Tottenham Hotspur have been encouraged by the performances of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall during pre-season, which has influenced the club’s decision-making in the summer transfer window.
The north London club has been planning a mass clearout, looking to replace fringe stars with fresh blood to rejuvenate the squad.
Already, Tottenham have made significant moves in the market. They released Ryan Sessegnon and Tanguy Ndombele earlier this summer, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Emerson Royal have been sold to Marseille and AC Milan, respectively. Giovani Lo Celso is also likely to depart before the transfer window closes, with interest from Aston Villa and Real Betis.
Now, Spurs are set to offload another midfielder, Oliver Skipp, to make room in the squad. They have accepted a £20 million fee plus £5 million in add-ons from newly-promoted Leicester City for the 23-year-old. Skipp has passed his medical exams, and both clubs are in the process of finalizing the paperwork to complete the deal.
The decision to sell Skipp may not sit well with certain sections of the fanbase, especially considering he is an academy graduate and was expected to have a breakthrough season. His departure also reduces the number of homegrown players in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, which could be a concern for squad registration rules.
However, Tottenham’s decision to let Skipp go seems to be driven by the impressive performances of summer signings Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall during the pre-season tour. According to a report from The Standard, these two youngsters have shown enough promise to convince Postecoglou and his staff that they do not need to invest in a new No. 6 to replace Skipp.
Lucas Bergvall officially joined Tottenham earlier this summer, signing a five-year contract from Allsvenskan club Djurgarden in February. Archie Gray, meanwhile, arrived from Championship side Leeds United at the start of July. Both 18 years old, Gray and Bergvall have impressed during pre-season, showcasing their potential and adaptability.
Their performances have been so convincing that Tottenham is no longer prioritizing the No. 6 position in the final days of the transfer window. With Yves Bissouma suspended for the season opener against Leicester City due to an off-field incident, Postecoglou might even hand Gray his competitive debut for Spurs on Monday. This would be a significant show of faith in the young midfielder and a sign of the club’s confidence in his abilities.
The decision to trust in Gray and Bergvall reflects a broader strategy at Tottenham under Postecoglou’s leadership. The Australian manager is known for his belief in developing young talent and integrating them into the first team. This approach not only helps in building a sustainable future for the club but also aligns with Tottenham’s tradition of promoting academy graduates.
While the departure of Skipp marks the end of an era for one of Tottenham’s homegrown talents, it also opens up opportunities for new players to make their mark. Gray and Bergvall, though young, have demonstrated that they have the potential to be integral members of the squad. Fans will be eager to see how these teenagers develop and contribute to the team under Postecoglou’s guidance.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. Both Gray and Bergvall are at the start of their professional careers and will need time to adapt to the demands of Premier League football. Their development will be closely watched, and while they may not be expected to be consistent starters immediately, their growth over the season could be crucial for Tottenham.
So, Tottenham’s decision to sell Oliver Skipp to Leicester City and not pursue a replacement highlights the club’s confidence in the young talents they have brought in. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have shown enough promise in pre-season to earn a place in Postecoglou’s plans. As Spurs continue their rebuild, these two players could play key roles in the team’s future, signaling a new era of youth and potential at the club.
