• INS: Alessandro Bastoni - the Inter Milan defender, 23, looks likely to follow teammate Ivan Perisic in reuniting with their former manager Antonio Conte in the Premier League. Bastoni has called Conte the "Messi of coaches" and the Tottenham manager will have to use a hefty chunk of the £150 million war chest promised to him by the club's owners with Inter reportedly pricing the Italy international at £51m. Getty Images
    INS: Alessandro Bastoni - the Inter Milan defender, 23, looks likely to follow teammate Ivan Perisic in reuniting with their former manager Antonio Conte in the Premier League. Bastoni has called Conte the "Messi of coaches" and the Tottenham manager will have to use a hefty chunk of the £150 million war chest promised to him by the club's owners with Inter reportedly pricing the Italy international at £51m. Getty Images
  • Paulo Dybala - After seven trophy-laden years at Juventus, the Argentina forward seeks pastures new this summer. There are few more attractive free agents in world football, and Spurs face stiff competition from a host of clubs for Dybala's signature, with Chelsea and Inter Milan chief among them. AFP
    Paulo Dybala - After seven trophy-laden years at Juventus, the Argentina forward seeks pastures new this summer. There are few more attractive free agents in world football, and Spurs face stiff competition from a host of clubs for Dybala's signature, with Chelsea and Inter Milan chief among them. AFP
  • Christian Eriksen - The sight of Eriksen playing professional football again - and in the Premier League no less - was the heart-warming story of the 2021/22 season. And the Dane proved in his six months at Brentford that it was no gimmick, helping the Bees secure safety with ease. Tottenham fans would welcome back their former charge with open arms. Getty Images
    Christian Eriksen - The sight of Eriksen playing professional football again - and in the Premier League no less - was the heart-warming story of the 2021/22 season. And the Dane proved in his six months at Brentford that it was no gimmick, helping the Bees secure safety with ease. Tottenham fans would welcome back their former charge with open arms. Getty Images
  • Sam Johnstone - the England international, 29, is available on a free transfer after running down his contract at West Bromwich Albion. With Champions League football a decent carrot to dangle in front of any player, Johnstone may well relish the challenge of trying to displace club captain Hugo Lloris. PA
    Sam Johnstone - the England international, 29, is available on a free transfer after running down his contract at West Bromwich Albion. With Champions League football a decent carrot to dangle in front of any player, Johnstone may well relish the challenge of trying to displace club captain Hugo Lloris. PA
  • Malcolm Ebiowei - Spurs are among a number of clubs being credited with an interest in the Derby County teenager, who was one of the club's standout performers despite the Rams' relegation from the Championship. Would likely be loaned back to a Championship club to gain experience, but the 18-year-old winger looks a young man with bright potential. PA
    Malcolm Ebiowei - Spurs are among a number of clubs being credited with an interest in the Derby County teenager, who was one of the club's standout performers despite the Rams' relegation from the Championship. Would likely be loaned back to a Championship club to gain experience, but the 18-year-old winger looks a young man with bright potential. PA
  • OUTS: Harry Winks - The academy graduate has racked up more than 200 appearances for Spurs but has been largely marginalised under Conte. Will find chances limited again behind Bentancur, Hjobjerg and Skipp in central midfield next season. PA
    OUTS: Harry Winks - The academy graduate has racked up more than 200 appearances for Spurs but has been largely marginalised under Conte. Will find chances limited again behind Bentancur, Hjobjerg and Skipp in central midfield next season. PA
  • Tanguy Ndombele - The Frenchman is a man in limbo after Lyon, the Ligue 1 club where he spent the second half of last season, rejecting the chance to make the move permanent. The midfielder has struggled for fitness and form, while there are also major question marks over his attitude despite his undoubted talent. AFP
    Tanguy Ndombele - The Frenchman is a man in limbo after Lyon, the Ligue 1 club where he spent the second half of last season, rejecting the chance to make the move permanent. The midfielder has struggled for fitness and form, while there are also major question marks over his attitude despite his undoubted talent. AFP
  • Giovani Lo Celso - It just hasn't happened for the Argentina midfielder at Spurs. A huge disappointment who disappears even when Spurs dominate. Spent the second half of last season on loan at Villarreal, who have expressed an interest in making the move permanent. EPA
    Giovani Lo Celso - It just hasn't happened for the Argentina midfielder at Spurs. A huge disappointment who disappears even when Spurs dominate. Spent the second half of last season on loan at Villarreal, who have expressed an interest in making the move permanent. EPA
  • Steven Bergwijn - Wrote his name in Tottenham folklore with two injury-time goals against Leicester that turned a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 victory. But the Netherlands winger has largely underwhelmed in his two-and-a-half years at the club and will fall further down the pecking order with the impending arrival of Peresic. PA
    Steven Bergwijn - Wrote his name in Tottenham folklore with two injury-time goals against Leicester that turned a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 victory. But the Netherlands winger has largely underwhelmed in his two-and-a-half years at the club and will fall further down the pecking order with the impending arrival of Peresic. PA
  • Japhet Tanganga - You might think that the 23-year-old Englishman would be his Italian coach's cup of tea, given his penchant for pushing the legal boundaries in his challenges. Not so though, with Conte rarely using Tanganga. Has pace and power in abundance but lacks the awareness and anticipation needed at this level. PA
    Japhet Tanganga - You might think that the 23-year-old Englishman would be his Italian coach's cup of tea, given his penchant for pushing the legal boundaries in his challenges. Not so though, with Conte rarely using Tanganga. Has pace and power in abundance but lacks the awareness and anticipation needed at this level. PA

Sport

Football

Dybala in, Ndombele out: Five players Spurs should sign, five they should let go

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte to be backed in the transfer market after owners provide £150 million cash injection

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

June 01, 2022

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Antonio Conte has reaffirmed his commitment to Tottenham Hotspur after being convinced by plans to significantly bolster the squad in the close season.

Conte led Spurs back to the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League, having taken charge of the club in November when they were eighth in the standings.

The Italian signed an 18-month contract but reports earlier this year said he was considering his future at the club if his calls to improve the squad went unheeded.

However, with Spurs last week announcing a £150 million ($189 million) cash injection into the club, Conte reportedly met with sporting director Fabio Paratici in Turin last Friday to plan ahead for his first full season in charge.

Conte has already put the owners' commitment to the test, requesting the services of Croatia winger Ivan Perisic from his former club Inter Milan.

That may not be the final raid Conte makes on his former employers, with Alessandro Bastoni also linked with a £51 million move to North London.

The photo gallery above looks at five players the club should sell and five players they should sign. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Tottenham 2021/22 season ratings

  • GOALKEEPERS: Hugo Lloris - 6. Signed a new contract in January that runs until June 2024. Has a tendency to play his defenders into trouble on occasion but shot-stopping is still elite level. Getty Images
    GOALKEEPERS: Hugo Lloris - 6. Signed a new contract in January that runs until June 2024. Has a tendency to play his defenders into trouble on occasion but shot-stopping is still elite level. Getty Images
  • Pierluigi Gollini - 6. Lloris' understudy has performed capably during the cup competitions without giving any real indication he is ready to usurp the club captain any time soon. EPA
    Pierluigi Gollini - 6. Lloris' understudy has performed capably during the cup competitions without giving any real indication he is ready to usurp the club captain any time soon. EPA
  • DEFENDERS: Matt Doherty - 6. His season was brought to a premature end following an injury against Aston Villa in April. Shame, because he was actually beginning to show the kind of form that prompted Spurs to sign him from Wolves. Getty Images
    DEFENDERS: Matt Doherty - 6. His season was brought to a premature end following an injury against Aston Villa in April. Shame, because he was actually beginning to show the kind of form that prompted Spurs to sign him from Wolves. Getty Images
  • Sergio Reguilon 6 - Injuries have disrupted the Spanish wing-back's campaign and Ryan Sessegnon's emergence will make for an interesting battle between the two next term. PA
    Sergio Reguilon 6 - Injuries have disrupted the Spanish wing-back's campaign and Ryan Sessegnon's emergence will make for an interesting battle between the two next term. PA
  • Emerson Royal - 5. The Brazilian can often be found wanting defensively. Too much Serge Aurier and not enough Kieran Trippier. Reuters
    Emerson Royal - 5. The Brazilian can often be found wanting defensively. Too much Serge Aurier and not enough Kieran Trippier. Reuters
  • Ben Davies - 7. Deployed more often as part of a back three than full-back and the Welshman has excelled. Arguably his best season as a Tottenham player. Getty Images
    Ben Davies - 7. Deployed more often as part of a back three than full-back and the Welshman has excelled. Arguably his best season as a Tottenham player. Getty Images
  • Cristian Romero - 8. Spurs' best signing of 2021/22. Romero loves the physical challenge and is comfortable enough on the ball to initiate and join in attacks. AFP
    Cristian Romero - 8. Spurs' best signing of 2021/22. Romero loves the physical challenge and is comfortable enough on the ball to initiate and join in attacks. AFP
  • Eric Dier - 8. Has finally nailed down his position as a central defender and like Davies, has flourished under Conte's management. Getty Images
    Eric Dier - 8. Has finally nailed down his position as a central defender and like Davies, has flourished under Conte's management. Getty Images
  • Davinson Sanchez - 6. Largely seen as cover for Romero, Davies and Dier. The Colombian has great recovery but that's often called upon because his positional sense is poor. Getty Images
    Davinson Sanchez - 6. Largely seen as cover for Romero, Davies and Dier. The Colombian has great recovery but that's often called upon because his positional sense is poor. Getty Images
  • Joe Rodon - 4. The Welshman has found game time hard to come by under both Nuno and Conte this term. Would probably benefit from a loan spell away from the club. Getty Images
    Joe Rodon - 4. The Welshman has found game time hard to come by under both Nuno and Conte this term. Would probably benefit from a loan spell away from the club. Getty Images
  • Japhet Tanganga - 5. Lacks the cunning of Romero and is guilty of being overly aggressive in games. Ball distribution is not up to the level of his fellow defenders either. AFP
    Japhet Tanganga - 5. Lacks the cunning of Romero and is guilty of being overly aggressive in games. Ball distribution is not up to the level of his fellow defenders either. AFP
  • Ryan Sessegnon - 6. Spurs fans are still waiting to see the best of Sessegnon but the former Fulham man has definitely improved on last season's effort. Will be interesting to see if he can really push Sergio Reguilon for the left-sided berth next term. Getty Images
    Ryan Sessegnon - 6. Spurs fans are still waiting to see the best of Sessegnon but the former Fulham man has definitely improved on last season's effort. Will be interesting to see if he can really push Sergio Reguilon for the left-sided berth next term. Getty Images
  • MIDFIELDERS: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 7. The Dane does the nuts and bolts of the job well but has looked to join in with attacks more under Conte. Spurs' Mr Dependable. Getty Images
    MIDFIELDERS: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 7. The Dane does the nuts and bolts of the job well but has looked to join in with attacks more under Conte. Spurs' Mr Dependable. Getty Images
  • Oliver Skipp - 7. Arguably Spurs' best performer before injury curtailed his season. Shown he has the guile and gumption to perform in the Premier League.
    Oliver Skipp - 7. Arguably Spurs' best performer before injury curtailed his season. Shown he has the guile and gumption to perform in the Premier League.
  • Harry Winks - 4. His ability to cover ground in defensive errors remains impressive but needs to do much more in possession. EPA
    Harry Winks - 4. His ability to cover ground in defensive errors remains impressive but needs to do much more in possession. EPA
  • Rodrigo Bentancur - 7. The Uruguayan joined in January from Juventus and is already a huge improvement on the man he replaced - Giovani Lo Celso - who was shipped out on loan to Villarreal. Bentancur can look pure silk at times. AFP
    Rodrigo Bentancur - 7. The Uruguayan joined in January from Juventus and is already a huge improvement on the man he replaced - Giovani Lo Celso - who was shipped out on loan to Villarreal. Bentancur can look pure silk at times. AFP
  • Steven Bergwijn - 6. While he is unlikely to be a first-team regular, the Dutch international will forever hold cult status among Tottenham fans for his two injury-time goals against Leicester that turned a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 win. AP Photo
    Steven Bergwijn - 6. While he is unlikely to be a first-team regular, the Dutch international will forever hold cult status among Tottenham fans for his two injury-time goals against Leicester that turned a 2-1 defeat into a 3-2 win. AP Photo
  • Lucas Moura - 6. Things just haven't quite clicked for the Brazilian. Few players work harder with the ball but Moura is just as likely to run down a blind alley as carve open a defence. Reuters
    Lucas Moura - 6. Things just haven't quite clicked for the Brazilian. Few players work harder with the ball but Moura is just as likely to run down a blind alley as carve open a defence. Reuters
  • Dejan Kulusevski - 8. The Swede has established himself as a fan favourite after hitting the ground running following a loan move from Juventus. Has added an extra attacking dimension to Spurs' play and signed off his campaign with two goals in the 5-0 demolition of Norwich. Getty Images
    Dejan Kulusevski - 8. The Swede has established himself as a fan favourite after hitting the ground running following a loan move from Juventus. Has added an extra attacking dimension to Spurs' play and signed off his campaign with two goals in the 5-0 demolition of Norwich. Getty Images
  • Son Heung-min - 9. Another prolific season for the South Korean, whose haul of 23 league goals saw him share the Golden Boot with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Son has arguably become more important to Spurs than Kane. Getty Images
    Son Heung-min - 9. Another prolific season for the South Korean, whose haul of 23 league goals saw him share the Golden Boot with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Son has arguably become more important to Spurs than Kane. Getty Images
  • Harry Kane - 8. Struggled for form after seeing a move to Manchester City fall through last summer. Once again formed a productive partnership with Son to finish the season with 17 league goals to fire Spurs to fourth place. Getty Images
    Harry Kane - 8. Struggled for form after seeing a move to Manchester City fall through last summer. Once again formed a productive partnership with Son to finish the season with 17 league goals to fire Spurs to fourth place. Getty Images
  • MANAGERS: Nuno Espirito Santo 4 - After starting the campaign with a treble of 1-0 wins to top the league, the wheels fell off spectacularly for the Portuguese and a run of four defeats in six games saw him sacked on November 1, 2021. PA
    MANAGERS: Nuno Espirito Santo 4 - After starting the campaign with a treble of 1-0 wins to top the league, the wheels fell off spectacularly for the Portuguese and a run of four defeats in six games saw him sacked on November 1, 2021. PA
  • Antonio Conte 8 - Spurs were ninth when the Italian took over in November and then seven points adrift of fourth when they lost to Burnley in February, but 10 wins from their next 14 games saw them overhaul Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham to claim fourth spot. PA
    Antonio Conte 8 - Spurs were ninth when the Italian took over in November and then seven points adrift of fourth when they lost to Burnley in February, but 10 wins from their next 14 games saw them overhaul Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham to claim fourth spot. PA
Updated: June 01, 2022, 3:35 AM
Tottenham HotspurPremier LeagueAntonio ConteChampions League