Tottenham Hotspur face some big decisions this summer as Ange Postecoglou heads towards his third transfer window in the Spurs hot seat.
Tottenham have had some real ups and downs in Postecoglou’s first season in charge, but at least ended the campaign on a positive note.
Spurs beat relegated Sheffield United 3-0 on Sunday afternoon, securing fifth place and a spot in the Europa League.
That is decent progress in Postecoglou’s first season but he wants more – and that means some wheeling and dealing will be required.
Tottenham don’t have endless funds and won’t have Champions League money coming in, so some players may need to move on in order for Postecoglou to bring players in.
Those decisions are never easy but Postecoglou wants to win at all costs – and that means letting some talented players leave Tottenham this summer.
Tottenham divided over Richarlison
One player who could move on is Richarlison.
The Brazilian only managed three goals in his first season at Tottenham and really needed to kick on under Postecoglou.
That is certainly what we saw as Richarlison ended the campaign with 11 goals in 28 Premier League games.
Richarlison enjoyed an encouraging season but it may not be enough to keep him in North London.
Reports earlier in May suggested that there is ‘serious interest’ in Saudi Arabia – and a deal would see Tottenham recoup the £60million spent on Richarlison in 2022.
That kind of deal would be massively tempting but ESPN report that Tottenham are now divided over whether or not to accept an offer.
It’s suggested that ‘opinion is split’ inside Tottenham over Richarlison, with some seemingly wanting to cash in and some acknowledging his progress this season.
Ange Postecoglou verdict on Richarlison
Richarlison has been through mental health battles in recent times and his progress both on and off the pitch has been great to watch.
Postecoglou has publicly backed Richarlison this season, praising him for acknowledging that he needed help and went to get it.
Postecoglou admitted in February that he feels Richarlison can become a ‘real force’ for Tottenham if he continues developing his game.
This season has been a positive one for Richarlison but there may not be many £60million offers coming in for Tottenham players this summer.
Spurs have to make a difficult decision and allow Richarlison to leave in order to give Postecoglou money to spend on his own recruits.
There will be many, many other players Tottenham would rather sell but Postecoglou may be minded to – with a heavy heart – allow Richarlison to move on this summer.
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