Jose Mourinho is expecting to be limited to free agents and swap deals in the next transfer window, as the top-flight prepares for a drastically changed financial outlook brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Tottenham boss has consistently said he is happy with his players since succeeding Mauricio Pochettino, but he was expected to attempt to reshape a squad that has dramatically declined over the past 12 months.
But while Mourinho may be given funds from any player sales, the Portuguese is now preparing to rebuild his Spurs squad mainly using free agents and swap deals.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already made it plain that the impact of the shutdown could be catastrophic for clubs big and small and has ridiculed the prospect of big spending in the transfer market. “When I read or hear stories about transfers this summer like nothing has happened, people need to wake up to the enormity of what is happening around us,” Levy said.
Spurs are braced for another financial blow this month, with the NFL likely to confirm that no matches will be staged overseas this year. Spurs have a 10-year agreement with the NFL to host two games per year.
Spurs are far from the only top club preparing for a frugal summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United playing down the prospects of spending big.
