OPINION
This summer promises to be one of relative upheaval at Tottenham.
After failing to sign anybody in either of the past two transfer windows, it has become abundantly clear that, even after the heroics of last season, some kind of investment is required.
Quality is needed in several key areas, but knowing Daniel Levy, that investment will come at a price.
The Spurs owner is renowned for his balanced, conservative approach to spending, and you’d have to say that up until this point, it has served the club well.
What it is likely to mean this summer, however, is that there are several departures pushed through to fund any potential signings.
There are a number of first team squad members who could justifiably be facing the axe, but one who must surely be considered for an exit is Erik Lamela.
The Argentine looked impressive when he first signed for Spurs back in 2013, and it’s not that he doesn’t possess the quality to be a game changer on his day, but increasingly, injuries are rendering him ineffectual.
Lamela started just nine Premier League matches last season, and came off the bench in another 10. That means that he failed to feature in half of the club’s league campaign, and that’s not good enough for a player of his ilk.
Obviously injuries are not his fault, and you have to feel sorry for the lad, but given Levy’s tendency for pragmatism, he must surely realise that it is time to cut his losses on the £80,000-a-week South American [Spotrac].
It could prove to be a brilliant way to full the coffers.