Exclusive: Paul Robinson suggests Spurs transfer bombshell after big development
Paul Robinson has resoundingly played down Tottenham transfer hopes this summer by insisting the club will not be able attract top players if they do not qualify for the Champions League.
The former White Hart Lane keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, admitted the wage structure at the club means participation in Europe’s premier competition next season is imperative.
Spurs were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night after being humbled by Red Bull Leipzig in Germany.
The 4-0 aggregate loss means Jose Mourinho‘s side’s only hopes of qualification for next year’s competition will be through finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
When asked if failure to qualify for the Champions League would affect the calibre of player the Lilywhites would be able to attract in the summer, Robinson told Football Insider: “Spurs is a big pull and Jose Mourinho is a big pull. But, when you are in competition with other Champions League clubs for players it would have an effect.
“It depends on the player’s ambition – does he want money or to play in the Champions League?
“Spurs are not notoriously high wage payers and if they did not qualify it may hinder their power in the transfer market, yes. Spurs cannot afford to be out of the Champions League for more than a season.
“Their training ground is state of the art, if not the world’s best, as is the stadium. They want to be the best in Europe and it has to be put right on the pitch.”
The North-London club currently sits eighth in the division, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Last year’s Champions League finalists host fifth-placed Manchester United on Sunday with a win vital to keep their hopes alive.
In other Tottenham news, Noel Whelan revealed to Football Insider what is the main problem facing Jose Mourinho.