Tottenham doesn’t need Victor Wanyama, but they should buy him anyway
Spurs don’t necessarily need to purchase Victor Wanyama, but he’d be a useful tool at Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal
Tottenham will enter this summer with very few needs as it relates to the summer transfer window. The squad is good enough to win a Premier League title as it’s currently constructed, but Spurs must be careful not to rest on their laurels. That’s why they should purchase Victor Wanyama from Southampton, even though they don’t necessarily need him.
The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is determined to mount another assault on Southampton this summer to pry Wanyama away from the South Coast. The former Celtic star enjoyed some of his best football under Pochettino while both were at Southampton would be keen to reunite with his former boss. The fact that he only has one year left on his current deal with the Saints also means that the club might be inclined to deal him while they can still receive a hefty transfer fee for their midfield star.
The reality is that Tottenham’s challenge this transfer season will be to go from a good squad to a great one. Daniel Levy must spend the club’s money wisely this summer to bring in players who can not just perform adequately in the Premier League, but perform exceptionally in the Champions League. It’s quite a different task than Levy has been faced with during his previous years at Spurs.
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The good news for Tottenham is that they don’t have many glaring weaknesses to fix. Most fans and pundits agree that Spurs need to purchase another forward to provide cover for Harry Kane, but that might be the only “must have” purchase of the summer for Levy and company. That doesn’t mean that the club doesn’t need to make some big moves though.
The worst thing Tottenham could do this summer would be to stand relatively still with their squad while their competitors make big splashes in the transfer market. That doesn’t mean Spurs should throw money out like candy, but it does mean that Levy and Pochettino must use the club’s money wisely.
Buying a player like Wanyama would be a prudent move by Spurs. He’s already a proven Premier League commodity and he would give Pochettino a very useful asset in his midfield. Eric Dier has been a revelation in the club’s double pivot this season, but he’s been relied upon too heavily. He simply can’t be expected to play the same number of matches again next year if he’s going to continue his career’s upward trajectory.
Wanyama is a player who could both play alongside Dier or in place of him in Tottenham’s midfield. He’s got the rare ability to shield the defensive back four, but also carry the ball forward with finesse. He’s shown both abilities to great effect for manager Ronald Koeman this season.
The one drawback to Wanyama’s play this season has been his questionable judgment out on the pitch. He’s been sent off several times for the Saints this year much to the disappointment of Koeman. He must significantly strengthen the mental aspect of his game if he wants to be a key contributor for Spurs.
The interesting aspect of a Wanyama deal is that he’d struggle to be a first-choice midfielder for Spurs. The partnership of Mousa Dembele and Dier is firmly entrenched as the starting double pivot. There is a slight possibility that Pochettino might choose to shift Dembele forward more often which would allow he, Dier and Wanyama to all play together. I can’t see that being the case too often though.
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Ultimately, Spurs pursuit of Victor Wanyama isn’t about need. It’s a potential luxury purchase of sorts for Tottenham. It’s just the sort of luxury purchase that Spurs fans hope will pay off for luxurious silverware at White Hart Lane.