Think Before You Rosterbate

It’s funny how fans and even writers, who should know better, still so often boil the transfer market down to a trip to the local bodega. “Oh, we need a striker. I’ll just check to see what coins I’ve got in my pocket and mosey on over to aisle three.” Then again, if you’re Chelsea step one is to check and make sure you don’t already have that striker sitting in the garage (Vitesse). For the rest of the world, evaluating and upgrading a squad involves an array of variables beyond simply identifying a good player and checking out their value on Transfermarkt.

When you think you know what players Tottenham Hotspur should buy this summer perhaps ask yourself some or all of these questions:

How much money do Spurs have to spend, and how will this purchase affect their ability to address other needs?

Is there a “War Chest” or “Transfer Kitty” and if so, how big/small is it? Have Spurs sold players to raise funds? Side Note: Am I the only one who imagines a "transfer kitty" as a small, pink, frilly coin purse? I am? OK, just checking.

Is the player even available?

Like, does his current club have any intention of selling him? Will they sell to Spurs?

How much would he cost? What are his wage demands? Does he expect to be a starter?

Buying Manuel Neuer would be cool and all, but…

Would he want to play for Spurs, live in London or play for the manager?

With Tim Sherwood the answer would always be no.

 

Does he replace a current player? How does his signing affect the current squad?

Or rather, when Danny Rose threatens to leave do you really care beyond needing to buy another left back?

How will he adjust to his new team, the style they play, or the players already at the club?

Hmm, did anyone ask these questions during the negotiations for Erik Lamela?

Is this a short-term or long-term signing? Does it fit with the club’s overall player development strategy?

In Football Manager I buy almost exclusively players under 25 with serious growth and re-sale potential. But sometimes in real life a 30-year-old veteran on a free is actually a sensible move.

How would you rate his current hair quality and style? Will he be willing to change his hairstyle to fit in with his teammates?

These are probably optional (No, they are not).

Once you've answered these questions you are safely free to Bleacher Report.