As we get closer to the opening of the summer transfer window, Antonio Conte will have likely began to think about some of the changes he might want to make when the time comes. During the January window Spurs saw four first team departures and two incomings.
The three Tottenham players who were sent out on loan could return to N17 and there will be decisions which need to be made in regards to the players currently playing with the Lilywhites on loan. Despite the improvement seen under the Italian so far, there are still upgrades in certain positions that are needed, meaning it could be a busy window for Fabio Paratici.
Rumours have already began circulating in regards to current Spurs players who could make an exit during the summer. Sergio Reguilon is one of those who has been linked with a move back to Spain and there may also be questions over the futures of Emerson Royal and Steven Bergwijn.
READ MORE: Fabio Paratici needs to make six transfers to complete Antonio Conte's 2022/23 Tottenham squad
Both players have been struggling for game time under Conte, with Royal losing out on his spot as right wing-back after some poor displays. Matt Doherty is now top of the pecking order and has been producing overall solid performances in recent matches, making an impact up and down the right flank.
Bergwijn's lack of match minutes isn't necessarily all down to his own form but due to Tottenham's other attackers making a consistent positive impact in games. Harry Kane is back to his goalscoring ways, only recently breaking the record for the most Premier League combination goals with Son Heung-min, while Dejan Kulusevski has been solid ever since his arrival.
Dutch international Bergwijn has made 24 appearances so far this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists, with his brace in the Premier League coming in the thrilling 3-2 victory over Leicester. The match at the King Power Stadium reiterated the impact Bergwijn can have and the quality he holds, which Conte then highlighted after the game.
"In the past when someone asks me about Steven Bergwijn I was very clear. I said that for me he is an important player because he has characteristics that in our squad we don’t have many creative players," the Italian said in his post-match press conference.
"He is very good in one vs one, good to beat the man. He can play striker, he can play number 10 and for us, for me, he is an important player and we have to try to improve, to become stronger, not to lose a player and become less strong."
The 24-year-old was linked with a move back to Holland during the January window and time will tell if more approaches are made for him in the summer. If they are and he does make an exit, it will be another replacement for Paratici to add to the list.
Royal only made the move to the capital last summer and has made 31 appearances for the Lilywhites so far this season, originally as a right-back under Nuno Espirito Santo. However, if the Brazilian can't find consistent game time under Conte and when he is given the time, continues to not make the required impact, could his Tottenham chapter end only soon after it began?
The 52-year-old wanted a right wing-back as a priority during the winter window but after a failed target of Adama Traore, Paratici failed to fulfil this wish. Therefore, it is likely that this will again be something that is looked for in the next window and if Royal falls even further down the pecking order, it may be best for him to make a move away.
Former striker Kevin Phillips revealed earlier this month that he believes the 23-year-old should be sold. "I don’t think Conte or Tottenham have got time to wait to see if he can adjust. Conte will want to rebuild, he’ll want his own players in there," the 48-year-old admitted, via Football Insider.
"If that means selling Royal to free up a wage so he can get someone else in, I think that will happen. The board really have to back Conte if that’s his decision. He’s really struggled at Tottenham."
Royal hasn't played 90 minutes of football until the start of February, in Spurs' 3-2 defeat to Southampton. He featured in last 10 minutes of the midweek trip to Brighton and did add some more energy in the game.
However, it is trying to get consistent opportunities to play and more importantly, impress, which the Brazilian is still likely to struggle with in the final couple of months of the season. Only time will tell if clubs look to make a bid for the struggling Spurs duo and if they do, what the club then decides to do, in regards to both players futures in north London.
