John Wenham points out the ‘luxurious’ struggle Tottenham have in the transfer market
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
The “luxurious” facilities and comfort of playing for a club like Tottenham make it difficult for unwanted players to be moved on, according to John Wenham.
Spurs have often been criticised in recent years for struggling to sell players, with plenty of squad members still on big contracts despite not fitting into Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Earlier this year Tottenham were forced to terminate Mat Doherty’s contract after he was set to be sent out on loan, which would have taken their total number of loan players up to nine, above FIFA’s limit of eight (Sky Sports News, 31 January).
This was just one example of Spurs’ difficulties in getting players to leave and the size of their current squad suggests those issues remain. Wenham has suggested that perhaps Tottenham themselves have created an environment that is far too comfortable.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I have been to Hotspur Way many times and it’s like walking around a seven-star golf club resort. It Is incredibly luxurious there, you’re living in London which sets you up to go anywhere you want in terms of travel.
“I don’t see these players being desperate to leave. They’re paid very well, they enjoy going to the training ground, they enjoy going to the stadium, it couldn’t be any more luxurious for them.
“There’s nowhere where you’re going to get better facilities. It has to be a good deal for the player to actually want to leave. It’s not always appealing unless it’s better terms, more money, or a better lifestyle, I wouldn’t go either.
“Hugo Lloris, for example, has two kids in school in Hampstead, a house there, he could just play a bit-part role and sit on his contract for another year.
“I hope Lloris goes because I want the club to move on, for Vicario’s own feeling to establish himself and make his way at the club, he needs Lloris gone. You can’t have the guy with the number one shirt and has been the keeper for 11 years hanging around.
“So hopefully some of these players go, but it is difficult to get them to go, unfortunately.
“Tottenham have made so many mistakes in the transfer market, handing these players long-term deals on huge amounts of money, that it’s not easy to move them on.
In other Tottenham News, Yves Bissouma is set to become a star under Ange Postecoglou after last season’s struggles.