Jamie O’Hara, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, has made strong recommendations for a significant squad overhaul at Spurs, urging the club to part ways with seven first-team players. As the summer transfer window approaches, discussions regarding potential ins and outs have already started to heat up. The transfer window, still months away, has seen speculation about who could leave and who might arrive at the club, and while it’s uncertain whether Tottenham will make minor adjustments or opt for a full squad revamp, O’Hara is adamant that a major overhaul is necessary.
O’Hara, speaking to ESPN FC, made it clear that he believes Spurs should be bold and act decisively in the summer. In an in-depth segment where each player in the Tottenham squad was discussed, O’Hara expressed his opinion on who should stay and who should be sold. The list of players he believes should be shown the door includes big names such as Heung-min Son, Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert.
O’Hara’s call for Tottenham to cash in on Son, who is the club’s captain and a talismanic figure, raised eyebrows among many fans and pundits alike. Son has long been a key figure at Spurs, but O’Hara believes that the club needs to move on from some of their established stars in order to usher in a new era. His recommendation to part ways with other high-profile players like Bentancur and Richarlison is also seen as controversial. Bentancur, in particular, is viewed by many as a player with great potential, and despite his injuries, he has shown flashes of brilliance for Tottenham. O’Hara’s suggestion to sell him has sparked debate, as reports have recently surfaced indicating that Tottenham is preparing to offer Bentancur a new contract, signaling that manager Ange Postecoglou considers him part of the club’s long-term plans.
O’Hara’s list of players to sell also includes some who have been less impactful, such as Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and Radu Dragusin. Sarr and Bissouma, in particular, have struggled to establish themselves as key contributors in the Tottenham midfield, and O’Hara believes it might be time for the club to cut their losses and reinvest in more reliable players. Similarly, Dragusin, who has had limited opportunities, doesn’t seem to fit into Postecoglou’s plans, and O’Hara suggests that the club could benefit from moving on from him.
Perhaps one of the more surprising inclusions on O’Hara’s list is Wilson Odobert, a younger player who has shown promise but hasn’t yet fully broken into the first team. The 19-year-old winger, who joined Spurs from Troyes in France, is considered by some to be a talent for the future. However, O’Hara seems to think that the club should be ruthless in their pursuit of improvement, even if it means parting ways with young prospects who may not have proven themselves at the highest level yet. O’Hara’s opinion on Odobert is sure to be a point of contention, with some supporters perhaps feeling that the young player deserves more time to develop and prove his worth at the club.
Additionally, O’Hara suggested that Tottenham should not take up the option to sign Mathys Tel permanently from Bayern Munich, who joined Spurs on loan with an option to buy. Tel is another promising young talent, but O’Hara believes that the club should focus on acquiring players who are more ready to make an immediate impact in the first team. This stance aligns with his overall view that Spurs need to be bold and make tough decisions in the summer, even if it means letting go of players who were once considered important to the squad.
In terms of contract situations, O’Hara also called for the departure of Ben Davies and Fraser Forster, both of whom have contracts expiring in June. Davies, a long-serving member of the squad, has been a dependable player for Spurs over the years, but O’Hara believes that it might be time for the club to look for fresh blood in those positions. Forster, the backup goalkeeper, has been a reliable presence when called upon but isn’t seen as an essential part of the club’s future. With both players nearing the end of their contracts, O’Hara believes that Tottenham should move on and seek new talent to bolster the squad.
O’Hara’s opinions have sparked considerable debate among Tottenham supporters and football pundits. While some agree with his assessment and believe that a major squad overhaul is necessary, others question whether it is the right time to part with key players like Son, Bentancur, and Richarlison. Son, in particular, is a fan favorite and has delivered consistently for Spurs over the years, so the suggestion to sell him has raised concerns about the direction in which O’Hara sees the club heading.
Bentancur, despite his injury struggles, has shown glimpses of why he was signed in the first place, with his technical ability and composure on the ball. Many feel that, if he can stay fit, he could still play a significant role in Postecoglou’s system, making O’Hara’s recommendation to sell him seem premature. Similarly, Richarlison, despite a difficult start to his Spurs career, is still seen by some as a player who can make an impact, particularly given his ability to play in multiple attacking positions.
At the same time, there are those who agree with O’Hara’s assessment of certain players. The likes of Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma have struggled to find their best form at Tottenham, and it’s clear that the club may need to make changes in the midfield to improve their overall balance and effectiveness. Similarly, younger players like Dragusin and Odobert have shown flashes of potential but may not yet be ready to play pivotal roles in a team aiming for higher honors. Selling these players could free up space in the squad and allow Tottenham to reinvest in more experienced or accomplished individuals who can contribute immediately.
While the prospect of such a large-scale overhaul is daunting, O’Hara’s bold suggestions reflect his belief that Tottenham need to take decisive action to turn things around. The club has seen mixed results in recent seasons, and despite having some world-class players, they have struggled to challenge for major trophies. The potential departures of several high-profile names could signal a new era for the club, one in which Postecoglou has the freedom to build a squad in his image, with players who fit his tactical vision.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Tottenham will undoubtedly face difficult decisions regarding the future of their squad. O’Hara’s recommendations may not be followed to the letter, but they highlight the need for the club to make tough choices if they are to continue progressing. Whether or not Tottenham opts for a complete squad overhaul or simply makes a few strategic changes, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the club’s direction.
