Tottenham Hotspur are just a month away from their Premier League opener against Leicester City and all eyes are on manager Ange Postecoglou as he navigates the transfer market. As players return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024, the composition of Spurs' squad will begin to take shape in the coming weeks.
Entering his second year at the helm, the Australian boss faces high expectations for the 2024-25 season. Retaining key players and making strategic investments are crucial and getting pre-season right is paramount.
This summer has already seen fresh and exciting talent recruited, with the potential for more big-name signings, meaning this could be Spurs' breakthrough season. Here, we examine what this crucial month could ideally entail for Postecoglou's team.
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Pre-season fixtures
July 20: QPR vs Tottenham - Loftus Road, kick-off (15:00)
July 27: Tottenham vs Vissel Kobe - National Stadium, Tokyo (11:00)
July 31: Team K League vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)
August 3: Bayern Munich vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)
August 10: Tottenham vs Bayern Munich - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (17:30)
Transfers
Spurs have made significant investments this summer, securing Leeds United midfield prodigy Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Coupled with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Both players made their debuts in a 5-1 friendly victory over Hearts last Wednesday, earning praise for their calm performances. With Europa League Thursday nights potentially providing game time for these two, as well as England U17 starlet Mikey Moore, Postecoglou might give supporters a sneak peek into a promising future.
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The signings of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only additions Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 has concluded, Ivan Toney's future is up for discussion in the Premier League.
Brentford, who initially valued their soon-to-be free agent star at £80million, are reportedly reducing their asking price due to a lack of potential buyers. Manchester United have already splashed out £36.5million on Dutch sensation Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other transfers to concentrate on, such as a move for Italian defender Ricardo Calafiori, while Chelsea might opt for a younger striker.
Tottenham have yet to find a suitable replacement for Harry Kane and may never do so, but bringing in his fellow countryman Toney could provide them with the pure number nine they require. Any deal might hinge on the sale of Richarlison, who has drawn attention from the Saudi Pro League, but there could be an English star leading the Lilywhite's attack once again next season.
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Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, whose contract expires next summer, has also been linked with a move to Spurs. The potential £50million fee that could be required for Gallagher would provide Chelsea with a significant financial boost due to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
If Tottenham can secure both Toney and Gallagher, they would gain a proven league goal-scorer and a tireless box-to-box player, significantly strengthening Postecoglou's team.
Outgoings
In terms of departures, Richarlison is the biggest name who has been linked with a move away, with several Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly vying for his signature. Despite being second on Spurs' top scorers list behind Heung-Min Son with 11 league goals, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing for the Brazilian. However, if it becomes clear that he is leaving, Toney could be an ideal replacement.
Other potential departures could see Tottenham sell other surplus players, as they have done with Joe Rodon and Troy Parrott, as well as releasing Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele.
Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg is reportedly on the radar of Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, AC Milan's £8million bid for Brazilian defender Emerson Royal was turned down by Tottenham Hotspur, but he could still be on his way out this summer.
Should Spurs manage to offload a few players, it could pave the way for new signings or give their rising stars a chance to truly make their mark.
Dream XI for opening day
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Toney, Son.
