Tottenham Hotspur’s 2025 Transfer Priorities: Positions, Challenges, and Opportunities
As Tottenham Hotspur continues to reshape their identity under Ange Postecoglou, injuries and form dictate much of their upcoming transfer strategy. Guglielmo Vicario’s recent ankle surgery adds urgency to an already complex scenario, leaving questions about depth and quality in several positions. Here’s a breakdown of Tottenham’s potential moves in 2025, along with insights into the key challenges facing their squad, as reported by The Athletic.
Goalkeeping Dilemmas Following Vicario’s Injury
The injury to Guglielmo Vicario has left Spurs in a precarious position. With Fraser Forster stepping in temporarily, the gap in quality between the two goalkeepers is apparent. Forster’s lack of comfort in building play from the back, a hallmark of Postecoglou’s system, exacerbates the issue.
Despite calls for a short-term fix in the January window, Postecoglou was firm: “That’s not going to happen. I don’t think us signing a free agent now is going to help us.” This effectively rules out options like Keylor Navas or Loris Karius, leaving Spurs with the difficult task of weathering the storm until Vicario recovers.
Defensive Depth: A Persistent Concern
Injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have exposed a lack of depth at centre-back. Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are currently holding the fort, with Archie Gray offering occasional support. Dragusin’s improvement under Postecoglou is a positive sign, but with clubs like Napoli showing interest, Spurs will need to ensure they retain and further develop his potential.
Further reinforcements, such as Luka Vuskovic, will arrive soon. The Croatian teenager is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects, but at just 17 years old, he may not offer immediate relief. His eventual integration into the squad reflects Tottenham’s commitment to long-term planning, but the short-term vulnerabilities remain.
Wide Areas Lacking Spark
Tottenham’s struggles in wide positions are another area of concern. While Wilson Odobert was signed to add dynamism, injuries have limited his impact, with only three starts this season. Combined with the absence of Richarlison, Spurs are short on players capable of breaking down defences one-on-one.
Postecoglou acknowledged the issue in a recent press conference, stating, “January is always a tricky one… If by January we get two or three back, we may not need to [sign anyone]. But we’ll see as it goes.” This pragmatic approach highlights the unpredictability of the January window but underscores the need for increased firepower.
Sales to Shape Future Transfers
Player sales are expected to play a significant role in shaping Spurs’ transfer activity. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is likely to make his loan to Marseille permanent, while Richarlison’s future remains uncertain. Since his £50 million move from Everton in 2022, the Brazilian has struggled with form and fitness, managing only 12 Premier League goals.
Despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Richarlison could return to the market in 2025. If he regains fitness and form, Spurs might look to recoup their investment, especially with lucrative offers potentially coming from Saudi Arabia.
Young Talent to Watch: Yang Min-Hyeok and Luka Vuskovic
Tottenham’s investment in youth continues with the arrivals of Yang Min-Hyeok and Luka Vuskovic. Yang, a South Korean winger, will provide additional options in wide areas once he adapts to the Premier League’s demands. Vuskovic, on the other hand, represents a longer-term project but offers exciting potential for the defence.
These signings align with Postecoglou’s philosophy of building for the future while maintaining a competitive edge in the present. Their development will be closely watched as Spurs navigate the challenges of balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Tottenham fan’s perspective, the future holds both promise and uncertainty. The injury to Vicario is a blow, but Fraser Forster has the experience to step up, even if he doesn’t perfectly fit Postecoglou’s style. Supporters will hope the team can weather this period without too much damage to their league position.
Defensively, the rise of Dragusin offers hope, but injuries to Romero and Van de Ven highlight the need for reinforcements. Fans are particularly excited about Luka Vuskovic, who could become a cornerstone of the defence in years to come. However, immediate concerns about depth may require creative solutions in January.
In wide areas, the lack of attacking spark is frustrating, but the signing of Yang Min-Hyeok is an intriguing development. Spurs fans will eagerly await his debut, hoping he can replicate the success of other South Korean stars in the Premier League.
The potential sale of Richarlison divides opinion. While his performances haven’t justified his price tag, his work ethic and ability to produce moments of magic make him a valuable asset when fit. Fans will watch closely to see if Postecoglou can reignite his career or if a sale becomes inevitable.
Overall, Tottenham fans remain cautiously optimistic. Under Postecoglou, the team has shown glimpses of a brighter future, and while challenges persist, the long-term vision is clear. January could be a defining moment in their season, but Spurs supporters are confident their manager will steer them through.
