Tottenham Hotspur is now entering a crucial phase of their transfer window strategy, shifting their focus towards outgoings after securing the arrival of five new players this summer.
According to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge, the North London club, led by Ange Postecoglou, is gearing up to finalize several departures in the coming days as the transfer deadline looms.
A Busy Summer of Arrivals
Tottenham’s summer activity has been marked by significant new signings, with the most notable being the acquisition of striker Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in a high-profile move. The addition of Solanke was seen as a priority for Postecoglou, who sought to strengthen his attacking options following the departure of Harry Kane. Solanke, known for his physical presence and ability to link up play, is expected to play a pivotal role in Tottenham’s attack for the 2024/25 season.
In addition to Solanke, Tottenham has bolstered their squad with promising young talents, including Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Lucas Bergvall. These signings reflect Postecoglou’s long-term vision for the club, focusing on a blend of experience and youthful exuberance to build a team capable of competing on multiple fronts. The Australian manager, now in his second season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, is looking to build on last season’s fifth-place finish, which secured Europa League football for the club.
Outgoings on the Horizon
With the arrival of these new players, the focus at Tottenham has inevitably shifted to outgoings. Michael Bridge reported that Tottenham is now actively working on player departures as the transfer window nears its conclusion. The club is keen to streamline the squad and offload players who are surplus to requirements or in need of more first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Among the players expected to leave are Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon. Both players have struggled to secure regular playing time under Postecoglou and are likely to depart on permanent deals. Lo Celso, in particular, is expected to command a decent transfer fee, with several clubs showing interest in the Argentine midfielder.
Giovani Lo Celso: On the Move?
Giovani Lo Celso’s future at Tottenham has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer. The 28-year-old midfielder, who joined Tottenham initially on loan in 2019 before making the move permanent in 2020, has found it difficult to cement a place in the starting lineup under Postecoglou. As a result, he is expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
Aston Villa, under the management of Unai Emery, has emerged as a strong contender for Lo Celso’s signature. Emery, who previously worked with Lo Celso at both Villarreal and Paris Saint-Germain, is reportedly keen to reunite with the midfielder at Villa Park. Emery believes Lo Celso would be a perfect fit for his tactical system, adding creativity and technical ability to Villa’s midfield.
Despite Aston Villa already strengthening their midfield with the signing of Amadou Onana from Everton, Emery is pushing for the addition of Lo Celso to further enhance his squad. With just one year remaining on his contract at Tottenham, Lo Celso could be available for a relatively modest fee, with Tottenham reportedly seeking at least £13 million for the player.
However, Aston Villa faces competition from other European clubs, including Roma and Real Betis, who are also interested in signing Lo Celso. The lure of Champions League football with Villa under Emery could prove to be a decisive factor in Lo Celso’s decision. Should he leave, Tottenham may look to reinvest the funds in a replacement, with Italy’s Manuel Locatelli being touted as a potential target. Reports suggest that Tottenham is preparing a £20 million offer for the Juventus midfielder, signaling their intent to add further quality to their squad.
| Giovani Lo Celso 2023/24 stats for Tottenham in all competitions | |
|---|---|
| Stat: | |
| Appearances | 24 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes played | 597 |
Sergio Reguilon: A Likely Departure
Another player expected to leave Tottenham in the coming days is left-back Sergio Reguilon. The Spanish defender joined Tottenham in 2020 from Real Madrid but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. Reguilon spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Atletico Madrid, and with the emergence of Destiny Udogie as Postecoglou’s preferred left-back, Reguilon’s future at the club looks uncertain.
Several clubs across Europe have shown interest in Reguilon, and Tottenham is likely to sanction his departure as they seek to trim their squad. Reguilon’s exit would free up space in the squad and reduce the wage bill, allowing Tottenham to potentially make further moves in the transfer market.
Loan Moves for Youngsters
In addition to the expected permanent departures, Tottenham is also likely to send some of their younger talents out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience. Alfie Devine and Ashley Phillips are two of the club’s most promising prospects, and both are expected to leave on loan deals in the coming days.
Alfie Devine, a highly-rated midfielder, has impressed at youth level and is seen as a future star for Tottenham. However, with stiff competition for places in the first team, a loan move would provide him with the opportunity to play regular senior football and continue his development. Similarly, Ashley Phillips, a young defender with significant potential, is likely to benefit from a loan spell, where he can gain experience and return to Tottenham ready to challenge for a first-team spot.
The Road Ahead
As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, Tottenham’s focus on outgoings highlights the club’s commitment to building a balanced and competitive squad for the upcoming season. With several players expected to leave, Postecoglou will have the opportunity to further refine his squad and ensure that Tottenham is well-equipped to compete in both domestic and European competitions.
The next few days will be crucial for Tottenham as they work to finalize these departures and potentially bring in additional reinforcements. For Postecoglou, managing this transitional phase effectively will be key to maintaining momentum and ensuring that his team is ready to hit the ground running when the new season kicks off.
