The January transfer window is edging closer and it’s time for clubs to reload their guns with additional bullets to be on track with their season’s quest. Among the teams that are desperate of a game changer are Tottenham Hotspur, who have been quite a shadow of the previous season, where they finished third.
Nonetheless, Spurs’ boss Mauricio Pochettino has poured cold water over endless rumours that prospects for the club to snap up players in the upcoming transfer window.
The 44-year old signed a number of new players in summer but bore no fruit in whole. Former Southampton powerhouse Victor Wanyama has immediately found his footing at the heart of midfield. Besides sticking heads and limbs to nullify threats, the Kenyan has also scored two goals so far this campaign.
The bitter pills have been the big money moves like Vincent Janssen, Kevin Nkoudou as well as Moussa Sissoko. The former was certainly a blue-chip figure at AZ Alkmaar, racking up 27 goals out of 34 appearances. However since arriving at White Hart Lane, the 22-year-old is struggling to replicate that form, most evidently, he failed to pick up the slack when Harry Kane was out injured two months back. Only one goal to his name and currently sidelined with an ankle injury. The fans too are starting to accept that the Janssen seems to be a rookie more than a youngster with potential.
Sissoko, on the other hand, was expected to hit the ground running following his successful spell in the Premier League with Newcastle United. Despite his experience and versatility to place across the midfield line, his performance is not always on the money. Week in week out, expectations have swirled into sceptics. Nkoudou appears to remain in a cloud. He did show flashes of brilliance in his cameo appearances yet earning a spot in the starting XI looks to be a far cry.
Speaking ahead of the clash against his former club Southampton, Pochettino gave his two cents about the transfer window.
“Maybe on the last day, maybe. It’s like before,” the Argentine told Sky Sports.
“It’s too difficult to improve your squad in January, for all the clubs. I don’t expect too much movement.
“I am happy with the squad. At the same time I recognise it is always very difficult to improve the squad in January.
“The best players, it is difficult for their teams to allow the good players to leave halfway through the season.
“If some special situation happens, maybe we need to be open but it will be tough or difficult to improve the squad in that period.”
It’s understandable that routes to secure first choice targets are rough midway through the season yet Spurs do have the pulling power to get the job done. Not forgetting, Tottenham boss hasn’t completely shut the doors for transfer activities thus the club will still be bathed in the light of media with a host of names.
Apart from potential incomings, the north London club have astutely got key players like Harry Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Hugo Lloris to sign contract extensions.
Following last night 4-1 away win at St Mary’s, the Lilywhites will play Watford at the Vicarage Road Stadium before hosting table toppers Chelsea in a mouth-watering London derby.
