Tottenham Hotspur is on the verge of attracting substantial investment of unprecedented scale. However, there are concerns that the power dynamics within the team may be shaken. Speculation is growing that the position of Chairman Daniel Levy may be reduced.
Paul O'Keefe, who is familiar with Tottenham's internal affairs, noted on the 12th (Korea time) that "Tottenham is on the brink of securing a major sponsorship deal. However, this investment attraction will not merely stop at securing funds. A complete overhaul of the club's management is expected, and Chairman Levy is among those at the center of it."
This is not all. Tottenham has exhibited a completely different approach lately. Even before the transfer market officially opened, the club has aggressively invested a staggering £110 million (213 billion won). After acquiring West Ham's star winger Mohammed Kudus for £55 million (102.3 billion won), it surprised the market by bringing in Nottingham Forest's playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White for £60 million (111.6 billion won).
Moreover, there are reports that a £60 million transfer of key midfielder Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace is likely, leading local media to note that this is an "uncharacteristic signing for Levy," highlighting the unusual scale of investment. The BBC reported that "Levy, once symbolized by his stingy image, suddenly opened his wallet."
Behind this trend is the anticipation of significant external capital inflow. O’Keefe hinted, without revealing specific sources, that there is a possibility of Saudi Arabian capital's involvement in this investment flow. Amid the growing influence of Middle Eastern capital in the Premier League in recent years, Tottenham's entry into serious partnerships is gaining credibility.
However, it is also emphasized that Chairman Levy's absolute authority could be shaken during this process. O'Keefe indicated that while it is likely Levy will remain with the club, he may step back from football-related duties in the future, suggesting that a significant transfer of authority could occur.
Signs of change are already visible. In April, Vinai Venkatesham was appointed as Tottenham's new CEO, and Dom Maria Cullen, the former executive director and a close associate of Levy, abruptly resigned. Cullen, who had been part of Tottenham since 1992 and was a key figure supporting Levy’s regime, is seen as the catalyst for structural reform beyond mere personnel changes.
Chairman Levy, who has effectively controlled Tottenham for nearly 25 years, has demonstrated one of the most conservative management styles in the Premier League. He is particularly known for his tenacious negotiations and last-minute reversals in the transfer market. However, this summer feels different. Swift negotiations, bold investments, and a series of administrative reorganizations indicate that Tottenham is clearly passing through a pivotal transition.
The extensive rebuilding that Tottenham is undertaking this summer across its squad, coaching staff, and management is not merely aimed at strengthening the team. It is evidence that Tottenham has made a significant decision, potentially marking the prologue to a structural reform aimed at breaking the cycle of failures the club has repeated over the past few years.
[OSEN]