Rating Tottenham Hotspur’s 24/25 summer transfer window
As the summer transfer window for 2024 draws to a close, Tottenham Hotspur fans and pundits alike would love to evaluate the club’s moves in the market.
With a mix of high-profile arrivals, a significant clear-out, and a focus on youth, Spurs have made a clear statement about their direction under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Here, we’ll break down and rate Tottenham’s transfer window, looking at both the incoming and outgoing players and what these moves mean for the club’s future. All fees are as per Transfermarkt.
Dominic Solanke 9/10
Dominic Solanke‘s arrival from Bournemouth is the headline signing for Spurs this summer. At €64.3m, the fee is substantial, reflecting the club’s need to fill the void left by Harry Kane’s departure the previous year.
Solanke, who was instrumental in Bournemouth’s Premier League campaign, brings proven experience and a work rate that fits well with Postecoglou’s high-intensity style of play.
While not as prolific as Kane, Solanke offers a different dimension with his ability to link play, press from the front, and contribute to the overall team dynamic. His adaptability to various attacking roles is an asset, though some may question whether he can consistently deliver the goals required for a top-four push. Nonetheless, this is a solid signing that strengthens Spurs’ attacking options significantly.
Archie Gray – 8.5/10
Archie Gray’s signing from Leeds United is one of the more intriguing moves of the window. At just 17 years old, Gray is a highly-rated midfield prospect who has already made waves in the Championship.
The fee of €41.25m is steep for someone so young, but it underlines Tottenham’s commitment to securing top-tier young talent. Gray is a versatile midfielder capable of playing in various roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to a more advanced attacking position.
While he’s unlikely to be a first-team regular immediately, his potential is enormous, and he could develop into a key player for Spurs in the coming years. Given the club’s history of nurturing young talent, this signing could pay dividends in the long term.
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Wilson Odobert 7/10
Wilson Odobert’s signing from Burnley for €29.3m is another nod to Tottenham’s strategy of securing young talent with high potential. The 19-year-old winger showed flashes of brilliance during Burnley’s Premier League campaign, despite the club’s relegation.
Odobert’s speed, dribbling, and ability to take on defenders make him a promising addition to Spurs’ attacking options. However, his lack of top-level experience means he might need time to adapt to the demands of a club like Tottenham. As a long-term investment, this signing could prove to be a masterstroke, but immediate expectations should see themselves tempered.
His FBRef stats show us how he is a very good carrier of the ball in the final third and has a high number of successful take-ons as well. It all reflects well for Tottenham’s future. Although he might not be a regular starter immediately, Odobert’s presence adds valuable competition on the wings, especially with Heung-min Son entering the later stages of his career.
Lucas Bergvall 7/10
Lucas Bergvall’s signing from Djurgarden for €10m is another investment in youth that has the potential to pay off handsomely. The Swedish midfielder, known for his technical skills and vision, is seen as one of the brightest talents in Scandinavian football.
At just 18 years old, Bergvall is likely to spend time with the development squad before making a significant impact on the first team. However, his signing underscores Tottenham’s strategy of securing promising talent before they become too expensive or out of reach. Bergvall’s future at Spurs looks bright, and his development will be closely watched by the club’s supporters.
Let’s hope Bergvall has a successful time with the Lilywhites. A gradual integration into top-flight English football might be the best way to go with the teenager instead of just pushing him into first-team duties. He represents a strong investment, and we can aspire for him to aim for the moon and shoot for the stars in North London.
Min-hyeok Yang 6/10
Min-hyeok Yang’s signing from Gangwon FC for €4m is the least high-profile of Tottenham’s summer acquisitions. He’ll join in January of 2025. The 21-year-old South Korean winger is a versatile player who can operate on either flank. While he may not be expected to feature prominently in the first team immediately, Yang’s low fee represents a low-risk investment. Here is some information about him.
- Yang is the first high school professional player in K League 1 history.
- The youngest player in the history of Gangwon FC to debut.
- Youngest goalscorer in the history of Gangwon FC.
- Youngest goalscorer in the history of K League 1.
- Youngest player in K League history to score two goals in two consecutive matches.
- Youngest player in K League history to be awarded Young Player of the Month.
- First semi-pro player in K League history to be awarded Young Player of the Month.
- First semi-pro player in K League history to win consecutive awards.
- First player in K League history to be awarded Young Player of the Month four times in a row.
His adaptability and work ethic could see him become a useful squad player in the future. However, given the current competition in Tottenham’s attacking ranks, it’s hard to see him making a significant impact this season, which is why this signing scores lower.
Following are the departures from the club.
Oliver Skipp to Leicester City 7/10
Oliver Skipp’s move to Leicester City for €23.5m was one of the more surprising departures of the summer. Skipp, a product of Tottenham’s academy, showed promise but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
With the competition in midfield, his opportunities were likely to remain limited, making a move logical for both the player and the club. The fee received is decent, and Skipp could thrive with more playing time at Leicester. However, letting go of a homegrown talent always carries some risk, especially if he fulfils his potential elsewhere.
Emerson Royal to AC Milan 7/10
Emerson Royal’s transfer to AC Milan for €15m is a deal that makes sense for all parties. The Brazilian right-back struggled to consistently impress at Tottenham, often criticised for his defensive lapses and lack of attacking output. Last season, he put in a massive shift as a makeshift centre-back in the middle of an injury crisis and was impressive as well, but to see him in that role for a prolonged period of time always remained a doubt.
Moving to Milan offers him a fresh start. The fee also comes across as rather fair given his performances. However, with Spurs still in need of reliable full-backs, his departure could leave a gap in the squad if not adequately filled.
Joe Rodon to Leeds United 8/10
Joe Rodon’s exit to Leeds United for €11.8m comes across as totally expected, given his limited first-team opportunities at Spurs. Rodon showed potential, but injuries and competition for places meant he never fully established himself in the squad.
The fee received is reasonable, and the move should benefit Rodon by providing him with regular playing time. However, Tottenham’s centre-back options are now slightly thinner, and any injuries in this area could expose a lack of depth. Rodon’s departure is understandable, but it does leave a question mark over Spurs’ defensive cover.
Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis 7/10
Giovani Lo Celso’s permanent move to Real Betis for €5m marks the end of a frustrating chapter for both the player and the club. Lo Celso’s time at Tottenham saw itself marred by injuries and inconsistency, preventing him from making the impact many had hoped for. A return to Betis, where he previously thrived, makes sense for the player, but the fee is disappointingly low, considering his potential value a few years ago. This transfer feels like an opportunity lost, as Lo Celso’s talent was never fully realised in North London.
Free Transfers (Eric Dier, Ryan Sessegnon, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic, Japhet Tanganga) 6/10
The decision to let Eric Dier, Ryan Sessegnon, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic, and Japhet Tanganga leave on free transfers was likely driven by the desire to reduce the wage bill and make space for new signings.
However, this approach has its downsides. Dier and Sessegnon, while not first-choice players, offered depth and experience. Ndombele’s departure, given his high wages and lack of impact, was perhaps inevitable, but losing him, or any player for that matter, for nothing still stings.
Perisic’s exit, though expected, leaves a gap in terms of experienced leadership, and Tanganga, despite his struggles, was a versatile squad option. These free transfers represent a clearing of the decks but also a loss of depth that could be felt as the season progresses. More than that loss of depth, it is also that lost chance of earning a few quid for deadwood.
Overall Verdict: 7/10
Tottenham’s 2024 summer transfer window has been a mix of strategic signings and necessary departures. The club has focused on youth and potential, with players like Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert offering exciting prospects for the future. The signing of Dominic Solanke addresses a key need in attack, though the price tag is a bit high. Departures such as Skipp and Emerson Royal were logical, but the free transfers of several players leave the squad slightly thinner in terms of depth.
Overall, Tottenham Hotspur’s window has been solid, with an eye on long-term success, but the squad’s immediate depth, especially in defence, could be tested. If the young signings live up to their potential, this window could be viewed as a success in hindsight. However, there are still areas of concern that might need addressing in future windows.
