Spurs hit the jackpot with “frightening” star worth millions more than Oliver Skipp, Glen Hoddle can’t stop singing his praises as one of the best in his position
Despite a disappointing start to the Premier League season with an away loss to Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur have had an overall positive summer. Daniel Levy and the Tottenham management may have started the transfer window at a slow pace, but with just two weeks remaining, they have successfully secured the signings of several promising young talents. The club has brought in exciting prospects like Archie Gray, Yang Min-Hyeok, Wilson Odobert, and the highly regarded Dominic Solanke, showcasing their commitment to building a vibrant and dynamic squad for the future.
However, the summer hasn’t only been about acquisitions. Tottenham have also been active in offloading players, with significant moves being made to balance the books and reshape the squad. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s loan move to Marseille, which includes an obligation to buy for £17 million, is a prime example of this. Additionally, Emerson Royal has made a switch to AC Milan for around £13 million, while academy graduate Oliver Skipp has completed a £25 million transfer to Leicester City.
Skipp’s departure marks the end of an era for the North Londoners, as he leaves the club where he grew up and developed as a player. His move to Leicester City has garnered mixed reactions, with some questioning whether the £25 million fee was justified. Yet, when considering his contributions to Tottenham, his age, and his potential, the valuation seems fair.
Skipp’s journey with Tottenham began in October 2018 when he made his debut in a League Cup match against West Ham United. Since then, the Welwyn Garden City-born midfielder has made 106 first-team appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists. His consistent performances earned him praise, with former England manager Glenn Hoddle describing him as a “fabulous” player earlier this season.
Moreover, Skipp’s contract with Tottenham, which was set to run until the summer of 2027, added to his market value, giving the club leverage to demand a higher fee. Last season, he made 35 appearances for the Lilywhites, starting 19 games in central midfield and 12 in a defensive role. His three goals and three assists over the season translated to a goal involvement every 5.83 games on average, underlining his growing influence on the pitch.
In addition to his club performances, Skipp has already made a mark on the international stage, winning 24 senior caps for Senegal, where he has scored once and provided two assists. His talents have been recognized by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who stated that Skipp is “so good at football it’s frightening.”
While Skipp’s career is still in its early stages, there is little doubt that he is destined for greatness. His departure from Tottenham may leave a void, but it also serves as a testament to the club’s ability to nurture and develop top talent. The £25 million fee may seem steep to some, but given his potential and the contributions he has already made, it appears to be a justified investment for Leicester City. As Tottenham continue to reshape their squad, the sale of Skipp, along with other key departures, highlights the club’s strategy to balance experience with the infusion of fresh talent, all while maintaining a competitive edge in the Premier League.
