Even Harry Redknapp could not have predicted it, but Tottenham Hotspur are in the thick of this season’s Premier League title race. A mixture of gritty wins and slip-ups elsewhere has presented the North Londoners with an unexpected opportunity to topple the big boys – and Redknapp is eager to capitalise.
With that in mind, Tottenham are one of many clubs awaiting news from the Los Angeles Galaxy on whether David Beckham will be available for a two-month loan spell during the MLS off-season. Redknapp already has a squad bulging at the seams, but he has been vocal in expressing his interest in bringing Beckham to White Hart Lane as an experienced leader on and off the pitch.
"He’d give the place a lift," the Spurs boss explained. "He would be someone to have around the place that would bring that bit of belief. And he is a proper professional as well.
"He would have to fight for his place; he’s not going to play every game, he knows that. But he could come on and play a few positions. He keeps the ball, he doesn’t give it away, he can score goals, he can make goals. He has been a fantastic player and is someone the players would look up to and respect."
A move to Spurs of course would mean that Beckham has rethought his previously-documented mindset that Manchester United was the only English club he would play for – and Tottenham have emerged as the favourites for his signature. Beckham grew up near the team’s training centre and this is not the first time that he has been linked with a move to North London.
Though the Galaxy may close the door on the possibility of a loan move, the situation is worth exploring because, with Beckham, there is so much to consider. Redknapp, who is seeking to sell as many as seven of his current squad during this month’s transfer window, cannot be faulted for his logic. Beckham’s experience and technique would be beneficial for the likes of Aaron Lennon, who continues to struggle with his final ball, and Gareth Bale, who is learning to deal with increased attention from opponents and the media.
And aside from his off-pitch value, Beckham is still a useful player, capable of coming off the bench and performing well on the wing or in a more central role. He will need little motivation either, given his desire for one last chance at reviving his England career.
A loan move for Beckham would also be profitable from a financial standpoint, though Redknapp has insisted that this is not a factor in Tottenham’s interest; after all, White Hart Lane is regularly sold out. But it is indisputable that the former England captain would spark a sharp rise in shirt sales that would undoubtedly provide a tidy profit. Beckham is no longer at the top of his game, however he remains one of the most recognisable figures in football and his fanbase is still strong.
But Redknapp – and the other interested parties – will also have been weighing up the possible negative effects of bringing Beckham into the dressing room for just two months then watching him walk away. Spurs are flying along just fine at the moment and there is always a danger that one new piece could disrupt the current dynamic, especially if that piece is suddenly removed in March.
In addition, the media interest will be enormous if Beckham returns to Premier League action, perhaps increasing the pressure and scrutiny on the Tottenham players as they prepare for key league games, including the visit of Manchester United on 16th January, and their last 16 Champions League tie with AC Milan.
In truth, though, there is no major downside for Spurs. Redknapp has proven himself to be excellent at managing potentially tricky situations in the past and, given that the contract would only be for two months, he could simply leave Beckham out of the squad if things turned sour. The club would not be committing a huge chunk of money in this deal and the players are unlikely to be unduly fazed by a little more press attention.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of upside if the chips fall in Tottenham’s favour. Beckham has been a popular team-mate throughout his career, with the exception of a fallout with the Galaxy’s Landon Donovan, and was a big hit at AC Milan during similar two-month stints in Serie A. He has the big match experience that Redknapp is craving and could be an important father figure for what remains a youthful team. Beckham still has a little left in the tank and could help Spurs move ever closer to United at the top of the table.
At this stage, things are still just hypothetical. Until the Galaxy confirm their stance – and the suspicion is that it will soften – Beckham will stay in limbo. But Tottenham are confident they will eventually land their man – and if they do, it will only strengthen their chances of winning a first Premier League title.
