Next season may well be make-or-break for Mauricio Pochettino, who will be expected to sustain a concerted push for the top four.
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This season, the former Southampton coach managed to secure a last-day fifth-place finish for Spurs, but there is a sense that Harry Kane’s magnificent goalscoring form papered over some of the cracks in the first team.
Tottenham’s defence was the joint-fifth worst in the division—they conceded the same amount of goals as bottom-placed Burnley. There are a number of players on the club’s books who are high-profile names, but who have barely pulled their weight this season.
If Pochettino is to get the Spurs squad pulling in one direction and challenging the finest sides in the division, he surely needs to clear the decks of the underachievers and free up some of his wage budget in order to bring in his own players.
Benjamin Stambouli
France U21 international Benjamin Stambouli arrived at White Hart Lane last summer from Montpellier Herault Sport Club, but has only managed a miserable four Premier League starts.
Marseille are in talks for the player, according to the Mirror, with OM reportedly confident of bringing the 24-year-old back to Ligue 1.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Admittedly—as his very public and very alarming revelations indicate—Emmanuel Adebayor has been fighting his own horrifying personal problems this season.
The Togo international has managed only two goals all season, making only 13 appearances in the EPL. This is further indication that his time at the top level has probably come to an end.
Now 31, will anyone take a punt on a player who still has a year left on his contract at White Hart Lane?
Danny Rose
Unlike almost all of the other characters on this list, Danny Rose is hardly an ‘unwanted’ player. Indeed, the left-back deserves respect for having won over Mauricio Pochettino having previously appeared destined for the exit door at White Hart Lane.
His fine performances this term have attracted attention from Manchester City, and the coach may see a sale as a viable way of raising funds knowing that the club have the able Ben Davies in reserve to step into the breach.
Paulinho
From Brazil international and potential World Cup star to the forgotten man of White Hart Lane; Paulinho arrived in North London billed as the Brazilian Frank Lampard, but only managed a dismal three EPL starts this term.
The Standard have reported that Corinthians are keen to sign the former Confederations Cup star, although the player himself prefers an extended stay in Europe.
Etienne Capoue
Earlier in the season, Capoue appeared to be Mauricio Pochettino’s central midfielder of choice, but he was axed after making only a dozen Premier League appearances, with the Argentine coach preferring the high-octane pair of Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Inter Milan are interested in the midfielder.
Vlad Chiriches
In one sense, Vlad Chiriches has been unfortunate that his rare Spurs performances this term have too often come as a right-back, when he has been asked to deputise for the injured Kyle Walker.
However, even when played in the centre, the Romania international has been unconvincing and has last the composure and panache that characterised his early performances at the club.
He has previously been linked to Serie A, and the likes of Roma or Fiorentina may be potential destinations this summer.
Mousa Dembele
Mousa Dembele is the great frustration of Spurs fans; few deny his class, but the Belgian’s constant negative approach to possession—passing sideways or backwards—irks the White Hart Lane faithful no end. It’s quite remarkable to think that he used to be a striker in the early portion of his career.
Similarly, the former Fulham man has a tendency to dribble with his head down, unaware of his teammates.
Speaking to The Times, Dembele admitted that he was frustrated with his peripheral role under Pochettino, and it looks likely that both player and club will seek a move this summer.
Younes Kaboul
Ditched as captain by Pochettino, Kaboul impressed early in the campaign, but hasn’t featured since January.
He remains an imposing presence in the backline, but injuries are a constant fear and his time on the sidelines has doubtless affected his mobility.
Roma were keen on the defender in February, and a £4million-deal may be agreed for the French international this summer.
Roberto Soldado
The remarkable struggles of Roberto Soldado in front of goal last season and in the early portion of this campaign became seen as the ultimate symbol of the wastage of the income received following the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
This season, in all competitions, the Spain international has managed only four goals in 31 appearances.
His reputation and his confidence have been shattered since moving to White Hart Lane, and a move away from the club—Bayer Leverkusen were reportedly keen in January—would suit everyone involved.
Aaron Lennon
Lennon appeared rejuvenated during a second-half-of-the-season loan spell at Everton. He was a lightning presence for the Toffees and appeared to relish the additional creative influence afforded him by Roberto Martinez.
It looks inevitable that the England international will complete a permanent move to Goodison Park this summer, with all parties keen to make the deal work.
Lewis Holtby
It remains to be seen whether the versatile Holtby has a role to play in Pochettino’s plans. The Germany international was squeezed out of the first team picture due to competition and was sent on loan to Hamburg (following a previous temporary spell at Fulham last season).
Having helped the fallen giants of German football to escape the Bunedsliga drop—just—it looks likely that the 24-year-old will move permanently to the Imtech Arena.
Erik Lamela
Some Tottenham fans would surely prefer for Erik Lamela to remain at the club for another season to try and prove his worth in North London.
His performances have not been wholly poor this season, but considering Spurs spent a club record £30 million to acquire his services, two goals and seven assists is hardly an acceptable return.
According to the Mirror, Inter Milan, AS Roma, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all keen on the Argentine international.