Recent speculation has seen Manchester United forward Anthony Martial linked with a move to Tottehham. Here, Sean Cook @TalkingTHFC explains why it’s a transfer that needs to happen…
I’m going to make this plain and simple. Spurs are in need of a star.
There comes a point when analysing an over-performing squad such as Tottenham’s when you need to realise this group can only take us so far. It’s a bitter truth if the club truly wants to achieve something greater.
[Manager] Mauricio Pochettino thinks it, as was reflected in his post-season comments; and I do too.
Our squad needs a revamp, a new lick of paint, an upgrade if you will.
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial is a great way to start.
Despite often finding himself on the bench at Old Trafford this season, the attacker scored 11 goals and managed 10 assists in all competitions throughout the campaign.
To put it into context, that’s the goals of Erik Lamela, Moussa Sissoko, Lucas Moura, Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama, Harry Winks and Mousa Dembele combined. Yikes.
Some may be reading this and asking, ‘surely there are other bigger names Spurs can sign this summer?’
But when you look at the names out there, it’s slim pickings.
Heading into this new era for the club, [chairman] Daniel Levy will want a marquee signing to unveil at the new stadium. Martial can be that man.
Back in 2015, when United signed him from Monaco, the £36million transfer fee made Martial the most expensive teenager in world football.
Dubbed the ‘next Thierry Henry’, he was one of the hottest properties in European football, with his debut season under Louis van Gaal living up to the hype.
French sources at the time listed Tottenham as one of the interested parties in the player, with Martial allegedly interested in working under Pochettino.
But how can Spurs spend that much with a new ground on the way? Well, they may not have to.
For many, the realisation that Toby Alderweireld will eventually leave the club has become more and more realistic as of late.
Reports this week suggest a deal is very close for the Belgian to join Jose Mourinho’s side, with some suggesting Martial will head to North London as part of the deal.
Should United want to explore such an option, a little digging shows they really wouldn’t miss the Frenchman as much as they think.
Their win percentage actually improves without him, rising from 65.4 per cent with, to 66.7 per cent without – a reflection of Mourinho’s dip in trust of the player.
If the United gaffer believes Martial’s lack of impact is an issue, this suggests the former Monaco man should be starting instead of being an impact sub – a role in the starting XI something he would undoubtedly adopt at Spurs.
But do Spurs really need him?
Well, we saw back in March that Pochettino likewise is losing trust in his other attacking options, opting to use Erik Lamela rather than Fernando Llorente in place of the injured Harry Kane.
We need a better standard of alternative options. Too many times this season we’ve called upon the likes of Moussa Sissoko to bring new energy into a game and seeing underwhelming results.
Martial’s versatility means that he can switch between the left wing, behind the striker or indeed up top alongside Kane should the situation demand it. Within our current squad, only Heung-Min Son boasts this ability.
Bringing in a player who can not only complement Kane, but provide goals from elsewhere on the pitch, would only benefit Tottenham going forward.
He’s fast, he’s versatile and he’s a big name. Tick, tick and tick.
And just picture the scene: a hot summer’s day at the new Tottenham stadium, Anthony Martial doing keepie-uppies in front of the media and an exciting era at the club set to unfold.
Get it done, Daniel. We know you want to.
