After missing out on fourth-place in heartbreaking fashion,ย again, last season, Tottenham Hotspur are trying to put that rightโฆ by throwing plenty of money around.
So far Andre Villas-Boas has spent a whopping $79 million on just three players.
And if he can keep Gareth Bale at the club, Spurs will have an extremely good chance of reaching not just the top four, but making a modest challenge for the title.
That assessment may seem far-fetched.
But with new eras being ushered in at Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, Spurs are deservedly in the upper echelons of the Premier League. And with North London neighbors Arsenal yet to spend big this summer, Tottenham could mount a serious challenge for at least a place in the top three.
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Of course this all depends on whether or not they can resist the overtures of Real Madrid. But letโs forget about Bale for now, and look at the three men theyโve bought in.
The first arrival of the summer was Brazilian midfielder Paulinho. He shone at the Confederations Cup and was the driving force in Brazilโs engine room as they lifted the trophy. Spursโ midfield has been crying out for someone to really make the holding midfield spot their own. Scott Parker has been missing through injury and Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore didnโt set the world alight last season. Paulinhoโs $28 million arrival from Corinthians will solidify Spursโ midfield, with the feisty 25-year-old ready to be unleashed in the new campaign.
Then Belgian winger Nacer Chadli arrived from FC Twente for $11 million, with the 24-year-old winger expected to push for a spot out wide in Spursโ new look attack. With Clint Dempsey gone, and the future of Jermain Defoe and Bale shrouded in mystery, Spurs will look to Gylfi Sigurdsson, Aaron Lennon and Chadli to bring pace, goals and attacking creativity from the wing. Belgian international Chadli will certainly get Spurs fans off their feet this campaign.
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And finally, today Roberto Soldadoโs switch from Valencia was officially sealed. The Spanish international striker cost $40 million and will spearhead Tottenhamโs Champions League charge. The 28-year-old targetman will pull it all together with his goals, tireless running and cultured hold up play. If Bale does stay โ as Soldado has pleaded with him to do so โ this summerโs spending spree will give him plenty of top tools to play alongside and wreck havoc in the Premier League next season.
Spurs are building a fine squad. Thatโs what happens when you splash the cash.
