We have to acknowledge that the vast majority of our players are well aware that there would be queues of far wealthier suitors lining the Seven Sisters were they to announce their intention to leave. In fact, every single one of our starting XI bar possibly Dembele due to his age and injury problems would find a new club and treble or even quadruple their wages in a heartbeat. So what keeps them at Spurs?
The belief that they are a crucial part of a very special project. This is something that Poch has emphasised repeatedly and is constantly overlooked by the media who blithely assume that more money = happier squad. It absolutely doesn't. We have without question the best team spirit and atmosphere in the league if not the country and is palpable to all who care to notice it. This group of players have the chance to make history - not just to piss off somewhere to be a galactico in a team of galacticos with so many trophies they need personal museums. I mean real, genuine history. The kind written by Leicester last year, by United in 99, by the double team in 61. The kind that people never forget.
I hate to say it, but in 50 years time will anyone remember that a guy called Gareth Bale played for Madrid? Not many. And if they do, will the recall that time fondly? I doubt it. But if Dele Alli, a player plucked from lower league obscurity, helps Spurs to lift the title for the first time in almost 60 years in a brand new stadium....that is the stuff of legends.
I would like to think that most of this group appreciate that next season at Wembley could be really, really tough. I would like to think that they will have the patience and foresight to grin and bear it long enough for the Big Push in our first year at the new stadium.