David Ornstein from The Athletic outlines the club’s intentions for the January transfer window. Ornstein believes that Spurs are ready for Eric Dier to leave on a free transfer this month, repeating a similar move they recently made with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, as Tottenham already have his replacement lined up [Radu Dragusin].
The Frenchman recently crossed the Atlantic to join Los Angeles FC on a free transfer. This decision was taken because Lloris had only six months left on his contract and the Spurs decided to let him go without receiving a transfer fee, a move which, in the current era of Financial Fair Play, reduces some of the financial burden.
Now Eric Dier is in a similar situation, with only a few months left on his contract. The English defender has played limited under manager Ange Postecoglou, making only four appearances this season.
With the manager preferring to play with others rather than Dier, his role has certainly diminished, prompting claims that Postecoglou is ready to sell the 29-year-old. Ornstein stated on Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE that Spurs want to offload Dier in the coming weeks.
“Hugo Lloris has already left for LAFC. It doesn’t bring a transfer sum, but it takes his wages off the wage bill, which is crucial in an era of financial fair play.”
“We would love to do the same with Eric Dier, who is out of contract next summer and is not part of the plans.”
What next for Dier?
The decision to potentially allow Dier to leave without a transfer fee certainly underlines Tottenham’s approach to squad and financial management.
With the emphasis on balancing the wage bill and adhering to fair financial practices regulations, Spurs are willing to part with players who may not be at the centre of the manager’s plans, especially if they are nearing the end of their contract.
However, as the Spurs want to move more players in this window, the funds have to come from somewhere. If we don’t get paid for these fringe players, Tottenham’s desire to get players on their bench may be dashed.
Eric Dier is struggling for minutes at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, so a move could benefit him.
Tottenham supporters will be keeping a close eye on the departures and arrivals as the January transfer window continues.
The possible departure of Dier, a player who has been part of the club for quite some time, certainly indicates a change in the dynamics of the team under Postecoglou’s leadership. The overall success of Spurs’ transfers in this window will depend on whether Spurs find the right arrangements for player departures and reinforcements.