The transfers that can take Tottenham to the next level under Postecoglou | OneFootball

A difficult end to the season saw Tottenham miss out on Champions League qualification — but Ange Postecoglou will be determined to secure a top-four berth in 2024/25.

The Australian tactician enjoyed an impressive start to life in North London, before five losses in Tottenham’s final seven games consigned them to a fifth-place finish.

And they will need to make some significant additions in order to bridge the gap, when the transfer window reopens next month.

As Tottenham look to build a squad capable of challenging at the Premier League’s summit, we assess who they should sign this summer.

Conor Gallagher

Tottenham continue to be linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, in what would be a significant coup for the Lilywhites.

The 24-year-old has been a mainstay in the Blues’ starting XI this season, but is about to enter the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Reports indicate that talks over a new deal have stalled, while his status as an academy graduate will help Chelsea balance the books to avoid any potential Financial Fair Play sanctions. That’s before you throw in the fact that Chelsea don’t currently have a manager after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.

That could open the door for Tottenham to sign the £50million-rated England international, who registered five league goals and seven assists in 2023/24.

He would fit perfectly in Postecoglou’s high-pressing system, with only Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard (41) winning possession more times in the attacking third than Gallagher’s 39 regains.

Dominic Solanke

Postecoglou could make a major statement of intent by bringing Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Although it would take a bumper bid to secure his services, the Cherries would reportedly consider cashing in on their talismanic No.9 this summer.

Postecoglou’s outfit are in need of a physical centre-forward up front — and the 26-year-old certainly fits the bill.

Solanke scored 19 Premier League goals (including four headers) last term, while winning a notably-high 98 aerial duels and regaining possession in the attacking third 29 times.

Riccardo Calafiori

Tottenham have already signed one centre-back from Serie A this year, but may be about to recruit another defender from Italy’s top flight.

Despite adding former Genoa star Radu Dragusin to their ranks in January, Postecoglou appears keen to further bolster his rearguard.

The Lilywhites could move for Riccardo Calafiori, 22, who has enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 campaign on loan at Bologna.

Thiago Motta’s charges have already guaranteed Champions League football for next season, with only Inter (20) conceding fewer than their 30 goals against.

Left-footed defender Calafiori has been a key component in that water-tight back line, ranking inside the division’s top five players for possessions won in the defensive third (107) and interceptions (50).

He is also aerially dominant and an impressive passer of the ball — and could be available for as little as £21million.