Even with trophy-winning coaches like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has always done things his own way. This led to the baffling decision to sack Mourinho just a week before the League Cup final, raising questions about the club’s priorities.
Now, it’s Ange Postecoglou’s turn to try to steer the Tottenham ship, which even top-tier managers have struggled to turn around. One admirable quality about Postecoglou, a Treble-winner with Celtic, is his straightforward approach and refreshing debut season that brought attacking football back to north London.
However, Postecoglou is about to experience Levy’s notorious dealings in the transfer market, especially during the challenges of Euro 2024 and Copa America. Despite these distractions, Spurs have been active, including re-signing Timo Werner on loan and acquiring Leeds United youngster Archie Gray. Their efforts to strengthen the midfield continue.
Aston Villa has recently rejected Tottenham’s offer for their talented midfielder, Jacob Ramsey. It’s suspected that Tottenham’s sporting director Johan Lange, formerly with Villa, influenced this pursuit, but it ended with Levy facing embarrassment yet again. Sources told HITC that Spurs’ bid included £20 million plus midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, but Villa’s manager Unai Emery has made it clear Ramsey is not for sale.
Reflecting on past missteps, such as the lowball offer for Jack Grealish in 2018, highlights Levy’s misjudgments. Grealish, eventually sold to Manchester City for £100 million, went on to win the Treble. Levy must recognize Ramsey’s importance to Villa and his high regard among fans. Despite an injury-plagued season, Ramsey is seen as second in importance only to star striker Ollie Watkins.
When Villa sold Omari Kellyman to Chelsea for £20 million, it signaled Ramsey’s even higher value, regardless of including Lo Celso in the deal. If Spurs valued Lo Celso so much, they wouldn’t consider selling him.
Levy’s learning curve appears steep, and it’s going to be interesting to see how Postecoglou’s tenure unfolds, particularly when challenges arise.
