Additions the White Hart Lane side might want to consider if they do indeed ‘cash-in’ on Welsh attacker.
With the growing speculation over the future of Tottenham star Gareth Bale, the North London club are highly considering selling the talismanic winger, with Real Madrid prepared to offer in excess of £80million for the Welshman. Is it Spurs’ best interest to sell Bale? How can they reinvest the profits from his sale? Here is a shortlist of talents they should consider signing to take them back to the Champions League.
Christian Eriksen, Ajax
The midfield maestro is prepared to leave the Dutch club this summer, as he searches for a new challenge, with both Spurs and Liverpool reportedly keen on signing the £20million-rate Dane. Losing Gareth Bale would mean there is a lack of creativity in the attacking third of the pitch, and Eriksen’s arrival would make up for the loss. His influence going forward should take some of the pressure off of fellow midfielders Lewis Holtby and Moussa Dembele, allowing the aforementioned players to go about their natural business in the middle of the park. Striker Jermain Defoe should flourish with Eriksen playing in behind, as his precise through balls and keen eye for a pass would be greatly beneficial for the English forward, who enjoys playing off the shoulder, making late, darting runs, coupled with his clinical finishing.
Kurt Zouma, Saint-Etienne
The highly-rated French defender has been a summer transfer target for numerous Premier League clubs, including Cardiff, Arsenal and Chelsea, but none have managed to agree a fee for the £15million-rated centre back. The uncertainty over the long-term future of defenders Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson means Spurs are in the market for a young defender, to rival emerging talent Steven Caulker going forward, as they look for a partner for Jan Vertonghen. Earning rave-reviews at the recent U20 World Cup, Zouma has embraced his role in the national team, with a big future ahead of him. Possessing all the key skills needed to succeed, including aerial ability, composure on the ball and excellent technique, his addition to Tottenham’s Champions League bid would be fantastic.
Alex Sandro, Porto
The impressive Brazilian youngster grew into his role as Porto left back this season, impressing in their Champions League campaign, making him a rumoured target for Manchester United in the process. The inconsistency of current left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto has led to speculation over his future at the club. The 22-year old Brazilian fullback would be an ideal competitor, if not successor to Assou-Ekotto in the Spurs line-up, although he still has a lot of developing to do. His attacking flair would take a lot of pressure off of whoever fills in for Bale on that left side, as they could create a solid tandem going forward.
Bernard, Atletico Mineiro
Another young Brazilian, Bernard was impressive this past season for native side Atletico Mineiro this past season, and has become a £20million target for fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool, while Porto also remain keen on signing the young forward. Able to play across the attacking line, but specialises in coming from the left, an ideal replacement for Gareth Bale, within their transfer budget. His creative flair and intricate skill follows an already long list of young attackers who have joined the Premier League in recent years. Giving competition to Nacer Chadli on the left side, Bernard would be a great addition to the squad, beating their rivals to his signature.
Roberto Soldado, Valencia
Highly tipped to join Tottenham this summer in a £25million move from Valencia, the Spanish international forward is one of the most prolific attackers in the country, with over 60 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons. Renowned for his clinical finishing, the 28-year old is also a reported target for league rivals Liverpool, and is considering his future at the club, as Valencia are willing to cash-in this summer on their prized asset. With Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe having experienced inconsistent campaigns last year for Spurs, and both reportedly available for transfer at the right price, Soldado would come in and be the main man at the club to fire them back into the Champions League, making up for the lost goals through the sale of Gareth Bale.
Slightly overtaken by events as Tottenham have indeed now signed the Valencia forward.