The summer transfer window often signals a fresh start and renewed optimism, but amid the excitement of new arrivals, clubs can sometimes overlook the talent already within their ranks — and Tottenham Hotspur must avoid making that mistake.
After narrowly avoiding relegation with another disappointing 17th-place Premier League finish, Spurs know significant improvements are needed. With Roberto De Zerbi now at the helm after guiding the club to safety and protecting them from a potentially devastating financial setback, the Italian will have major influence over Tottenham’s transfer strategy this summer.
New signings are expected, particularly in attack. Questions remain over Richarlison’s future as he enters the final year of his contract, while reports continue to link Spurs with additional forward options, including Brazilian winger Savinho. However, while strengthening the squad is essential, Tottenham must be careful not to hinder the development of two highly promising young talents.
One of those is Mikey Moore. The 18-year-old enjoyed an outstanding loan spell at Rangers, winning both the PFA Scotland Premiership Young Player of the Year award and Rangers’ Young Player of the Year honour. Operating mainly as a left-sided playmaker, Moore contributed 11 goals and assists across 47 appearances and attracted attention from clubs in both England and abroad.
With Savinho naturally favouring the left wing, De Zerbi faces an important decision regarding Moore’s future. Another loan could accelerate his development, but Tottenham’s lack of European football next season may reduce opportunities for young players within the first-team squad.
A similar dilemma surrounds striker Will Lankshear. The 21-year-old impressed despite Oxford United’s difficult Championship campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 16 goal contributions in 47 matches. His performances earned him both the club’s Golden Boot and Young Player of the Year awards, while his physical development has strengthened his case for Premier League involvement.
The challenge for Tottenham is balancing exciting transfer business with creating a genuine pathway for academy graduates. Too often, promising youngsters have found opportunities elsewhere after failing to break through in North London.
The examples are clear. Noni Madueke left Spurs as a teenager before establishing himself at PSV and earning international recognition with England. Troy Parrott is attracting strong interest across Europe after a prolific season with AZ Alkmaar, while Alfie Devine is expected to leave permanently this summer following multiple loan spells without a first-team breakthrough.
Defender Ashley Phillips, another highly-rated youngster, has impressed during loan spells in the Championship but is still waiting for his Tottenham debut. Meanwhile, not a single academy graduate started a senior competitive match for Spurs last season, highlighting a long-standing issue within the club’s development pathway.
De Zerbi has built a reputation for trusting young players, and Tottenham supporters will hope that approach continues. While new signings are necessary to strengthen the squad, the club cannot afford to neglect its own future stars.
Whether it is Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear, or highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic, Tottenham’s next generation deserves a genuine opportunity. This summer should not only be about who arrives at the club — it should also be about ensuring the club’s brightest young talents are finally given the chance to shine.
Leave a Reply