Arrived in 2020, now worth £21m less: Spurs must now regret signing “ridiculous” star
Tottenham Hotspur, like any major club, has faced its share of regrettable and expensive signings over the years. Players such as Richarlison, Tanguy Ndombele, and Giovani Lo Celso, while not inherently bad players, represent investments that have failed to deliver expected returns.
However, apart from Richarlison, the club has managed to offload most of these underperforming acquisitions in recent seasons. One particular player, though, remains a glaring example of a costly mistake, having seen his market value drop significantly since his arrival in 2020.
Tottenham’s transfer dealings in 2020 were a mixed bag, though calling them “mixed” might be overly generous. The loan signing of Gareth Bale stood out as one of the rare successes from that period.
The Welshman’s return to North London, while short-lived, provided moments of brilliance. In 34 appearances, totaling just 1,680 minutes, Bale recorded 16 goals and three assists, averaging a goal involvement every 88.42 minutes. His contributions highlighted his enduring quality, even in the twilight of his career.
On the other hand, Matt Doherty’s transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £14.7 million exemplified the challenges of that summer’s recruitment.
Over two and a half seasons, Doherty made 71 appearances before his contract was mutually terminated in January 2023, allowing him to join Atlético Madrid.
Although his time at Spurs proved unsuccessful, the club’s ability to cut their losses early provided a degree of closure. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for another high-profile signing from that summer.
Sergio Reguilón’s arrival in September 2020 for approximately £28 million was initially met with optimism. His first season at Spurs showed promise, with 36 appearances and five assists, and his second season saw him remain a regular starter, contributing two goals and three assists in 31 appearances.
However, injuries began to take their toll, starting with a groin injury late in his second season. Subsequent loan spells at Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford were marred by inconsistent performances and recurring injuries, limiting his impact.
In total, Reguilón’s senior career statistics reflect a trajectory that has not lived up to expectations. His performances for various clubs, as detailed in the table below, illustrate his struggles to maintain form and fitness consistently:
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spurs | 72 | 2 | 8 |
| Logroñés | 43 | 7 | 1 |
| Sevilla | 38 | 3 | 5 |
| Real Madrid | 22 | 0 | 3 |
| Brentford | 16 | 0 | 4 |
| Atlético Madrid | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Manchester United | 12 | 0 | 0 |
Despite glimpses of his potential during loan stints, Reguilón’s value has plummeted. Initially signed for £28 million, his valuation now stands at approximately £7 million, reflecting a £21 million loss.
His current situation at Tottenham further underscores his diminished status, as manager Ange Postecoglou has largely excluded him from first-team plans, with only 242 minutes of play across five appearances this season.
This limited involvement was likely due to a defensive injury crisis rather than any change in his standing within the squad.
The failure to sell Reguilón earlier for a modest loss has exacerbated the financial hit Tottenham now faces. With his £53,000-per-week contract set to expire in the summer, it appears increasingly likely that he will leave the club on a free transfer.
While signings often fail to live up to expectations, Reguilón’s case stands out as a particularly costly misstep. Early action to offload him might have mitigated the financial loss, but instead, Spurs now find themselves poised to see him depart without recouping any of their investment.