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Tottenham Hotspur had a terrible last season, finishing in 7th position, just three points shy of a spot in the Europa League. In fact, the last time Spurs finished below 6th, Harry Kane was still participating in U16 youth tournaments! Will the North London club turn things around and fight for a spot in Europe this coming season? Or will they struggle, stagnate, and fall into mid-table insignificance? That entirely depends on how newly-hired manager Nuno Espirito Santo goes about revamping the squad.
Changes have already been made, with Erik Lamela moving to Sevilla as part of a swap deal that sees young Spaniard Bryan Gil coming to White Hart Lane on a five-year contract.
Rumors suggest Serge Aurier is on the verge of exit from Tottenham, with the Ivorian making it clear that he won't be renewing his contract. His right-back position will likely be filled by Norwich City's 21-year-old Max Aarons, who aided the Canaries in their promotion to the Premier League.
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Serbian power forward Dusan Vlahovic is also on Tottenham's radar, with the Spurs manager looking to bring him in for around £50million. While the 21-year-old could become Kane's strike partner, chances are Vlahovic might end up as Kane's replacement if the England captain moves to Manchester City.
If the rumors are to be believed, players like Moussa Sissoko and Davidson Sanchez are likely to leave White Hart Lane before the summer transfer window ends. However, Nuno Santo - and newly appointed Director of Football Fabio Paratici - already seem to have their replacements in mind. Center backs Sven Botman and Cristian Romero are on Tottenham's radar, with Botman winning in the Ligue 1 and Romero winning the Copa America alongside Lionel Messi.
Tottenham are clearly in the market for vibrant, youthful players and Nuno Santo seems intent on finding a balance between youth and experience. Will this be a driving factor in the North London club's return to European football? It's too soon to say. Right now, however, they'll be looking forward to finalizing the remaining deals to bring in their key players before the transfer window closes.
With this in mind, let's take a look at how Tottenham might lineup after the curtains close on the transfer window:
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
It's no news that the Lilywhites have decided to buy Italian national Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta to take up the number two goalkeeper spot at the club. Many pundits strongly believe that the 26-year-old was brought in as a long-term replacement for Spurs number one Hugo Lloris.
Lloris - who has been at the club for nearly 10 years - has been linked to Paris Saint Germain in recent weeks. Although the French shot stopper is in the final year of his contract, it is believed that Lloris will extend his time at White Hart Lane.
Trustworthy between the sticks, with over 15 years of goalkeeping experience between his gloves, it is unlikely that the 34-year-old France international will relinquish his first-team duties at Tottenham this season. Gollini may have to look forward to cup runs instead.
Right-back: Max Aarons
Max Aarons was instrumental in Norwich's campaign last season that saw him make 45 appearances - the maximum he's ever made for the side in a single season.
Aaron has clearly honed his attacking instincts and improved on the quality of his passes. Making more than one key pass per game while averaging nearly 50 passes per game, the right-back has successfully complemented his defensive qualities with his efforts in the final third.
Nuno might still offer a chance at right-back to Matt Doherty, the Ireland international who played under the Spurs manager at Wolves last year. However, the 29-year-old didn't find consistent form during the year, and this will likely put him as second choice for right-back this time around.
Center-back: Cristian Romero
The 23-year-old had a scintillating last season with Atalanta, where he picked up six goal contributions as center-back Romero was also part of the Argentina squad that lifted the Copa America trophy. He played in the final, successfully keeping Brazil quiet throughout the game.
His work rate and current ability clearly has Spurs interested, especially because the club wants a center-back who can make an impact immediately. Aside from this, Romero is just 23, with the potential to become one of the best center-backs in the world.
The young center-back helped Atalanta finish in 3rd place, above Juventus, and Spurs will dramatically reduce their defensive woes if they can get him to play in England this season.
Center-back: Sven Botman
Lille conceded an amazing 23 goals throughout the course of the Ligue 1 last season. Losing only 3 games, they cantered to victory in the league, one point above PSG. Much of that defensive effort came from 21-year-old Dutchman Sven Botman making 37 league appearances for Lille.
It isn't surprising that Botman piqued Tottenham's interest. With Romero potentially lining up with Botman as half-back, Spurs will inject more pace and agility at the back.
Botman, like Romero, is young but capable of hitting the ground running. He's also going to be a potential long-term investment for Spurs, especially if his actions on the pitch can improve the club's standing this season.
Left-back: Sergio Reguilon
The Spaniard might have had an average - or below par - last season with the Spurs, but Nuno Espirito Santo will certainly have noticed Reguilon's performances in the Euros. The left-back flourished for his national side, setting up two goals in just three appearances.
Will Reguilon take that form into the new season with Tottenham? Or will he lose consistency and become a pain for the new management? Since there are no plans to purchase a left-back in this transfer window, it looks like Nuno is putting his faith in the 24-year-old.
Ryan Sessegnon, who is been on loan at Hoffenheim, will be a strong contender for the position. The 20-year-old was at his best last season, making 24 appearances and contributing 5 goals in the Bundesliga. It's uncertain if he will go on loan again this season, as Nuno might be counting on the youngster to break into the first team.
Left midfielder - Son Heung-min
The South Korean international has been explosive for Tottenham, especially during his time under Jose Mourinho. Performing consistently through much of the last season, Son contributed to Spurs efforts with 17 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.
The Spurs manager's focus for the transfer window has clearly been on the defensive end of things, and for good reason. That's clearly where they're lacking. Tottenham have looked efficient and unstoppable in attack at times, and Son Heung-min has played a big part in it. Nuno Santo will hope he maintains the same rich this season.
Center midfielder - Tanguy Ndombele
In the event of Moussa Sissoko's exit, Nuno Santo will need Ndombele's presence in a deeper midfield role. The former Lyon star has remained a consistent force within the Spurs midfield, notching up 33 Premier League appearances last season and making five goal contributions.
The 24-year-old had to deal with fitness and injury-related issues towards the end of last season, but chances are he'll be at the top of his game as the season begins. If he remains consistent this time around, the improved Spurs squad will benefit greatly from his work-rate.
Center midfielder: Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg
Joining Spurs in the 2020 summer transfer window, the Netherlands international has found his footing at White Hart Lane. Last season, Hojbjerg maintained his position as the cog in the wheel of Jose Mourinho's squad, starting 38 Premier League games for Tottenham.
From the look of things, the 25-year-old has no intentions of slowing down and could easily pull the strings in the midfield if given the chance. Partnering with Ndombele, it will be interesting to see the midfield duo in action this season.
Left midfielder: Bryan Gil
Gil's signing has been, for Tottenham, a very impressive coup. Last season, Spurs could rely on Gareth Bale, who delivered 11 goals from 20 appearances. However, with the Welshman headed back to Real Madrid after his loan, Tottenham would've had to make do with Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn, both of whom have been sidelined in recent months.
But Bryan Gil brings a breath of fresh air to White Hart Lane. The 20-year-old was consistent down either wing for Eibar last season, attacking with intent and putting pressure on the opposing defenders. Spurs will look to make use of his quick feet, direct dribbling and explosive pace this season.
Center-forward: Harry Kane
It's hard to remember the last time a Tottenham striker was enveloped in transfer controversies the way Harry Kane has been these past few months. Spurs millionaire chairman Daniel Levy has made his stance on the matter clear: Kane is not for sale at any price. However, the striker himself may have other plans. Tottenham's lack of silverware isn't helping Levy's case, and Manchester City are currently waiting to pounce once the opportunity presents itself.
The England captain is currently Tottenham's best player and this isn't even an argument. 37 goal contributions in only 35 games - it's clear that the 28-year-old is playing his part for the club. If he leaves, it will be difficult for someone else to fill in his shoes. His place in the first team is set in stone.
Center-forward: Dusan Vlahovic
The part young Vlahovic plays is nearly entirely dependent on Harry Kane's future at the club, and it isn't too surprising either. Kane has been Tottenham's top marksman in recent years and that might all change if the star leaves for Manchester City.
If Kane decides to stay at White Hart Lane, Vlahovic will likely play as his strike partner in a two-striker formation. If Kane leaves, Vlahovic may play as the lone striker with Dele Alli supporting from behind.
Either way, the young Serbian seems well-prepared for the task ahead. Last season, he contributed to nearly half of all the goals Fiorentina scored in the Serie A. Clearly, the 21-year-old has a good eye for the back of the net, and Nuno Santo will be itching to use that to Spurs' advantage, irrespective of what happens with Harry Kane.
