Tottenham’s slow start left Chelsea as runaway winners of the Premier League last season. Meanwhile both Manchester clubs were in a period of transition with new managers taking time to settle at their clubs. With this in mind, it’s time to take a look at Spurs’ main rivals for next season, with heavy spending likely to have a major impact.
While the likes of 888sport questioned if José Mourinho had lost the plot last season, Manchester United finished on a high. After a Europa League gamble, they secured a Champions League spot, giving them the freedom to spend. Mourinho’s approach for familiar face Nemanja Matić may prove to be one of the canniest pieces of business in the transfer window, as the Daily Mail reports. If United sign their other major transfer target, Real Madrid forward Álvaro Morata, they will be frightening prospects, and likely favourites for the league.
Manchester City have already spent big money, signing Ederson and Bernardo Silva, while the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sané, as well as Pep Guardiola himself, are now familiar with the pace of the Premier League. If their exciting new continental signings settle as they completely revamp their squad, they will certainly be dangerous.
Despite Chelsea’s success last season, uncertainty is simmering behind the scenes. Diego Costa, scorer of 20 goals last season, is consistently being linked away from the club. Combined with the loss of stalwart and Blues icon John Terry, the club will struggle to replace these two talismanic figures. Their system could also be an issue, with Antonio Conte’s side likely to face more challenges next term as their rivals become more consistent.
Although Liverpool have signed Mohamed Salah from Roma for a club record fee, the Reds face being priced out of moves for primary targets Naby Keïta, and Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk. It is likely that this will be a season too soon for contention, and they will focus instead on guaranteeing Champions League qualification.
Tottenham fans should be reassured by the stability of the squad. Only Kyle Walker is likely to leave, in a big-money deal to Manchester City, after being ousted by Keiran Trippier. The need to sign a striker to ease the pressure on Harry Kane is crucial, with Josh King being consistently linked. Protecting Kane, who captained England during the summer friendlies, will be essential to any hope of title glory.
Spurs fans can also take delight from Arsenal’s likelihood to struggle for a Champions League spot. With Alexis Sánchez being linked to Manchester City, as the Guardian reports, this could be yet another miserable season for the Gunners, as they scrap with big-spending Everton for sixth.
With all the big spending by the top four this season, the league is likely to be much tighter than last term. Although the Manchester giants, with their heavy spending, are likely to start the season as favourites, this won’t bother Mauricio Pochettino in the slightest.
