It has been a difficult campaign for Tottenham Hotspur on many levels. The UEFA Champions League finalists of last season are staring at the prospect of missing out on European football completely the next term, as they are eighth in the Premier League table.
After a sloppy start to the season, Spurs sacked Mauricio Pochettino and brought in Jose Mourinho. But after the early-spring under the new boss, results were on a downslide prior to the season getting suspended.
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Given Jose’s reputation, it is almost a given that there will be changes made to the current squad come summer. But who will be shown the doors and who’ll survive the axe? We take a look at the possibilities;
Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris
The Tottenham club captain has shown signs of age catching up with him this season. And while there have been reports of Spurs looking for a long-term replacement for Lloris, given the financial situation, it is likely that they will focus on areas which need immediate strengthening. Moreover, he still has two years on his contract.
Verdict: Stays.
Paulo Gazzaniga
Got an extended run in the first-team this season due to Lloris’ injury, but he didn’t actually convince enough. But he is expected to stay put, although will be pushed by academy man Alfie Whiteman for the second-choice spot.
Verdict: Stays.
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Michel Vorm
The veteran Dutchman was released by Spurs last summer, but was re-signed in October after Lloris’ injury. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, he will be let go of once again.
Verdict: Leaves.
Defence
Davinson Sanchez
The Colombian international has blown hot and cold over the course of the season. Spurs’ poor defensive record this term means there will be reinforcements arriving in the summer. But Sanchez is likely to survive the axe, given his age and glimpses of quality he has shown.
Verdict: Stays.
Toby Alderweireld
After almost a year of speculations, the Belgian international finally put pen to a new contract immediately after Jose’s arrival. Has been a mainstay for Spurs and will continue to do so.
Verdict: Stays.
Jan Vertonghen
Another veteran who has shown signs of slowing down. Vertonghen’s contract is on the verge of expiry and he has dropped hints that he will be on the move this summer.
Verdict: Leaves.
Juan Foyth
The 22-year-old Argentine finds himself in a difficult position heading into the summer. Injuries have meant he has hardly played this season. Versatile, full of potential, yet still prone to errors, there is a strong chance he could be allowed to leave this summer, with the player himself admitting so.
Verdict: Leaves.
Japhet Tanganga
Jose Mourinho’s pet project at Tottenham, the academy man has risen to great heights in recent months. Handed an opportunity by the Portuguese at the first-team level, Tanganga has repaid the faith with some fine performances.
But there is some lack of clarity with his contractual situation. His current deal is set to expire this summer, but reports have claimed that Tottenham have already triggered a one-year extension option. Given how highly Mourinho rates him, a new deal is a strong possibility.
Verdict: Stays.
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Ben Davies
The senior left-back in the squad currently, Davies has missed large chunks of this season due to injury. With Danny Rose, who is on loan to Newcastle United currently, likely to leave permanently come summer, the Welshman will have a major role to play.
Verdict: Stays.
Ryan Sessegnon
The summer signing is full of potential and has shown his capabilities during his time at Fulham. His debut season at Tottenham hasn’t been a roaring success, but expect him to step it up a notch next season.
Verdict: Stays.
Serge Aurier
Inconsistent and error-prone, Aurier has done little to help his cause this season. The 27-year-old recently courted controversy after flouting lockdown rules by training together with a teammate last week. His future is uncertain and there seems to be some interest from AC Milan.
Plus, Tottenham are linked heavily with a new right-back as well. Probably the Ivorian’s time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is nearing an end.
Verdict: Leaves.
Midfielders
Eric Dier
Set to enter the final year of his contract, Dier hasn’t had the best of seasons. However, he is a player Mourinho admires, which should earn him time to prove himself.
Verdict: Stays.
Oliver Skipp
The academy graduate is held in very high regard within the club. With Tottenham’s midfield not impressing all that much this term, expect Skipp to get more first-team involvement moving forward.
Verdict: Stays.
Tanguy Ndombele
The club-record signing has struggled to adapt in England, has been criticized heavily by Mourinho and now finds himself linked with Barcelona. All things point towards an exit, but there is plenty of potential and given that Tottenham invested so heavily on him, they are likely to give him another season to come good.
Verdict: Stays.
Giovani Lo Celso
The Argentine midfielder has done well so far in his stint at Tottenham, so much so that they signed him on a permanent basis in January.
Verdict: Stays.
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Moussa Sissoko
The Frenchman has grown into a key member of the team with his energy and work-rate. His injury-enforced absence has been a problem for Spurs this season, but he is expected to stay put.
Verdict: Stays.
Harry Winks
The academy graduate has been one of Spurs’ most consistent performers under Mourinho.
Verdict: Stays.
Gedson Fernandes
Signed on an 18-month loan deal only in January, Gedson Fernandes is yet to make a solid impression at Tottenham. However, he is someone who is held in very high regard in Portugal and could grow into an important player next season.
Verdict: Stays.
Dele Alli
The England international struggled early on in the season but seemed to have returned to his best under Mourinho. However, his form once again nosedived prior to the season getting suspended. Still, remains one of the best players in the team and will have a key role to play going forward
Verdict: Stays.
Attackers
Son Heung-min
An integral player in the Spurs’ attack, Son is their second-highest goalscorer this season. He is here to stay.
Verdict: Stays.
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Steven Bergwijn
Signed in January, the Dutchman made an instant impact before injury cut his season short. Has everything needed to grow into a key man for Spurs.
Verdict: Stays.
Lucas Moura
The former PSG man’s form has been up and down this season, but his ability to change the game at any moment makes him a valuable asset.
Verdict: Stays.
Erik Lamela
The Argentine has struggled to get back to his best since his hip surgery a few years ago. With Mourinho having enough options in his position, the 28-year-old's stint at Tottenham could be coming to an end this summer.
Verdict: Leaves.
Harry Kane
The England captain kicked up the hornet’s nest when he claimed he will leave Tottenham if he feels the club won’t match his ambitions. Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus have all taken a keen interest in the situation.
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But the prevailing financial circumstances, coupled with Spurs’ valuation of £200 million might be enough for Tottenham to hold on to their star striker for another year at least.
Verdict: Stays.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Glyn Kirk
