This is the question on the minds of every Spurs fan in the land and abroad after a second consecutive season of highs, lows and, eventually, disappointed.
After a romantic run into the Champions League quarter finals in 2010/11, featuring the rise to prominence of a certain Welsh wizard, Spurs have been desperately close yet so painfully far from experiencing the wonderful European nights at White Hart Lane.
Denied by Chelsea’s Champions League heroics in 2011/12 and Arsenal’s final day victory in 2012/13, 2013/14 shapes as a massive season for the Lilywhites. But how can they pip the likes of the Blues and the Gunners for that elusive European place?
This is how it can happen:
Retain Gareth Bale: Not only is he the main man and talisman for Spurs, he is rightfully regarded as one of the best in the world right now.
Andre Villas Boas builds his side around the Welsh star, tucking him in behind the striker to allow him to drift into space and regularly pick up the ball, where he can utilise his blistering pace and power, venomous shot and excellent ball control.
Greater exposure to this role will see Bale improve and have an even greater impact. Twenty-five goals in all competitions are invaluable, and warding off the interest of Real Madrid and Manchester United will play a huge factor in Spurs chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Sign a goal scorer: It is common knowledge that without the presence of Bale, Spurs would not have challenged for the top four places.
Without his 21 goals in the league, Spurs would be short 24 points, leaving them on 46, barely enough for a top half finish. After an outstanding year, the pressure on Bale will be immense, and as such, for Spurs to succeed, a proven goal scorer must be signed.
Chairman Daniel Levy tends to favour bargain signings, and may try to replicate the type of business Aston Villa did in signing Christian Benteke. However, after seasons of shrewdness, it is an appropriate time for the shackles to be broken and for some big money to be spent.
Spurs have been linked with the likes of Roberto Soldado of Valencia and Leandro Damaio of Internacional, and both would be ideal with their proven records and international experience.
Damaio would perhaps present more of a risk, as he is yet untried in Europe, though his arrival would certainly not be detrimental to Spurs. The retaining of Bale would be aided by a big money arrival and it is in the best interests of Spurs to invest, so as to not become stagnant and to keep improving and to challenge.
The potential is there, the foundations are laid, and Tottenham are very capable of qualifying for the Champions League next season, however much depends on keeping their standout player and signing a striker to put the ball in the back of the net.
If these things can be done, European football at the highest level could return to the Lane very soon.
JarrodMcAleese
Roar Rookie
It would be nice, though it might be asking too much of him unfortunately. Watched Paulinho in the Confeds as well, does look the goods, Premier League is a whole new game though
Andy
Guest
Aren't the rumours that Tottenham are interested in Gomes? Now that's someone who could add a lot more than Adebayour. The way I see it though is that if they were to sell Bale they can no longer do their typical low ball offers. Side will be well aware of the money they have an in order to strengthen their squad they will have to play the same sort of money the sides ahead of them do for quality players. You can't cry poor when you just broke the record for most expensive transfer. Still selling Bale and adding three world class players (as opposed to relying entirely on Bale) could send serious intentions out there. I see Tottenham's problem being that Arsenal seem intent on spending money. If they buy Fellaini and play him deep, accompaned with he goals of Higuain they could well be title contenders sooner or later. Tottnham need to invest now or risk missing out under the BS fair play rulings so they might as well bite the bullet and make some big transfers asap. It is their shot at breaking the usual suspects and their ridiulous (and dubious) sponsorship deals.
JarrodMcAleese
Roar Rookie
Those 3, in addition to the likes of David Bentley off the books
JarrodMcAleese
Roar Rookie
Not many Premier League strikers would be ideal starters and realistically attainable for Spurs. Adebayor was an outcast at City and had already been loaned and played well, it was a predictable signing. Michu is a tricky one, he has European football this year and it'll be tough for him to replicate his success.
AlexThanopoulos
Roar Rookie
Why should it be difficult signing anyone proven. You did the same with Adebayor and even though could be considered unsuccessful it made sense. I think Benteke is a real option. You should be looking at a Michu as well.
Tim
Roar Rookie
Clear out required at Spurs, Adebayor, Huddlestone, Dawson come to mind who would generate some cash to bring in some quality signings but if (as the board say above) Bale goes IMO its 7th or 78th place at best.
JarrodMcAleese
Roar Rookie
80 million is almost incomprehendable, Levy could not reject that, it's just an absurd amount of money. You could do so much with that, but in the end replacing Bale is nigh on impossible. Benteke in, Adebayor out would be great business. Adebayor's typical late season, contract earning run of form doesn't compensate for his lack of consistency throughout the season. Spurs are only linked with foreign players but signing a Premier League striker who is proven will be very difficult, which makes getting someone like Benteke unlikely, unfortunately.
AlexThanopoulos
Roar Rookie
Agree with Dave. Bale cannot be replaced. Levy will find it very difficult to turned down 80+ Million GBP if offered. Spurs need to make a decision early and spend wisely. All players mentioned in the rumopur pages are from outside the premiership. Think spurs need to look at spending on players that have proved themselves already. Benteke in to replace 'Open the door get on the floor, everyone sing Adebayor' would be good business.
Dave
Guest
I dunno, I think Spurs are getting stronger, but so do the other big teams every year. But Bale is definitely irreplaceable.
Dave
Guest
Lets hope. Paulinho certainly looked good in the Confeds cup the other day. Hopefully will see some more of him in the semi and final. I just wish Levy would do what he did with Modric a bit more often. I think Modders was announced before the transfer window even opened that year! Wouldn't it be nice to have a nice settled squad a month out from the season for once...
Hawker
Guest
@Dave spot on, in those first two weeks the dropped points will inevitably cost them fourth as it did last year... Sounds like they are close to getting Paulinho (who I've never seen) hopefully he's the start of a few quality signings this summer
JarrodMcAleese
Roar Rookie
Time will certainly tell. As a Spurs fan myself, I'm unsure about our prospects as I feel we are losing ground on the big 4, but keeping Bale and signing a couple of players to strengthen would definitely pull us back.
Dave
Guest
I don't think this question can be answered, as ever with Spurs, until two weeks after the season starts. i.e. after deadline day in the transfer window. As usual Levy will play the brinkmanship game for all its worth.