Tottenham Hotspur have landed plenty of successful signings over the years, but fans can just as easily list a string of top talents who got away. During a period when the club had money to spend, an attractive project, and strong backing from supporters, they still repeatedly missed out on major targets.
Much of the blame fell on the club’s former transfer approach under Daniel Levy, known for dragging out negotiations, refusing to meet asking prices, and shying away from competing head-on with Europe’s elite—a pattern that often cost Spurs top-level talent.
Few missed targets sting as much now as the failure to land France international Désiré Doué. The talented winger, now one of the most exciting young players in the world game, keeps reminding Tottenham fans what might have been every time he plays. He isn’t always a guaranteed starter for France, but that’s a reflection of how loaded the national team’s attack is rather than any weakness in his game. Even so, Doué has become one of Europe’s standout young attackers—comfortable on either flank, quick, skillful, and hardworking—already boasting two Champions League winner’s medals and playing a genuine role in PSG’s recent success.
Rewinding to summer 2024, Tottenham likely had a stronger shot at signing him than most remember. Ange Postecoglou had the club playing exciting football after a promising season, and belief in the project was growing. PSG, meanwhile, were dealing with uncertainty—doubts over Luis Enrique’s future, fallout from Kylian Mbappé’s exit, and another disappointing Champions League run. Rather than staying in the race until the end, Tottenham pulled back, leaving PSG and Bayern Munich to fight over one of Europe’s most promising teenagers—a decision that looks worse in hindsight.
Tottenham’s mentality in the transfer market looks completely different today. Despite finishing 17th last season and only avoiding relegation on the final day, Spurs have shown far more ambition under Roberto De Zerbi—beating out Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid for Sandro Tonali, while Mateus Fernandes also chose them over other European suitors. The difference has been the club’s willingness to fully back De Zerbi’s vision, spending big instead of hesitating and trusting him to sell his long-term plan to top players—a level of commitment that was missing when Doué was up for grabs.
With Tottenham still searching for more quality out wide, the failure to sign Doué feels even more costly. Every big performance he delivers for club and country is another reminder of what slipped away. Despite a much bolder approach to transfers in recent windows, missing out on Doué remains one of the biggest regrets in the club’s recent history—one supporters may keep revisiting for years to come.
