Why AC Milan's Keisuke Honda Would Be a Bad Signing for Tottenham

Tottenham need just four points from their final three games to be certain of securing a return to the Champions League for next season. Given their formidable goal difference, even three points would almost certainly be sufficient. 

Spurs have enjoyed a successful Premier League season but their relatively modest squad will need additions to manage the demands of domestic as well as top level European football next term. 

Mauricio Pochettino's obsessive commitment to fitness has helped his team navigate a busy season with few injuries but the need for reinforcements is unavoidable. 

In recent seasons, Spurs' recruitment has been excellent.

The acquisitions of Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer stand out as particularly valuable but there have been few flops beyond former Sevilla captain Federico Fazio. 

Spurs could use additions to their squad in defence, midfield and attack as they improve Pochettino's options for rotation.

The club's full-back situation is illustrative of the ideal.

Tottenham have two quality options at left and right-back, allowing them to constantly rotate and avoid fatigue. 

The most important signings will be midfield reinforcements and a back-up for Harry Kane. 

In midfield, AC Milan's Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda has been a long-rumoured target. 

With Milan's ownership situation in a state of flux, motivated buyers will be in a good position to make moves in the summer. 

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Tottenham were rumoured to be considering a January move for Honda but that never materialised. 

According to Lorenzo Bettoni of Calcio Mercato (h/t HITC), Spurs will return for Honda this summer, while The Express suggests Honda is keen to move on from the San Siro and that West Ham and Tottenham will vie for his signature. 

After impressing in the Eredivisie with Venlo, Honda had been expected to blossom into a top European player. Unfortunately, his move to CSKA Moscow meant he was not easily observed but his statistical output remained promising and bigger things beckoned. 

Honda then joined Milan at the worst possible time. 

The Italian giants had begun to slip down Serie A and, having finished third the previous season, ended up eighth before running 10th the following season. 

This season, he has scored just once, dispatching a long-range strike in a 2-1 win over Genoa.

He's played an average of 60 minutes in each of the 27 Serie A appearances that he's made so far this season. 

This is the first clear argument against Spurs signing Honda. 

Pochettino demands the highest levels of fitness from his players and Honda is only barely match-fit. 

Were Honda to make this move, he would be working on base fitness while his teammates hone their understanding of Pochettino's equally challenging tactical approach. 

Spurs don't need to take the risk that Honda just isn't capable of reaching the level required. 

Even if Honda's fitness were not a concern, there are questions around the effect he would have on the special chemistry within the current squad. 

Honda is reportedly paid £50,000 per week in Milan. 

He would immediately become one of Tottenham's highest earners if he were to move for a similar wage. 

He will also be 30 before the next season begins, significantly older than the core of Spurs' playing group.

It would be acceptable for Spurs to take a leap on a 30-year-old, highly-paid player with fitness concerns if that player were a superstar. 

Honda is not that. 

He is an attractive dribbler and creative passer with good pace and close control. 

However, there is nothing he does exceptionally well. 

Were he to join Spurs, he would sit behind Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Nacer Chadli, Heung-Min Son and even Alex Pritchard in the eyes of Pochettino, a manager who shows great loyalty to the players he trusts.  

Lamela, Eriksen and Alli are the current first-choice attacking midfielders because they each do something better than most other players in the division. 

Alli creates chaos with his intelligence, aggression and flair. Eriksen sees the whole pitch and is constantly an outlet for the ball. Lamela presses with great aggression and cannot be left in one-on-one situations. 

Shuji Kajiyama/Associated Press

Honda could not easily displace any of them and would be approaching his 31st birthday before he would reach the requisite physical levels and tactical understanding that Pochettino needs from his team. 

By comparison, Heung-Min Son was signed with some similar concerns but is still just 23 and has his best years ahead of him. 

Spurs would be wise to steer clear of signing Honda regardless of the fee. There are simply dozens of better-suited players around Europe and beyond.