After recording their highest ever Premier League finish last season, many here in the Transfer Tavern were expecting Tottenham Hotspur to really push on and have a proper go at the title.
Spurs finished third in the league and were locked in a title battle with Leicester City for much of the season.
They also had an advantage over their rivals this season in the sense they kept a young squad together – most of whom will only improve and don’t need to get used to a new manager.
Many fans at the Tavern were hoping Mauricio Pochettino would invest heavily in the squad, considering they had Champions League football to contend with, and see if they could have another go at the title.
They were left a little underwhelmed as Spurs only signed backup striker Vincent Janssen, Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko, Victor Wanyama and young winger Kevin N’Koudou.
Here are TWO players they should sign and TWO who could make way…..
IN – STEFAN DE VRIJ
Mauricio Pochettino sprung a tactical surprise in the North London derby by fielding three at the back.
The formation worked relatively well and provides a solid alternative against difficult teams.
The only problem is the side four senior centre backs – excluding Ben Davies who could also play there – and arguably needed a new one before the formation change.
They should look at Stefan De Vrij, who has played well over the last couple of seasons for Lazio and looks like he will become a solid part of the Dutch national team.
OUT – TOM CARROLL
Considering how efficient Pochettino has been in getting rid of the deadwood, it’s amazing Tom Carroll is still at the club.
The 24-year-old has only ever been a bit-part player and doesn’t look good enough to cut it at the top level.
He may have been kept around for homegrown purposes, but with exciting youngsters like Josh Onomah and Harry Winks coming through, it’s probably worth cashing in on the midfielder when January comes.
IN – SAIDO BERAHINO
It seems amazing that Tottenham were willing to pay for Saido Berahino just over a year ago.
At that point the 23-year-old looked like one of the brightest English prospects and Spurs fans at the Tavern were excited to see what he would accomplish under Pochettino.
Since then the striker has struggled for form and fitness while his attitude has also caused problems.
Berahino will now leave Spurs for free in the summer but if Pochettino can work his magic, and get the best out of the striker he’ll have a mobile alternative to Harry Kane and Vincent Janssen.
OUT – Harry Winks (Loan)
The young midfielder has struggled to break into the first-team at White Hart Lane on a consistent basis.
A loan move could be exactly what Winks needs to develop and mature as a professional footballer.
There is no reason why a lower Premier League club wouldn’t take him on loan, as his creativity is excellent.
