How Tottenham Could Land a New “Gareth Bale” on Transfer Deadline Day
Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market, spending heavily as they attempt to build a stronger squad for the future. Their current rebuild has drawn comparisons with the summer of 2013, when Spurs were forced to reshape the team following Gareth Bale’s record-breaking move to Real Madrid.
At the time, Tottenham decided not to search for one direct replacement for Bale. Instead, they signed several players in an attempt to replace his overall influence. While that transfer strategy produced mixed results, some of those signings eventually became important figures at the club. Christian Eriksen developed into one of the Premier League’s best creative midfielders, while Erik Lamela also went on to become a valuable and popular member of the squad.
Now, Spurs find themselves in the middle of another major rebuild, but there are reasons to believe this project could turn out differently.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham have invested heavily in reshaping the squad. Although the early results may not have been perfect, the club appear to have a clearer plan than they did during their famous post-Bale rebuild.
One major difference is the type of players Spurs have targeted. In 2013, many of Tottenham’s signings arrived from overseas and needed time to adjust to the intensity and demands of Premier League football.
This time, however, the club have largely focused on players who already have experience in England. That could help the new arrivals settle more quickly and immediately understand what is required at the highest level.
Sandro Tonali is one of the biggest examples, with Spurs reportedly spending close to £100 million including add-ons to bring him to the club. It is a huge investment, but Tottenham will hope that his Premier League experience allows him to make an instant impact.
Martin Dubravka has also arrived with plenty of experience in English football, while several other additions are already familiar with the league.
Tottenham’s early defeats should therefore not necessarily cause panic among supporters. The team is still adapting to De Zerbi’s style, while several players have been unavailable or are still settling into the squad.
The defeat against Brentford came while Spurs were missing important players, and the same situation continued against Newcastle United, where some of the club’s new additions, including Savio, were not yet fully involved.
With Tottenham still working on more transfers, De Zerbi may not yet have had the opportunity to field the team he ultimately wants.
Building chemistry between so many new players will take time, and supporters may need to be patient before seeing the best version of this new-look Spurs side.
Spurs Could Make Another Major Deadline-Day Signing
Tottenham have a history of completing important transfers on deadline day.
Players such as Hugo Lloris, Rafael van der Vaart and Lucas Moura all arrived late in transfer windows and went on to make a significant impact for the club.
Making a move on the final day does not always mean a club is desperate or poorly prepared. Sometimes, the right opportunity simply becomes available at the last minute.
Despite already spending heavily and bringing in several experienced players, Tottenham may not be finished in the transfer market.
The arrivals of Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City have already strengthened De Zerbi’s attacking options. However, the Spurs manager is reportedly still interested in adding even more quality before the transfer window closes.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has also been linked with Tottenham, although his situation could depend on other transfer developments, including Manchester City’s reported interest in Richarlison.
However, another potential signing appears to be moving closer.
Mykhailo Mudryk Could Be Spurs’ Big Gamble
Tottenham have been strongly linked with a move for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, with reports suggesting that a transfer to north London is getting closer.
Personal terms are reportedly already in place, while Chelsea and Tottenham are believed to have reached an agreement over the structure of the deal.
Mudryk could initially join Spurs on loan, with an option for Tottenham to make the move permanent for around £75 million.
There is no doubt that it would be a significant risk.
The Ukrainian winger has struggled to consistently show his best form since moving to English football and has endured a difficult spell at Chelsea. His lack of regular football also raises questions about whether he could immediately make an impact at Tottenham.
However, one major factor could make the move particularly exciting: Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian coach knows Mudryk extremely well from their time together at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Under De Zerbi, Mudryk showed the kind of pace, dribbling ability and attacking threat that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. During their time together, the winger recorded 11 goal contributions in just 19 appearances.
Across his Shakhtar career, Mudryk registered 29 goals and assists in 47 matches in all competitions, showing the level of potential that eventually convinced Chelsea to sign him.
That previous relationship could be crucial if Mudryk joins Tottenham.
Spurs would not simply be signing a player who struggled to meet expectations at Chelsea. Instead, they would be placing their faith in De Zerbi’s ability to bring the best out of a player he has successfully coached before.
If the Tottenham manager can restore Mudryk’s confidence and help him rediscover the form he showed in Ukraine, Spurs could have an incredibly dangerous attacking weapon.
Mudryk may not be expected to directly replace Gareth Bale, and putting that level of pressure on him would be unrealistic. However, his explosive pace, direct running and ability to change a game could give Tottenham a player capable of producing moments similar to the type of excitement Bale once brought to the club.
Ultimately, that is the gamble Tottenham are taking with their ambitious new project.
The club have spent heavily, taken major financial risks and completely reshaped the squad. Comparisons with the 2013 rebuild are understandable, but this time the circumstances appear to be different.
De Zerbi has had significant influence over recruitment, many of the new players already understand Premier League football, and Tottenham seem to have a clearer idea of the type of team they want to build.
The early performances may not yet show the full potential of the project, but patience could be important.
If the new signings begin to develop chemistry and De Zerbi succeeds in getting the best out of players such as Mudryk, Tottenham’s huge investment could eventually prove to be a masterstroke rather than another expensive gamble.
A revived Mudryk, in particular, could give Spurs the explosive and unpredictable attacking talent they have been searching for — perhaps even a player capable of becoming their own modern-day version of Gareth Bale.
