Agbonlahor urges Spurs to sell three players immediately after survival

Agbonlahor demands ruthless Tottenham clearout after relegation escape

Gabby Agbonlahor has called for Tottenham Hotspur to sell three first-team players immediately, describing the club's narrow survival as a wake-up call rather than a cause for celebration. The former Aston Villa striker claims the squad is unfit for purpose under Roberto De Zerbi's system.

Context: Tottenham's season of struggle

Spurs finished 15th in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone. They won only 10 of 38 matches and conceded 68 goals, their worst defensive record in over a decade. De Zerbi was appointed in March but could not reverse the slide entirely, securing survival on the final day with a 2-1 win over already-relegated Sheffield United.

The club's underlying numbers were dire: an expected goals against (xGA) of 71.4 was the third-worst in the league. Only Burnley and Luton allowed higher-quality chances. Tottenham's pressing intensity dropped from 8.9 passes per defensive action (PPDA) under Ange Postecoglou to 11.3 under De Zerbi, indicating a team unable to maintain structure.

Financially, the club posted losses of £86 million for the 2023-24 season, partly due to the failed £200 million stadium expansion. With no European football next season, revenue will fall further, making player sales essential to balance the books.

Agbonlahor's three to sell: Richarlison, Bissouma, and Royal

Agbonlahor identified three players who should be shown the door immediately. First, Richarlison, the £60 million signing from Everton, managed only 5 league goals this season and has 11 in 52 appearances for Spurs. His expected goals (xG) of 8.2 suggests he underperformed by a significant margin. The Brazilian earns £200,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid non-performing assets in the squad.

Second, Yves Bissouma, signed from Brighton for £30 million in 2022, has failed to adapt to De Zerbi's demands for quick forward passing. His pass completion rate of 83% is decent, but his progressive passes per 90 (4.7) ranks 34th among Premier League midfielders. At 28, his resale value is declining.

Third, Emerson Royal, the £25 million right-back from Barcelona, was regularly exposed in defence. He lost possession 1.8 times per game and completed only 56% of his dribbles. With Djed Spence returning from loan and Pedro Porro established, Royal is surplus.

Agbonlahor argued that keeping these players would block the development of younger talents like Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie, and perpetuate a losing mentality. "You can't carry passengers in a relegation battle," he told talkSPORT.

Transfer market context and FPL impact

Tottenham face a difficult summer window. The club must raise funds through sales to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) — they are only £12 million under the £105 million loss limit over three years. Selling all three would generate an estimated £75 million in transfer fees and save £15 million annually in wages.

Richarlison's departure would be significant for Fantasy Premier League managers. Currently owned by 3.2%, his price of £7.0m is likely to drop to £6.5m if he leaves. Potential replacements like Jonathan David or Victor Osimhen would be priced £8.0m+, making them less attractive. Everton are rumoured to be interested in taking Richarlison back, but only if his wages are subsidised.

Richarlison: 5 goals, 3 assists in 28 starts — FPL points per match: 3.1
Bissouma: 0 goals, 1 assist in 24 starts — FPL points per match: 2.4
Emerson Royal: 2 goals, 0 assists in 18 starts — FPL points per match: 2.8

What comes next for Spurs and De Zerbi?

De Zerbi faces a critical rebuild with limited resources. The club must sell before they can buy. Priority targets include a centre-forward, a defensive midfielder, and a left-back. Sporting director Johan Lange is already working on three deals, but negotiations depend on outgoing transfers. If Tottenham fail to offload these three, they risk another relegation battle next season. The dressing room culture, described as 'fragile' by sources inside the club, needs a reset — starting with the removal of Agbonlahor's named trio.