5. Matt Phillips, West Brom
It’s clear that Tottenham have placed a high priority on signing a winger this summer. They don’t need to limit their search to young Frenchman. Instead, they should look at Matt Phillips to fill the position.
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I realize that he isn’t Pochettino’s ideal sort of signing given his advanced age. He isn’t old, but 26 is old by Spurs standards. The Argentine gaffer would prefer to bring in a younger player he can mold to his likeness.
That’s a lovely strategy in theory, but it hasn’t worked out too well for Spurs. Clinton N’Jie is already back in France and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou may well join him this summer. It’s time for the club to pursue a safer option.
Phillips is just that. He isn’t going to become a star, but he’ll do a solid job for the club. Four goals and eight assists from a winger is a pretty good total for a club managed by Tony Pulis. He could be an excellent change of pace for Spurs.
The Baggies wouldn’t want to lose Phillips to Tottenham, but the allure of Champions League football would loom large in his mind. This is certainly a move Daniel Levy should be considering as a backup plan this summer.