It’s a tough pill to swallow for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, but the writing might be on the wall: Ange Postecoglou’s era at the club is beginning to unravel.

The Australian manager’s start in North London was nothing short of spectacular. Spurs embarked on a ten-game unbeaten streak at the beginning of his tenure, a run that saw them surge to the summit of the Premier League. There was hope, excitement, and the kind of attacking football that fans had long craved. For a brief moment, it looked like Postecoglou had ushered in a new era at Tottenham.

Fast forward to the present, and the optimism has been replaced with dismay. This campaign has gone off the rails, with performances and results falling well short of expectations. Although Tottenham still have a shot at silverware in the Europa League, many now believe Postecoglou’s time at the helm could be nearing its end.

But even amid the chaos, it’s important not to overlook one of the most significant aspects of Postecoglou’s reign — his eye for talent. While results have faltered, his influence in the transfer market has been a major positive, with several standout signings already proving their immense value.

Building a Legacy Through Recruitment

Before diving into the biggest gem unearthed during Ange’s time, it’s worth reflecting on the standout signings he’s made — players who have not only made an immediate impact but also skyrocketed in value.

One of the most notable examples is Lucas Bergvall. The Swedish prodigy cost Spurs just £8.5 million when he joined from Djurgårdens IF in the winter transfer window. Since officially linking up with the squad in the summer, the teenager has flourished. According to Football Transfers, Bergvall’s valuation has ballooned to €31.3 million (around £27 million), more than triple the fee Tottenham paid.

At just 19 years old, Bergvall has shown maturity and composure beyond his years. He’s already racked up 44 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing one goal and four assists. What’s even more impressive is how he’s outshined some of the club’s more senior midfielders, commanding the pitch like a seasoned veteran. Journalist Mitch Fretton even dubbed him a “generational” talent — and it’s easy to see why.

The Flying Dutchman: Van de Ven

Shift focus to the backline, and another Postecoglou success story comes to light — Micky van de Ven. Signed for £43 million from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023, the Dutch centre-back has had to endure some injury setbacks. But when he’s fit and available, he’s been a force of nature.

Described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as a “complete & dominant” centre-half, Van de Ven possesses a rare blend of strength, composure, and blistering speed. His pace has been crucial to Tottenham’s high defensive line, and he even set a new Premier League sprint record with a jaw-dropping 37.38km/h dash against Brentford last season.

Since arriving in North London, his market value has surged to €62 million (around £53 million). It’s a testament to his quality and potential, but remarkably, he’s not even the most valuable Postecoglou signing on the books.

The Teenage Star Worth More Than Van de Ven

So, who holds that title? Not Dominic Solanke. Not Brennan Johnson either, despite his contributions up front.

The answer is none other than Archie Gray — the sensational teenage talent Tottenham poached from Leeds United for a fee of £30 million last summer. In less than a year, the 18-year-old’s valuation has skyrocketed. Football Transfers now values Gray at €72.5 million (roughly £62 million), making him not only worth more than double his original transfer fee but also £9 million more than Van de Ven.

To some, that may sound like an overvaluation, but anyone who’s watched Gray this season would understand the hype. Despite being a natural central midfielder, Gray was thrust into unfamiliar roles due to an injury crisis that forced Postecoglou to get creative with his defensive setup.

The young Englishman rose to the occasion with remarkable poise and versatility. Whether filling in at centre-back, right-back, left-back, or defensive midfield, Gray never looked out of place. In fact, he’s made 19 appearances at centre-back, eight at right-back, five on the left, and only three in his preferred midfield role. Analyst Ben Mattinson went as far as calling him a “ridiculous” talent, and Kulig’s label of “Swiss army knife” couldn’t be more fitting.

A Silver Lining in a Stormy Season

This season has undeniably tested Tottenham’s resolve, with ups and downs that have left fans on edge. Yet, amid the turbulence, the club’s exciting crop of youngsters has shown resilience and promise. Archie Gray, in particular, has emerged as a symbol of hope for the future — a player who could be a cornerstone of the squad for years to come.

While Postecoglou’s future may be uncertain, the legacy of his transfer strategy — one that has already unearthed multiple rising stars — will likely benefit Spurs long after he’s gone. If the board does decide to part ways with the Australian tactician, they will at least be inheriting a squad brimming with youthful talent, most of whom owe their presence to Postecoglou’s keen eye for recruitment.

In the end, even if the results haven’t gone his way, Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham has helped lay the foundation for a brighter future — and that, in itself, is no small achievement.