On this day 9 years ago, Spurs completed the signing of midfield maestro Michael Carrick from West Ham for a fee of £2.75m. The likes of Arsenal, Everton and West Brom had all reportedly admired the talents of the young Englishman, with Spurs eventually winning the race.
Speaking to the clubs website at the time, Sporting Director Frank Arnesen had the following to say:
“Michael is a big English talent and we’re very pleased to sign him, particularly at his young age. Technically he is very good, a great passer of the ball who can go left or right and with him we have a very strong midfield.”
Carrick was central to our midfield success during the Martin Jol era. He completed the most crosses and assists in our promising 2005-06 campaign; one that ultimately culminated in disappointment following ‘Lasagne-Gate’ and the failure to achieve a 4th placed finish.
Widely regarded as one of the best young English talents to pass through the club in the modern era, his departure the following season to Manchester United for £18m was disappointing for a Tottenham side clearly on the rise.
