1 day ago
64
Tottenham face the most important summer in recent memory. Big decisions are required in order rebuild and push forward the squad. But which players should be kept as foundations for the future, and which ones should be moved on?
After a season that has fallen well below expectations, difficult decisions are required if spurs are to move forward and re-establish themselves among the Premier League’s best.
Assuming top-flight survival, this summer will be crucial for evolving the squad smartly. Currently, there is a mix of high-level talent, inconsistent performers and players whose futures are uncertain.
Recruitment will be important, but equally significant is deciding which current first team players should be built around. With that in mind, here is a player-by-player assessment deciding who should be kept as part of the rebuild and who should be sold to free up funds.
Goalkeepers
Guglielmo Vicario – SELL
Vicario has proven himself to be a decent shot-stopper, but his inconsistency and limitations in possession raise concerns in an evolving game that demands composure from the back.
With reported interest from Italy already, this summer could be the right time to cash in and reinvest in a more complete goalkeeper.
Antonin Kinsky – KEEP
Still young and developing, Kinsky represents a strong long-term option between the sticks.
Even with Spurs likely to recruit another senior goalkeeper, his potential and resale value make him worth keeping rather than moving on prematurely.
DEFENDERS
Pedro Porro – KEEP
Porro remains one of Tottenham’s most productive attacking outlets from full-back, capable of contributing with chances created and goal involvements.
While he is prone to a mistake at the back, his output and energy make him a key part of Spurs’ system.
Destiny Udogie – KEEP
Udogie’s athleticism and attacking intent make him perfectly suited to a modern system.
Still only 23, if able to stay fit, his ceiling remains high and Spurs would be weakening themselves by letting him go.
Cristian Romero – SELL
Romero is undeniably talented, but his recurring suspensions and fiery temperament have repeatedly destabilised Spurs’ defence at crucial moments.
With Romero likely to bring in a significant transfer free and young centre-back Luka Vuskovic emerging as an ideal young defender, now is the ideal moment to sell him.
Micky Van de Ven – SELL
Van de Ven has been one of the stronger defensive performers in an otherwise underwhelming back line, with his recovery pace making him vital to the system.
But with reported interest from top European clubs and speculation over his future, this summer could be the right time to cash in for a significant fee. It would be a tough decision, but one that could help fund a wider rebuild.
Kevin Danso – KEEP
Danso has been a reliable rotational option in defence, coming in at an important time in January 2025, when others were injured or suspended.
He has become a valuable squad member, and Spurs would benefit from keeping him as defensive depth.
Radu Dragusin – SELL
Dragusin has struggled to establish himself at spurs, limited by injuries and competition in defence.
With reported interest from clubs like AC Milan, selling him could bring in a solid transfer fee while allow him to play more regular first-time football elsewhere.
Djed Spence – KEEP
Spence has been inconsistent, but his performances earlier in the season showed his quality on both the left and the right side of defence, producing performances that earned him and England call-up.
With his pace and improving defensive work, he remains an asset that Spurs should keep and continue to develop.
Ben Davies – SELL
Davies has been a fantastic servant to the club over many years, offering reliability and professionalism when called upon.
But, with his contract expiring and the squad in need of renewal, this summer feels like the natural time for both parties to move on.
Souza – KEEP
In Brazil, Souza showed that he is a quick and confident player. While he has had minimal time in the team so far, his cameo against Fulham and displayed moments of promise.
Aged only 19, there is a promising player in Souza who has the potential to develop into a key player for Tottenham.
MIDFIELDERS
James Maddison – KEEP
Injuries have disrupted his rhythm, but on his day Maddison is still one of, if not the most creative and influential players at the club.
At 29, he still has plenty left to give and has made it clear that he understands what it means to represent the club, both on and off the pitch.
Dejan Kulusevski – KEEP
Before his long-term injury, Kulusevski was a huge asset, and his creativity, work-rate and ball carrying ability have clearly been missed.
Naturally, there is uncertainty about how Kulusevski will perform following such a setback, but his quality is undeniable and he has earned the opportunity to prove himself again.
Yves Bissouma – SELL
Bissouma has shown flashes of quality since arriving, especially under Postecoglou.But inconsistency, injuries and disciplinary issues have prevented him from being relied upon in midfield.
With Spurs needing more attacking, progressive threat from midfield, this summer feels like the right time to find Bissouma’s replacement.
Pape Matar Sarr – KEEP
Sarr is still developing as an energetic presence in midfield. He has shown glimpses of brilliance, especially under Ange Postecoglou.
His athleticism and willingness to drive forward make him an important player for spurs in the long term.
Archie Gray – KEEP
Still only 19, Gray is one of the brightest prospects at the club. His composure and versatility suggest he has a huge future ahead.
With reported interest from top European clubs such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Spurs are said to have no interest in selling Gray and should be building around his potential.
Joao Palhinha – SELL
Palhinha, aged 30, is currently on loan at Spurs. While capable of delivering strong performances, he has not consistently reached the level fans anticipated when he signed.
Given his age and the £22 million buy clause, Spurs should avoid triggering the option and instead focus on investing in younger midfield options.
Rodrigo Bentancur – KEEP
Bentancur is a senior, experienced midfielder at Spurs, who brings calmness and structure to the midfield, along with the ability to move the ball forward.
While his form has been disrupted by injuries, he is a crucial player when fit and performing, and is a figure that can be built around.
Xavi Simons – KEEP
Simon’s struggled to find consistency at first in North London, taking time to to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
However, the 22-year-old has displayed glimpses of his technical quality and creativity in midfield. When he has performer well, he has shown enough promise to suggest that he can develop into a key figure at Spurs, given the proper guidance and training.
Conor Gallagher – KEEP
Having joined in the January window, Gallagher is capable of bringing intensity and energy to the midfield.
His work-rate and drive set the tone, and he could be a key part of Tottenham’s core moving forward.
FORWARDS
Richarlison – SELL
Richarlison has delivered important goals at Spurs, but persistent injuries have made him an unreliable long term option. For a squad that has been hampered by injuries, availability is crucial during a rebuild.
With regular interest from clubs in Brazil and elsewhere, this summer acts as a good opportunity to move him on for a respectable fee and revinvest elsewehere.
Dominic Solanke – KEEP
Solanke provides pressing, hold-up play and link-up ability to the attack, giving spurs a focal point through the middle.
While injuries have disrupted his time at Spurs, he has performed when fit and added structure to the front line.
Randal Kolo Muani- SELL
Kolo Muani has shown glimpses of quality, more so in Europe than domestically, but has not done enough to justify a long-term commitment.
If a permanent deal is on the table, Spurs would be better off spending those funds elsewhere.
Mohammed Kudus – KEEP
While Kudus has not been as Spurs may have hoped, owing largely to injury, he has the capacity to be a genuine game-changer, capable of producing moments of quality.
His directness and ability to take on a man makes him one of Spurs’ most dangerous attacking assets on his day.
Mathys Tel – KEEP
Tel has not been at his best consistently, but he as shown clear glimpses of quality, particularly when coming off the bench.
Considering the money invested and the fact he still only 20, he deserves time at. With the right development, he could become a key part of Spurs’ attack.
Wilson Odobert – KEEP
Aged only 20, Odobert has shown promising glimpses of quality, and was beginning to find form before his ACL injury.
Like Tel, he has clear room to improve with the right coaching and development. He is highly rated in France at youth level and remains an encouraging long-term prospect for Spurs.
Building Spurs’ future
This summer is pivotal for Tottenham. The current squad has a combination of proven performers, young talent and players with uncertain futures.
Building a core around those identified to stay, while moving on from the players listed to sell, will provide the balance needed between experience, potential and squad depth.
By making these decisive moves, the club can free up funds to invest in younger, high-potential recruits and begin building a more competitive side capable of progressing in the Premier League.
Have something to tell us about this article?
English (US) ·