Spurs have badly messed up the Christian Eriksen situation.
When a player is no longer committed to the club, it’s time to start looking to offload. When Eriksen began to indicate he was not interested in renewing his contract, Spurs should have started to make plans without him.
His talent is undeniable, but I look at Liverpool and how it seemed to be a disaster losing Philippe Coutinho. Obviously it’s been quite the opposite, with Jurgen Klopp using the money to bring in the likes of Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk - making them a much better rounded team.
Tottenham’s biggest issue has been allowing the team to remain the same and plateau, this being down to age and a loss of motivation and many being in the same environment for too long. Two years ago, Spurs would have been looking at £100m+ for the Dane, but are now desperate to get £20m for a player who hasn’t looked interested for over six months.
Unfortunately, Jan Vertonghen’s prime years at Spurs are over. His levels this season have dropped considerably and at 32 he is not a player I'd be looking to tie down to a long-term deal.
Victor Wanyama’s time at Spurs has been completely ruined by injury. In his first year at the club, he was sensational and a big part of our incredible home form and second-place finish. But now, he struggles to stay fit and has fallen completely out of favour with Mourinho.
Serge Aurier just has not been good enough for Spurs and even with a mini-revival under Mourinho, Spurs need to be looking to upgrade him.
Kyle Walker-Peters is another right-back who has not been good enough for Spurs - unfortunately, due to a lack of game-time which has halted his development. Being home-grown, it is important if he is moved on that we bring in another young English player. Hopefully Max Aarons from Norwich City.
Danny Rose is a player whose time at Spurs should have come to an end a while ago. Since his injury in 2016, he has never been the same player and this season he has continued to decline.
There is undoubtedly a talented player in Gedson, but due to an injury and a new manager not fancying him, his development has been halted.
It’s a low risk, high reward deal for Spurs. If in 18 months' time, Spurs decide they don’t fancy him, they send him back to Benfica.
But, if in 18 months' time he has fulfilled his potential then they can land themselves a very talented player for a decent price (£43m).
But right now, with funds limited they’ve got a player through the door to replace Moussa Sissoko and not had to commit money on the player this month.
For all three parties this could be a very good deal. For Benfica, they could get very good money for a player who had fallen out of favour.
For Spurs, they could be getting a diamond for a very good price, if the player is able to get his career back on track. For the player, this will offer him a good chance to re-establish himself in a new environment.
But ultimately, there is a reason he had a £103m release clause but Benfica were willing to let him go for significantly less. He’s very highly thought of, but a player who needs help getting back on track.
Odds via Sky Bet and correct as of 0900 GMT on 27/01/19