According to one observer, multiple stars will be looking into ways to get out of Tottenham, owing in large part to a “weird situation” created solely by Antonio Conte.
Tottenham Hotspur is once again at a crossroads as a club. When they signed Antonio Conte midway through last season, they were praised for their ambition. Conte arrived with a track record of success, but the Spurs job appears to have proven more difficult than he anticipated.
Tottenham did deal a significant blow to north London rivals Arsenal by finishing fourth last season. However, Arsenal’s disappointment has only served to fuel their fire, and they are now favorites to win the Premier League in May.
Spurs, meanwhile, are fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League. Furthermore, rumors that Conte is dissatisfied with the club’s transfer policy have persisted.
Conte’s personal contract situation is the issue’s backdrop. The Italian’s current contract expires in the summer, and the belief is that Tottenham will not spend big money until they know who their new signings will be playing for next season and beyond.
Conte, on the other hand, is unwilling to sign new terms until he is assured that he will be adequately supported in the market.
According to the New York Times, talks on a new agreement have been halted. That development has sparked a strong reaction from one observer, who believes that many Tottenham players will secretly be tasked by their agents with exploring a move away amid the ongoing uncertainty.
“I believe players are considering leaving.”
“It’s not helping anyone, all of this, it’s a dark cloud hanging over the club,” Tam McManus, a former Hibernian striker turned pundit, told Football Insider.
“How are you supposed to go about your day-to-day when you don’t know if the manager is going to be there? It’s an odd situation.
“How can you ask a player to commit if you aren’t going to commit yourself? There is a great deal of uncertainty. I believe players are considering leaving.
“Not in terms of a transfer request, but in terms of speaking with their agents and seeing if there is interest, just in case.
“So if Conte goes in the summer or before the end of the season there is almost a plan in place to get to a new club.
“With all of these things going on, how is anyone supposed to focus on Tottenham and getting into the top four?
“I’m not sure if everyone is pulling in the same direction, which isn’t a good thing.”
Tottenham is under pressure in the final days of the season.
With the January 31 deadline quickly approaching, the Spurs’ final few days in the winter window could be crucial.
They’ve already signed Arnaut Danjuma on loan and are still in the running for Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo.
Tottenham Hotspur is making progress in their pursuit of Pedro Porro. Milan Skriniar of Inter has also been put up for sale, and Conte is familiar with the Slovakian from his time at the San Siro.
Conte may be emboldened to commit his future if Tottenham makes a high-profile signing or two in the coming days, and any lingering unrest among the current squad may be put to rest.
