Tottenham Hotspur have a bright academy system, but they haven’t always utilised it to the maximum potential.
It’s only really Harry Kane that’s made a proper name for himself in the Premier League, although bit-part roles for the likes of Harry Winks and Japhet Tanganga show that the pathway isn’t completely blocked.
But perhaps that isn’t enough as over the years, the north Londoners have missed out on many a prospect.
Two massive examples are Marcus Edwards and Noni Madueke.
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The former was once likened to Lionel Messi by ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. “He (Edwards) is a very good prospect and potentially he can be a top player,” explained the Argentine to Sky Sports.
But after only ever playing 15 minutes for the senior side, he left on a free transfer to Portuguese outfit Vitoria, where he has shone with 24 direct goal contributions in just 64 appearances.
As a result, his value has shot up to £11.7m, as per Transfermarkt. His latest contract extension saw him slapped with a €50m (£45m) release clause.
And it’s the same tale for Noni Madueke, who left Hotspur Way for nothing in 2018 and is now one of England’s biggest emerging young talents, having impressed at PSV Eindhoven.
The 19-year-old is averaging a goal or assist every 66 minutes this season, which is even better than Kane’s current output as his 45 goal contributions have come once every 74.5 minutes in all competitions.
These two cases should serve as a mega warning to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who is often the decision-maker in this situation as he does not employ a director of football.
One of the academy’s up-and-coming starlets could follow this trend if the tough negotiator doesn’t act fast.
Marcel Lavinier, poached from Chelsea in only October sees his contract expire this summer, according to Transfermarkt, and risking his departure is a dangerous game to play.
The 20-year-old right-back has tasted a bit of first-team action this season, playing 16 minutes from the bench in the Europa League, so clearly he’s catching Jose Mourinho’s eye on the training ground, whilst he’s been a regular for the U23s in the Premier League 2 this campaign, featuring 18 times.
Spurs have struggled in his position all season. Summer signing Matt Doherty has failed to hit the ground running, and it’s been so bad that reports have suggested he could be put up for sale in the summer, whilst Serge Aurier has lost his place to Tanganga in recent matches.
Lavinier, whose speed and versatility are two well-regarded strengths, could be an interesting solution there but not if Levy lets him run down his current contract.
Right now, the Spurs chairman is heading towards another fatal disaster. He must act.
AND in other news, Exclusive: Roberts warns Mourinho about making another De Bruyne mistake…