There were some clear priorities for Spurs prior in this transfer window:
- Getting rid of the deadwood
The big success of this summer was that we were finally able to clear out the players Pochettino had decided were surplus to requirements. We didn’t quite recover all the money we spent on the likes of Paulinho and Soldado but considering their recent form, Daniel Levy worked miracles.
We bolstered our transfer pot, reduced the wage bill and maybe most importantly improved morale. There was just one failure – Emmanuel Adebayor.
- Cover at right back
Kieren Trippier looks a useful signing, especially with his noted ability to supply accurate crosses from wide positions. It’s just a shame we haven’t seen him in a Premier League game as of yet.
- A more mobile, skilful centre back
As I’ve written in previous posts, Alderweireld was the most obvious signing of the summer. He fits the bill perfectly and is the one new signing to have already made an impact.
- Pace and creativity
Moves for Clinton N’Jie and Son Heung-min seem promising but as we left it traditionally late in the window to sign them, we are yet to see either on the pitch. I can’t wait to see how they do.
- A defensive midfielder
Spurs were linked with several holding players, from the unlikely (Sven Bender) to the more believable (Victor Wanyama) but nobody arrived. Dier has looked much improved of late in his new midfield role but it remains to be seen if the failure to land a more experienced alternative will come back to haunt us.
- Cover for Kane
The biggest black mark against Spurs this window was the failure to sign a centre forward. We are relying entirely on a 22 year old with half a Premier League season under his belt. I’m pretty confident in Kane’s ability but whose is going to play in the Europa League, let alone if Kane were to get injured?
Chadli is one possibility but he patently doesn’t have the experience or the instincts to play in what is a very specialised role. Son and N’Jie equally are not used to playing at number nine.
It reminds me of the position we found ourselves in a couple of years ago, when we had to turn to Clint Dempsey to lead the line. Scoring goals arriving late from midfield is not the same as playing up front with your back to goal and the full attention of the opposition defence.
It was unfortunate that the Berahino transfer fell through at the last minute. We don’t have the resources of a Chelsea or Manchester City but surely we should have had a temporary back up? Even a journeyman stopgap would be better than nobody at all.
How did Spurs do this transfer window? Who would you like to have seen us sign? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Anything But Penalties 
i think we finally got a team together that we can build upon
I agree. We have a solid, young core. It’s just our lack of cover in the short term that worries me.
We have had too many stopgaps in the past, which is one reason we had so much dead wood. You get the right players or promote the talent already in the youth ranks. Better no back-up centre forward than a “stopgap.” In fact we have a number of young players who now get the chance to step up. I feel optimistic!
Generally I would agree with you but we don’t have a number 9 in the youth team ready to step up.
Let’s hope that Son can make his debut tomorrow! It would be great to see him inject some pace and directness to our attack.