A look a final few holes that Spurs could’ve plugged in this summer’s transfer window.
Although there can be no arguing that Tottenham did a pretty good job in the transfer market this summer, filling in most of the weak areas of their squad with a host of new players funded by the £85m sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, there are perhaps just two areas that they fell a little short. Andre Villas-Boas was known to be in the market for a new left-back, even if Danny Rose has performed well there so far this season, and perhaps just one more addition upfront could have meant less relying on the misfiring pair of Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe. Here is a look at five players that could’ve completed the puzzle for Spurs this summer.
5. Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)
One solution to Spurs’ problems at left-back was thought to be Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao, who was also a late target for Manchester United before a move fell through. For some time it seemed that the Portuguese international may be included as part of a swap deal in the Bale transfer, but this never materialised, leaving Coentrao as a Real Madrid player for at least the next few months, as he will be expected to attract some interest again in January.
Danny Rose had a highly promising loan spell at Sunderland last season, but he may still have some convincing to do for Andre Villas-Boas as the club’s first choice in that position this year. Depending on how he does, Spurs’ chase for Coentrao may not be over yet.
4. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Another route Spurs could have gone down in this position is with Southampton starlet Luke Shaw, who showed himself to be one of the most exciting young players in the country with his performances last season. The defender took part in his first season in the Saints first-team at the age of just 17, and quickly established himself as a starter in their first season back in the Premier League. Shaw did not look at all out of place and showed some great attacking instincts from the back reminiscent of a young Gareth Bale, who started his career at St Mary’s.
The likes of Chelsea and Arsenal were also believed to be keen on Shaw, and perhaps Spurs would’ve done well to snap up a player who could surely fill that position in their defence for the next decade and beyond. In the end he stayed at Southampton, but he surely won’t be there for much longer if he continues to impress this year.
3. Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg)
After seemingly not enjoying life in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg, Hulk seemed a good target for Tottenham this summer as he surely would’ve welcomed the chance to link up with his former manager at Porto, Andre Villas-Boas. The Brazilian found the best form of his career under the Portuguese coach a few years ago, and would’ve made an excellent addition at White Hart Lane for this campaign.
Although Spurs signed plenty of talented attacking players, the likes of Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen are arguably quite similar in their style of play and in that they are both young players still approaching their best years. Hulk on the other hand should be at his peak and provides a more direct and physical threat, either from the flank or as a striker. Perhaps in the end he was too pricey, with Zenit looking to recoup the £50m they paid for him last year, and asking for £10m just to take him on loan, but there’s no doubt he has the ability to pay back that kind of hefty transfer fee. Chelsea were also linked with the 27-year-old, and it would be great to see the powerful forward in the Premier League at some point.
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.
1. Leandro Damiao (Internacional)
Another option upfront could have been prolific Internacional striker Leandro Damiao, who was also said to be a top target for Spurs this summer. The 24-year-old Brazil international looks too good not to be playing in Europe, and was widely tipped to be making a move away from his home country this summer.
Damiao has 83 goals in 149 appearances for Internacional, and is another expert predator in front of goal. If Spurs could have him and Soldado to choose from upfront this season, they would truly be blessed with great attacking options. It is not clear why they did not pursue the Brazilian, with talks that club officials grew frustrated during negotiations for his signature, but he may remain a target for them in the future, that is, if no one else snaps him up first.