Tottenham in grave danger of £168m exodus as Spurs source fears top stars will leave
A former Tottenham Hotspur scout has sounded the alarm over a potentially turbulent summer in north London, warning that as many as four key first-team players could push for exits if an unlikely scenario fails to materialise before the end of the season.
It has been a bleak period for Tottenham Hotspur, who endured one of the worst campaigns in their modern Premier League history last term, finishing a lowly 17th. Alarmingly, the current season threatens to follow a similar trajectory. Spurs presently sit 16th in the table and, while they retain a narrow cushion, they are only nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Such positioning has inevitably sparked unease among supporters and pundits alike, with some even suggesting that the unthinkable could happen — Tottenham dropping into the Championship for the first time in their current incarnation. While survival remains the immediate objective, there is little optimism surrounding the club’s prospects of salvaging the campaign with a late push for European qualification.
With just 12 league matches remaining, Spurs face a deficit of more than 10 points to the European places, a gap that many believe will only widen given their inconsistent form. Against that backdrop, former Spurs scout Bryan King has warned that the absence of European football next season could have serious consequences for squad stability.
Speaking to Tottenham News, King suggested that several of the club’s standout performers may look elsewhere if Spurs fail to achieve the extraordinary — namely, winning the Champions League to secure automatic qualification.
“If they don’t win the Champions League, they aren’t going to be in Europe next year,” King explained.
“I can see Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, and then one of Dominic Solanke or Richarlison wanting to leave.”
Those four players represent a significant investment for Spurs, having cost the club a combined £168 million in transfer fees. Losing even one would be a major blow; losing several could force a complete rebuild.
King went on to highlight growing interest from Spain’s biggest clubs, particularly in Tottenham’s defensive stars.
“The Madrid clubs are there. Atlético Madrid want Romero, and Real Madrid want van de Ven,” he added.
“If you lose those two, it brings in big money, but they’ve got to be replaced.”
Spurs determined to command top fees
Should Tottenham be forced into selling, they are determined not to be short-changed. Solanke was the most expensive signing among the group when he arrived, but any departures would be expected to generate substantial returns.
TEAMtalk understands that Romero, in particular, is open to leaving the club, and Tottenham are prepared to demand a record-breaking fee for the Argentine international. There is concrete interest from Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, with Spurs valuing the centre-back in the region of £70–80 million.
Whether either Spanish giant can meet that valuation remains uncertain. Barcelona’s well-documented financial difficulties have made it increasingly challenging for them to fund marquee signings in recent seasons, while Atlético are also cautious operators in the transfer market.
Tottenham round-up: Tudor’s audition for the future
Off the pitch, Tottenham have already made a major change after appointing Igor Tudor following the dismissal of Thomas Frank. However, Tudor’s stay may only be temporary unless he can deliver something extraordinary.
Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood believes the pathway to a permanent role is extremely narrow.
“The only way he gets the job on a permanent basis, if he does well, there’s an opportunity for him to take it long term — what does doing well actually look like?” Sherwood said.
“Is it Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea, winning the Champions League? Winning every single game? Chelsea had a lot better players than Tottenham did to win the Champions League.”
Transfer competition intensifies
Elsewhere, Spurs continue to be linked with potential reinforcements, though competition is fierce. Manchester United are reportedly “serious” about a move for Christian Pulisic, a player who has also appeared on Tottenham’s radar.
Spurs are also battling United and Leeds United for the signature of Hayden Hackney, with the Championship standout attracting growing interest ahead of the summer window.
With relegation fears, uncertainty over European football, and major decisions looming both on and off the pitch, Tottenham appear to be approaching one of the most pivotal off-seasons in recent memory — one that could define the club’s direction for years to come.