Tottenham transfer news: 5 potential X factor signings for Spurs

By Rucker Haringey | May 7, 2017

STRATFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 05: A dejected looking Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on May 5, 2017 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Ross Barkley of Everton looks dejected after Chelsea score their first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on April 30, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Ross Barkley of Everton looks dejected after Chelsea score their first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on April 30, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

4. Ross Barkley

The Everton star really divides opinion among the Spurs fan base. Some think he’s a world-class star who could put Tottenham over the top while some find him to be a slightly better version of Moussa Sissoko. For me, the truth is somewhere in between.

At his best, Barkley is a dynamic presence in the Toffees’ midfield. His combination of strength, speed and skill on the ball make him almost unplayable. He’s the rare attacking midfielder who is equally adept at scoring and assisting goals.

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Unfortunately, his form can be pretty erratic. That’s the main reason Ronald Koeman is willing to part with him this summer. Well that, and the reality that his contract with Everton will only have one year remaining.

My concern with Barkley is that he’s a little too redundant with Pochettino’s current attacking options. He’s a really good player, but he’s very much in the same style of Christian Eriksen. Paying more than £30 million for a reserve number ten doesn’t strike me as fiscally responsible.

Ross Barkley can help Spurs, but I’m not sure he’s a transcendent talent. It is possible that playing under Pochettino could help him find his top form more often. If that happens, Spurs would be making a savvy summer purchase.

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