Troy Deeney slams Tottenham’s £200m spend as a weakening move

Tottenham have spent over £200 million this summer on new signings, yet they head into the new Premier League season with a weaker squad, according to former Premier League striker Troy Deeney. He launched a takedown of Spurs’ big‑money transfer business, questioning the value of the acquisitions.

Spurs’ summer spending breakdown

Spurs have spent over £200 million this summer – AFP reports – but Deeney argues they are now weaker. Roberto De Zerbi, in his first pre‑season after only just surviving relegation last term, has overseen the arrival of six new faces. The club has already shelled out a total of £228 million on three of those signings. Deeney’s takedown of Spurs’ big‑money transfer business has intensified the debate.

The remaining three arrivals – Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka – joined on free transfers, adding experience without additional fees. De Zerbi’s recruitment included both paid and free arrivals.

De Zerbi’s recruitment strategy

De Zerbi’s spending focused on high‑profile midfield and defensive additions. Sandro Tonali arrived from Newcastle for a club‑record £100 million, reportedly earning £270,000 a week, while Mateus Fernandes was secured from West Ham for £85 million. Jan Paul van Hecke completed the paid trio, moving from Brighton for £52 million with only one year left on his contract. Crook highlighted the weekly wage of £270,000 for Tonali.

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Deeney’s criticism of the squad

Former striker Troy Deeney contends that the departures of Cristian Romero and Djed Spence have left Spurs weaker at centre‑back and on the flanks. He described Andy Robertson as ageing and no longer the player he was at Liverpool, and argued that Romero was superior to both Van Hecke and Senesi. He warned that Romero’s departure would leave them weaker at centre‑back. Deeney summed up the defensive decline, saying the team has “weaker in defence from what they had originally, ageing players and lesser quality.”

Deeney also questioned the goalkeeping upgrade, calling Martin Dubravka “the third‑choice goalkeeper” and suggesting Spurs’ keepers are “terrible.” He rated Tonali highly but doubted that Fernandes, coming from a double relegation, could surpass Kobbie Mainoo. Up front, Deeney listed Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski as “if they’re fit, great,” but added that the club still doesn’t know who will score ten goals this season.

TalkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook offered a contrasting view, praising the window as “good” and highlighting the experience of Robertson, Senesi and Van Hecke despite the short contract length. Crook noted the £100 million fee for Tonali and the £85 million outlay for Fernandes, suggesting the signings could lift Spurs into the top five. He concluded that the signings could push Spurs into the top five. Crook’s optimism contrasted sharply with Deeney’s scepticism, and Deeney dismissed the optimism, replying “Pardon?” when host Sam Matterface asked if Mathys Tel could be a solution.

Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday, 22 August, against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with kickoff at 5:30 pm. The opening fixture will test whether the £200 million investment translates into on‑field improvement or confirms Deeney’s takedown.