2. David Villa (Atletico Madrid)
When David Villa’s future at Barcelona seemed uncertain, Tottenham looked for a long time like being his most likely destination. In the end, however, he signed for Atletico Madrid for what looks like a bargain at £4.2m, even if he is approaching his 32nd birthday.
Spurs signed a very good striker in Roberto Soldado, who arrived from Valencia for £26m, and although he is a more long-term solution to the club’s problems upfront, he could arguably do with another strike partner, or at least a better backup than Defoe and Adebayor. Villa is one of the most lethal finishers the world has seen over the last few years, and for that price would have been a great short-term signing and backup player, and perhaps even a strong contender to compete with Soldado for a starting spot. Arsenal were also interested in the Spanish international, and it would have been great to see this goal-scoring machine try his luck in English football.