Five players Ange Postecoglou should target and five he should axe in summer overhaul to fix Tottenham problems
ANGE POSTECOGLOU will formally begin work at Tottenham on July 1 after penning a four-year contract with the North Londoners.
In handing him such a long-term deal, Spurs chiefs are backing the Aussie to be the right man to rebuild following the disastrous reigns of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.
PAAnge Postecoglou has been confirmed as Tottenham’s new boss[/caption]
Tottenham are set for a big clear out this summer, with plenty of established senior stars set to be let go.
Postecoglou, 57, is renowned for playing a high-octane, attacking brand of football – with 4-3-3 his favoured formation.
Spurs have become accustomed to playing a defensive three-at-the-back system in recent seasons, and players will need to adapt to their new manager’s methods or risk being axed.
As Postecoglou prepares to put his stamp on Tottenham, SunSport examines who the North Londoners could sign and sell this summer.
FIVE TO SELL
HUGO LLORIS
The Tottenham skipper has admitted that he wants to leave the club this summer, and the news won’t upset the club’s fans.
Lloris, 36, saw his form fall off a cliff during the 2022-23 season – making a number of high-profile clangers.
The former France captain has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, ahead of the final year of his Spurs contract.
And the North Londoners could do with selling Lloris and recruiting a goalkeeper better suited to playing out from the back under Postecoglou.
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EPAHugo Lloris has been at Spurs for 11 years[/caption]
DAVINSON SANCHEZ
Colombian defender Sanchez has become a bit-part player at Tottenham in recent seasons.
As mistakes began to pile up, Sanchez’s confidence appeared to erode before the fans’ eyes.
The ugly situation came to a head during April’s 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, when the 26-year-old was BOOED by his own fans and substituted just 20 minutes after coming on.
Like Lloris, Sanchez should be upgraded on for a more consistent defender and someone better suited to playing out from the back.
GettyDavinson Sanchez could benefit from a fresh start away from Spurs[/caption]
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ERIC DIER
The England international has been a terrific servant for Spurs since joining from Sporting Lisbon for just £4million in 2014.
Dier, 29, has played 361 times for Tottenham, and has had plenty of productive seasons in his career.
His confidence appeared to erode during last season, however, as he made a string of unfortunate errors.
For his own good, Dier could probably do with a fresh start elsewhere.
GettyEric Dier has made 361 appearances for Tottenham[/caption]
IVAN PERISIC
Wing-back Ivan Perisic was specifically brought in to play under his former Inter Milan boss Conte at Spurs.
Following Conte’s exit, reports in Italy have suggested that the Croatian wants to return to Inter.
Perisic didn’t hit the heights during his first season at Spurs, although he did manage to lay on 12 assists.
With Postecoglou not deploying wing-backs in his favoured system, high-earner Perisic will probably be let go.
GettyIvan Perisic joined Spurs on a two-year deal from Inter Milan last season[/caption]
PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG
Midfielder Hojbjerg has started all bar five of Spurs’ Premier League matches dating back to his 2020 arrival.
The Dane has been consistently available, but has begun to frustrate a section of the fanbase with his performances.
There is a feeling that Hojbjerg, 27, may lack the necessary passing or ball-carrying ability to thrive in a Postecoglou midfield.
And Spurs could try to cash in on a saleable asset.
GettyPierre-Emile Hojbjerg has missed just five Prem games in three seasons[/caption]
FIVE TO SIGN
KYOGO FURUHASHI
Irrespective of whether Tottenham can keep Harry Kane, Postecoglou will want to improve on his firepower up top.
And he already knows all about the deadly finishing prowess of Kyogo.
The 28-year-old scored 34 goals for the Hoops this season.
And SunSport revealed last week that Spurs are keen on the Japanese ace, valued at around £25-30m.
Kenny RamsayKyogo Furuhashi helped Celtic win the treble this season[/caption]
DAVID RAYA
With Lloris looking likely to leave this summer, Tottenham are set to chase a new first choice goalkeeper.
Brentford star David Raya ticks all of their boxes, with Spurs keen to make a swoop.
SunSport revealed yesterday, however, that Tottenham are so far unwilling to meet the Bees’ valuation.
Thomas Frank’s side want £40million for the Spaniard, despite his contract expiring in 2024 – with Spurs so far only wanting to offer £20m.
GettyDavid Raya impressed against Spurs last month[/caption]
MARC GUEHI
Spurs are in need of an upgrade at centre-back, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi fitting the bill.
The England international has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Chelsea two years ago.
Spurs are keen on the 22-year-old, but will face stiff competition.
To sign Guehi, Tottenham will have to beat off interest from North London rivals Arsenal.
GettyMarc Guehi has been brilliant for Crystal Palace[/caption]
ALEX SCOTT
Bristol City starlet Alex Scott has taken the Championship by storm since bursting onto the scene with Nigel Pearson’s side.
The 19-year-old was recently named the Championship’s Young Player of the Season, and impressed against Manchester City in the cup earlier in the campaign.
SunSport revealed in March that Tottenham are interested in the £25million-rated starlet.
And the England Under-20 international has admitted to being a Spurs supporter, as well as being friends with Tottenham wonderkid Alfie Devine.
PAAlex Scott gained rave reviews for his Bristol City displays[/caption]
JAMES MADDISON
Tottenham are interested in Leicester ace James Maddison.
The England international could excel in Postecoglou’s progressive 4-3-3, and would add some passing ability that the new Spurs boss so craves.
Leicester are expected to demand at least £40m for their star man.
While Newcastle are also keen on the 26-year-old creator.
GettyJames Maddison was relegated with Leicester City[/caption]
