I've been thinking about what this transfer reminds me of, and I think I've got it - it reminds me of Redknapp's first transfer window, in January 2009.
What struck me at the time was just how un-Spurs-like it was. After years of Comolli's data driven transfer strategy, and Levy's predilection for buying promising young players over experienced ones in their prime, January 2009 rolled around with us still in and around the relegation fight. And we just went wild - in that one month alone, we resigned Defoe, resigned Keane, signed Wilson Palacios, and spent a total of 50 million quid building a battle-ready side that Redknapp could steer to safety.
Van Hecke is the sort of signing Levy and ENIC would have baulked at in the past. 52m for a center-back in the last year of his contract, who while good at passing, isn't actually all that great at defending. There is better value on the continent, 100%.
But it isn't about caution anymore. We are in a moment where we have handed de Zerbi unprecedented control, and he wants van Hecke - a Premier League-ready lieutenant on the field, a player he trusts to lead his defense and transmit his tactical instructions. And the club has decided to just go and get him who he wants - if it takes 52m, it takes 52m.
The last time the club did this, Redknapp saved us in 2009, and what followed was a rip-roaring adventure none of us could have predicted.
Will be super interesting to see where this leads, and if it continues!
