Tottenham Hotspur’s early struggles in the 2024/25 Premier League season have raised questions about the club’s summer transfer dealings under manager Ange Postecoglou. Sitting in seventh place with 20 points after 13 games, Spurs have experienced a noticeable decline from last season when they had 26 points and were fifth in the table. This drop-off, combined with a significant injury crisis, has left the team vulnerable. Key players like goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, and backup striker Richarlison are all sidelined. Additionally, Dominic Solanke, the team’s primary goal scorer, has also missed recent matches due to illness. With further setbacks affecting promising talents like Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert, the squad has been left heavily reliant on unproven players.
While injuries undoubtedly play a role in Tottenham’s struggles, a closer look reveals that squad depth, or the lack of it, is a critical issue. The club’s summer strategy focused on signing young, untested players with potential, rather than established, proven talents. This strategy, while effective for clubs like Borussia Dortmund or Brighton, has not been sufficient for a top-tier club like Tottenham. The Lilywhites are competing across four competitions and require immediate depth and quality, which the summer signings have yet to provide. Players like Lucas Bergvall (18), Archie Gray (18), Odobert (19), and Min-hyeok Yang (18) are promising prospects but not yet ready to play at the highest level week in and week out.
When assessing Tottenham’s current squad, the starting eleven appears solid, but the backup options are lacking. The team is heavily reliant on last season’s core players to deliver. The failure to sign a suitable backup for Micky van de Ven is particularly concerning, especially given the likelihood of injuries in a long season. While young players may develop into first-team regulars over time, relying on them now has left Spurs exposed. Had these young talents been more seasoned, the squad’s depth could have been vastly improved. The summer approach of focusing on potential over immediate quality now seems to be a risky gamble that has not paid off.
The situation is particularly frustrating when comparing Tottenham’s transfer strategy to that of their rivals. Arsenal, for example, signed experienced international players like Calafiori for £42 million, while Spurs spent a similar amount on players with much less top-flight experience. The difference in strategy and ambition between the clubs is stark, with Spurs failing to make the necessary investments to compete at the highest level. Given the club’s historical status and the expectations surrounding it, this reliance on potential rather than proven talent feels misguided.
Looking ahead, the January transfer window will be crucial for Tottenham. The club must address the deficiencies in the squad by prioritizing experienced players who can immediately contribute. While the development of young players remains an important goal, Tottenham cannot afford to focus solely on potential while the team struggles to compete. The upcoming window offers the opportunity to sign seasoned internationals who can provide the quality and depth necessary for the club to maintain its competitiveness in multiple competitions. If Spurs continue to prioritize potential over readiness, the season may slip away, leaving them vulnerable to further struggles.
In conclusion, while the summer transfer window showed ambition in investing in young players, Tottenham’s lack of immediate depth and experience has left them exposed. The club’s failure to reinforce the squad with proven talent has led to a weakened team that is struggling to maintain consistency. For Tottenham to salvage their season and remain competitive, the January window must be decisive, with a clear focus on acquiring experienced, first-team-ready players.
