Hotspur HQ

This weekend, as always – is bumper packed full of action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Let’s take a look at how things are looking for them. Before that, though – a quick recap on the midweek action.  Â

In League One, the difficult run of form continued for Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley’s Leyton Orient side, whom lost 1-0 away to Rotherham United. During the game, Keeley made five saves, whilst Donley played 81 minutes. This defeat leaves them in ninth place in League One, with 53 points from 35 games – and five points off the play-off positions. Â

There was more frustration in League Two, as George Abbott and his Notts County side fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Barrow, making it just one point from their last two games. This defeat leaves them in fourth place, with 58 points from their 34 games. Â Â

Meanwhile, Luca Gunter’s Wealdstone got hammered 4-1 away to Tamworth in the National League. It could have been worse if not for the Spurs loanee, however – whom made nine saves throughout the game. This defeat leaves the Stones in 21st position in the league, with 35 points from 33 games.Â

 Looking at how the weekend slate is shaping up for Spurs loanees

So, onto the weekend action. In the Championship, Ashley Phillips and his Stoke City side will face Coventry City on the road. Stoke won the reverse fixture 1-0, when current manager Mark Robins was in charge of Coventry. Meanwhile, it is the battle of the Spurs loanees over in the black Country, when Will Lankshear’s West Bromwich Albion host Yang Min-hyeok's Queens Park Rangers. Both games are on Saturday, at 15:00 GMT. Â

In League One, Keeley, Donley and their Orient side will be looking to bounce back from their aforementioned defeat at Rotherham, when they host Northampton Town. That game is also a 15:00 GMT kick off on Saturday. Â Â

Onto League Two, where Abbott and Notts County will hope to bounce back in the capital, when they face AFC Wimbledon – whom are managed by Spurs academy graduate Johnnie Jackson. Their hosts are just one place and point below them in the league, so this is a huge game. This game is at 12:30 GMT on Saturday, and is available to watch on Sky Sports red button. Â

Down in the National League, Gunter and Wealdstone will hope to get back to winning ways up North, when they face Rochdale – 15:00 GMT kick off on Saturday there. Â

On the continent, there is another battle of Spurs loanees, as Alejo Veliz’s RCD Espanyol side host Bryan Gil’s Girona in La Liga – that game is on Monday night, and will kick off at 20:00 GMT.   Â

On Thursday evening, Spurs were in the Netherlands to lock horns with Eredivise side AZ Alkmaar, in the Europa League round of 16.

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur over in the Netherlands on Thursday

For the task at hand, Ange Postecoglou opted for a line up of; Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son.

After 17 minutes, AZ took the lead - as Bergvall sliced the ball into his own net, following a corner. Bit of a freak goal - but it had bee an extremely uninspiring start to the game for Spurs regardless.

Midway through the first half, nice quick passing from the hosts lead to former Spurs striker Troy Parrott getting a shot away, but Gray was on hand to make an important block. Really horrendous start from Ange's side.

Half an hour, Parrott went clean through on goal, but when one on one, his effort was superbly saved by Vicario's heel. It would have been a tight one for offside. Incredible save, and a huge let off for Spurs.

To sum up the first half - after 34 minutes, Spurs had a dangerous free kick. From there, Maddison attempted to play a one-two with Son, but the skippers lay off went behind Maddison. Comedic stuff, really is.

With two minutes of the opening period remaining, AZ had a goal mouth scramble that they could not force in, which was followed by a Peer Koopmeiners strike being well blocked by Bergvall. There have been some terrible halves from Spurs this season. This may well have been the worst of the lot.

At half-time, Ange made a change, replacing Tel with Odobert, as one France U21 international replaced another. Sadly, it cannot be denied that the 19-year old seriously struggled in the first half.

Three minutes into the second half, Bergvall did well to win the ball back in the middle of the park, before driving forward and cutting a shot across goal. Normally something like this wouldn't get a mention - but such has been the lack of quality of this game, it is one of the things worth mentioning.

Six minutes into the second half, Son did well to create some space when cutting inside, but he fired his shot off target from the edge of the box.

Just a minute later, Ernest Poku struck a low effort towards Vicario's near post, but the goalkeeper got down quickly to make a strong save. Just so, so dire all round from Ange's side. Really terrible.

With just under twenty minutes to go, Ange made a triple change. Porro, Solanke, and Sarr, replaced Udogie, Son, and Maddison.

As the clock hit 90, Solanke went down, and had to be replaced by Scarlett - really really sums up the evening for Spurs. With the final touch of the game, Odobert headed over a Porro cross.

That was that. Nothing missing, Spurs genuinely did not have any chance of note to report on after the 51st minute, aside from that header. In reality, anything before that was clutching at straws, half chances at best. What an awful night.

Later on this evening, Spurs begin the second part of their UEFA Europa League adventure, as they lock horns with Eredivise side, AZ Alkmaar, in the Netherlands. The game kicks off at 17:45 GMT, which is once again a shame for those of us whom watch the Chase.

How both teams line up over in the Netherlands this evening

Nevertheless, for the task at hand, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has opted for the following XI; Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son.

Meanwhile, the bench consists of the following; Austin, Whiteman, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Bissouma, Sarr, Moore, Odobert, Scarlett, Solanke.

In the other corner, AZ have gone for an XI of; Owuso-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Moller Wolfe; Koopmeiners, Clasie, Buurmeester; Poku, Parrott, Lahdo.

Ange makes two changes to the side that lost at home to Manchester City, with Spence and Son coming in for Porro and Odobert. We knew Kulusevski wouldn't be available for the game, with the Sweden captain out until after the international break.

It is great to see all three of van de Ven, Romero, and Solanke back in the match day squad. The bench is beginning to look so much better than it has for large periods of this season to date. It is also good to see that all three players have not been rushed straight back into the starting XI. Perhaps we will see second half cameos.

It will be first ever Europa League appearances for winter signings Danso and Tel - as well as Spence, whom was not registered for the league phase campaign.

For an away game, even against a lesser opponent - that is quite an attacking midfield three. Let's hope it does not backfire defensively - no doubt it has potential to cause AZ problems going forward.

As for the hosts, well we all expected to see Parrott starting. He played 90 minutes when the two sides met in the league phase, though he was unable to make an impact - and only had one shot throughout.

No underestimating the opponents, but this is a huge opportunity for Spurs. It is crucial to get a win tonight, and make sure that AZ do not have anything to hold onto in the second leg. Ideally by then, the likes of van de Ven, Romero, and Solanke will be available to start the game. In theory, a week after being on the bench - they should be able to - but we know how their seasons have gone so far.

It has today, Thursday the 6th of March, been confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence has been nominated for the February player of the month award, as recognition for his top class performances during that time.

Djed Spence nominated for Premier League player of the month award

The 24-year old joins Beto of Everton, Jean-Phillipe Mateta of Crystal Palace, Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool, as the six nominees.

You would be hard pressed to find an argument against this being well deserved for Spence - who was consistently great throughout February. He was brilliant on and off the ball against Brentford and Manchester United, before scoring his first goal in Spurs colours against Ipswich Town. He was a sub in the defeat to Manchester City, but still created a presentable opportunity for Pape Sarr very soon after his introduction.

In the win at Brentford, the defender recorded; five clearances (including one off the line), one blocked shot, one interception, four tackles, 7/10 ground duels won, 67 touches, two chances created, and 3/3 successful dribbles.

Then, in the win over United, he was perhaps even better, where he recorded; one clearance, two blocked shots, two tackles, 88 touches, 7/8 ground duels, two fouls drawn, one shot on target, and 3/4 successful dribbles.

All of this has been whilst playing as a left-back. Even when he started as a right-back in the win over Ipswich, his goal came after moving over to left-back, when Pedro Porro replaced Destiny Udogie in the second half. It is a serious testament to Spence that he has been able to play so consistently well in an unfamiliar position.

The good news could get even better for him too. Yesterday, we aggregated how Newcastle United left-back, Lewis Hall, is to miss the rest of the season with surgery. No doubt about it, he is the biggest threat to Spence in the England side. Now he is unavailable for the World Cup qualifiers, we could well see the Spurs man called up.

Realistically, it felt like Spence could get a call up regardless of Hall's fitness, but there is now perhaps scope for him to even start. It is a shame that, although he is set to return before the break - that his injury means he would be unlikely to be joined with Spurs team mate Dominic Solanke - though you never know.

To finish off, Ange Postecoglou has been nominated for the Premier League manager of the month award, as Spurs picked up 9/12 points during February.

As per a recent report from media outlet TBR Football, Everton would be interested in bringing Spurs forward Richarlison back to the club this summer, should that interest be reciprocated by the player himself.

Everton interested in resigning Richarlison from Spurs this summer

The Brazilian forward had a successful four years at Everton previously, before joining Spurs in the summer of 2022, under then manager Antonio Conte. Unfortunately, large periods of his time in North London have been overshadowed by injuries - particularly this season.

He had a fruitful record in the 23/24 season, the first season under Ange Postecoglou - but even that year had its fair share of injuries - even if not as much as this year. With his availability, or lack there of, taken into consideration - the smart thing to do would be cash in whilst they still can.

The 27-year old was linked to another one of his former clubs - Fluminense - back in December, but nothing came of it (at least not for now). The likelihood does feel like, whether it be to Everton, Fluminense, or another club - he will leave the club this summer.

Although there is the possibility he may return to Everton, he would not be returning to Goodison Park, with the Toffees moving to a new stadium called Bramley-Moore Dock from next season - which will be one of the host venues for Euro 2028 - along side the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In fact, one of the games that Richarlison was available for this season was the trip to Goodison Park back in January, where he scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, before applauding the home fans after the game. It was one of four goals he has scored against his former employers in a Spurs shirt, scoring against them in a 2-1 win at home last season, as well as a brace at Goodison later on in the campaign.

There is no doubt he is a talented player - as he ofted showed for Everton, the Brazil national team, and in spells in North London - but it just, overall - has definitely not worked out, largely for reasons out of his control. Spurs need to be swallow taking a loss on the player - anythig close to around £30 million pounds would be pretty good business, you feel.

As per a report from German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham Hotspur are one of multiple clubs interested in RB Leizpig's 21-year old striker Benjamin Sesko.

On his Twitter account, the journalist said the following: "Until now, there had only been talk of a verbal agreement, but Benjamin Sesko has a formally fixed release clause in his contract until 2029. This clause can be activated starting this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur hold an interest in RB Leipzig and Slovenia talent

It is tied to various parameters – such as games played, goals, and assists – and increases regularly. Currently, the clause stands at around €70m for the 21-y/o top striker, but by the end of the season, it is expected to reach approximately €80m.

All top English clubs have expressed interest, including Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal. The only club not involved in the race is Manchester City."

There has been plenty of excitement about Sesko for a while, whom has a unique profile. He stands at around 6'5, but is not really a target man. He has been thriving for Leipzig in a team that often create chances through transitions and making runs into space. He is an absolutely incredible striker of the ball, able to generate monstrous power with his shots.

Despite being just 21 years of age, Sesko has already earnd 39 caps for the Slovenia national team, scoring 16 goals. He scored five goals and provided two assists in Euro 2024 qualifying, as he helped his side qualify for their first major tournament since the 2010 World Cup.

Like so many other players, he has made the progression through the RB set up - first with Salzburg, and now Leipzig. A good recent example of that is Dominik Szoboszlai, who is currently thriving at runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Although people, quite understandably, are not a fan of the RB system, and see it as the epitome of how modern football has changed, there is also a general appreciation of how many talented players that have come through the set up at Salzburg and/or Leipzig. The best example would be Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland.

On this day, six years ago, Tottenham Hotspur beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 at Signal Iduna Park, to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. They had won the first leg 3-0 at Wembley a few weeks before, so progressed with a resounding 4-0 aggregate win. What a time.

For the second leg, Mauricio Pochettino opted for a line up of; Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Aurier, Sissoko, Winks, Eriksen, Davies; Kane, Son. (352). Dier, Lamela, and Rose came off the bench - whilst Gazzaniga, Lucas, and Llorente were the unused subs on the night.

Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund to advance in Europe, on this day six years ago

After just six minutes of the game, Marco Reus was in goal, and set to pull the trigger from around six yards out, but Vertonghen was on hand to make an incredible last ditch tackle, and prevent a likely goal.

Half an hour in, Spurs had their first seriously presentable opportunity of the game, when Eriksen played a slide rule pass to put Son through on goal after an out to in run, but he uncharacteristically dragged his shot wide of the target.

Soon after, Julian Weigl had a header well saved by Lloris, before Davies made an even better block to deny him from the rebound. Spurs could not get the ball away, and after another couple of corners, Lloris made a good save to deny a curling effort from Raphael Guerreiro.

Four minutes into the second half, Dortmund were made to rue their missed chances. A well weighted through ball from Sissoko played Kane through on goal, who kept his composure to curl the ball into the corner. The sound the net made as the ball went in was just sublime, to go along with a great goal. That strike made him the club's all time leading scorer in European competitions.

After 76 minutes, Christian Pulisic was unmarked following a corner, but could only send his header over the bar. With a minute of normal time remaining, Paco Alcarer was sent through on goal, but was denied by Lloris - whom had an excellent evening, making seven clean saves and keeping a clean sheet.

What a night. What a journey. It was not the most vintage performance, Dortmund had 19 shots to Spurs' 5, and seven shots on target to one - but for all their effort and endeavour, they only created the same amount of big chances as Spurs - with two each.

Since coming into the side in mid-December, Djed Spence has seriously impressed with his performances in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt - despite some frustrating collective results, and playing at left-back, which is not his natural position.

As a result of his excellent form, there have been calls for him to get a call up to the England national team, both within the fanbase, and from people in the media - such as Gary Lineker.

Since the continued injuries of Luke Shaw, left-back has been a difficult position for England. At the European Championships, right-footed, nearly 34-year old Kieran Trippier regularly played there, which was a very awkward fit.

In the first five games post Euros, the left-back starters were; central defender Levi Colwill, right-back Rico Lewis twice in a row, right-back Tret Alexander-Arnold, Lewis again, and then left-back /central midfielder Lewis Hall.

It is safe to say that Hall has been the one (other) player that has really staked a claim for that spot. By trade he is a central midfielder, but is at least left footed. At the moment, it feels like him and Spence are the best options.

However, the path may be clear for the Spurs defender to take advantage, at least for the short term. Earlier on today, Newcastle United announced that Hall has had surgery, saying: "Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season after sustaining an injury to a bone in his foot.

Following a scan and advice from a specialist, Lewis will undergo surgery before a period of rehabilitation with the club’s medical team. Wishing you all the very best for your surgery and recovery, Lewis."

Djed Spence in line to receive first England call up later this month

Later on this month, England will be competing in Thomas Tuchel's first two games as manager, when hosting Albania on Friday, the 21st - and Latvia on Monday, the 24th - in World Cup qualifiers.

There are also games in June - firstly away to Andorra, also in qualifying - and then at home to Senegal, in a friendly that will take place at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest - where Spence really made a name for himself.

We know that Hall will miss the games that take place this month, and he may well miss the games in June, with surely some rest and then a full-pre season optimal for him physically. This is not to celebrate another player's injury, and he is a really good player - it is just to observe the opportunity that could arise for Spence.

On Thursday evening, Tottenham Hotspur will continue their final quest for silverware this season, as they lock horns with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Ahead of the game, reliable Spurs insider, Paul O Keefe, has provided the fans with an injury update, with some good news — and some bad news.

Spurs fans given some fresh injury news ahead of Europa League showdown

The good news is that Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke are “in line” for the squad. The bad news is Dejan Kulusevski has picked up an injury that will keep him out of this game [at least].

Well, we all know by now that no good Spurs news is ever not accompanied by bad news — particularly when it comes to injuries — so this feels pretty on brand.

Although it is disappointing not to have Kulusevski available, overall it is hard to argue against this being a positive update for Ange’s side.

In addition, Spurs do feel better equipped to deal with an injury to the Sweden captain than they would have been a few weeks ago. They now have James Maddison available and able to have the keys to the midfield, whilst Brennan Johnson is available for the right hand side of the attack.

As for van de Ven and Romero, well it feels like it has been said 1000 times already, but it is just so important that they are 100% ready to go. Thursday will mark six weeks since van de Ven was last seen, when he played 45 minutes against Elfsborg. That was clearly too soon.

Meanwhile, there has been plenty of online discussion regarding the inclusion of Romero in Argentina’s preliminary squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil later on this month. The fact he seems close to being available on Thursday evening should help ease some tensions regarding that selection.

To finish off, it really cannot be overstated just how important the return of Solanke will be. So far, Mathys Tel has had some bright moments, but you can see that, as of right now, he isn’t the man to be leading the line on his own. Which is fine. He is 19 years old — but it cannot be denied how big a miss Solanke has been.

In fact, the thought of those two linking up is pretty exciting, with the Englishman being the perfect foil for the teenager to play off of.

Let’s see how many of the three start on Thursday evening. Positive news in any case.

This season, Tottenham Hotspur have unfortunately endured a rollercoaster of highs and lows, often leaving supporters exasperated for all the wrong reasons.

Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League table, just below Crystal Palace, the club have struggled with injuries and underperforming players. However, not everyone has been stuck in a rut.

Before diving into today's main topic, let’s recap some early-week news. A fresh rumour has emerged, with TV commentator Ian Darke suggesting that Dominic Solanke could be on his way out of the club.

Additionally, we reported today that Tottenham are pleased with and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, who is set to join the club this summer.

Now, one of the standout players who has managed to revive his form and help push the team forward is Djed Spence—potentially earning himself a new contract as a reward.

Djed Spence could be set for a new contract extension with Spurs

According to pundit John Wenham, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Djed Spence could be in line for another extension this summer due to his impressive performances.

"He has got a contract with the club until 2028," Wenham said.

"Based on his current form, I wouldn’t be surprised if another contract extension is being lined up for the summer which would see Spence extend until 2030 or 2031.

"I just think he is reaching new heights now, and he is easily worth £30million-plus already, and that value will only continue to skyrocket."

Tottenham defender finally proving his worth

Despite spending time out on loan, the 24-year-old has made a real impact since returning to the club, with the media taking notice.

In fact, his former Middlesbrough manager, Neil Warnock, recently had high praise for Spence’s recent performances.

"Well, I watched Djed Spence and I thought, what a player, you know," Warnock said. "When you looked at him on the pitch, I even thought, I bet he’s done all right off the pitch now."

Spence’s rise at Tottenham has also been aided by injuries to other defenders, giving him more game time and a chance to prove his worth.

It remains to be seen how his situation develops, but a contract renewal could well be on the horizon.