The window is open. Can you not feel the draft?
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 2:13PM So it’s already started. The rumours and whispers and the regurgitated transfer ramblings. The window is open. If only we could all jump out of it. Doesn’t quite work like that though and as I sit here ever so slightly on the edge of hypocrisy ,as much as I enjoy laughing at the media/Harry Redknapp and the ITK community, I obviously (deep down) don’t mind it as it tends to elevate an otherwise distracting month of irreverent chit chat. We all live in hope Jim White’s head WILL explode. One day, soon.
Mathematicians will obviously point to the fact that there is only a small group of high profile players that we’d potentially be able to sign. The unknown quantity are scouted players completely under the radar which usually don’t get highlighted by those privy to inside info because they don’t truly have access to said info. It’s far easier to suggest signing someone ‘famous’ especially someone who has been linked before. You know how it works. It’s the same formula the back page tabloids enjoy printing.
Once in a while, sure, someone does get it right. Mostly when the deal has practically been concluded and Levy and co can’t stop info from being leaked and hardly care at that point in time. Usually know, no one has a clue until the club tells us. So we populate the time with all the fun and games, the playa hating and the name calling.
I won’t be copying and pasting info this time. It’s out there, it’s easy to find and considering how disparaging I can be towards all the worshipping and the God complex that’s synonymous with it I’m hardly going to share cheap headlines just for the traffic when the info is pretty much irrelevant until said player is paraded in Lilywhite.
So instead I’m going to make logical predictions (will leave the names blank for you lot to discuss) based on nothing more than hope.
We’ve been obsessed with centre-backs. Cahill could have signed for us in the last window. Samba is always a popular and obvious player that gets linked. But then when you note the return of Dawson and add Kaboul, Gallas and the part-time King to the list you start considering the possibility that no new defensive rock will join this window. Perhaps in the next one when Gallas (probably) departs and question marks remain with Ledley’s longevity. Then there’s Caulker, the one for the future that might be part of the first team next season depending on who the manager is at the start of 2013.
It’s more likely that defenders will leave, although we half expected that last time out and it didn’t happen. Bassong probably needs to escape for his own sanity. Corluka? We have to hold onto to cover the right-back position otherwise if Walker is out for x amount of time then Kaboul will have to deputise there and depending on our centre-back situation it could get messy.
The philosophy here ideally should be think long term because long term will aid the short term. Economically (finances and squad size) I’m unclear how Levy plans to work this what with Redknapp’s future uncertain depending on how much you read into outside of Spurs distractions. Hopefully the chairman will appreciate we’re in a position where we need to consolidate and leave nothing to risk, what with the opportunity we find presented to us (top 3, game in hand, potential to push on further).
The midfield is key. Outside of transfers, Harry has to make sure he doesn’t burn out the likes of Parker. We’ve had to adapt and mix it up with the formation in recent games. With Kranjcar out in the cold and Lennon injured (on way back) either we start using Niko (even as an impact sub) or we look to bring in someone young, hungry and happy to play patiently as cover for the flanks. That’s either going to be someone in the Prem from a mid-table to bottom side that’s impressed thus far this season or a player from the continent that perhaps will escape the newsfeeds until it actually happens. Can you think of any high profile players you’d want? Considering high-profile might equate to Lennon ending up as the cover.
Pienaar doesn’t appear to be fancied much (where does he play exactly?). How Giovani remains perpetually linked to a move away without every appearing to make that move possible, irks me. Townsend has gone to Leeds on loan, so you hope there’s more than a suggestion that the club are not going to ‘wing it’ where this is concerned and cross their fingers. We can all see the detrimental impact of not having Lennon available to us. Although it’s allowed us to re-shape and work towards a tangible plan b.
The forward conundrum is far more complex because of the Adebayor loan deal. If we’re going to sign him permanently then money has to be placed aside. I doubt anything will happen in Jan. I hope it doesn’t mainly because it will force the player to continue to work hard (and avoid comfort). Although I’ve been impressed with his words as much as his work ethic (less so for his first touch). Again, politics might mean he doesn’t sign at all and returns to City (then onwards to Italy) in the summer. If Harry is no longer with us, the next man in charge might look elsewhere. Meaning that’s where the big money will be spent.
Pretty much irrelevant from my perspective as a fan though. Harry is the manager, he’s still the manager and we need to be decisive and completely confident in the squad we have post-Jan.
And so begins the second guessing. If the right player *is* available now and that player has the world class about him then regardless of the future, if its right for Spurs he should be signed.
Fact is, we have three forwards. Only one of them gets to play consistently. Pavlyuchenko is the one that needs to leave as he remains surplus and mostly unimpressive. Frustrating, as he’s technically a great finisher but usually a lazy unintelligent individual who doesn’t quite fit in when it matters. Cameos are not enough to retain his services. So based on that, we should be looking for someone to come in. If Levy isn’t willing to spend the masses of millions then much like the flank cover, we’ll look to be shrewd but sign someone with experience (rather than a young player who would be too great a risk, especially if Adebayor got injured).
Knock yourselves out guessing who that player might be. There are several touted ‘big name’ players who fit the bill. One or two less glamorous ones already plying their trade in England. Interestingly we’ve (ITK’s, the media and more importantly the fans) have moved on from waiting for a fully fledged La Liga superstar to sign. We are hardly going to sign someone that will demand to play ahead of Adebayor. Would make little sense.
Those that chose to be critical of Adebayor need to also appreciate he too was a shrewd signing. Experienced Prem player with something to prove. No big fee paid, percentage of wage the only damage. Roman’s ‘departure’ is key here. If he doesn’t leave then can’t see us signing anyone up front. Don’t see how manager and chairman could validate such a move (although it’s more than obvious Harry wants rid of the Russian).
The gaffer cites that ‘special player’. No doubting a goal-scorer would be the ideal special player he’d like to make part of the squad. But then trying to decipher whether this is another deflection sound-bite or Harry letting us know subtly nothing will happen is again...anyone’s guess.
I’ll be made up with a midfielder. Perhaps one that can play wide but also do a job where Rafa plays behind Adebayor – meaning we cover two positions. I’ll be made up if we make it a double signing with a forward to retain a cutting edge if others pick up knocks.
One thing is for certain. Regardless of the necessity we all seem to share in wanting to know what player the club are working towards signing (if any) if it happens it makes no difference if you knew about it before the official announcement.
In an ideal world, we won’t be asking the above questions on the final day of the window because we’ll have concluded our business some time before. We are much more likely to see Sky Sports News reporters interviewing Harry (through his car window) every twenty minutes as he drives in and out of the Lodge car park to get as much air time as possible.
Reader Comments (40)
Let's sign a winger and a striker. We need the cover.
A thoughtful post. I hope, however, we do not sign anyone---I am excepting Adebayor from this as I do not expect any movement on this till year end. There is such richness in this squad that I think that we can fill any position needed from within--even if it means giving the youngsters a real chance. There seems to be such a good spirit in the team that signing a 'star' has the risk of unsettling the squad. Lets go with what we have.
1st!! Too be honest I dont see us signing anyone a few fringe players might leave and think pav will sit tight till his a free agent in the summer and walk away then also believe the same will be true with Gomes. I would love it though if we signed that " special player" and sent out a message to the rest of the premiership.
Bloody 3rd!
I would like to see Hoillet and Zamora in. I see the former being reasonably happy waiting for his chances when Lennon is unfit and Zamora (should he want to return to us) I feel would do a good job up front in the Ade role. Financed by the sale of Pav, Gomes,Gio and Pienaar. And nothing here to upset our formation.
I honestly would like us to buy a goal machine, so we can comfortably win these games. I like that last part you mentioned about Knap driving in and out of the lot to gain air time - tres amusing! Curiosity will kill me, but I'd rather know for certain whether we are getting someone or not, than to know who it is we are potentially getting - if that makes sense.
Do like the articles done on a different league. Statement signings include ter Stegen, Samba, Marco Reus and Drogba, which I feel could fit the 'special' signings somewhat. As back ups they suggest Krul/Vorm, Vertonghen, Hoilett/Krasic, Doumbia/Ba. All of these signings would strengthen, or at least deepen the squad, and seem to be realistic. No mention of Damiao or Cisse interestingly, Cisse would make sense.
However, I totally agree with David above as the squad is working very well. Depth is key, and if we ship out a few more of the reserve/old youth players , then we will not have that crucial cover.
If we buy Zamora i will actually cry! We want players who are good enough to change games and lead us to a Champions League semi-final and if we are lucky a final- how does Zamora fit that bill? He is always injured and hes just not World Class. I think Spurs fans deserve one big signing, one big player who is going to show intent (Man City would just laugh at us if we brought Zamora) to the rest of the premier league. Someone like Higuain or Huntleaar or just someone in the same ilk as van Persie, Rooney etc. They might cost us a bit of money now but if Villa can spend 24million on Darren Bent im sure we have enough money to spend a similar amount on a world class player. For defensive cover i think Jan Vertoghern is the name being mentioned and he will be perfect for us. He is a left footed centre half and can also play left back which will help Benny out. If we are looking for a winger then i think we need to get a player who can play in van der Vaarts role, Lennon's role and Bales role and i think Xherdan Shaqiri will be the perfect player. Hes 20 and if you watched Man U vs Basel he was what made Basel tick.He destroyed United. He is different from Lennon as he is left footed and plays on the right- he likes to cut in amd shoot. He also scored a splendid goal against England if anyone remembers it. I think a striker is needed in January if Pav goes. The other two will be good summer signings.COYS!
The most interesting bit of gossip I've read recently was the rumour that Harry wants any and all business concluded by the 10th/11th of the month...
We definitely need cover / a challenger for Disco Benny. In my opinion, Danny Rose is not good enough, will always be a legend for that one moment, but we are trying to build a PL winning side now. Baines would be the choice for me and we may be able to pay using our players (any 2 of Pienaar, Bassong , Pav) as Everton has a threadbare squad.
And we do need a forward. Damiao would be my choice, although Klose or Podolski would do just fine.
@the name is spurs. I understand your reservations about Zamora and I agree that a big name marquee signing would be fantastic but I can't personally see it happening during january, however a player like Zamora (who is a far better player now than when he first played for us) would fit into the team without any problems. I am not saying he is the future and I don't really care if it doesn't make Man City sit up and take notice (happy for them to put out their second string team against us!) but at least we will have a forward to actually face them since Ade is ineligible. Furthermore my biggest fear is that we do not manage to sign Ade permanently next season since he seems he won't take a cut in wages and we have nobody else in to take his place for the first 3 games.
I think Samba purchase should happen...........Gallas and Bassong are as good as gone next year, King will only be coming back in a bit-role for spot starts and as good as Kaboul has been, I think Dawson/Samba pairing would be optimal.
The above commentary on Roman P is spot on..........Sell.....Quickly. If Spurs are smart, bring back Zamora who could be great coverage up front and an upgrade over Roman P.
MF is tricky..........We have adequate coverage. I'm just unclear about using both Parker and Sandro together out there............both seem to occupy the same space...........ANd, shockingly, Parker seems to disappear.
Either way, I dont think alot of activity is needed and a CB/Forward should be the bit of business during the JTW.
COYS
Pav has to go and a replacement bought even if its Zamora, hes strong and would do a job, you can usually paper over the cracks at this window and thats all we need to do.
Bcee thanks - wrote the adifferentleague articles appreciate your comments - we saw what happened last jan when we were being linked/went for some unrealistic targets - egg on our face. Not saying that Damiao or Cisse not unrealsitc just - Damiao will be expensive and uncertain exactly what we would be getting - unproven striker in Europe. I'm sure he's promising but then let's get into UCL and look at options in summer. Like PD Cisse done really well at Freiburg over a couple of seasons but his goals for shots ratio is not great this season - 61shots for 9goals. Think Levy is always looking for value and won't get that in La Liga - Bundesliga and Eredivisie probably offer that - Dries Mertens has done fantasttic for PSV but only came in summer so cant see him leaving - yet, same with Wijnaldum. Guy at Vitesse - Wilfred Bony - may be interesting - 9 goals for them but tends to score when team needs them - opening goal, winner, late equaliser kind of thing
We definitely need cover and competition for places at left back. Too many crosses are coming in from the left and costing us goals and points, just like against swansea
January prices just tend to be inflated compared to summer signings. Also, waiting until the end of the window opens the possibility of a cheaper price for clubs looking to offload (see VDV). High risk/high reward. Either way, I think Levy would rather wait and miss out than overpay.
My bigger concern--and I try not to dampen the rampant optimism coursing through this forum--is that the club is built for the short term. Gallas, Friedal, Adebayor on loan assuming we can't do a permanent deal, King, even Parker--great for the short-term push for CL this year (Harry's last season?), not great for the future. Get CL, and keep the Modrics, Bales, etc. and hopefully invest in the club big time this summer. Miss out, and I'm worried.
Levy can't afford to misjudge his moves this window. We'll have a tiny, tiny margin for error, due to the need for stadium financing hanging over our heads. Despite Levy's assurances that the stadium won't disrupt investment in the first-team, I think we'll see a lot more tightening up over the course of the next few seasons, due to the increased need for funding, the unexpected recession(s) and the collapse of the hotel development. Ergo, anyone we buy this January has to be able to fit into our squad immediately and become an asset, one that is more valuable than the player he replaces. We can't afford to sign a stinker, and Levy knows this. So the potential list of targets narrows considerably. For example, I doubt he'd look favourably on signing players from Scotland or Holland, due to the potential risk of failure. Ergo Portugal and possibly even Serie A. So suddenly, we're only looking at players from the PL,the Bundesliga and La Liga, plus a few exceptional players from elsewhere, if they crop up. Then we have to factor in the simple fact that the players we already have are better than those of most of the other teams in these leagues. So the list narrows further. We also only need players who have competed, or look like they can cope with competing at the highest levels, i.e in the Champions League and at the top of the domestic league, so the list decreases still further. Finally, we can't afford the wages of most of the players currently playing for the top three or four of each league. We're unlikely to be able to offer better wages to the players of, for example, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Leverkusen than what they're already getting. Add to this the fact that players at Madrid, Barcelona and the like probably would consider us a step down and the list becomes very small indeed. So it's hard to see who we'll sign, and it's a bit disconcerting listening to the traditional names being thrown around, i.e Higuain, Gomez and his ilk. I'd wager we're looking at some of these players, though;
Lucas Barrios (ST,Dortmund, hasn't had much game time, wants out)
Papiss Cisse (ST,Freiburg; as someone mentioned, high shots to goals ratio, but he's young)
Tomas Necid (ST,CSKA, hasn't developed as well as he'd have liked)
Fernando Llorente(ST,Athletic Bilbao;possible. unlikely, but possible)
Nilmar(ST,Villarreal; They're struggling and he'd probably be available)
Junior Hoilett(MF,Blackburn; young and with potential;Levy's perfect player.)
Loic Remy(ST,Olympique Marseille; Can play wide right and up front; perfect cover, though a bit lofty)
Amauri(ST,Juventus;old, slow and not very good, but decent cover)
Leandro Damiao(ST,Internacional; very unlikely, but not outside the bounds of possibility)
Rene Adler(GK, Bayer Leverkusen; out of contract in the summer, replaced by Bernd Leno, wants out but rather injury-prone)
Christopher Samba(DF, Blackburn; personally don't think we need a CB, what with KAboul, Daws, Gallas, King and next year Caulker being available, but hey)
Other than that I can't really name any other affordable, realistic targets off the top of my head. I wouldn't put it past Levy and harry to surprise me, though.;)
Samba is not only a top defender but a goal threat too.
He headed on against the bar and had a goal disallowed today against Stoke.
Buying Samba and cover for Ade this window is a no brainer.
So what is the hold up ??
Zamora - NO WAY.
I like Samba as we have a chronic problem converting set pieces and he is a serious menace pushing forward.
The above comment re Pineear for Baines - like it, will cost a few quid but a nice deal.
A left field comment, but Nathan Dyer was brilliant for Swansea tonight and all season. Very quick, skillful and perhaps the cover/pressure for Lennon at a bargain basement price.
The striking departament realy worries me. Hope Pav is sold for his sanity and so we have the cash to move on. Adebayor - will he won't he beyond this year. Damiao would be great, but I think more realistically, Podolski may be the right target where we sit. Brings an abundance of experience and proven goal scoring prowess.
So nice to have so few problems though.
@Daniel, I'd disagree, mate. Parker, Gallas, and King aren't really concerns. Sure, they'll only last a few years, possibly even only till next year, but we've got some seriously talented youngsters waiting in the wings when they do eventually fall away. For King and Gallas, apart from the much-improved Kaboul and the reasonably solid Dawson, we've got the highly promising Caulker, on loan at Swansea, and looking a little further ahead, perhaps Veljkovic, the academy player who's been impressing people like the supremely knowledgeable WindyCOYS. We've even got Hudd who can play back there, so we're not particularly short on young CBs. As for Parker, well, that's what Sandro's there for, mate, to take over when Parker steps down. Apart from him, we've also got Livermore; not spectacularly good, but solid.So we're equally good there. The only place I worry about is up front; there, I agree with you, we're lacking. If Ade leaves, we've got a serious dearth of quality players to replace him, which is why I'm hoping we''ll strengthen either in January or in the summer. But even here, in Kane, an a little further ahead in Coulibaly, we've got some quite promising prospects coming through. So it's not all doom and gloom-far from it, in fact.
Overall, if we bring in a decent striker (I'm hoping beyond hope for Damiao, but am willing to settle for Barrios/Cisse/A.N.Other) and a back-up winger(Hoilett would be great) while shifting Pav, Bassong, and Pienaar, I'd consider it a job well done. We can look to sell the other squad players (Gomes, Charlie, Krank and the like) in the summer and can focus on bringing in a younger GK in then as well. Though if we bring in Adler this window and shift Gomes, that'd be even better.
Marco reus from borussia monchengladbach looks pretty handy, is the next big thing in Germany, plays across the front line on either wing from what I've seen of him.
testing, 1,2,3
Just making sure comments are appearing.
Court Case anyone?
Will that impact on transfers - it would if I was Levy?
I don't think the court case would make much of a difference to Levy's thinking. There's clear weaknesses in the squad; addressing them is necessary, regardless of the man in charge. If Ancelotti had stayed available, then he'd have to have a bit of a think, seeing as Ancelotti was loath to play traditional wingers during his time at Chelsea. So maybe in that case back-up on the wings wouldn't be necessary. But now? Even if Harry is sent down, the best we could do (as in the most stable, solid appointment we could make) would be Moyes, and he plays the same system Harry plays, just with worse players. A striker remains imperative regardless, much as it has for the last three seasons.
As for Reus, I think he'd do well to stay put. He wouldn't want to jeopardize his chances of a spot in the Germany squad for Euro 2012, and Bayern seem dreadfully keen on getting him in the summer anyway. Plus, he's not very sturdy physically, and though Modders proved that being slight in stature isn't as great an impediment to performing in the PL as previously believed, I still think he might struggle to adapt for a while. But he would be dream signing, no question about; young, versatile, tremendously talented, and available for under 20 million euros (buyout clause); what's not to like?
I love Martin Jol, Maartin Jol lovvves meee....:D
You gotta love Bobby Zamora
One possible player that can play both wings, support lone striker and even play up front when needed, with great teamwork ethics, young and proven in the prem is Gabi Agbonlahor. Not sure about his contract situation or availability but throw in 15-20m plus a player or two, i,e, JJ and Pienaar, and we might be able to do a deal. I would prefer him over Hoilett and any realistic foreign target.
Gooners do make me laugh. They only seem to be full of the bravado and baiting when they're in a winning position and in sight of being able to gloat. 20 mins of anti-Spurs songs. We must be doing something right for them to be feeling so insecure. Poor sods, wasted all their energy in the end. Still singing at the end then?
Yes we all love Big Martin.Thank you Martin and the Fulham lads you did us a great favour.If we can beat WBA tomorrow at the Lane then we are going in the right direction again.On Gabi yes he would be a great replacement for Pav and can also play the wing if needed.If we had to settle for a cheap(ish) striker this window he would fit well.Yes he does have the odd injury worry but we are talking about playing him every other game unless he started banging them in.Got to be worth a shout and add Samba for Bassong and it would be a decent window.With the ££ from Dos Santos,Pienaar and Pav we sould be able to cover the cost of these two.To dare is to do.Faugh A Ballagh.
For me it's a winger who can possibly play both sides. I'd say someone like Hoilett in from Blackburn for £5 million. He's out of contract in the summer and I would imagine is looking for a move this month.
Other than that I don't see any major movement in, unless we sell Pav. Everything else will be loan deals out and maybe the sale of Corluka.
Don't you just love it. The Gooners laughing and singing rude songs about the mighty Spurs and Crash Bang Wallop, Zamora floors them with a beauty. Oh! the joy.
I like the sound of baines, dembele has looked good. I say we bite the bullet and sign Ade on a perm or Hulk if he's still available. Kaka is a waste and were not weak in that area. Cahill may still be on the cards? But even if we don't strengthen till the summer I'm happy with the squad as it is. I wonder If Bentley would be getting a run out if he wasn't on loan?
Food for thought
kpn1982, you are quite right. Reus is a fantastic player!
A must has to be a striker and it has to be soon. Against City we have no solid replacement for Ade and it will end up been a massive problem for us. Next is a RB as Lennon is too injury prone. I will us to take a look at Fulham's Ruiz. Samba deal won't be a bad deal if it won't our break our wage structure.
What I see as a must is to buy a “killer” striker operating inside the box able to convert most of the chances that the team creates in every game.
It would be also an appropriate move to buy a dominant and commanding CB as back-up to King.
Ruiz has only just arrived at Fulham but is starting to find his feet now. I doubt they're going to let him go though.
haven't cheered that much for a goal against the scum in years! usually it's just out of spite but yesterday was a big result for us - he's got no hair but we don't care!
incidently, how about a cheeky bid for clint dempsey? will be good back up and not too expensive. Is better than what we have on the bench and has always impressed me whenever ive watched him.
This will be an interesting month and could determine the future for several seasons.
In the first place, I will be very surprised if Levy authorises any buying at all, even if we make a few sales, but you never know. Secondly, our performances, Norwich apart, have been poor while the results have been good and I doubt that this will continue the rest of the season.
The major issue for me is the level of our performances. OK, City and Arsenal lost, but they can both look at their performance and feel they should have won. We on the other hand against Swansea (the mighty Welsh powerhouse featuring a number of lower league players and PL rejects) were abject and clueless, But the result was ok so who cares? We have had several similar performances with even better results...Fulham, Wigan 2nd half, QPR second half, Newcastle, Chelsea and even Arsenal were all games where we had good spells and then were outplayed.
I can't help feeling that unless we get more structure to our play beyond bang it out wide and try to get on the end of a cross (which we aren't very good at anyway) the second half of this season will be downhill slide, with or without new players unless they are of exceptional calibre, particularly in the striking department.
If that happens I can see our better players leaving for pastures new.
This is not a simple problem for both Levy and Harry to deal with and it will be very interesting to see how we finish the month.
And this leads into the January window discussion. Even supposing Levy will splash some cash, will an injection of new players really rectify the poor level of performances as the season progresses or will they compound the problem?