Not just Porro: Levy must finally cash in on £35m Spurs dud who’s been shambolic

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury crisis this season has undoubtedly derailed their hopes of securing European football, but it has also provided an unexpected opportunity for several players to step up and prove their worth.

Among those who have seized the moment is Djed Spence, the full-back who has forced his way into Ange Postecoglou’s plans after initially being overlooked.

Spence has made 15 Premier League appearances this season, earning a nomination for February’s Player of the Month award—a testament to his impressive performances in recent weeks.

His emergence has been a rare bright spot in what has otherwise been a challenging campaign for Spurs, who currently find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Spence’s rise to prominence could have significant implications for the future of Pedro Porro, the Spanish right-back who has struggled for consistency since his £39 million move to Tottenham in 2023.

Porro has been Postecoglou’s first-choice option on the right flank, but his recent performances have fallen short of expectations. In the recent draw against Bournemouth, Porro’s misplaced pass and poor positioning directly contributed to the opposition’s opening goal, highlighting his defensive vulnerabilities.

Despite these issues, Porro has previously attracted interest from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants reportedly monitoring his progress. However, with Spence now pushing for a regular starting role, Tottenham may be tempted to cash in on Porro this summer, especially if a suitable offer arrives.

Porro’s potential departure is just one piece of the puzzle as Tottenham look to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. Another player who could be on his way out is Yves Bissouma, the Malian midfielder who has failed to live up to expectations since joining from Brighton for £35 million in 2022.

Bissouma’s time at Spurs has been marred by inconsistency and costly mistakes, with the 29-year-old often resorting to fouls to compensate for his errors. This season, he has committed an average of 1.6 fouls per 90 minutes and received six yellow cards, further underscoring his struggles.

His inability to secure a regular starting role—making just 13 league starts—has led to criticism, with one analyst describing his performances as “shambolic.”

Bissouma’s struggles have also hindered the development of Archie Gray, the 18-year-old midfielder who joined Tottenham from Leeds United for £40 million last summer.

Gray has been deployed in various defensive roles this season, covering for absentees due to injuries, and has performed admirably despite being out of position. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven now back in the fold, Postecoglou has the opportunity to give Gray minutes in his preferred midfield role, allowing him to showcase his potential.

Gray’s versatility and maturity at such a young age make him a player worth building around, but his progress has been stifled by Bissouma’s continued presence in the squad.

As Tottenham prepare for a crucial summer transfer window, Postecoglou must make tough decisions to reshape the squad and address its shortcomings.

Offloading underperforming players like Porro and Bissouma could free up funds and create space for new signings, while also giving younger talents like Gray the opportunity to flourish.

The club’s injury crisis has exposed the lack of depth in key areas, and reinforcements will be needed to ensure a more competitive campaign next season.

While selling established players may seem harsh, it is a necessary step if Tottenham are to move forward and challenge for silverware. Postecoglou’s ability to be ruthless in his decision-making will be crucial in turning the club’s fortunes around.

With the right additions and a clear vision, Spurs can rebuild and aim to end their long wait for a trophy. For now, the focus remains on finishing the current season as strongly as possible, while laying the groundwork for a brighter future.