Iliman Ndiaye would be more bad news for Mathys Tel
Roberto De Zerbi wants one more.
Tottenham Hotspur have committed to the most expensive transfer window in their history, appeasing their omnipotent Italian coach. An array of position groups have been bolstered exclusively with Premier League talent, and one final lucrative arrival could see Spurs' summer window usurp Liverpool's record-breaking splurge from 2025.
The club finally got around to improving its attack, having started the window by drastically reinventing its defense and midfield. A double swoop of Manchester City was complete with the loan arrival of Omar Marmoush in the week, and the Egyptian is poised to make his debut for the club against Newcastle United after Sávio stole the show off the bench in our Carabao Cup victory over Charlton Athletic.
We've been treated to a serious injection of quality, and the deepening depth chart means some of those already on the club's books are at risk of getting lost, especially if Spurs make another signing before the deadline.
Mathys Tel at risk of sliding down improving left-wing depth chart
We're seemingly chasing the same players as Manchester City. Both of us want Cody Gakpo, and reports emerged on Friday regarding our interest in Everton's Iliman Ndiaye.
Santi Aouna understands that Spurs may consider sending Richarlison the other way in any potential deal for Ndiaye, while City could use Jack Grealish as part-exchange.
The Senegalese international is an intriguing pivot to Gakpo, given the difference in profile. Ndiaye is a dribbly winger who can play across the frontline. His output hasn't been all that impressive, but like Sávio, there's talent to harness, and he's the sort of forward who gets bums of seats.
Ndiaye's arrival would be bad news for Mathys Tel, whom, after a strong preseason, would find himself fighting for minutes again. Tel is undoubtedly gifted, but his issue is that he doesn't seem to know what type of forward he is. At this stage, Tel's somewhere in between a centre-forward and winger.
The Frenchman has such useful tools at his disposal, including excellent ball-striking, but he remains a work-in-progress. For where Spurs want to be under De Zerbi in short order, Tel isn't yet a forward we can reliably count upon.
Ndiaye's versatile, but he's shone down the left on Merseyside. Sávio is also adept down his traditional flank and may be used there frequently once Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are back up to speed.
Stronger competition is a great thing for Spurs, but Tel must start showing signs of progression soon. Otherwise, he'll be swallowed up by the club's newfound transfer market brazenness.
