Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is facing criticism from club insider Paul O’Keefe, who claims the current focus is more on financial growth than on-field success.
O’Keefe, known for his insights into Spurs’ operations, suggests that the club’s recent moves indicate a stronger emphasis on increasing its financial value to attract investors, rather than prioritizing investments that directly enhance the team’s performance.
The insider notes that Levy’s efforts over the summer to reduce the club’s wage bill align with this shift, hinting that Tottenham are seeking to present a financially leaner and more appealing investment profile.
According to him, the club’s wage reductions signify a calculated approach toward balance sheet optimization rather than an immediate push for Premier League success.
Transfer fees, which are amortized over multiple seasons, reportedly take a backseat in the club’s financial scrutiny compared to wages, which affect Spurs’ finances more directly.
This cautious approach suggests the club is striving for stability and appealing profit margins, potentially to entice prospective investors.
O’Keefe shared the update on X:
“The focus is most definitely not the football now. They’ve been trimming the fat (wage bill) to increase the valuation for investment. Everything is about the balance sheet now. Ignore transfer fees as they are amortised. It’s all about the wages”
The focus is most definitely not the football now. They've been trimming the fat (wage bill) to increase the valuation for investment. Everything is about the balance sheet now. Ignore transfer fees as they are amortised. It's all about the wages
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) October 28, 2024
For fans, however, this strategic shift would raise key concerns about the club’s future direction.
With manager Ange Postecoglou navigating a challenging season, the emphasis on increasing valuation over immediate success poses a dilemma.
Whether this approach will foster a stable yet competitive Spurs remains to be seen.
Daniel Levy has made Tottenham attractive for investors
One notable figure linked to Spurs is Amanda Staveley, a business executive who played a major role in facilitating the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United in 2021.
Known for her influential Middle Eastern contacts, Staveley helped secure significant investment for Newcastle, and rumours now circulate that she could bring similar support to North London.
Earlier this year, she and her husband sold their remaining shares, which had reduced from 10% to 6%. Now, with Tottenham reportedly in her scope, her involvement would represent a pivotal opportunity in the club’s ongoing efforts to secure new investment partners.
She was recently spotted with Daniel Levy at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, fuelling rumours that she might be close to an investment in the North London club.
There has already been talks about the extent of control she will have on the operations at the club if the investment is to finalise, with reports suggesting that she wants to replace Ange Postecoglou with Eddie Howe.
It has been reported that Levy could see himself being forced out of the club in a hostile takeover after the initial Staveley investment is completed.
