Tottenham Hotspur may be compelled to offload several of their prized assets if they are relegated from the Premier League this season. With only 11 fixtures left and a mere four-point cushion above the bottom three, concerns are mounting over which players would stay if the unthinkable occurs.
The recent 4–1 defeat at home to Arsenal FC was a bitter blow for supporters, yet the larger fear remains the possibility of relegation. When Thomas Frank was appointed at the beginning of the campaign, hopes were high that Spurs could push for a Europa League berth. Instead, fewer than nine months into the job, the Dane was dismissed after a string of underwhelming performances.
His successor, Igor Tudor, endured a difficult introduction as Arsenal comfortably defeated his side to strengthen their position at the summit. At the same time, West Ham United closed the gap, further tightening the relegation scrap. This downturn comes despite substantial summer spending on big names such as Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, leaving Spurs facing the very real threat of Championship football next term.
Dropping out of the top flight would have major financial repercussions. With no wage-reduction clauses reportedly built into contracts, the club could struggle to maintain salaries suited to Champions League competition. That scenario might spark a significant squad overhaul, especially involving high earners like Simons, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Kudus, Dominic Solanke, João Palhinha and Dejan Kulusevski.
Other well-paid players, including Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Radu Drăgușin, could also come under scrutiny. From a valuation standpoint, Van de Ven, Romero, Simons, Kudus, Kulusevski and Porro are among the most attractive assets, making them likely sale candidates. Van de Ven is already said to be drawing interest from elite European sides, while Romero has admirers in Spain’s top tier.
If departures materialise, opportunities could open up for emerging talents. Youngsters such as Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Antonín Kinský may see increased game time, along with academy graduates and returning loanees. Promising prospects like Lucas Bergvall and recent addition Souza could also benefit from regular first-team exposure in a lower division.
Despite the uncertainty, Spurs are still outside the bottom three and have time to reverse their fortunes. For now, Tudor’s attention will be fixed on the upcoming London derby against Fulham FC at Craven Cottage on March 1.
