Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a challenging season under manager Ange Postecoglou, currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League. While the team has shown glimpses of exciting attacking football, inconsistency and a lack of depth have hindered their progress. As Spurs aim to turn their fortunes around in the second half of the season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that squad trimming will be crucial during the upcoming January transfer window.
Tottenham has a number of areas that need reinforcement, particularly with the club's ambitions to secure European football and strengthen their overall squad for the future. One way to free up space and resources for new arrivals would be to offload players who are not fitting into Postecoglou’s plans. Two names that have stood out as potential departures are Sergio Reguilon and Timo Werner. Both players have struggled to make an impact at Spurs, and it seems likely that January will be the perfect time for both to seek fresh opportunities elsewhere.
Sergio Reguilon: A Career in Decline at Spurs
Once regarded as one of the top left-backs in La Liga, Sergio Reguilon joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2020 with high expectations. He showed promise in his first season, impressing with his energy, pace, and attacking intent down the left flank. However, since then, Reguilon’s career at Spurs has taken a sharp downward turn.
Under Postecoglou, Reguilon has struggled to earn consistent playing time. The emergence of Destiny Udogie and the reliable performances of Ben Davies have pushed Reguilon further down the pecking order. His performances have not been enough to warrant a starting role, and this season, the 27-year-old Spaniard has yet to make an appearance for Tottenham in the Premier League.
Reguilon spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Brentford, where he was praised for his performances, but he remains out of favor at Spurs. With his £53,000-per-week wages and lack of game time, Reguilon is becoming a financial burden on the club. Reports suggest that Reguilon is keen on a move back to Spain, with Sevilla and Getafe reportedly interested in securing his services. A return to La Liga could offer Reguilon the opportunity to reignite his career, particularly with Sevilla needing defensive reinforcements.
For Spurs, moving Reguilon on would not only free up wages but also open up space in the squad for reinforcements in more critical areas. It’s clear that Postecoglou has moved on from Reguilon, and a sale or loan move would benefit both the player and the club.
Timo Werner: A Misfit at Spurs
The signing of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig on loan was met with optimism at Tottenham. Werner arrived at Spurs with a solid reputation, having been one of the most prolific forwards in the Bundesliga. However, his time at Spurs has been disappointing. Last season, Werner made only a modest contribution with 2 goals and 3 assists in 14 appearances. Despite his potential, he has struggled to break into the starting XI this season.
With Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and new signing Brennan Johnson ahead of him in the attacking pecking order, Werner has found himself sidelined for much of the season. Despite Postecoglou defending the German forward publicly, it’s clear that Werner does not quite fit into the high-pressing, fluid system Postecoglou is trying to build at Spurs. Werner’s role in the squad has been limited, and the 28-year-old has only contributed 4 goal involvements in 21 appearances this season.
Given the lack of opportunities and the competitive nature of Spurs’ attacking options, it seems unlikely that Werner will be able to establish himself as a key player under Postecoglou. A permanent move or another loan spell could be on the cards, and RB Leipzig is reportedly open to facilitating his departure. For Spurs, offloading Werner would not only reduce wage costs but also free up space for a more fitting attacking reinforcement.
For Werner, a move away from Spurs could be the best option to reignite his career. His time at Spurs has been marked by frustration, and a new environment with a tactical setup that better suits his style of play could allow him to rediscover his best form.
The Bigger Picture: Spurs' Need for Change
Tottenham’s season has been characterized by inconsistency. While they have had some high-scoring wins, like their 4-0 demolition of Manchester City, they have also dropped points in winnable matches and shown vulnerability at the back. The squad is in need of a refresh, and offloading players like Reguilon and Werner would help Spurs streamline their squad, freeing up space for new signings.
Postecoglou has consistently prioritized attacking football, but his tactical setup has struggled to find the right balance, particularly in defense. Adding depth in key areas—especially in defense and midfield—will be crucial if Spurs are to mount a challenge for European football next season.
Furthermore, moving Reguilon and Werner on could also alleviate some of the squad's wage burden, providing the club with more flexibility in the transfer market. Whether it’s reinforcements for the defense or an additional forward to complement Son and Kulusevski, Spurs will need to make astute signings in January.
Conclusion: A New Beginning for Both Players
For both Sergio Reguilon and Timo Werner, January could represent a fresh start. Reguilon has already shown that he can perform in La Liga, and a return to Spain may allow him to regain his form. Similarly, Werner could benefit from a change of environment where his strengths are better utilized. For Tottenham, offloading both players will help reshape the squad, reduce wage costs, and allow Postecoglou to focus on the areas that need the most improvement.
Ultimately, trimming the squad will be essential for Spurs’ long-term success. Moving on from players who do not fit into Postecoglou's plans, like Reguilon and Werner, will provide the club with the resources and flexibility to strengthen their squad and push for European qualification in the second half of the season.
