Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the permanent signing of former Burnley ace Wilson Odobert, marking another addition to their squad as they gear up for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
This signing underscores Tottenham’s commitment to strengthening their team in various positions as they aim to compete for a top-four finish.
The north London club narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot last season, finishing fifth with 66 points. With heavy competition from clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City, Tottenham faces a tough challenge in breaking into the top four this season. However, their summer transfer activity suggests they are well-prepared to make a serious push.
Tottenham’s Focus Shifts to Young Talent After Odobert Signing
Following Odobert’s signing, BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella reported that Tottenham’s attention has now shifted toward acquiring young, promising players who can serve as backup options. This strategy aligns with manager Ange Postecoglou’s long-term vision of building a squad that is both competitive in the present and sustainable for the future.
Tottenham has already made significant strides in this direction by bringing in 18-year-old central midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Both players are seen as investments for the future, rather than immediate impact signings, particularly Bergvall, who is expected to develop under Postecoglou’s guidance.
Additionally, the club added Min-Hyuk Yang to their attacking options. The former Gangwon FC player is another young talent who could become a key player for Tottenham in the years to come. The club also made a significant splash by signing Dominic Solanke, a move that broke their transfer record, highlighting their ambition to compete at the highest level.
“Wow, that’s a great signing for Tottenham. That’s pretty much their summer business sewn up apart from some young back-up options.”
Odobert, who already has 29 Premier League appearances under his belt at the age of 19, is expected to play a crucial role in Tottenham’s campaign. The Frenchman’s experience at such a young age makes him a valuable addition to the squad, providing depth and versatility in attack.
In response to Odobert’s departure from Burnley, Kinsella praised Tottenham’s acquisition of the talented youngster. He suggested that after securing Odobert, the club’s focus has shifted to targeting other young players who could serve as backup options during the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
Jens Hjerto-Dahl: A Potential Target for Tottenham
One such player on Tottenham’s radar is 18-year-old Jens Hjerto-Dahl, a promising midfielder currently playing for Norwegian club Tromso IL. According to HITC, Hjerto-Dahl has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, due to his impressive performances.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Hjerto-Dahl possesses the physical attributes and technical skills that make him an intriguing prospect for Tottenham. If the club decides to pursue his signature, he could be another valuable addition to Postecoglou’s project, providing depth and competition in the midfield.
Tottenham – 23/24 Summer Incomings | ||
---|---|---|
Player | Club | Fee |
Lucas Bergvall | Djurgarden | £8.5m |
George Feeney | Glentoran | Undisclosed |
Archie Gray | Leeds United | Undisclosed |
Timo Werner | RB Leipzig | Loan |
Min-Hyuk Yang | Gangwon FC | Undisclosed |
Dominic Solanke | Bournemouth | £65m |
Wilson Odobert | Burnley | Undisclosed |
Vanderson: A High-Profile Target
While Kinsella suggested that Tottenham’s focus is primarily on acquiring young backup players, reports indicate that the club is also eyeing more established talent. Journalist Bruno Andrade recently reported that Tottenham has initiated talks with AS Monaco regarding a potential transfer for Brazilian right-back Vanderson.
The 23-year-old Vanderson has been identified as a top target for Tottenham following the departure of Emerson Royal to AC Milan. Despite having Djed Spence as a backup to first-choice right-back Pedro Porro, Vanderson is seen as an upgrade. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously described the Brazilian as a “complete” player, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact at Tottenham.
Vanderson, who has two caps for Brazil and is under contract with Monaco until 2028, made 23 appearances across all competitions last season. His versatility and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him an attractive option for Tottenham as they look to strengthen their squad further.
However, securing Vanderson’s services won’t come cheap. Monaco is reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £34.27 million (€40 million). Whether Tottenham is willing to meet this valuation remains to be seen, but the club’s interest in the player underscores their ambition to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer activity this summer reflects a balanced approach between acquiring experienced players and investing in young talent. The signing of Wilson Odobert and the club’s interest in players like Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Vanderson demonstrate Postecoglou’s strategy of building a squad that can compete in the Premier League while also securing the club’s future.
As the summer transfer window nears its close, it will be interesting to see how Tottenham navigates these final days. Whether they choose to focus on young backup options or make a big splash with a high-profile signing like Vanderson, one thing is clear: Tottenham is determined to strengthen their squad and push for a top-four finish in the upcoming season.