Barella is phenomenal and it would be a hell of a coup if you got him. I’m not sure it’ll happen for you, he’s got a long contract and I haven’t seen anything about him wanting to leave Italy. But he’s a player I was wanting us to get when he was at Cagliari.
As for Spurs we obviously need a refit across the board. Raya is looking like he’ll be the goalkeeper, think he’s a very good keeper and if we can get him for more like 30m I think that’s decent business in today’s market. We need probably 2 or 3 CBs, at least one needs to be left footed or comfortable playing on that side. Midfield needs a big reshuffle. I like Maddison but slightly concerned about his injury record. A lot of fans like Alex Scott at Bristol, very talented youngster and a Spurs fan himself, which is always nice. Hatate at Celtic too. We probably have more players suited to playing at the base of midfield than we do viable options at 8 so I’d expect more recruitment there. Then forwards, assuming no outgoings, we probably need a backup winger, preferably one who can play either side. Obviously if Kane goes that changes everything but it’s not looking likely right now.
Expectations for next season completely depend on our recruitment. Of the teams above us I can see Newcastle, Villa and Brighton struggling with European football unless they add significant depth. While not being in Europe at all sucks for us it will allow us to hopefully manage the squad a little better and will give Ange more time on the training ground over the season to work with the players, which will be badly needed. We’re going through a massive shift in style of football and I think it’s fair to say we all expect a big transition in the squad too. Ultimately if we get top 6 and the playing style is much improved then I think it’s progress in the right direction. Even though I think the teams I mentioned might struggle in the league, it’s a big ask to jump straight back to top 4. Cups are a lottery but obviously we all want to win one.
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