The world record transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid looks very close to completion with the Spanish giants rumoured to already be selling ‘Bale 11’ shirts in official club shops and online. While Bale was unquestionably Spurs’ best player last season and arguably the best in the Premier League, Tottenham have made some impressive signings they would’ve been unlikely to afford without the large incoming transfer fee. This has made many people question whether Spurs are making the right decision by selling Gareth Bale and reinvesting the money in their squad.
First of all Tottenham have strengthened the centre of their midfield with the signings of Brazilian international Paulinho from Corinthians and Etienne Capoue from Toulouse for a combined fee of £27m. Both players have looked impressive in their early stages at White Hart Lane and at 24 years old each should fight to partner Moussa Dembele is the middle of the Spurs’ midfield for some time.
Tottenham have also made a move for Spanish striker Roberto Soldado in a bid to add more goals to their team. Last season Bale was the only player to consistently score however Spurs’ new £24m signing is more than capable of finding the back of the net as he did at former club Valencia and on his debut for Tottenham.
The most direct replacement for Gareth Bale is Belgian winger Nacer Chadli who joins from FC Twente for around £7m. Supporters would be foolish to expect Chadli to replicate the stunning form of Bale however at 23 years of age the Belgian clearly has a lot of potential which should excite Spurs fans. There could yet be one more arrival at White Hart Lane which looks most likely to be Roma star Erik Lamela after the North London club’s £30m deal for Brazilian attacker Willian was hijacked by rivals Chelsea. Argentinean Lamela could be the big name signing that pushes Tottenham on despite the loss of their best player and eases fans concerns.
A total of £59m has been spent so far by Tottenham to replace Bale on a total of four players which will strengthen three positions in their starting 11. Any team would struggle losing a player of Gareth Bale’s ability as the Welsh winger scored 26 goals in all competitions for Tottenham last season with many of them coming at crucial times. Opposition defences have feared Bale ever since he scored a hat trick in a famous Champions League night at the San Siro and at only 24 years old it is scary to think what the winger can go on to achieve.
Tottenham’s success without Bale will depend on whether Roberto Soldado can replicate the Welshman’s scoring record in a Tottenham squad that looks short of goals. If he can then Spurs should be able to cope with the departure of their star man however if Soldado struggles it is difficult to see where goals will come from with neither Aaron Lennon, Nacer Chadli or Gylfi Sigurdsson being prolific scorers. It will also be interesting to see what Tottenham can do in the transfer window with the money and time they have remaining as this could determine the season ahead.
