit his vision. Although he may not have been given the grand introduction that some of his new teammates received, Odobert’s potential on the pitch is what really matters. Tottenham fans will be eager to see what he can bring to the team, especially if he makes his debut against Leicester.
In conclusion, while Tottenham’s announcement of Wilson Odobert’s signing may have been unorthodox and understated, the underlying reasons for this approach are understandable. The club’s need to finalize the deal before the weekend, combined with other logistical factors, likely contributed to the low-key nature of the reveal. However, if Odobert can make an impact on the field, the manner of his announcement will quickly be forgotten, and he could well become an integral part of Postecoglou’s plans moving forward.
