'Our priority...': Tottenham fans will love Vinai Venkatesham's transfer pledge, but there's a catch

With the January transfer window open, Tottenham fans are hoping and expecting some big moves from the club, but will they happen?

We’ve already seen Tottenham strengthen the squad, with Conor Gallagher arriving this month and Souza expected to follow soon.

To what extent we will see more confirmed January deals for Spurs is another matter. It’s thought the Lilywhites are still looking for a left winger and a creative midfielder.

Getting recruitment done correctly is more important than getting it done quickly, though, and Vinai Venkatesham clearly agrees with that sentiment.

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Vinai Venkatesham promises ambitious recruitment at Tottenham

Discussing his plans for the club in the transfer market, Venkatesham made some bold promises to Tottenham fans in a message in the matchday programme for the West Ham game, with the caveat that we might have to wait until the summer to see the plans come to fruition.

He said: “We believe in our current squad, but must add more quality, experience and leadership to compete consistently at the highest level. Doing so requires a more proactive approach to recruitment, alongside a wage structure that supports our ambition.

“We are fully focused on strengthening the squad in January where the right opportunities exist, while recognising that the most significant player trading activity typically comes in summer windows. Our priority is to make signings that genuinely move us forward and we will be disciplined against that aim.

“Player trading is also about knowing when to sell and being decisive about moving players on who are not part of our future. Doing so is essential to maximising value and managing our financial fair play obligations. Despite common belief, we are not immune to these rules and must carefully manage our squad development plans against them.”

So, while the club is eager and willing to recruit with ambition, it sounds like fans need to be prepared to wait a little while for that to happen, and to expect more departures to balance the books.

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After mistakes in the market, a more methodical approach is wise

We often lament the time it takes Spurs to get transfer deals done, but to be fair, there’s nothing worse than a rushed signing that has little to no impact and doesn’t suit the system.

You look at the likes of Radu Dragusin, Bryan Gil, Alejo Veliz, and Timo Werner in recent years. They are all short-sighted signings that failed to improve the Tottenham squad and have either moved on or are due to leave very soon.

If Spurs are intent on truly re-establishing themselves as part of the Big Six and competing for trophies, it’s not enough to spend big money or sign lots of players; they have to be the right players.