The Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick has revealed that Oliver Skipp is expected to complete his move to Leicester City today, although the midfielder will not be eligible to face Tottenham Hotspur in their opening Premier League match this evening. Additionally, Tottenham’s new signing, Wilson Odobert, will also be unavailable for the fixture.
Oliver Skipp’s Move to Leicester City for £25m
Oliver Skipp’s transfer to Leicester City has been a significant talking point in the lead-up to the new Premier League season. Kilpatrick’s report aligns with what various sources have been suggesting over the past 24 hours: Skipp is set to finalize his move to the King Power Stadium for an initial £20 million, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. The 23-year-old midfielder has reportedly passed his medical, and the announcement of his signing is expected imminently.
Despite the anticipation surrounding his transfer, the move has not been completed in time for Skipp to be included in Leicester’s squad for their season opener against his former club, Tottenham. This delay in the transfer process has likely spared both the player and the clubs from the awkwardness of facing each other so soon after the deal.
A Strategic Delay?
There is speculation that Tottenham and Leicester may have agreed on the deal for Skipp a week or two ago, but the North London club may have intentionally delayed the finalization of the transfer to ensure the midfielder would not be eligible to play against them in the first game of the new campaign. Whether this was a strategic move or simply a coincidence, it ensures that Tottenham will not have to contend with their former player on the opening day.
From Tottenham’s perspective, the £25 million fee they are set to receive for Skipp represents a solid piece of business. Skipp, who came through the Spurs academy, has shown promise during his time at the club, but with the arrival of new signings and the evolution of the squad under Ange Postecoglou, it seems the club is looking to reinvest the funds in other areas of the team.
Wilson Odobert’s Availability
In addition to the news about Skipp, Kilpatrick also confirmed that Tottenham’s latest acquisition, Wilson Odobert, will not be part of the matchday squad for the clash against Leicester. The Frenchman, who recently joined Spurs, is still waiting for his work permit to be processed, which means he will be unavailable for the season opener.
Tottenham fans will have to wait a little longer to see Odobert in action, with hopes that he will be ready to feature in the squad for their next match against Everton. Odobert’s absence will be felt, but with the depth that Tottenham possesses, they will be looking to start the season strongly despite his unavailability.
The Impact of Skipp’s Departure
Skipp’s move to Leicester marks the end of his journey with Tottenham, at least for now. The midfielder has been a reliable option in the center of the park, offering tenacity, defensive solidity, and a strong work ethic. His departure will leave a gap in the squad, but it also opens up opportunities for other players to step up and fill the void.
For Leicester, acquiring Skipp could prove to be a valuable addition. The Foxes, having just returned to the Premier League after a brief stint in the Championship, will be eager to bolster their squad with players who can help them establish themselves in the top flight. Skipp’s experience in the Premier League, combined with his youthful energy, could be just what Leicester needs to solidify their midfield and push for a strong season.
What’s Next for Tottenham?
With the departure of Skipp and the arrival of Odobert, Tottenham’s transfer activity is likely not over yet. The club will continue to assess its squad and may look to bring in further reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Postecoglou will be keen to ensure that his team is well-equipped to compete on multiple fronts this season, especially as they look to challenge for a top-four finish and secure a return to the Champions League.
Tottenham’s start to the season without Skipp and Odobert presents an early test for Postecoglou’s side, but it also offers an opportunity for other players to make their mark. With a solid pre-season under their belts and the anticipation of a new campaign ahead, Spurs will be eager to get off to a winning start against Leicester, even without these two players.
So
The imminent transfer of Oliver Skipp to Leicester City and the delayed debut of Wilson Odobert highlight the ongoing changes within the Tottenham squad as they prepare for the 2024/25 season. While Skipp’s move represents a new chapter for the young midfielder, it also signifies Tottenham’s commitment to evolving and strengthening their squad under Postecoglou’s leadership. The upcoming match against Leicester will be an early indicator of how these changes will shape Tottenham’s season, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team performs without these two players.
