Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Tue 18 March 2025 22:13, UK

Tottenham Hotspur will be under immense pressure this summer to invest heavily in the transfer market and improve on their dreadful domestic season.

Daniel Levy is already in most Spurs fans’ bad books with the consensus that the long-serving chairman is prioritising business interests over the team’s success.

Ange Postecoglou’s future in North London hinges on winning the Europa League this season, and should he remain in post beyond the summer, he will want serious reinforcements in the squad.

One prospect Tottenham are reportedly interested in is Sunderland attacking midfielder Jobe Bellingham, the 19-year-old brother of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude.

Sunderland deal could affect Tottenham over Bellingham

Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs monitoring Bellingham but Sunderland may have figured out a way to keep him, finance expert Dan Plumley has told Mackem News (18 March).

The Black Cats, currently fourth and chasing promotion from the Championship, are arranging an agreement with US financiers MSD Holdings over an immediate £35million loan (The Sun on Sunday, pg 55, 2 March), which would give them the financial comfort to keep hold of their prized assets.

This would undoubtedly include Bellingham, who was prised from Birmingham City in 2023 due to the player’s family history with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman at St Andrews, as well as now-departed coach Mike Dodds who has become Wycombe Wanderers manager.

Chelsea and Crystal Palace are suggested to be offering the England Under-21 star another Premier League route to London, with Tottenham having previously sent scouts especially to watch Bellingham – who is currently away on international duty.

Plumley said of Sunderland’s agreement: “The likes of Bellingham, Chris Rigg, if they want to sell them, they’re going to command a fee.

“But maybe using some of these borrowings or having these borrowings means you don’t have to sell them.”

Postecoglou may not want to stay without heavy investment

Postecoglou has cut a frustrated and agitated figure for months now, with his employment surely now only resting on Tottenham’s continued competition in Europe.

Should the Australian steer Spurs to cup glory, it will be their first trophy for 17 years and could ironically turn a dismal campaign into a memorable one for the right reasons.

The last time Tottenham lifted major silverware – the 2007-08 League Cup – did also coincide with the last time they finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table, which looks their destiny this year.

Postecoglou could remain in the job if Spurs make a good showing of themselves between now and the end of the season, but may not even wish to stay and endure further stress if Levy is not willing to invest at the same level as their rivals.

To sign a player like Bellingham would stamp down a marker, but more will be needed to sustain a proper challenge on all fronts in 2025-26.