Oliver Skipp is seeking regular game time if he leaves Spurs this summer, and although Leeds United have long shown interest, reports of Premier League clubs looking at Skipp could ruin their chances.
Oliver Skipp is seeking game time
Following his breakthrough to the first team in 2017/18 under Mauricio Pochettino, Skipp has struggled to nail down a regular spot at Tottenham, failing to ever make more than twenty-three league appearances in a season. (TransferMarkt)
As a result of only being handed just under 700 league minutes last season under Postecoglou, Football.London reported that Skipp is desperate for regular game time and is happy to depart Tottenham if that’s what is required to achieve consistent minutes.
Skipp’s demands are more than justified – the last time the 23-year-old had regular minutes was in 2020/21 on loan at Norwich City. The on-loan midfielder only missed a single game in Norwich’s Championship winning season and was one of their best players that year.
Norwich’s manager at the time was Daniel Farke. The German coach clearly adored working with Skipp because he is reportedly interested in reuniting with the Englishman again next season as Leeds chase promotion. However, Premier League interest may have put a roadblock in those talks.
Tottenham want to sell Skipp rather than loan the 23-year-old
The latest report by TEAMTALK has revealed that Spurs’ academy graduate is attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs, with a move within the English top flight more likely than Leeds because Skipp wants to stay at a higher level if possible.
Leeds United have just secured the exit of Glen Kamara for £8.4 million to Rennes as well as selling Archie Gray for a large fee to Tottenham, meaning money is likely to not be an issue, however, Premier League competition for Skipp’s signature is.
Interestingly, Tottenham are believed to be demanding a permanent transfer for Skipp this summer and are less willing to sanction a second loan for the 23-year-old whose contract expires in 2027.
A fee would obviously count as 100% profit towards Tottenham’s PSR limit, making a sale perhaps more attractive than a loan deal.
Spurs Web opinion
I sympathise with Skipp wanting to leave Spurs this summer. The midfielder has fallen foul to a situation that most academy products find themselves in, being homegrown and a useful asset means that Skipp is a useful bench option but is unlikely to ever get a regular starting spot.
Tottenham will need to make up for the homegrown loss that Skipp provides too which makes it even more difficult for the player to leave, however, I’m sure if a large fee arrives from a Premier League club Spurs will be willing to let Skipp go due to it pocketing the club 100% profit towards PSR.