Tottenham season preview: Nuno Espirito Santo takes charge as uncertainty reigns at Spurs

A chaotic summer is set to continue into the season as Harry Kane’s future remains unresolved

New Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo wants clear-the-air talks with Harry Kane (PA Wire)

Last season

In a now-familiar cycle, the tenure of Jose Mourinho quickly transformed from hope to division and then derision at Tottenham last season. Sacked before the League Cup final, with Ryan Mason taking temporary charge in the latter stages of the campaign, Spurs laboured to a seventh-placed finish and the dubious honour of a spot in the Europa Conference League. With 23 goals and 14 assists, Harry Kane continued to be the club’s talisman, while Son Heung-min was a prolific deputy, but their individual highlights cannot disguise the overall sentiment of disappointment that has led to a summer of such upheaval.

Transfer window so far

A chaotic transfer window began with the eventual appointment of Fabio Paratici as the club’s new technical director, representing a shift in Spurs’ strategy. The former Juventus director has led the signings of centre-back Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from Atalanta as replacements for Toby Alderweireld and Paulo Gazzaniga, while the talented winger Bryan Gil has joined in an exciting swap deal with Sevilla which saw Erik Lamela move in the opposite direction.

Spurs remain in pursuit of a striker, with Lautaro Martinez and Dusan Vlahovic targets, but whether they will replace or support Harry Kane remains to be seen. The England captain has made it abundantly clear that he wishes to join Manchester City, but as the opening game of the season approaches, his future remains in a fog of uncertainty that shrouds the club.

Manager

The irresolution at Spurs was highlighted in their search for a new manager. Despite long knowing Ryan Mason would not continue in a permanent role, a merry-go-round pursuit was muddled and unsuccessful, featuring failed pursuits of Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte before a last-ditch U-turn on hiring Gennaro Gattuso. Having previously ruled out Nuno, who subsequently failed to agree terms with Crystal Palace and Everton, Spurs appointed the Portuguese coach whose style has often been at odds with the exciting brand of football Daniel Levy desires. After a drab last season at Wolves, there is plenty to prove.

Key player

Nuno insists Harry Kane is available to start against Manchester City on the opening weekend, despite the striker attempting to engineer a move to the Premier League champions. Whether he leaves or stays will be the most decisive influence on Spurs’ season. They will either hold onto one of the world’s best strikers, who has been prolific regardless of the club’s turbulence, or he will leave a hole that will prove impossible to fill.

What would be success?

The target is undoubtedly a top-four finish and Spurs certainly have the quality in their squad to achieve it, although the sheer weight of uncertainty at the moment makes the Europa League a more likely result. After the muddled nature of last season, stability and a refreshing brand of football should go a long way to appeasing supporters.

First three Premier League fixtures

(h) vs Man City, Sunday 15 August, 4.30pm

(a) vs Wolves, Sunday 22 August, 2pm

(h) vs Watford, Sunday 29 August, 2pm

Bookies’ ranking

4th (66/1 for the title)