WINDOW WRAP
Posted 01 February 2013 12:35am
Andre Villas-Boas offers his thoughts on our squad following the conclusion of the January transfer window.
Germany Under-21 captain Lewis Holtby made the earlier move to White Hart Lane this month after an initial agreement was made for the player to join us in July.
The midfielder made a successful debut in Wednesday's Premier League visit to Carrow Road, coming off the bench to inspire a revival that resulted in Gareth Bale's fine equaliser.
"Lewis is an excellent acquisition and offers additional quality to a strong squad, which is extremely difficult to find in the January market, when clubs are reluctant to sell. Our intention was always to bring in players that could improve us and Lewis certainly falls into this category. We were pleased that we were able to bring his transfer forward.
"He is young, extremely talented and can play a number of different roles across the midfield. We saw a glimpse of the impact he can have against Norwich, finding holes in behind and linking the game well for the team.
"It was always going to be important that we kept the players we have here because we have full confidence in them. We have a great squad and that is demonstrated by our current league position.
"We have strength in depth, goals throughout the team and the belief that we are equipped to achieve our objectives.
"We also have players like Younes Kaboul and Emmanuel Adebayor returning soon and they will provide a tremendous boost for us.
“It is always good to see that so many of our young players have gone out on loan. They will pick up valuable experience, key to their further development.”
Yago Falque, Souleymane Coulibaly, Ryan Mason, Andros Townsend, Simon Dawkins, Tomislav Gomelt and Alex Pritchard will continue their development with strategic loan placements, along with Adam Smith who has had his loan extended.
Harry Kane returns to us following his recall from a loan spell at Norwich City. Young defender Zeki Fryers has also joined from Standard Liege, linking up with the Club’s Development Squad.
Heurelho Gomes has been loaned out to Hoffenheim, while Jermaine Jenas and Carlo Cudicini have made permanent transfers to Queens Park Rangers and LA Galaxy, respectively, and we wish them both well for the future.