Tottenham Hotspur On Verge Of Signing Adebayor On Loan

Daniel Levy and Harry Redknapp are on the verge of finally completing a new signing (omitting the free transfer of Brad Friedel) for Tottenham. Granted it’s only a loan signing but at least it represents some movement by the club to bring in new talent. During the summer all the attention focused on clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Sunderland and Liverpool who acted earlier and quickly to bring in new players leaving the likes of Spurs to do something in the final stages of the transfer window. Tottenham look set to bring in 27-year old Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City on loan for the season. The ex-Arsenal striker certainly could be a welcome addition to the team especially since they are in desperate need of forwards. Harry has been chasing a new striker since the start of the summer transfer market and at last got his striker. I am not completely sure if Adebayor is the right player for Spurs. Time will tell but if nothing else the potential transfer does present us with a new striker considering the lack of performance from the current strike force.

One of the biggest problems facing Spurs in signing or attempting to sign new players is the issue of wages. Spurs are well known for not paying £100,000 plus salaries. The most expensive player had been Robbie Keane who was making £80,000 per week, who has since departed to Los Angeles Galaxy. Another issue facing Tottenham was they didn’t qualify for the Champions League which could have attracted new talent despite the salary issue. Since Adebayor has been out of favor with Roberto Mancini and spent last season on loan with Real Madrid it was no surprise that City were willing to unload him. One question to ask is how the former Arsenal player will be received at White Hart Lane. William Gallas, the former Arsenal defender, has done well and since his arrival to win over fans. There seems to be no love lost between Arsenal and Adebayor that could help with his arrival and make it easier for Tottenham supporters to embrace him.

In reviewing Adebayor’s playing history, he obviously has been fairly successful. During his time at Arsenal he made 105 appearances with 46 goals. Funny enough Adebayor did very well when playing against Spurs. During his short time at Manchester City he managed 34 appearances with 14 goals, and while on loan with Real Madrid made 14 appearances with 5 goals.  At Arsenal, Adebayor was named in the PFA Team of the Year 2007-2008, as well as BBC African Footballer of the Year 2007 and African Player of the Year 2008. Furthermore, he was named Togo player of the year in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. However, I have noticed most of his success has faded a bit since 2008 and that could be an area of concern. However, this may mean that he hasn’t found the right team to connect with on the pitch and Spurs might be able to provide that for him. At 27, Adebayor still has many more years of play in him and with the right training and coaching he could be brought back into his form and shake off some of the rustiness. At Arsenal, Manchester City and recently at Real Madrid I have been impressed with his skill and ability. Adebayor has demonstrated he can play well as a lone striker and with Harry favoring the lone striker attack with Raphael van der Vaart withdrawn behind the striker this could be an excellent new combination for Tottenham.

With the departure of Robbie Keane and the growing speculation that Peter Crouch could be on his way to Stoke City or another club, the need to replace strikers is critical. Standing around 6’4” Adebayor could replace Crouch as the new aerial striker. During the Europa League match against Hearts, Jermain Defoe looked to be back to his own form but seemed to slow down a bit on Monday against United. Adebayor’s arrival is timely. As a Spurs supporter I am just excited at a new signing in general even if it’s a loan signing. It gives me hope that a couple more signings could be on the way before the close of the transfer window. Nevertheless more players need to be let go in order to get the payroll under control and to off load individuals who have no future at the club. The arrival of Adebayor will force the current strikers to fight for their place in the first team.

I think Spurs supporters should give Adebayor the benefit of the doubt and welcome him and his experience to the club, even despite the racist slur charges he made against Tottenham supporters in Madrid. If it doesn’t work out in the end he can always go back to Manchester City.

source: http://www.epltalk.com/tottenham-hotspur-on-verge-of-signing-adebayor-on-loan-33971