It seems a regular occurence over the last couple of years. Whether its just lazy journalists or there is a real interest, at least a couple of times every year David Beckham gets linked with a move to Spurs. Now with England’s highest capped outfield player reaching the end of his LA Galaxy contract in November, the rumours have started to gather pace again.
Is Beckham Spurs bound?
QPR’s new owner Tony Fernandes has shown his class by announcing his interest in Beckham on Twitter and this has obviously prompted the media to seek out other destinations for Brand Beckham. First stop then is Harry Redknapp. Spurs manager was typically quiet and unwilling to give much away when he said:
“If David wants to come to Tottenham, I’d welcome him with open arms.” When asked if he still had it at 36 “He’s definitely still good enough to play in the Premier League” and added “His game was never about pace so whether he’s quick or not isn’t an issue….He is worth his weight in gold, he’d be an asset for any club….I’d have him here, that’s for sure.
A November arrival would not pose a problem for Redknapp despite Beckham being unable to play in the Premier League until the new year as Redknapp went on to say:
“He wouldn’t be able to play until the January transfer window opens, though, because we’ve already lodged our 25 players with the Premier League…..But he’d be a great one to have around the club again.”
As with anything that Redknapp says you can read as much or little into this as you like. Redknapp either holds a strong desire to bring Beckham back to the Premier League or he’s just doing his usual of never having a bad word to say about a player.
If the interest is real, it raises the question, would Beckham benefit Spurs?
One of the biggest criticisms of Spurs squad is a lack of characters and winners, Beckham brings a winning mentality and leadership in abundance. No matter what you feel the level of the MLS is, you can’t doubt Beckhams form and impact this season, he has 2 goals and 10 assists from 21 games this season for the Galaxy. This return is actually his most effective season ever (in assists to games ratio) and comes off the back of an injury hit 2010 season. At 36, Beckham’s age could be an issue but with his old team mate Ryan Giggs still going strong and players like Javier Zanetti still performing at the highest level with a couple of years on him, it has to be judged on a case by case basis. His fitness shouldn’t be in doubt, he’s always been a phenomenal trainer and there is nothing to suggest that isn’t still the case. As Redknapp rightly points out, Becks game has never been about pace, so his lack of it shouldn’t be seen as a problem.
Beckham’s right foot is still one of the most gifted in world football and he has the ability to hit a ball with deadly accuracy. Oh how Spurs could do with someone able to deliver a set piece effectively. After his short spell training with Spurs last year, Redknapp talked up Beckham’s influence on the squad and it can’t be denied that the likes of Lennon, Bale and Townsend would benefit from his experience and advice, especially in terms of crossing. Another advantage that Beckham offers is his ability to play centrally as a deep lying playmaker. With the continuing doubts over Luka Modric’s attitude and willingness to perform for Spurs, Beckham could offer another option to provide creativity from the middle of the park as well as from the wing.
One thing that no one can argue is the commercial value that Beckham brings and a businessman as savvy as Daniel Levy must realise that adding the most recognisable man in football to the squad will help raise Spurs profile, and income, all over the world.
A double edged sword is Beckham’s media profile and the ensuing coverage and pressure this may or may not add to the rest of the Spurs squad. With the most talkative manager in the game already at the club it’s not as if the players aren’t used to seeing the club in the headlines on a daily basis and slapped all over Sky Sports News ticker. It could be argued that Beckham’s arrival would actually mean most of the focus being on him, something that he is more than capable of dealing with. This could well take pressure off the rest of the squad and at least the public face of Spurs would be more attractive than the one offered by the manager.
Of course it remains to be seen if Beckham would even be interested in returning to the Premier League with Spurs and he will obviously not be short of options. His MLS contract gives him the option to take on a franchise in the League but all signs are that he’ll want to carry on playing as long as he can, perhaps with an eye on an Olympic appearance next August.
It would be foolish to say that Beckham is the key to making Spurs a title challenging force but he may still be able to add some benefit in certain areas on and off the pitch in the short term at least.
Only time will tell if this is more media hype or if there is a chance that David Beckham will be stepping out at White Hart Lane in the famous Lilywhite in the near future.
COYS
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No, no and no.
The idea that so many keep spouting that he is good at free kicks is of little use when he will be on the bench for at least 70 minutes of each game.
If he signs as a player it is proof that Arry and Levy have zero idea about football
We do not need him. If we do buy him, it stops us getting in young talent that will become the next Beckham e.g Eden Hazard and Marins of this world. He is a wonderful player but we needed new potential youth. If he wanted a coaching role that would be better as he really would improve the youth.
No. He is past it. The English game is not about free kicks. If I ever see him on the pitch in a Spurs shirt, I will put my foot through the TV and send Levy the bill
He’d be an amazing signing and as soon as he was here I’d get his name on my shirt and a tattoo of him on my ass.
He’s better than Lennon at everything except running, moving, eyebrow shaving and being “street”. His final ball is exceptional and would fit into the squad without anyone even noticing.
I doubt he’d even command a high wage. Would probably fit in with the likes of Bassong and Gio in that respect.
I say lets go for it. Just imagine the extra press coverage the club would get. I’m tired of picking up The Sun and Mail from the tube floor and not seeing us mentioned on every back page. Hell, maybe if Beckham came he’d be able to help Redknapp come out of his shell a little bit so us fans can hear the views of the manager.
Yes he would enhance our team…..The TEAM PHOTO that is…. Put him and Niko either side of Modric to balance out the good looks…… As for football…… Well, Becks is out of the England side for a reason..
Why?
a/ He only wants to be remembered as a ManU player anyway.
b/ he would have a hard time getting his zimmer frame through customs.
c/ He couldnt get posh out of Rodeo Drive.
and Levy would never allow it because of lack of resale price.
A right winger who has a good work ethic & can actually pick the right option & then execute it with some level of abiltiy? Yep, we need one of them.
I agree DutchSpur. If we can find one who’s any good, let’s get him in.
Share your thoughts stu!
There is no doubt he could do a job for spurs (even if a small part) even at the age of 36.
It will obviously come down to financial viability. If the estimated merchandise revenue figures out weigh his wages then it would be worth the signing alone. Having a world famous star such as beckham at the club can only be a positive move regards to further club promotion world wide.
A massive NO,it’s about the future for me not the past
Absolutely yes! @drwinston001 is so right Spurs would feature on the backpage for a long time!
Your right with this Stuart there are so many pros with DB coming to Spurs even if it’s only for a season and a 1/2, even a blind man could see his benefits on and off field and he’d pay for himself 10 times over.