Spurs have hit the jackpot with “freak” signing who’s now worth way more than incoming Chiesa
Daniel Levy’s astute leadership at Tottenham Hotspur has been a cornerstone of the club’s progress throughout his tenure as chairman. Under his guidance, Spurs have navigated their way to significant achievements, consistently participating in the Champions League and frequently positioning themselves as serious contenders for major trophies, although they have yet to secure any silverware.
The next crucial step for Tottenham is to finally lift a trophy, and with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, there is a cautious optimism that this long-awaited goal is within reach. Postecoglou, known for his strategic acumen and ability to inspire his teams, has been making purposeful signings in the transfer market, bringing in promising new talent to strengthen the squad and address its weaknesses.
Last season, Tottenham’s inconsistent form prevented them from securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. However, there were clear signs of underlying progress and development within the team. This progress is now being bolstered by some exciting summer signings that aim to enhance the squad’s overall performance and depth. For instance, Archie Gray’s £30 million transfer from Leeds United has already been confirmed, adding a dynamic presence to the team. With this addition, the club is now focusing on reinforcing their frontline to ensure they have the firepower needed to compete at the highest level.
One of the most intriguing developments is Tottenham’s pursuit of Juventus forward Federico Chiesa. According to Football Transfers, Tottenham appears to be leading the race to sign Chiesa, largely due to their strong relationship with Juventus. This connection gives Spurs an edge over other interested clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool. Juventus, facing financial constraints, needs to offload players and sees Chiesa, who can operate across the frontline, as a necessary sacrifice given he has just one year remaining on his contract. The Italian club is reportedly entertaining bids of around €30 million (£25 million) for the 25-year-old, which could prove to be a bargain if Chiesa’s fitness holds up.
Tottenham’s current trajectory is impressive, as evidenced by the emergence of players like Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender was signed from VFL Wolfsburg for £43 million last summer and has quickly become a pivotal figure in Spurs’ defense. Endowed with exceptional athleticism and a formidable physical presence, Van de Ven has formed a strong partnership with Cristian Romero. This pairing has brought stability to Tottenham’s backline, earning praise from teammates such as James Maddison, who described Van de Ven’s qualities as “frightening.”
Statistical analysis from FBref highlights Van de Ven’s impact, ranking him among the top 10% of Premier League center-backs for goals, the top 16% for ball recoveries, the top 2% for pass completion, and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes last season. His remarkable performances have even led podcast host Michael Caley to describe him as an “utter freak.” Initially, Liverpool had withdrawn from the race to sign him due to Wolfsburg’s high asking price, but now, his value is clear and indisputable.
CIES Football Observatory, a Swiss research organization, recently appraised Van de Ven at £65 million, a significant increase from Spurs’ initial £43 million investment. This £22 million rise in market value reflects his growing importance to the team and his potential for further development and impact in the future.
While Tottenham still has considerable work to do to achieve their lofty ambitions, the signs thus far are promising. With players like Van de Ven anchoring the defense and new talents like Archie Gray and potentially Federico Chiesa joining the ranks, the club is building a robust squad capable of competing at the highest levels. If these promising developments continue, Tottenham may soon find themselves not only contending for trophies but also lifting them, realizing the dreams of their dedicated supporters and marking a new era of success for the club.
