‘Better than Mathys Tel and Odobert’: Jamie O’Hara names the striker he’d sign at Tottenham for free this summer
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for what promises to be their most consequential transfer window in years, an unlikely name has entered the conversation – Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy.
The 38-year-old striker’s impending departure from the King Power Stadium after twelve glorious years has sparked debate about his potential value to a Spurs side in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.
Tottenham’s dismal Premier League campaign, likely to conclude in the bottom half of the table, has exposed glaring deficiencies in their squad depth. While Dominic Solanke has established himself as the first-choice striker, the lack of reliable backup options has become painfully apparent.
This vulnerability has led former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara to make a compelling case for Vardy’s acquisition, arguing the veteran forward could provide short-term solutions while the club addresses more pressing long-term needs elsewhere on the pitch.
“Vardy’s scored eight Premier League goals in a terrible Leicester side this season,” O’Hara noted on talkSPORT. “He still looks sharp, still quick – he’s better than Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert right now.”
These comments highlight the curious paradox facing Tottenham’s recruitment team. While the club’s long-term vision undoubtedly involves signing younger, dynamic attackers, the immediate reality may require pragmatic stopgap solutions.
Vardy’s potential arrival would represent the ultimate Daniel Levy special – a high-profile free transfer requiring minimal financial commitment. The Leicester icon’s proven Premier League pedigree and knack for crucial goals could prove invaluable in tight matches, particularly if deployed as a late-game substitute.
His relentless pressing and intelligent movement would suit Ange Postecoglou’s system, offering a different dimension to Solanke’s more physical approach.
However, the wisdom of this move largely depends on Tottenham’s European fate. Should they overcome Bodo/Glimt and lift the Europa League trophy, Champions League football would transform their transfer ambitions, making Vardy an unnecessary gamble.
Without European competition, the calculus changes – the club may need to allocate limited resources to more critical positions, making a cost-effective veteran option suddenly appealing.
Vardy’s potential role at Spurs would mirror his final seasons at Leicester – no longer the undisputed starter, but a lethal weapon off the bench capable of changing games in an instant.
His experience could also prove invaluable in mentoring younger attackers, passing on the tricks of the trade that made him one of England’s most feared strikers during his prime.
Critics will rightly question whether a 38-year-old represents the right profile for a club supposedly building for the future. Yet Tottenham’s recent history suggests they often benefit from blending youthful promise with veteran savvy.
The potential acquisition wouldn’t preclude signing a long-term striking option; rather, it could buy time to identify the right permanent solution while addressing immediate needs.
As Fabio Paratici prepares to resume control of Tottenham’s transfer strategy, he faces difficult decisions about how to allocate limited resources. While flashy signings may capture headlines, the Vardy suggestion underscores the importance of shrewd, pragmatic additions that address specific squad needs without breaking the bank.
In a summer where Tottenham must rebuild multiple areas of their squad, sometimes the most unconventional solutions merit serious consideration.
Whether Spurs ultimately pursue Vardy may depend on various factors – their European status, potential managerial changes, and the availability of other targets.
But one thing remains clear: in a transfer window where Tottenham must be both ambitious and economical, overlooking proven Premier League quality simply because of age could be a luxury they cannot afford.