Oliver Skipp could save Tottenham Hotspur millions this summer if unleashed by incoming manager Paulo Fonseca.
The 48-year-old Portuguese is expected to be announced as their next boss in the coming days, with the Telegraph claiming that a two-year deal has been agreed.
He has one hell of a task on his hands.
Spurs have just recorded their worst finish since 2009, their star striker Harry Kane wants to leave, and there is plenty of deadwood that needs to be shifted on.
One of the key criteria set out by chairman Daniel Levy was being able to commit to the development of the club’s up-and-coming academy stars, so you’d imagine that this is something Fonseca has agreed to, considering he appears to be on the verge of being appointed.
Skipp is surely one of the names that Levy had in mind.
Following a successful loan stint at Championship winners Norwich City, he seems likely to be promoted in the first-team set-up full-time and quite justifiably so.
Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks are just two names that could be sold in the summer window, so there’s certainly going to be a place or two up for grabs and the 20-year-old gem could well benefit most.
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Only one player featured in more minutes for the Canaries than Skipp (3,863) as he proved his worth at the senior level.
As per WhoScored, the young midfielder finished the 2020/21 campaign with an average of 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions, which saw him as one of the more industrious members of Daniel Farke’s squad.
It’s no wonder the Norwich boss and those around him have waxed lyrical about his qualities all year.
“He plays each and every second for more or less each and every game for such a good side. He’s a top player and also a top character,” claimed the German coach.
Similarly, midfield partner Kenny McLean told Sky Sports: “He makes my job a hell of a lot easier, I’ll tell you that. He’s been outstanding all season and we’re lucky to have him to be honest. For this level, he’s very outstanding and he’s got a huge career ahead of him.”
Also lauded as a “machine”, Skipp will not be fazed by the pressure of making the step up, especially as he’s already made his debut for his boyhood club and racked up 23 appearances in a Lilywhites shirt.
By giving the £9m-rated academy graduate a proper shot next season, Fonseca could save Levy and the Spurs hierarchy millions in the transfer market – or at the very least, those potential funds they would spend on a midfielder can be put elsewhere, such as signing a new centre-back.
AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges in Spurs’ manager saga…