It’s hard to ignore the fact that Tottenham Hotspur’s current season has been nothing short of a calamity, at least when it comes to their performances on the pitch. Under the management of Ange Postecoglou, the team has endured a series of disappointing results in the Premier League, with their hopes of silverware now hinging entirely on their Europa League campaign following their exit from both domestic cup competitions last week.
However, despite the team’s struggles, there have been a few glimmers of hope. For one, some of Tottenham’s younger players have started to make their mark, showcasing their talent and potential by cementing their spots in the first team. Additionally, while the results on the field have been subpar, there are still players within the squad whose market value has notably increased, and one such player was brought in during Nuno Espírito Santo’s brief tenure as manager.
Nuno’s Time at Spurs and His Signings
Nuno Espírito Santo’s stint in charge of Tottenham was undeniably short-lived and far from successful. Appointed in the summer of 2021, the Portuguese coach only lasted a mere four months before being dismissed in November of that year, following a dismal run of seven losses and a single draw in his first 17 matches in charge. Despite his limited time at the helm, Nuno was responsible for bringing in a mix of players, some of whom have made a lasting impact, while others have failed to live up to expectations.
One of the signings that certainly falls into the disappointing category was Emerson Royal, a Brazilian right-back who joined from Barcelona in August 2021 for a reported fee of £26 million. It was a transfer that reportedly raised eyebrows at the Catalan club, who were shocked that Spurs had agreed to pay such a fee for the player. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Tottenham supporters to understand Barcelona’s surprise. While Emerson wasn’t outright poor, he failed to meet the high standards expected of a Premier League full-back. His limited contribution during his time at Spurs, including a mere 1,335 minutes played in his final season before being sold to AC Milan for a cut-price £13 million, was evidence enough that he hadn’t lived up to his billing.
However, not all of Nuno’s signings were failures. One player who certainly bucked that trend was Cristian Romero, an Argentine centre-back who arrived in North London in a loan deal with an option to buy in August 2021. Spurs paid around £46.7 million to make the deal permanent, and while Romero’s start at the club was hindered by injuries and the team’s overall struggles, he has since established himself as one of the standout performers in the squad.
Romero’s commanding defensive presence, combined with his leadership qualities, earned him the role of co-vice-captain in 2023. As of now, the World Cup winner has made 112 appearances for Tottenham, scoring seven goals and contributing one assist. Despite the team’s underwhelming performances this season, Romero’s absence from the squad has been felt keenly, highlighting his importance to the side.
Yet, despite his solid performances, Romero is not the Nuno signing whose value has seen the greatest increase in recent years.
Pape Matar Sarr: The Rising Star
Amidst a season where few players have managed to impress, there has been one standout individual whose potential has begun to shine through: Pape Matar Sarr. The 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder, who was signed from French club FC Metz in August 2021 for around £15 million, has seen his stock rise dramatically. According to the CIES Football Observatory, Sarr is now valued at an impressive €70.7 million (approximately £59 million), representing a staggering 293% increase in his market value since joining Tottenham just over three years ago.
While some might find it surprising that such a large valuation has been placed on a player who has yet to become a consistent first-team regular, there’s no denying the immense talent Sarr possesses. His development has been closely watched by fans and pundits alike, with many believing that he will evolve into one of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
Already a key figure for Senegal, with 24 senior caps to his name, Sarr has showcased his versatility in both central and defensive midfield roles, offering defensive stability while also contributing offensively. With 86 appearances for Spurs, he has scored eight goals and provided six assists. His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and drive forward with the ball has earned him plenty of praise from those who have followed his progress closely. Spurs fan and podcaster Lee McQueen has even referred to Sarr as “unplayable” at times, a testament to his growing influence on the field.
Nuno’s Legacy at Spurs
While Nuno Espírito Santo’s tenure as Tottenham’s head coach was brief and largely forgettable, he did manage to sign two players who could play key roles in the club’s future. Cristian Romero has already proven himself to be a mainstay in the team, while Pape Matar Sarr is still in the early stages of his development but has shown enough promise to suggest he could become a central figure for Spurs in the years to come.
In the grand scheme of things, Nuno’s time at Spurs may be remembered more for its failures than its successes. However, the signings of Romero and Sarr are two bright spots in what was otherwise a turbulent period for the club. If both players continue to progress at their current rates, they could prove to be valuable assets for Tottenham as they look to rebuild and reclaim their place among the Premier League’s elite.
Despite the challenges the team faces this season, Tottenham supporters can take solace in the fact that there is still potential for improvement, both from the current squad and from young talents like Sarr. While the immediate future may seem uncertain, the foundations for a stronger, more competitive team could very well be in place, with the right players at the core of the club’s vision for the years ahead.
