The January Transfer Window

Article by Sean Walsh

It’s almost that time of year again. Rev up those fax machines, book those EasyJet flights, switch over to Sky Sports News for 24 hours a day (depending on what the Mrs allows you), the January Transfer Window is almost here again!

Tottenham have never had a history of making January signings, let alone making some that could change the course of a season. If anything, it’s the time of year where Daniel Levy goes on the prowl for the best low cost transfers around - Remember Louis Saha and Ryan Nelsen?

But if anything, now’s the time for Levy to pull his finger out and allow Franco Baldini and Andre Vilas-Boas the freedom to bring in more players, because when the dreaded month of April comes around again, we need to show what we’re made of in the push for a top 4 finish. It’s been our achilles heel in recent seasons; in 2011 we should’ve recruited a striker that could finish in order to end our goal worries, in 2012 we generally needed more players in order for Harry Redknapp to rotate his squad and keep players fresh, and in 2013, we needed a striker again. Ultimately, this cost us a place in the Champions League, and possibly a longer run in the UEFA Europa League. One goal more at the DW Stadium or Stamford Bridge and we would’ve come 4th. One player that could’ve grabbed us a goal against Basel and who knows? Maybe we’d have another trophy in the cabinet.

We can’t keep making the same mistakes. Our squad may be big now, but injuries and suspensions are sure to come, and some positions lack both star quality and depth. So who could we bring in?

Fabio Coentrao - Real Madrid - Left Back - £8 million-£12 million

When Benoit Assou-Ekotto left on loan to QPR, it would seem inevitable Spurs’ summer spree would lead them to a new left back, with Fabio Coentrao being the favourite. However, a move never materialised, and the talented Portuguese is still stuck on the bench at Real Madrid. With Danny Rose seemingly forever injured and Kyle Naughton continuing to not impress, it wouldn’t surprise me if AVB and co. went back in for Coentrao. We lack a balance of width- right side, no problem, Kyle Walker, Aaron Lennon and Andros have has us covered, but since Danny Rose fell victim to a toe injury, we’ve been lacking attacking intent, with players such as Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela having to perform double shifts on that side. Coentrao would certainly bring that work rate and ability to make that left back spot his own for years to come.

Adrian - Atletico Madrid - Striker/Attacking Midfielder - £8million-£10million

One player that’s been on the radar of English clubs for a while now is Atletico forward Adrian. Armed with brilliant dribbling ability and a fine shot to match, the Spaniard is known to also drop deep to collect the ball. Adrian has fallen out of favour since the emergence of youngster Oliver Torres and fine form of Diego Costa, and with lack of form from other Spanish strikers, Adrian could make a late push for Vicente Del Bosque’s World Cup squad if he leaves the Vicente Calderon. Should he move to White Hart Lane, he could provide some neat link up play with those who speck his mother tongue, Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela. Just imagine the goals if they hit it off. With Jermain Defoe 50/50 to leave, Adrian would definitely fit the bill of a replacement, and even a starter.

Sebastien Corchia - FC Sochaux - Right Back/Left Back - £5million-£7million

Who? Don’t worry Spurs fans, just because you haven’t heard of a player doesn’t mean he’s no good- look at Vlad Chiriches now. Sebastien Corchia is a French full back playing for FC Sochaux in the French Ligue 1, where he is undoubtedly their best player. Despite being uncapped by France, Corchia is definitely a player worth looking at. Kyle Walker’s form this season has been phenomenal, but if he gets injured, we’re stuffed. Corchia is comfortable in attack and in defence, and also provides the versatility that AVB adores. With FC Sochaux bottom of the league and a World Cup just around the corner, it would be logical for Corchia to leave and prove his credentials elsewhere.

Alvaro Morata - Real Madrid - Striker - Loan

A possible loan signing that’s been mentioned in the countries of both parties recently is Alvaro Morata. One of Spain’s most highly rated youngsters, Morata’s fell down the pecking order at Real Madrid, and is reportedly looking for a loan move. Bringing in Morata would provide strength in depth up front, and would allow Emmanuel Adebayor to be cleared off the wage bill. Despite standing at 6’3, Morata is not our typical target man. In fact, a lot of Morata’s work comes on the floor; I’ve seen him a few times this season and his ball control is exceptional for someone of his height. Of course, he still has a good header and would provide a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, but his flair would see him strike a chord with the Spurs faithful.

Other honourable mentions:

Luke Shaw - Southampton - Left Back – The new Leighton Baines would certainly fit our team

Ben Davies - Swansea City - Left Back – Has become an important cog in a great footballing side

Danny Ings - Burnley – Striker – Young and talented, would provide depth now and quality in the future

Mattia De Sciglio - AC Milan - Full Back – Versatile, young yet experienced, and a star amongst a falling AC Milan team.

With the teams around us dropping points, it’s essential we don’t follow suit. This January transfer window could change the course of our season, and even our future.

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