Tottenham’s honest summer transfer window assessment and who they could now target in January

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• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

Tottenham Hotspur have had a fruitful summer on the transfer front, making a host of exciting signings for the present and for the future.

Spurs hit the ground running with the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United and also got South Korean prodigy Yang Min-hyuk on their books from Gangwon FC.

Tottenham then went on to break their transfer record with the signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth before snapping up Wilson Odobert from Burnley.

In addition, Spurs have re-signed Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig, and Lucas Bergvall has arrived from Djurgarden after a deal was struck earlier this year.

Tottenham also parted company with a host of players, as the likes of Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Joe Rodon, Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojberg left.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now spoken to The Spurs News about how Tottenham feel their transfer window went, and also who they could look to sign in January.

Tottenham’s assessment of the summer transfer window

Overall, Tottenham are happy with what they did in the summer transfer window.

Spurs got some business done early in the summer window, which is something they like to do now, and they managed to bolster their front line, which they’ve wanted to do for a while.

There was also lots of opportunism from Tottenham in terms of transfer business, as seen with the signings of Gray and, earlier this year, Bergvall.

Gray, Bergvall and Odobert are seen as special talents, and Spurs hope all three can go on to make an impact on the latter stage of the season.

The majority of Tottenham’s budget went on Solanke. His signing may have split opinion among fans but he does make Spurs a lot stronger.

Ange Postecoglou will have signed off on the deal, so clearly he thinks the England international is a good fit for his setup and style of play.

Tottenham went into the summer with a mindset that Richarlison may have left as Saudi Arabian clubs circled. Spurs were never looking to force him out though.

The Lilywhites would’ve liked another right-back, but they’re willing to give Djed Spence a chance as a back-up to Pedro Porro.

Spurs would have also liked another midfielder, what with Hojbjerg, Skipp and Lo Celso all going.

What Tottenham could have in mind for January transfer window

Spurs do wonder whether they might be a body light in there, which has led to interest in one of Serie A’s most exciting midfield gems.

Torino ace Samuele Ricci is now on Tottenham’s radar. The 23-year-old is a top young player who made his first starts for Italy this month.

In March 2020, Pianeta Serie B reported that Ricci has been inspired by Azzurri legend Andrea Pirlo.

Tuttosport say that Torino have valued Ricci at least £25million, having turned down a £17million bid from Fulham in the summer.

Tottenham were also looking at centre-backs in the summer, although they’re happy with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, plus with Radu Dragusin as back-up.

At the same time, it’s somewhat surprising that they allowed Ashley Phillips to go out on loan, though they clearly felt he needs a full season in the Championship to develop.

Centre-back might be something Spurs look at in January, depending on the injury/fatigue situation. Van de Ven is proving a little injury prone, but if Spurs stay injury-free, then they may not prioritising.

Tottenham will also consider looking for an upgrade on Ben Davies in future, although this will probably be more of a summer task rather than in January – again, depending on the injury situation.