Bye-bye: Ange has just been given a perfect excuse to sell “titanic” £80m Spurs star
Tottenham Hotspur’s unpredictable season took another twist last night as they followed a disappointing Europa League draw with Rangers with a dominant 5-0 victory over Southampton in the Premier League.
The performance showcased the team’s potential when everything clicks, starting with a goal inside the opening minute and racing to a three-goal lead within the first 15 minutes. This win serves as a reminder of the firepower Spurs possess despite their inconsistent form.
Recent results paint a mixed picture of Tottenham’s campaign. A frustrating draw against Fulham, a narrow loss to Bournemouth, and a high-scoring defeat to Chelsea have highlighted the team’s struggles to maintain momentum.
However, their emphatic performance at St. Mary’s provided a much-needed boost, giving fans and the squad a glimpse of what could be achieved with greater consistency.
One standout from the Southampton match was Djed Spence, whose display might signal a turning point for his career at Spurs. The English right-back has faced a challenging journey since his arrival from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022 for £20 million.
Loan spells in the Championship, Ligue 1, and Serie A suggested his time in North London might be limited. Adding to that uncertainty, he wasn’t even registered in the club’s Europa League squad this season. However, Spence seized his opportunity with a spectacular performance against Southampton, showing why he deserves a place in the starting lineup.
Spence’s contributions were crucial, assisting James Maddison’s opening goal and playing a key role in Tottenham’s second and fifth strikes. His combination of defensive solidity and attacking decisiveness drew praise, with Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold awarding him an 8/10 match rating and calling his display “spectacular.” Ian Wright described the full-back as “swashbuckling,” a fitting term for a player who showcased both flair and discipline.
Spence’s performance raises an interesting dilemma for Tottenham. It may have provided the club with a reason to consider offloading Pedro Porro, a player who has been linked with a lucrative exit. Porro joined Spurs for £40 million under Antonio Conte’s tenure and has remained a first-choice option under Ange Postecoglou.
With 74 appearances for the club, the Spaniard has scored nine goals and delivered 13 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 3.36 games. His attacking output has attracted attention from elite clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, fueling speculation about his future.
Tottenham reportedly values Porro at £80 million, a figure that could become tempting given Spence’s emergence. While Porro has been brilliant in attack, his defensive shortcomings have been a concern for Postecoglou. For instance, his lapse during the Europa League draw against Rangers allowed the opposition to score, a moment that led to a visible reprimand from the manager.
Although Porro’s attacking prowess is undeniable, with his ability to contribute goals and assists from the right flank, Spence’s all-around performance against Southampton shows he may be ready to challenge for the starting spot. Spence’s defensive stability, combined with his offensive contributions, offers Postecoglou an option that could bring more balance to the side.
Selling Porro for a significant fee could also help Tottenham address other areas of the squad in need of reinforcement. With ongoing injury issues to key defenders like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, funds from a potential Porro sale could be reinvested to strengthen the backline. Additionally, bolstering the attacking third remains a priority, especially given Richarlison’s inconsistent form and the lack of depth in forward options.
Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy will face a critical decision in the coming transfer windows. Keeping Porro would ensure the team retains one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs, but selling him for a substantial fee could provide the financial flexibility needed to address weaknesses elsewhere in the squad.
Meanwhile, Spence’s development adds an intriguing layer to the situation, as his performance against Southampton suggests he’s ready to step up and claim a more prominent role.
Tottenham’s victory at St. Mary’s not only boosted morale but also highlighted the potential within the squad. As the January transfer window approaches, decisions on players like Porro and Spence could shape the club’s future trajectory.
Whether Spurs opt to cash in on Porro or keep both players to foster competition, the situation reflects the depth and talent available in the squad. However, achieving consistency remains the ultimate challenge for Postecoglou and his team as they look to capitalize on performances like the one against Southampton and push for a successful season.