Stay or Go? Deciding Which Players Tottenham Should Keep & Offload This Summer
By Mitch Wilks
Tottenham fans need to buckle up and close their eyes, because they're about to embark on the most bumpy three years they'll ever endure with Jose Mourinho at the helm. If he even stays that long, that is.
Mourinho took over from Mauricio Pochettino halfway through the 2019/20 season and will no doubt want to make his mark on the squad regarding recruitment in his first summer transfer window.
Spurs are in need of some fresh faces around the club in order to stay towards the top of the pile in the Premier League, as Leicester, Manchester United and Chelsea all look far more capable at present.
Fans are likely to see new faces come into the Spurs squad, but some pretty established faces may also leave. Here's how the first-team squad looks heading into the transfer window and what the future should hold for each player...
1. Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris (STAY) - Lloris, now 33, doesn't have much longer left as number one and Spurs must start thinking about replacements. But for now, he remains a senior figure in the squad and holds irreplaceable experience.
Paulo Gazzaniga (STAY) - Gazzaniga played more games than he probably anticipated this season due to Lloris' injuries, but didn't exactly impress. However, Tottenham have other positions they'll be prioritising in the transfer window, so there won't be any major incomings in this area.
Alfie Whiteman (STAY) - 21-year-old Whiteman signed a new contract with Spurs in December 2019, keeping him at the club until 2022. If he doesn't get a sniff in those two years, then it'll be time to move on.
2. Full-Backs
Danny Rose (GO) - The ship has sailed for Rose at Spurs. His contract is up next summer, so it makes sense to sell him now instead of losing him on a free.
Ben Davies (STAY) - Davies has been one of the players to enjoy a resurgence under Mourinho and has started every game since the resumption of play. While he's definitely not starting calibre and Spurs should be looking at stronger alternatives, the 27-year-old is a handy squad player.
Serge Aurier (STAY) - Aurier has shown tremendous spirit and resilience to see out the season following the loss of his brother. He's been linked with Serie A side Milan in recent weeks, but his departure would mean Tottenham would need to sign another right back. For now, it's up in the air.
Kyle Walker-Peters (GO) - The 23-year-old was never really given a proper chance at Spurs and is now set to leave for Southampton - the side he joined on loan in January - with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg expected to go the other way.
Ryan Sessegnon (LOAN) - Sessegnon has struggled with form and injuries since signing last summer and probably needs another season of regular top flight football before he can challenge for a spot in the starting XI at Spurs. Has been linked with a return to Fulham on loan following the Cottagers' promotion to the Premier League, and that move could suit all parties.
3. Centre Backs
Davinson Sanchez (STAY) - Sanchez is still adjusting to life in the English game and working under Mourinho, but he's shown his talent enough throughout his 39 total appearances this season to be worth keeping.
Toby Alderweireld (STAY) - It looked like a case of when and not if Alderweireld would leave Spurs in 2018, but he's since signed a new contract and, at 31, is likely to see out the rest of his days at the top level with Spurs.
Eric Dier (STAY) - The England international recently signed a new long term contract with Tottenham, so he won't be going anywhere soon. Looks set to play most of his football in central defence, but needs to cut out the regular errors that creep into his game.
Juan Foyth (GO) - It's not quite worked out for the Argentine since joining Spurs under Pochettino in 2017. He's made just four Premier League appearances this season and is very unlikely to break through at this point. Time to move on.
Japhet Tanganga (STAY) - With Tottenham looking sparse for options in defence, Tanganga needs to avoid the trap of going out on loan and instead fight for his place next season. Now is as good a chance as ever to break through, considering the financial uncertainties surrounding transfers, and having just signed a new five-year deal, he's clearly impressed the club.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (GO) - Carter-Vickers has enjoyed a positive loan spell at Luton and proved important in their Championship survival, but is unlikely to get a sniff with Tanganga being the go-to youth prospect. Time to move on.
4. Midfielders
Harry Winks (STAY) - Winks is quietly developing into 'Mr Tottenham' and is a handy player to have in the midfield. Very neat and tidy, but could do with a proper destroyer alongside him in midfield.
Oliver Skipp (LOAN) - The 19-year-old needs some regular first-team exposure, but has a long queue in front of him at Spurs currently. Skipp could impress out on loan for a season or two and come back a much more polished player, ready for a chance in the top flight.
Tanguy Ndombele (STAY) - Mourinho doesn't seem at all keen on Spurs' record signing, and speculation linking him with a move away is rife. However, Ndombele has bags of talent and will reward his side if they give him the time to flourish over the coming seasons.
Giovani Lo Celso (STAY) - Lo Celso joined initially on loan, with a view to make the move permanent at the end of the season. Despite a difficult start, Lo Celso has kicked on and Spurs signed him permanently in January. He's another player they must rebuild around.
Gedson Fernandes (STAY) - Despite edging past a number of clubs to sign him, Spurs haven't quite got on board with Fernandes just yet. There's no real explanation for his absence, or the fact that he's yet to start a Premier League game, but to give up on someone who signed just six months ago seems a little too extreme.
Moussa Sissoko (STAY) - Sissoko feels perfect for Mourinho player and is a trusty squad player, even if he probably starts a little too often. May end up playing out wide in the future, especially if Spurs bring in a new central midfielder.
5. Attacking Midfielders/Wingers
Dele Alli (STAY) - He may have had a difficult few years with injuries, but Tottenham shouldn't entertain the idea of selling Alli. He set a ridiculous standard during his two seasons with the club, but showed at the start of Mourinho's spell what he can offer.
Lucas Moura (STAY) - Lucas has proved vital for Spurs this season. Wherever he was needed to fill a gap, he did a job and did it well. In the absence of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Lucas played as the de facto forward, but still managed to shine.
Erik Lamela (GO) - The last remaining signing of the infamous 'Bale money' summer of 2013, Spurs need to bite the bullet and sell the Argentine. Lamela has been a welcome servant, but moving him on lifts a weight off their shoulders and lets them head in a new direction.
Steven Bergwijn (STAY) - The January signing of Bergwijn is absolutely a step in the right direction for the Lilywhites. The 22-year-old has a bright future ahead of him and could be central to Spurs' good fortunes in his first full season.
Jack Clarke (STAY) - Two failed spells have proven that loan switches aren't working for Clarke. He was recalled from Leeds in January and then sent to QPR, but has again failed to set the world alight. The teenager needs to stick around to prove his worth and fight for a spot at Spurs next season.
6. Forwards
Harry Kane (STAY) - Kane is the one man still arguably better than Son, purely because of how important he is to Tottenham. Daniel Levy and Jose Mourinho must do everything in their power to keep him at the club this summer.
Son Heung-min (STAY) - A very strong case can be made to suggest that Son is Spurs' best player. Like Kane, they have to keep hold of him, no matter what.