26yr old Tottenham star now left out of UEL squad after rumours he wanted to join Man United

Ange Postecoglou has made a significant decision in his first European campaign as Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, leaving two key players out of his UEFA Europa League squad.

The exclusion of these high-value players, who together cost Spurs £45 million, has raised eyebrows and led to questions about their future at the club. Both Djed Spence and Sergio Reguilon, players acquired with high expectations, now face uncertainty regarding their playing time under the new manager.

After a disappointing 2022/23 season under Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini, which saw Tottenham fail to qualify for any European competition, Ange Postecoglou is tasked with leading the club back to success on the international stage.

The Australian manager, known for his aggressive attacking football, has wasted no time in shaping the squad to his liking. However, his recent UEFA Europa League selection has left fans and pundits wondering about his vision for certain players.

Spence and Reguilon, two players with a combined transfer value of £45 million, have been left out of the squad for the European competition. This decision marks a pivotal moment in their careers at Tottenham, with both players now forced to focus on domestic cup competitions for any chance of playing time.

Sergio Reguilon, a £30 million signing from Real Madrid in 2020, had a bright start at Tottenham but has since struggled to cement his place in the first team. His loan move to Manchester United last season seemed like an opportunity for him to rediscover his form, but despite expressing a strong desire to join United permanently, that move never materialized.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Reguilon was “really” keen on joining Manchester United before the transfer window closed, but Tottenham’s refusal to let him go has left the Spanish left-back in a precarious position. With Postecoglou overlooking him for European competition, Reguilon will now have to rely on domestic cup fixtures to prove his worth. However, the chances of him breaking into the Premier League squad seem slim under the current system.

Djed Spence’s exclusion from the Europa League squad has been even more surprising, considering the positive feedback he received from Postecoglou during pre-season. The 24-year-old right-back, signed for £15 million from Middlesbrough in 2022, was touted as one of the brightest prospects for the future. His performances during the summer were well-received, and Postecoglou even publicly praised Spence for his attitude and work ethic.

Despite these commendations, Spence has failed to secure a spot in the Europa League squad, raising questions about his long-term role at the club. With limited opportunities in the Premier League as well, the Londoner now faces an uphill battle to impress Postecoglou in the domestic cup competitions.

Tottenham’s decision not to facilitate loan moves for either Spence or Reguilon is puzzling. Both players are still in their prime—Spence is 24, and Reguilon is 27—and a successful loan spell could have increased their market value or provided them with the playing time needed to refine their skills.

Loaning them out would have been a pragmatic solution for Spurs, allowing both players to showcase their talents and potentially attract interest from other clubs. Instead, Tottenham now risks devaluing these assets by keeping them on the sidelines, with little opportunity to increase their market worth.

As it stands, the future looks uncertain for both Spence and Reguilon at Tottenham. The exclusion from European competition means they will only be able to feature in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and possibly some sporadic Premier League appearances, if at all.

Spence, in particular, might feel frustrated after what seemed like a promising pre-season under Postecoglou. His potential has been recognized, but without regular playing time, his development could stall. Similarly, Reguilon, who once had the pedigree of a Real Madrid player, finds himself at a career crossroads. At 27, he still has valuable years ahead of him, but his exclusion suggests that he may not be part of Postecoglou’s long-term plans.

The next logical step for both players could be a move away from Tottenham during the January transfer window. With limited playing time in the first half of the season, it’s likely that Spurs will entertain offers for the duo in order to recoup some of their investment. However, by keeping them out of the European squad, Tottenham risks lowering their market value, making it harder to attract substantial offers.