Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou could still make moves in the transfer market – even before the summer window opens on June 12.
Spurs came out of the January transfer window with mixed results. The north Londoners signed Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, but they also missed out on strengthening in other crucial areas. Despite winning their two Premier League matches since the window’s closure, they’ve also now been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
Postecoglou is still under enormous pressure due to Tottenham’s ongoing injury crisis this season. But if the Australian can navigate the next few months without further setbacks, this summer could provide a golden opportunity to strengthen his side, especially through free agency.
Jonathan David and Angel Gomes, both at Lille, are now free to begin pre-contract negotiations, and either signing would significantly improve the Spurs squad. The club has certainly reaped the success of free agents in the past, with football.london now taking a look back at five big-name stars that Spurs managed to bring in for free.
Ivan Perisic
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Ivan Perisic is a past example of Spurs’ shrewd transfer activity, having been signed as a 33-year-old on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. Perisic was brought in as a versatile wide player by then-head coach Antonio Conte on a two-year deal, having won Serie A under the Italian in the previous season.
The Croatian had also been on Manchester United’s radar for a long time, with Jose Mourinho keen to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer of 2017. But Inter Milan rejected a bid from the Red Devils, delaying Perisic’s move to England by several years.
Perisic was an ever-present part of the team in his debut season, making 44 appearances before suffering an ACL injury in his second season, which led to a loan move to Hajduk Split in his home country for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign. This season, he has enjoyed a resurgence in his first campaign with PSV, who are currently battling Ajax for the Dutch title.
Fraser Forster
Goalkeeper Fraser Forster was signed just days after Conte brought in Perisic in June 2022, also on a free transfer. The experienced shot-stopper would begin his Spurs career a month later on a two-year deal, once his contract with Southampton officially ended.
Forster continues to serve as a back-up goalkeeper for Spurs, having made 34 appearances across all competitions, including 13 this season in the absence of Guglielmo Vicario.
Teddy Sheringham
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In May 2001, Tottenham agreed to re-sign legendary striker Teddy Sheringham following his successful four-year stint with United, where he won the Treble. Sheringham had previously spent five years at White Hart Lane from 1992, netting 76 goals in 166 league games before his £3.5m move to Old Trafford.
At-the-time Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle was an admirer of the forward, having regularly picked him for the England squad during his time in charge of the Three Lions. That played a crucial role in reaching an agreement in May to bring the 35-year-old to north London once his contract with United expired.
Sheringham made an immediate impact at Spurs, helping them achieve their highest finish in six years and reach the League Cup final. After scoring 26 goals in 80 appearances, he had brief stints at Portsmouth, West Ham, and Colchester United before hanging up his boots.
Brad Friedel
Tottenham made a smart move to sign veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel on a free transfer in June 2011. The USA legend joined on a two-year deal at the end of his Aston Villa contract the following month.
During his time at Spurs, he became the oldest player to feature in a Premier League match, playing 67 games for the club before retiring at the end of the 2014/15 season.
Lewis Holtby
Spurs managed to secure the signature of Lewis Holtby from Schalke in January 2013, beating rivals Arsenal to the highly-rated German playmaker. Holtby had impressed with his performances in the Bundesliga and had even captained Germany’s U21s before breaking into the senior team.
But despite being set to join Spurs in July, the north Londoners fast-tracked the transfer after a serious injury to midfielder Sandro, with Holtby arriving in January instead for £1.5m. He made 39 appearances for Spurs in his first 18 months before falling out of favour under Tim Sherwood, being loaned out to Fulham, and eventually leaving for Hamburger SV in August 2014.
