Following the appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo, his attention will now likely turn to the transfer market and more importantly who the club will look to buy, sell and send out on loan.
It remains to be seen whether the highly-rated Oliver Skipp will be given the chance to be part of Nuno’s plans next season or whether the England Under-21 international will spend yet more time away from North London.
Skipp spent last season on loan at Norwich City, where he played 45 times in their Championship-winning campaign and started a remarkable 44 of those matches (transfermarkt).
Despite his predominantly defensive responsibility, Skipp still managed to score one and provide two assists during his stellar season.
It was the first time in his young career that he had been given the opportunity to play regular first-team football in one of the most physical and competitive leagues in the world and took the opportunity with both hands.
Former Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho held the 20-year-old in high regard and admitted that he did not want the academy product to head out on loan while also describing him as a future captain of the club (Evening Standard).
Norwich have already expressed their interest in taking Skipp back to Carrow Road for a second stint (Sky Sports) but is likely to first have the opportunity to impress Nuno.
Frustratingly, Skipp, sustained a fractured metatarsal late on during the 4-1 win against Reading at the start of May, a game which secured Norwich the Championship title and was later seen sporting a protective boot.
Skipp underwent surgery on the injury with Spurs confirming that he is expected to return during pre-season.
Tottenham’s defensive midfield options were somewhat uninspiring last season with Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko both playing below their usual standard, leaving Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as the standout player.
Winks and Sissoko’s respective futures at Tottenham have been called into question with the club said to be prepared to listen to offers (Evening Standard), it presents a huge opportunity for Skipp to prove that he is ready to make the step up and push for a place in the starting eleven, or another loan move could beckon.
Norwich have already moved to give another highly-rated midfielder an opportunity to prove his worth, with Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour having completed a season-long loan deal with the Premier League newcomers.
Having impressed both Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho, Skipp’s future now rests in the hands of Nuno.
Having qualified for the lesser Europa Conference League, it presents the opportunity for Nuno to give the likes of Skipp a regular taste of European football to further develop what is one of the most exciting talents to come out of the academy in recent years.
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