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Spurs became the only club in Premier League history to not sign or sell any players in the summer but, while some were quick to bemoan Mauricio Pochettino and co for their inactivity, the ins of previous windows have stepped up to the plate and the impact of the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Lucas Moura has been finally felt.
The latter, in particular, got off to a flying start as he scored three times in the opening three games of the season on his way to being named the August Player of the Month, but he was a spare part at Wembley last season as he contributed to just one goal in six appearances in the Premier League after moving from PSG in January.
In light of an emphatic victory over capital rivals Chelsea on Saturday, there seems to be little that can be done to dramatically improve the squad – as has been the case in previous years as the Lilywhites establish themselves as one of the most consistent sides in the league.
However, with Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose repeatedly succumbing to injury and Harry Kane’s indispensability becoming ever more apparent as weeks go by, we take a look at three players who could be brought in early next year with the aim to being crucial members of the squad going into the 2019/20 season.
So, who can be Spurs’ next Moura?
Harry Kane has meteorically risen to his status as one of the world’s best strikers, but beyond him, Spurs lack a quality centre-forward of that ilk. Fernando Llorente is surely on his way out, Vincent Janssen doesn’t seem likely to make the grade and, while he is capable of playing down the middle, Heung-min Son is more naturally a winger as he lacks the hold-up play qualities.
The perfect signing to play understudy to Kane? Michy Batshuayi. A proven super sub, the 25-year-old’s brace for the national side the other week showed he has the instinct to score goals.
It is a surprise that the £36m former Marseille man hasn’t been given a proper shot at Stamford Bridge but Pochettino should capitalise by rescuing him from his loan limbo.
With Danny Rose almost perennially sidelined, Ben Davies remains the only fit left back available and this should be a huge concern for the Spurs high ups.
Ricardo Rodriguez would provide fantastic competition for Davies and perhaps offer more of a threat going forward – the Swiss has chalked up three goals and four assists this season, phenomenal figures for a full-back.
At 26 years old, the former Wolfsburg man is entering the peak of his powers and is valued at just £13.5m by Transfermarkt – although AC Milan would likely expect more for his services.
As Dembele is now the wrong side of 30 and struggling to stay fit, a replacement for him should be of utmost importance and Ndombele fits the bill pretty nicely – as well as being as close to the Belgian’s namesake as you can get.
Like the former Fulham man, the 21-year-old is a powerful runner who is capable of turning defence into attack quickly and his performances for Lyon this season have not gone unnoticed – Everton recently joined the race for the Frenchman of which Spurs are in fact reportedly part of.
The former Amiens man is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt but will surely cost Spurs more than that – regardless, they should have no doubts about meeting whatever price Lyon set as he would hold down the midfield with Harry Winks for years to come.
However, his impact may not be instantaneous – Moura proved that the Prem is a big step up from Ligue 1 and there may be a transition period, meaning his true quality may be seen as late as next season.
