What's new

The Daniel Levy thread

Status
Not open for further replies.

tototoner

Staying Alert
Mar 21, 2004
29,387
34,059
a football fan cast article but a lot of decent points raised IMHO

http://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/is-daniel-levy-holding-tottenham-back


In the world of football, especially during the transfer windows, it is important to ensure that deals are completed quickly and decisively. With several clubs often targeting the same players, it is a common occurrence for other teams to swoop in and try and steal a deal – this is where Daniel Levy has served to disappoint numerous Spurs fans at White Hart Lane. Despite the North-London team’s acquisition of Brazilian Paulinho, names have come and gone as transfer rumours, and have chosen other clubs to continue their careers.

David Villa was a man the whole footballing world were expecting to become Andre Villas-Boas’ second summer signing. Much reported to have spoken to various Premier League clubs, it became apparent that Tottenham had won the Spanish 31-year old over. However, breaking news then spread last week that Villa had signed a contract with Barcelona rivals Athletico Madrid, and the striker had become yet another Tottenham target to slip away from signing a deal. But what is it that is holding the club back?

On the completion of signing his contract in Madrid, Villa indicated that he was happy to make a move to the Premier League, however the speed of the deal put him off.

He told the Mirror: “It is true the idea was for me to go to the Premier League, because the biggest offers came from there. But then Atletico Madrid showed up and they did more in three days than others did in months.”

With Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas reportedly calling the Spaniard directly to persuade him to join Tottenham, it was chairman Daniel Levy who slowed the proceedings, as he was unhappy with the high wage demands. This is a necessity of football now however, and if Spurs want to have any chance at attaining a top-four finish this season, Levy clearly needs to be more proactive and willing for these big-money transfers to take place.

The David Villa episode will sting Spurs, as the fee paid by Athletico Madrid has been reported to be less than what Tottenham had offered in the first place, but it is not merely this incident that has brought Levy and his transfer philosophy to question. Tim Jedvaj was also a target of Levy and Spurs, and it had been reported this young defender was happy to make the move to England. Delays while trying to sign this player however, yet again set in motion a late twist, and instead the Croatian signed for Roma. He, similarly to Villa indicated that Spurs had dithered over their decision, admitting that, “Roma did a strong negotiation and now I’m happy to be in this group”.

To add to the list, Christian Benteke has been widely reported to be close to a switch from Aston Villa to London, however everything has gone quiet with regards to that potential target. So what is it that is creating this uncertainty in the hierarchy of Tottenham F.C? Is it the lack of financial budget and ambition, or is it the worry that these players are not who Spurs need to progress?

The likelihood is, it’s a bit of both. Quite clearly, Spurs are on the brink of breaking into the top-four and with this achievement getting ever closer, Levy is becoming panicked over who that star signing is to guide them over the line. This deliberation however, is serving to hold the club back and while Levy may be commended for his quick purchase of Paulinho, it is evident that with a severe lack of depth in a forward’s role, they need a striker. This was most noticeable last season, when with various injuries and players at the African Cup of Nations, Spurs had no recognised striker for a prolonged period.

If Tottenham and Levy really do have aspirations of gaining qualification to the Champions League, they must invest more money on wages and transfer fees. Delaying some of these moves has caused these players to join teams competing at the pinnacle of European football, and as a result, the White Hart Lane fan base has every right to feel aggrieved.

The lack of Champions League football itself is a certain element behind Spurs’ struggle to capture some of these players however. David Villa told the Mirror: “Professionally, everything is beyond doubt – Atletico Madrid finished third in La Liga, they were fighting against Real Madrid until the last minute. They won the Copa Del Rey and they will play in the Champions League.”

Perhaps the Spanish attacker may have been more patient with Tottenham had they secured a fourth place finish last season. It seemed inevitable for the first half of the season, but Spurs’ collapse, coupled by Arsenals resurgence meant that yet again they had just finished shy of the mark. But this can be linked again to Levy and his transfer policy. If deals were completed quicker, and with more assurance, perhaps Spurs wouldn’t have faltered last season, they may well have hung on to fourth, or even third place. If that had happened, maybe David Villa would have signed the contract, and be parading around White Hart Lane, in the famous Lilywhite kit.

All of this can only be speculated about however. All that is clear is that Tottenham and Daniel Levy need to be more ruthless in their transfer policy. Quick decisions, and a willingness to splash out more on players and their wages is vital. In the current day, this is the only way to ensure that the world-class players join your club, and with those on board, Spurs can indeed press on for Champions League qualification, if not even more.
 

SpunkyBackpack

Well-Known Member
Dec 8, 2005
7,831
9,372
I don't know, neither does he, neither do you, i can hazard a decent guess that the answer is 'probably not' though.
 

BelgianBrownie

Active Member
Jul 31, 2004
160
120
Definitely not.

Not sure about the Benteke bit - all we have been hearing is that the deal is getting close, certainly not "gone quiet".

As for Villa, he never wanted to leave Spain. He said himself that he would not want to discuss transfers until after the Confed Cup - and almost as soon as it was over, he signed for A.M.
 

Geyzer Soze

Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd
Aug 16, 2010
26,056
63,361
I'm.absolutely sure he's not! Jeez Louise what more can we ask of the man?

New training ground, New stadium, keeping the most wanted player in the world, keeping the club in the black & just breaking a transfer record ...
 

dontcallme

SC Supporter
Mar 18, 2005
33,988
81,929
Before Levy took over we were never in contention for players at the ability, potential and reputation of Bale, Modric, Berbatov, VDV, Paulinho, Villa, Leandro, Vertonghen, Lloris, etc.

The fact that we failed to get some of them doesn't change that for me.
 

Montasura

Well-Known Member
Mar 15, 2008
7,256
6,768
I read the article in full and I really don't agree with it at all. For the most part it is based on rumour and suppositions from what I can see. To use the Villa deal as a catalyst for the article is just silly as nobody knows for sure what happened. Personally I think it is a bullet dodged anyway due to his age. I reckon we would have got 2 good years out of him at best then back to square one. I think Benteke is a more sensible option despite the price.

Year on year we have shown continued improvement since enic took over and I think we are now in a position where the future looks very bright for Spurs.
 

CowInAComa

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
7,293
18,237
Just because he got us where we are doesnt mean he hasnt hit his ceiling.

I think we need to be more decisive when chasing the bigger fish.
 

Ironskullll

Well-Known Member
Nov 15, 2010
1,378
1,894
To hold something back surely there has to be something else which is forcing it forward. If Levy is holding Spurs back, then where is that forward push coming from that he's negating?
 

Monkey Bastard Hands

Large Member
Jul 18, 2010
1,411
1,121
No. There's more to running a football club than signing players. What Levy has accomplished off the pitch is nothing short of extraordinary, we are punching above our weight and have a very bright long term future. If/when Levy steps down he will leave the club in a fantastic position.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top