Much like every club across the history of the game, Tottenham Hotspur have also missed out on signing several players.
In some cases, Tottenham would have been kicking themselves but in others, they would have perhaps been relieved.
For instance, Tottenham could have signed Serhou Guirassy before his move to Stuttgart, where he turned into an incredibly prolific goalscorer.
Tottenham spoke to Mats Hummels before his move to AS Roma as well.
Looking back, Spurs might be regretting their decision not to sign the World Cup winner.
With the Lilywhites now being in 12th place in the Premier League, it might be unwise for them not to get important deals done for players who would undoubtedly improve them.
Thibaut Courtois admits Tottenham tried signing him but he chose Chelsea
But one area of Tottenham’s recruitment that has historically been excellent involves young players.
From a young Gareth Bale to Archie Gray, the North Londoners know a gifted youngster when they see one.
The same was the case when they discovered how talented a 19-year-old Thibaut Courtois was at Genk but the 32-year-old has revealed that despite their interest, he preferred Chelsea’s project at the time.
Courtois said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel: “When I was at Genk, starting to do something decent, obviously there was some interest from Tottenham, some interest from Chelsea, some other teams from other countries.”
“Obviously, Chelsea in that moment had the project for me in the long-term, basically because David [De Gea] was going to Manchester [United], it opened the door for me to go on loan to Atletico [Madrid].”
Courtois, who Jordan Pickford lauded was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea.
In September, Carlo Ancelotti claimed in a press conference that Courtois is the standout goalkeeper in the world, saying via Diario AS: “I can make a list [of the world-class goalkeepers I have coached]. He is the best in the world now, but I have had goalkeepers of great level. At the moment, Thibaut is the best of all.”
When Thibaut Courtois aimed a dig at Tottenham about Gareth Bale
Courtois aimed a dig at Tottenham when Gareth Bale returned to Spurs on loan from Real Madrid about his now-former teammate not signing for the best club in London due to the decorated shotstopper’s affiliation with Chelsea.
“What Bale talked about with the coach is personal.”
“I had a good relationship with Gareth and I wish him the best of luck, even if he’s not playing for the best London team. He is a great player.”
Ultimately, Tottenham would still let bygones by bygones if they could sign Courtois now.
After all, as brilliant as Hugo Lloris was for Spurs, the Belgian can now be considered a true all-time great. However, everything happens for a reason and in Lloris, they had a brilliant shotstopper on their books who also donned the armband for them for years.