Ange Postecoglou’s side showed promise this season but improvements are patently required.
Tottenham Hotspur have been in a state of ebb and flow for many interminable years, and in many ways, the undulating nature of Ange Postecoglou’s first season in north London reflected the greater issues plaguing the outfit.
While it’s probably not fair to say that Postecoglou bungled his task of restoring Tottenham, the late-season slump has left a bitter feeling that will take a purposeful and impactful summer transfer window to convince supporters that the 2023/24 campaign rooted in the philosophy that will see Spurs enter the ascendancy.
Spurs’ recently-concluded campaign did not bring silverware, nor did it secure a return to Champions League football, but Tottenham have qualified for the Europa League and have paved a solid foundation for next season and beyond.
First year under the gaffer complete ✅
We sat down with Ange Postecoglou to look back at the 2023/24 season ▶️ pic.twitter.com/vFPCDRp4GI
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 23, 2024
Supporters will be on tenterhooks as to whether the right centre-forward and No. 6 will be signed, but while these are the most pressing concerns, work is needed across a host of areas, with reports suggesting that left winger Callum Hudson-Odoi could be headed down to N17.
But perhaps more importantly, Postecoglou is gearing up to launch another assault on an arch-rival for a former top target.
Spurs lining up third-time-lucky transfer
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is edging closer to an exit this summer – alongside Trevoh Chalobah – following the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The all-action midfielder has been on Postecoglou’s radar since his advent in Tottenham, with a failed £40m bid last summer followed by further vested interest in January, as per The Guardian, though ultimately nothing materialised.
Now, though, the England international is set to leave after losing his biggest advocate at Stamford Bridge in Pochettino, who wished to forgo the financial benefits in cashing in on the homegrown star.
Chelsea value the 24-year-old at £50m, though given that he is out of contract in 12 months, Daniel Levy might be confident that such demands can be whittled down.
Why Spurs want Conor Gallagher
Chelsea have endured two testing campaigns but, under Pochettino, they started to click into gear and salvaged a Europa League-qualifying spot following an impressive late-season purple patch.
Gallagher, throughout, played a key part in the Blues’ campaign, with his former Argentinian manager saying back in February: “It’s priceless to have a player like him.”
But Pochettino has now departed and Gallagher will likely feel that the Chelsea powers that be do not hold the same admiration and desire to keep him at the club, despite his excellent performances. But for Tottenham, their city rivals’ loss is their gain.
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