The Spurs thread | 2016-2017 season | Serious thread - wummers/derailers will be threadbanned

[balaks]

Do you think any of your core players will leave, or look for a better deal? If they're all signed up to relatively long contracts, I don't see how they can leave, which suggests that people are talking nonsense and silly season has started.

It's possible sure but I'd like to think that most of them will want to stay at Spurs for the next few years at least - we are a team on the up, full of exciting young players so it's an attractive place to be for a talented player. Like Glaston said the team can be improved but that doesnt necessarily mean having to focus on the 'big names' with inflated transfer fees, there are really good players out there who we could attract who wouldnt cost the earth.

A long contract doesnt stop a player leaving, it does mean we can demand a premium in transfer fees though if they do leave.

 

[KM]

It's simple really, they can't continue to ask big money for players when other clubs come calling and then don't pay them the wages that other teams around them are paying.

 

[DanClancy]

Yeah - I think that we will have to seriously look at our wages structure now. More money is flowing into the Premiership every season and its having an impact on transfer fees and wages. Levy is a very smart guy and of course he will be aware of this - he will do what he thinks is right for the club but whether that means paying £100k+ to our top players or selling them to buy young players we can develop into top players I guess we will find out. The fact is though that we are simply not in a position financially to offer the sort of wages that the likes of Utd can and will be unlikely to do that for the forseeable future.

I find it a bit sad that some fans of bigger clubs like to bash clubs like Spurs who dont have the same resources for not paying massive wages.

Fans can be ignorant of the financial situation of other clubs. This is probably the best Spurs team in 50 years and if could keep together would challenge for the league for the next few years, unfortunately for you lot moving to Wembley is going to cost you points; I think you've won something like 17 and drawn 2 at WHL this season which will be very difficult to replicate. I think Levy would settle for finishing top 4 against next season if you offered it him now.

Financially Spurs have relied on selling squad players in recent years to finance purchases, looking at the squad there probably isn't much left to sell so can shy he's prepared to let Walker leave.

How much is the new stadium costing?

 

[balaks]

It's simple really, they can't continue to ask big money for players when other clubs come calling and then don't pay them the wages that other teams around them are paying.

Sure we can - if we have a player other teams want and we have them on a long contract then it's fair enough for us to demand a very high transfer fee - every other club would do the same. Our wage structure has nothing to do with that.

 

[KM]

Sure we can - if we have a player other teams want and we have them on a long contract then it's fair enough for us to demand a very high transfer fee - every other club would do the same. Our wage structure has nothing to do with that.

Well ofcourse you can, I didn't mean it that way just said that inevitably that you'll have players who would want to leave if you guys don't want to break your wage structure.

 

[balaks]

Well ofcourse you can, I didn't mean it that way just said that inevitably that you'll have players who would want to leave if you guys don't want to break your wage structure.

Maybe, though like I said it depends on Levy really. He might decide to increase the wages we pay.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

Judging from how Glaston describes this mythical stadium, I think players are going to take pay cuts to stay there so the wage structure is going to go down.

 

[Mciahel Goodman]

It's possible sure but I'd like to think that most of them will want to stay at Spurs for the next few years at least - we are a team on the up, full of exciting young players so it's an attractive place to be for a talented player. Like Glaston said the team can be improved but that doesnt necessarily mean having to focus on the 'big names' with inflated transfer fees, there are really good players out there who we could attract who wouldnt cost the earth.

A long contract doesnt stop a player leaving, it does mean we can demand a premium in transfer fees though if they do leave.

I get what you say, although part of me thinks that the modern day player cares less about the long term and more about the now. Different for the likes of Kane, perhaps, as he has club loyalty. But with others you've brought in, enjoying good form and attracting a lot of interest, the temptation must be there if another top side offers them double the wage.

Interesting summer ahead.

 

[balaks]

I get what you say, although part of me thinks that the modern day player cares less about the long term and more about the now. Different for the likes of Kane, perhaps, as he has club loyalty. But with others you've brought in, enjoying good form and attracting a lot of interest, the temptation must be there if another top side offers them double the wage.

Interesting summer ahead.

Yeah it will be interesting. I've honestly no idea which way it will go.

 

[GlastonSpur]

It's simple really, they can't continue to ask big money for players when other clubs come calling and then don't pay them the wages that other teams around them are paying.

We're not asking for big money. We're not asking for any money. This is for the simple reason that we have no desire or need to sell.

If the managers or owners of other clubs want to place high valuations on our players, then that's entirely up to them, but it really has little to do with Spurs.

There is this ridiculous notion that seems to have taken root in some circles that if club X apparently places a huge valuation on a player at another club, then the club that owns the player has to (or should) immediately hugely boost that player's wages. It's a notion that players' agents are obvious keen to foster, but it bears little relation to the way that Levy operates.

At Spurs, wage increases are generally offered according to merit, and if merited are offered at frequent intervals in (relatively) small increments. If some other clubs choose to offer huge wage increases to players that don't really merit them, or to attract big names, or to try and buy player loyalty, then that's their lookout. The downside of this approach - apart from the huge wages bill - comes when/if they want to offload the player, but can't because no other club will pay said wages.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Dier, Walker, Rose, Delly all want out - it's only going to get worse for Spurs unless they start paying proper wages.

edit: already been posted above.

But interesting stuff. I wonder what the mid to long term strategy is for Levy? @GlastonSpur keeps having a pop at Utd for splashing the cash but it's modern football, you have to pay the big money to the better players now.

Pretty sure DiMarzio said something about Alderweireld as well.

EDIT:

 

[3KDré]

If there is even a slight chance of Alderweireld becoming available, not being all over that would be a foolish error.

 

[DanClancy]

GlastonSpur is just burying his head in the sand, football moves quickly as do the wages to reflect that and a players reputation can be enhanced over a matter of months.

 

[GlastonSpur]

GlastonSpur is just burying his head in the sand, football moves quickly as do the wages to reflect that and a players reputation can be enhanced over a matter of months.

Contracts generally span years, not months. And in the case of most of our best players, the contracts have many years to run.

I know it's fashionable to regard contracts as meaningless in the face of "player power", but a player has to be very unhappy to kick up much fuss when they've just signed a new, long contract. And I rather think it's some opposition fans burying their heads in the sand if they imagine that the Spurs' squad contains any star players who are very unhappy.

 

[DanClancy]

Contracts generally span years, not months. And in the case of most of our best players, the contracts have many years to run.

I know it's fashionable to regard contracts as meaningless in the face of "player power", but a player has to be very unhappy to kick up much fuss when they've just signed a new, long contract. And I rather think it's some opposition fans burying their heads in the sand if they imagine that the Spurs' squad contains any star players who are very unhappy.

Well one of your ex players has gone on the radio this morning and said he knows that Rose, Walker & Dier aren't happy.

Lets see what happens this summer and see if Spurs can break a habit of a lifetime and hang on their best players.

 

[hellohello]

Well one of your ex players has gone on the radio this morning and said he knows that Rose, Walker & Dier aren't happy.

Lets see what happens this summer and see if Spurs can break a habit of a lifetime and hang on their best players.

Really? Do you have a link? Who said that?

 

[Jimmy Skitz]

if Spurs want to keep they they will simply have to pay them and break their wage structure, if you lose them it will be Levy's fault

 

[GlastonSpur]

Well one of your ex players has gone on the radio this morning and said he knows that Rose, Walker & Dier aren't happy.

Lets see what happens this summer and see if Spurs can break a habit of a lifetime and hang on their best players.

Firstly, there's a difference between not (allegedly) being happy and being so unhappy that you kick up a fuss about wanting to leave. Second, none of those players are amongst the group that I'd call key stars. Third, the story may well be bollocks, as many such stories are. Fourth, Pochettino has said that no player will be sold this summer that Spurs don't want to sell: if to comes to believing Pochettino or some ex-player, then I know which one my money is on.

That doesn't mean that none of those three players will be sold this summer. In fact I think it's quite possible that Walker will be sold (assuming we get a lot of money for him, because Trippier is a decent replacement anyway and we have a )talented academy prospect - Kyle Walker-Peters - for the RB slot that could come in as Trippier's understudy), but not all three.

 

[DanClancy]

Really? Do you have a link? Who said that?

Danny Murphy on talksport, I was very surprised he said it.

 

[hellohello]

Danny Murphy on talksport, I was very surprised he said it.

Yeah me too, and that is very specific as well. I'm especially surprised about Rose since he seems to absolutely Pochettino. I suspect it may have been something said in isolation about wanting more money or something like that rather than being overall unhappy though, and also not meant for Murphy to tell everyone. We will see what happens.

 

[DanClancy]

Yeah me too, and that is very specific as well. I'm especially surprised about Rose since he seems to absolutely Pochettino. I suspect it may have been something said in isolation about wanting more money or something like that rather than being overall unhappy though, and also not meant for Murphy to tell everyone. We will see what happens.

He claims Spurs have a problem given the wage structure and they have to do something about given the amount of top players they now have. I think its an unusual situation and I can't make any comparison with it in English football, Spurs probably have at least 6 players who are amongst the best in their position in the league who's wages probably don't reflect. Keeping them all happy will be impossible.

 

[K2K]

Contracts generally span years, not months. And in the case of most of our best players, the contracts have many years to run.

I know it's fashionable to regard contracts as meaningless in the face of "player power", but a player has to be very unhappy to kick up much fuss when they've just signed a new, long contract. And I rather think it's some opposition fans burying their heads in the sand if they imagine that the Spurs' squad contains any star players who are very unhappy.

Alderwereld had an agreement with Southampton and still screwed them over.

What's to say he might not do that at Spurs?

Maybe it's because I've been burnt with the Rooney saga, but I think you are seriously underestimating football agents greed.

Players are not as loyal as you want to believe.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Spurs are playing all their home games at Wembley next season too, not that shithole WHL with the tiny pitch

 

[K2K]

Yeah me too, and that is very specific as well. I'm especially surprised about Rose since he seems to absolutely Pochettino. I suspect it may have been something said in isolation about wanting more money or something like that rather than being overall unhappy though, and also not meant for Murphy to tell everyone. We will see what happens.

Is Kyle Walker a certainty to leave for City?

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

if Spurs want to keep they they will simply have to pay them and break their wage structure, if you lose them it will be Levy's fault

Il informed post we have been continually increasing our wage structure and will continue to do so as revenues grow.

Spurs are playing all their home games at Wembley next season too, not that shithole WHL with the tiny pitch

I'd say we will make the Wembley pitch the same size as the WHL pitch.

Is Kyle Walker a certainty to leave for City?

I think so, I'd say there is probably a deal already done.

 

[GlastonSpur]

Alderwereld had an agreement with Southampton and still screwed them over.

What's to say he might not do that at Spurs?

Maybe it's because I've been burnt with the Rooney saga, but I think you are seriously underestimating football agents greed.

Players are not as loyal as you want to believe.

Alderweireld was never owned by S'hampton. He was merely on loan to them, who had a £6.8 million option to buy him until Atlético cancelled the clause for £1.5 million in order to sell to the highest bidder.

Of course it's possible that he won't sign a new contract at Spurs, but then the current one runs for 3 more years, so that's not an imminent concern.

 

[K2K]

Alderweireld was never owned by S'hampton. He was merely on loan to them, who had a £6.8 million option to buy him until Atlético cancelled the clause for £1.5 million in order to sell to the highest bidder.

Of course it's possible that he won't sign a new contract at Spurs, but then the current one runs for 3 more years, so that's not an imminent concern.

And he asks to leave?

Players will do any thing to force moves nowadays. Even strikes.

Contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on. That applies not just to Spurs but all other clubs too.

I am just surprised why you think Spurs are immune to all that. I don't think United with all our money are either.

 

[Random Task]

Is Kyle Walker a certainty to leave for City?

There are a fair few media outlets running with the this story today, but nothing concrete as of yet. I'm hesitant to link the sources considering The Sun and The Daily Star are among those outlets, but I think it's safe to assume City are interested.

Apparently United are after Dier as well, £40 million being the quoted fee. Quality replacement for Carrick long term.

Real have shown an interest in Alli by all accounts.

Spurs will have a battle on their hands this summer, but that was to be expected considering the under paid talent they have at the club. If I were Jose I'd pay through the roof for Dele Alli.

 

[K2K]

I think so, I'd say there is probably a deal already done.

Tripier isn't a bad replacement though.

Do you think Dier might leave if United stump up the cash?

 

[Sandikan]

Spurs are playing all their home games at Wembley next season too, not that shithole WHL with the tiny pitch

I'm always bemused by this talk of "huge pitches" and "tight narrow pitches".
Does it really make much odds? Is it ACTUALLY the few metres variance that makes any difference, or is it actually the surroundings?

ie Wembley, iconic ground, miles from the pitch, game raiser of a pitch.
White Hart Lane, crowd close to the pitch, actually their home venue etc

 

[K2K]

There are a fair few media outlets running with the this story today, but nothing concrete as of yet. I'm hesitant to link the sources considering The Sun and The Daily Star are among those outlets, but I think it's safe to assume City are interested.

Apparently United are after Dier as well, £40 million being the quoted fee. Quality replacement for Carrick long term.

Real have shown an interest in Alli as well by all accounts.

Spurs will have a battle on their hands this summer, but that was to be expected considering the under paid talent they have at the club. If I were Jose I'd pay through the roof for Dele Alli.

I'm basing it on the fact that Pochetino is dropping him regularly now.

And Pep has made no secret of his need for a full back.

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

Tripier isn't a bad replacement though.

Do you think Dier might leave if United stump up the cash?

Dier isn't unhappy due to wages it's that he's not getting to play in the midfield week in week out. He doesn't like the utility man tag, apparently that's the story. I don't think he will be sold this summer no, unless for a massive fee and I mean a ridiculous fee and I don't think he would force a move. I can't see a mass exodus as predicted by some fans.

 

[Dante]

It'd be hilarious if they finish with 86 points, the best defense in the league, the best attack in the league, but still only 2nd. That'd be such a Spurs thing to do.

 

[Amadaeus]

Pochettino is ruthless. I would have him here before Messi. Next season will really be a big indicator of the progress he is making with his Spurs team. If he prioritize champion league, their league form will suffer and vice versa. So it will be interesting to see how he balance the two. Moreover, who he adds to his team. I heard rumor of Douglas Costa. Which is the type of player they need, e.g., flair attacker who can go past player. Another gem in the mold of Wanyama they could get is Traore from Middlesbrough.

 

[sizzling sausages]

Pochettino is ruthless. I would have him here before Messi. Next season will really be a big indicator of the progress he is making with his Spurs team. If he prioritize champion league, their league form will suffer and vice versa. So it will be interesting to see how he balance the two. Moreover, who he adds to his team. I heard rumor of Douglas Costa. Which is the type of player they need, e.g., flair attacker who can go past player. Another gem in the mold of Wanyama they could get is Traore from Middlesbrough.

Adama? What makes him a gem?

 

[GlastonSpur]

Great wiki page for Filip Lesniak who came on for Spurs yesterday late in the 2nd half:

"He made his Premier League debut on 18 May 2017 against Leicester City, providing an assist, a ball described as 'laser guided' by Bein Sport's Carlton Palmer, to Harry Kane, who completed his fourth hat-trick of the season."

Lol ....

 

[CapitalismSucks]

Pochettino is ruthless. I would have him here before Messi. Next season will really be a big indicator of the progress he is making with his Spurs team. If he prioritize champion league, their league form will suffer and vice versa. So it will be interesting to see how he balance the two. Moreover, who he adds to his team. I heard rumor of Douglas Costa. Which is the type of player they need, e.g., flair attacker who can go past player. Another gem in the mold of Wanyama they could get is Traore from Middlesbrough.

Nice to see this forum starting to recognize Wanayma for what he is: A Gem.
Personally I think he`s been pretty much as good as Kante this season. I get Kante winning the plaudits with Chelsea being comfortably on top most of the season, but Wanyama is physically the biggest beast in the whole league from my point of view (have I overlooked anyone? I know I`m biased, but I`m inclined to say Wanyama & Dembele are 1&2 on a beast list), and contrary to what used to be the perception in here, he doesn`t give the ball away much. Plus, whatever dicipline issues he had previously, Poch looks to have coached that side out of him.
Seeing him brush off Ndidi while doing a 540 degree turn yesterday just made me laugh.

He is easy to overlook with the likes of Kane, Alli, Eriksen, Son, Alderweireld & Lloris in the side, but for me he has probably been THE most important reason (bar Poch of course) as to why we`ve progressed from last year.
Not sure he`d be the most loyal when the big guns come knocking as they are bound to though.

 

[stevieg4ever]

The evidence of the last few seasons says otherwise.

It's amazing how many posters on here are stuck in the money-money bubble and can't seem to see outside of it. But outside of the bubble there is a world of hidden and not-so-hidden gems to be unearthed, not to mention talented academy players.

Improving a team does not have to involve offering higher and higher wages or splashing out huge sums on transfer fees. There are several other routes.

Simple answer is that that is because your team wasn't as good now as it is then so harder to improve on. A few seasons ago you were right (when you have the likes of Paulinho, Soldado etc then yes). You aren't gonna suddenly stumble across someone better than Deli Alli, Kane, Eriksen and Dembele without a Levy of cash (sorry, bad pun). You've lucked out to some degree, but if you actually want a trophy you're gonna have to spend and that probably means breaking the £100,000 a week ceiling in the process.

 

[Nighteyes]

Every time I open this thread there's new Spurs on here ffs. We need to get to the bottom of this infestation.

 

[GlastonSpur]

Simple answer is that that is because your team wasn't as good now as it is then so harder to improve on. A few seasons ago you were right (when you have the likes of Paulinho, Soldado etc then yes). You aren't gonna suddenly stumble across someone better than Deli Alli, Kane, Eriksen and Dembele without a Levy of cash (sorry, bad pun). You've lucked out to some degree, but if you actually want a trophy you're gonna have to spend and that probably means breaking the £100,000 a week ceiling in the process.

Not necessarily true - the domestic cups depend a lot on the luck of the draw. Take the FA Cup semis this season for example, had we been drawn against Arsenal or even City, then our chances of reaching the final would have been odds-on, leaving a final against Chelsea (probably) ... a one off-game in which anything could happen and in which we might well not have handed Chelsea the game through the sort of stupid mistakes (e.g. Son giving away the pen) that marred the semi.

I agree that it's harder to improve the Spurs first XI now (through new signings) than it was 2 or 3 years ago, but the squad as a whole can still be improved without having to spend lots of money. For example, take Harry Winks from our academy: he broke into the first team squad last season and did really well until he got that bad injury. But he'll be back next season - and from what I've seen looks to be an absolute CM gem in the making. And there are 2 or 3 more highly rated talents from our academy in the pipeline behind Winks.

Every summer for the last several years I've been told that Spurs will be blown away by the big-spending clubs, and/or that we won't progress without attracting the talents that will only come if we break our wage structure big-time. But it's the doom-laded predictions of these Jeremiahs that have instead been blow away. Yes, it harder to progress further - but it's still do-able IMO by Spurs following the same path they've been on for a while now.