Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer window was very successful. They managed to bring in five new faces, three of which were albeit very late in the window, as well as hanging onto their top talent.
Harry Kane was one talent who was very unlikely to depart, but the England striker had attracted interest from Europe, particularly Napoli, who were keen to replace their departed £75 million centre forward Gonzalo Higuain.
But Spurs fans need not worry about losing the 23-year-old, though, with the striker ready to sign a deal worth around £120,000 per week and commit his long term future to the club.
Kane only signed a five and a half year contract in January, but the arrival of Moussa Sissoko on deadline day has thrown the club’s wage structure up in the air, and Daniel Levy is keen to provide Kane with a financial incentive to remain at the club.
The striker was unlikely to depart anyway, but the news that Spurs are serious about keeping their young forward for the long term future will be very reassuring to fans. Kane has been exceptional for the last two seasons, and is clearly England’s first choice centre forward going into the world cup qualifying campaign. If Tottenham are going to makr the jump from Champions League to title winners, they need Kane in their side for as long as possible.
Another of Spurs’ England contingent spoke to the media this week, and credits his rise to the national team set up to one man – his manager.
Danny Rose made his England debut in March, and has since established himself as the first choice left back for his country. The player claims that this is a result of his manager saying to the full back “if you buy into my philosophy, I’ll make you an England player.”
Pochettino has been proved right to put his faith in Rose, who was hardly established at White Hart Lane when the Argentine joined the club in 2014. Since then, however, the 26-year-old has developed into a strong defender, learning more about positioning and defensive intelligence in the tight Tottenham back four whilst still having the freedom to bomb forward and provide the team with width.
Rose has done this for England as well, and both club and country should thank Pochettino for turning this once average left back into a very good international player.
Finally, Hugo Lloris has provided a welcome boost to his side with the news that he may be fit for the club’s next Premier League fixture away to Stoke City.
Lloris was expected to be out for around four weeks when he picked up a hamstring injury on the opening day against Everton, but may be back slightly early in a timely return.
Spurs covered their backs over the window with the loan signing of Pau Lopez, but Michel Vorm has proved to be a more than adequate replacement, and made a series of excellent saves to rescue a draw for Tottenham against Liverpool.
Still, Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and Tottenham will be better for having him back in the team.
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