Spurs' fall from grace is reminiscent of a horror movie: being in a strong position before experiencing some remarkable near-misses and then finally succumbing to the known antagonist.
Simply put, Tottenham Hotspur are in a state of disarray. There is no question about it. Injuries galore, a poor run of results and a mind-blowing lack of signings in the winter transfer window sum up how the North London side are aimlessly going about their season. It is disheartening to see a club that has been so close to major silverware over the last decade but now have dwindled back to their self selves and are dangerously close to remaining in this position for many years to come. Focus on signings surely has to be a key priority but one that has failed to deliver shockingly.
No allure to join a falling Premier League side
From challenging for Premier League titles in 2016 and 2017, reaching a Champions League final and setting new records, Tottenham now lie in 15th in the league. This is unacceptable for a club of this stature and is representative of their position within the transfer market.
Due to their poor performances, players do not want to join a club where there is no direct path to success. Spurs have only recorded one point in their last six league matches, which came in the form of a 2-2 draw against relegation strugglers Wolves.
Notable losses to Everton, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest go to show that Tottenham are up against it every time they play, regardless of whether the team is at the bottom of the table or at the top. It begs the question: why would a player want to join a club that is languishing close to relegation?
The allure of Champions League football is often a key factor for players in deciding whether to move clubs. Tottenham do not have that this season and most certainly will not have it next season either.
This can be seen to prevent star players from joining, most recently seen in the case of Randal Kolo Muani. Spurs were heavily rumoured signing the forward on loan to help with their injury struggles but Juventus were able to secure his signature. Whilst we do not for sure why Muani wanted to move to Italy, The Old Lady are currently in the Champions League so it could have been a deciding issue for the Frenchman.
There is no pull for Tottenham to sign big-name players at the moment and it is costing Postecoglou’s side dearly.
Fabio Paratici vs Johan Lange
Looking into the business side of deals, Spurs have experienced some change in this department. Fabio Paratici resigned as managing director of football after receiving a ban in 2023 for financial malpractice during his time in Italy.
His replacement, Johan Lange, had proved to be, initially, a smart choice. With players being brought in such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Antonin Kinsky, Spurs are set up fairly well for future seasons.
However, the focus on signings needs to be for the current squad, where they will have an immediate impact. Paratici was able to recognise this and helped to acquire the services of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to name a couple, albeit whilst not working officially with the club.
Overall, Paratici’s signings have had more impact and at the time, created some amount of squad depth, which the current squad does not possess.
For example, fourteen first-team players were unavailable, due to injury or ineligibility, for the Europa League match against TSG Hoffenheim. 17-year-old Mikey Moore was the only real option on the bench with ‘experience’ or an ability to change the game. In addition, there was a strong teenage presence amongst the substitutes.
So far, Lange’s inability to bring in reinforcements is costing Postecoglou bitterly. If you take a look at Manchester City, who have experienced a bad run of form themselves, they have already signed three players who can slot straight into the first-team squad. Whilst City have a seemingly limitless supply of money to bring in whoever they want, the point is that they have taken action to try and arrest their poor performances.
Tottenham are one of the best-run clubs in the world, in terms of business and finances. The need to pull out the chequebook and spend is now greater than ever.
Sub-standard showings from senior players
Another issue is players not stepping up to the task. Timo Werner’s signing on loan was met with some optimism that he could recreate his form at RB Leipzig before his ill-fated switch to Chelsea. On paper, he was an ideal signing. Unbelievable pace, smart ball control and a deadly finisher. However, he has completely failed to live up to expectations.
He has only scored two goals in the Premier League during his time in North London and has continued to display substandard performances.
Pedro Porro is another who has recently failed to deliver. His embarrassing slip defensively in the 2-1 loss to Arsenal this season sums up his defensive capabilities and has often cost his side.
Radu Dragusin, in a similar vein to Porro, has not been able to fully fit into the team and has only been afforded a considerable run of appearances due to the extenuating injury crisis at the club. It speaks volumes that Archie Gray, a midfielder by trade, has been Tottenham’s best player during these times of injury, whilst being forced to play at centre-back.
Postecoglou has been forced to rely on youth, perhaps more than he would have liked. Despite this, these young players have brought more of an impact than those who should have been expected to.
Lucas Bergvall was recently the hero of the first-leg semi-final clash versus Liverpool with a late goal to secure a win. Brandon Austin has been solid in goal despite never having played for the club before this season.
Currently, Tottenham are in a disaster. Senior players have consistently been unable to step up when called upon and the youth are performing much better. The lack of transfers, down to Lange’s ability or the lack of pull that the club so desire, is not good enough and Spurs are seriously in danger of remaining close to the relegation zone if this continues.
On the bright side, when the injured players do return, Postecoglou’s style of play should warrant better and more consistent showings but at the moment, change is desperately needed and a huge attitude shift needed at the club.
