Tottenham make a clever move to secure Harry Winks’ future

Tottenham are in the midst of rebuilding their midfield through the transfer market, but Harry Winks is also a big part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. 

Tanguy Ndombele was signed to give Tottenham’s midfield a much-needed infusion of talent. That doesn’t mean Mauricio Pochettino’s cupboard was bare prior to his arrival. Harry Winks is a player who figures heavily in the Argentine gaffer’s future project.

That’s precisely why Spurs elected to award the young Englishman with a new five-year contract on Monday according to the BBC. Both he and Davies committed their long-term future to the North London club in a dual announcement.

Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko will be expected to provide the steel for Tottenham’s midfield moving forward, but Winks will be the player expected to keep the ball moving. His ability to spray pinpoint passes all over the field will be crucial for the club moving forward. It’s very possible that Winks will see more of the ball than any other Spurs midfielder next season.

The key for Winks will be to prove to Pochettino he can be counted on to stay healthy for a full campaign. Injuries limited the 23-year-old to just 26 Premier League matches last season. In particular, he’s struggled with a troublesome ankle issue for the better part of two years. He’s reportedly going to head into preseason training with no issues, but going through a full season without injury would do a lot to raise his stock with Pochettino and the coaching staff.

The obvious question now is whether or not Spurs will add another midfielder capable of competing with Winks as the club’s chief distributor next season. Dani Ceballos is the one player the club are being linked to currently who could put Winks’ spot in the starting XI in jeopardy.

Then again, Pochettino enjoys the ability to rotate his squad throughout the season. Winks also has enough versatility to play anywhere in the Tottenham midfield. Pochettino could easily elect to play two more attack-minded midfielders against opponents inclined to sit deep against Spurs next season.

Re-signing Winks isn’t as sexy as a new signing, but it’s a really solid piece of business for Tottenham. His new contract proves that the club has big plans for the classy English midfielder.