Ange Postecoglou’s decision to leave Celtic less than 72 hours after the high of lifting the Scottish Cup and creating world footballing history by leading the club to a historic eighth treble has left many fans disheartened.
The Hoops completed a clean sweep of domestic silverware this season with a 3-1 victory over Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday, but elation quickly turned to apprehension with feelings inevitably mixed among supporters following the Australian’s move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Postecoglou brought a high-octane and often thrilling brand of football to Scotland, whilst dipping into untapped transfer markets and earning praise for his excellent recruitment policy.
While the opportunity to manage in the world’s most prestigious league has proven too difficult for the 57-year-old to resist, fans will feel slightly aggreived Postecoglou won’t be sticking around for longer after two successful seasons in Glasgow’s East End. To make matters worse, he could also persuade some of his backroom team who made his tenure such a success to join him in London this summer.
Spurs are facing a similar squad rebuild reminiscent of what Postecoglou faced upon his arrival from Yokohama F. Marinos in the summer of 2021. A host of first-team stars including Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez could be set to leave the club, the most high-profile being club record goalscorer Harry Kane who has only 12 months remaining on his current deal and is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The England international is undoubtedly a player Postecoglou will be eager to work and but chairman Daniel Levy is unlikely to entertain any offers under £100million for the striker. With a busy couple of months ahead of him, could Postecoglou turn to any of his former Celtic signings further down the line given he placed enormous faith in the contingent of Japanese players, most of whom hit the ground running and proved fantastic additions.
Here, we take a look at six players that Postecoglou could look to target as Spurs boss who look capable of taking their game to another level and four he probably won’t:
5. Reo Hatate - Likely
A bundle of energy in the middle of the park who always gives 110 percent and offers versatility. Has only been playing professional football for a couple of years and has loads of room for improvement. Boasts an up-and-coming profile at the age of 23. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
6. Greg Taylor - Unlikely
Celtic’s most improved player this season after many Celtic fans doubted him a few years ago. However, it’s likely that Postecoglou will identify stronger left-back candidates. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
7. Daizen Maeda - Unlikely
Postecoglou signed him from Yokohama F. Marinos and occasionally played out of position out wide as he’s primarily a striker for the Japan National Team. His performance levels can take a dip and hard to see him playing for a top club in England. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
8. Callum McGregor - Likely
The Hoops captain could easily walk into Tottenham’s midfield due to his outstanding leadership qualities and superb levels of consistency in his performances. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group