Tottenham have spent more than £300m, overseen 54 player arrivals and departures, and yet they remain without a point or a goal
For all the optimism that surrounded the club at the beginning of the summer, Troy Deeney believes Spurs have once again ended up looking directionless.
The former Premier League striker argues that the easiest way to judge Tottenham’s transfer window is to ask one simple question: who is going to score 10 league goals for them this season?
After spending heavily on a huge number of players, Tottenham still do not appear to have an obvious answer.
De Zerbi must make his squad work
Tottenham’s deadline-day business summed up the uncertainty surrounding their recruitment.
They brought in Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk from Chelsea, despite neither appearing to be part of the club’s original plans.
Adarabioyo has enjoyed a strong career and brings personality and experience, but his arrival does little to ease concerns following Cristian Romero’s departure.
Mudryk represents an even greater gamble.
The Ukrainian winger previously worked with Roberto De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk, where the Italian spoke highly of his potential and even backed him to become a future Ballon d’Or winner.
However, Mudryk has spent around 18 months serving a suspension and has been unable to train normally with Chelsea’s first-team squad.
His pace and physical condition remain obvious strengths, but there are legitimate questions over how quickly he can regain the intensity and rhythm required for Premier League football.
Tottenham are betting heavily on De Zerbi’s ability to bring the best out of him.
Spurs missed out as rivals strengthened
The frustration is compounded by the players Tottenham failed to sign.
They pursued Cody Gakpo for much of the summer, while Iliman Ndiaye appeared close to moving to north London before his transfer instead took him to Manchester City.
Deeney believes Ndiaye would have been a particularly strong addition, having faced the forward during his Sheffield United days.
Instead, Tottenham watched Liverpool strengthen with Bradley Barcola and City add Ndiaye, leaving two major rivals looking more threatening.
Meanwhile, Richarlison remains at the club after being left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad.
That situation adds to what has been an increasingly uncomfortable summer.
Deeney’s biggest concern is what happens if De Zerbi’s plans fail.
The Italian received significant backing in the transfer market and cannot point to a lack of investment. The ownership has provided the money, while the squad has undergone major changes.
That leaves the manager with little room for excuses.