Tottenham Hotspur are in for a busy summer transfer window following a disappointing campaign that saw them miss out on Champions League football. New manager Jose Mourinho needs time to adjust and make his transition, meaning we might see several changes to the core of the team ahead of next season. In this article, we will discuss three players Tottenham must offload this summer.
Serge Aurier
Tottenham haven’t had the best of seasons when it comes to the defensive department. The right-back unit, in particular, has struggled with a lack of reliable options, especially following the departure of Kieran Trippier.
Kyle Walker-Peters enjoyed an impressive start to the Premier League season, but his unfortunate injury meant Tottenham were forced to rely on Serge Aurier.
There were already question marks regarding the Ivorian’s lack of consistency and discipline, and it has been echoed in the defender’s performances this term.
Despite being an ever-present figure in Mourinho’s starting eleven, Aurier, apart from a few decent performances, has disappointed time and again. The ex-PSG star has appeared sloppy especially when it comes to his defensive positioning, thus leaving the Spurs backline quite exposed.
Spurs, therefore, must rebuild the right-back department. With Coronavirus already taking a huge toll in the club’s finances, offloading a fringe player like Aurier should be an ideal option.
Despite his inconsistencies, the right-back is likely to attract a decent amount of suitors thanks to his experience. His potential departure could help the Lilywhites fund move for a new and classy right-back.
Bournemouth’s English striker Callum Wilson (L) vies for the ball with Tottenham Hotspur’s Ivorian defender Serge Aurier during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England, on July 9, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Moussa Sissoko
Moussa Sissoko is one of the few players who is an ideal fit for Mourinho’s tactical philosophy which usually requires a lot of athleticism. He also has the dynamism to thrive in a system that relies on pressing and counter-attacks.
However, one major problem in Sissoko’s game is his lack of technical awareness. The Frenchman is virtually useless with the ball at his feet as he does not have the quality to get past a defender without using a sudden burst of pace.
The ex-Newcastle star also has a poor first touch which often becomes problematic, especially when initiating a counter-attack. It has happened countless times in the Premier League this past season.
Although Spurs do not have a whole bunch of reliable options in central midfield, they must get rid of players like Sissoko and find an upgrade in the market if Mourinho is to undergo a smooth transition at the club next season.
Erik Lamela
Another player who has struggled to impress at Tottenham Hotspur due to multiple injury issues throughout the course of his career, Erik Lamela was always deemed as a failure at the club due to his lack of game-time.
The Argentine’s performances haven’t exactly been poor as he has often introduced a sense of urgency and dynamism whenever being used as a substitute by Mourinho. However, the January arrival of Steven Bergwijn, combined with the impressive end to Lucas Moura’s 2019/20 campaign means Spurs are now in need of some clearing up in the attacking department.
Lamela is by far the likeliest option, not only because of his injury problems but also since he could attract a sizeable price-tag. Hence, he should be one of the players to depart north London this summer.
A 22 y/o football nerd seeking my way into football writing. I love Irish football and also the Premier League. A huge Arsenal fan! Aside from writing, I like to spend my time fishing and drinking beer.
