Conor Gallagher and Ivan Toney sign, Richarlison decision: Spurs’ dream month before season
Ange Postecoglou is gearing up for his second season as Tottenham Hotspur manager and is looking to add a few more pieces to the north London puzzle as Spurs chase a Champions League place once more
Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.
Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites’ squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.
In just his second year in charge, Spurs’ Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.
With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou’s men in a dream scenario.
Pre-season fixtures
July 20:QPR vs Tottenham – Loftus Road, kick-off (15:00)
July 27: Tottenham vs Vissel Kobe – National Stadium, Tokyo (11:00)
July 31: Team K League vs Tottenham – Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)
August 3:Bayern Munich vs Tottenham – Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)
August 10: Tottenham vs Bayern Munich – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (17:30)
Transfers
The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.
Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.
The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney’s future is on the Premier League agenda
Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.
Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.
Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea’s Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.
If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou’s side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.
Outgoings
Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.
The Brazilian’s 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs’ list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.
