Cost £25m, now worth 132% more: Spurs hit the jackpot on “world-class” game-changer

Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been nothing short of disastrous, with injuries to key players wreaking havoc on their campaign. Ange Postecoglou’s side has struggled to find consistency, and their results reflect a team that has been battered and bruised throughout the season.

In the Premier League, Spurs have lost more matches than they’ve won, and to make matters worse, they have been eliminated from both the FA Cup and League Cup in the space of a week.

Despite these challenges, a few players have emerged with their reputations intact, proving their worth in a season many would rather forget.

Dominic Solanke has been one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Signed for a club-record £65 million, Solanke initially faced criticism for a slow start.

However, he has silenced doubters with his performances. Before his unfortunate injury, the former Bournemouth forward registered 11 goals and six assists in 29 appearances, equating to a goal involvement every 1.70 matches. This level of contribution justified his transfer fee and showcased his ability to make a difference in the Spurs attack.

Another unexpected standout this season has been Djed Spence. At the start of the campaign, it appeared Spence was surplus to requirements, as he wasn’t included in the Europa League squad and seemed destined for an exit.

Yet, injuries in the defensive ranks forced Postecoglou to turn to the 22-year-old, and he delivered. Spence has emerged as arguably the best full-back at the club.

While he may lack the attacking flair of Pedro Porro, Spence’s defensive solidity and overall reliability have made him indispensable. His growth highlights the potential within the squad, even during such a turbulent season.

Despite these individual contributions, the standout performer for Tottenham has undoubtedly been Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish international made his move to Tottenham permanent in 2023 for a reported £25 million, but his valuation has skyrocketed since then.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Kulusevski is now valued at around €70 million, equivalent to £58 million, marking a remarkable 132% increase in his market value. This rise is a testament to his consistent performances and undeniable quality.

Kulusevski has been a pivotal figure for Spurs, playing both in midfield and on the wings. Over the course of 39 appearances, he has scored nine goals and provided ten assists, delivering a goal involvement every 2.05 matches.

For a team struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table, such numbers are impressive. His versatility and ability to perform under challenging circumstances have made him a crucial asset for the club. Talent scout Jacek Kulig even described Kulusevski as “world-class,” a sentiment echoed by many who have watched him this season.

Here’s a breakdown of Kulusevski’s contributions this season:

Kulusevski’s ability to contribute consistently, even in a struggling side, underscores his importance to Tottenham’s future. His performances have set a benchmark for the rest of the squad, proving that even in the toughest of seasons, quality players can shine.

While this season will likely be remembered as one of Tottenham’s most challenging in recent years, players like Solanke, Spence, and Kulusevski provide a glimmer of hope.

They have demonstrated the ability and resilience to perform despite the team’s struggles. Their efforts suggest they could form the foundation of a revitalized Spurs side in the future. For now, however, Tottenham must regroup, address their injury woes, and focus on rebuilding for the seasons ahead.