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Richarlison has had a torrid time with injury problems at Tottenham

Richarlison has been a frustrating figure at Tottenham Hotspur for his inconsistent performances mixed with his persistent injury issues.

The Brazilian international has looked underwhelming since he moved to the Hotspur Way from Everton in the summer of 2022. After failing to barely replicate his Everton form at Tottenham, perhaps the majority of the supporters would want him to be shown the door in the next transfer window and replace the forward adequately.

However, according to an exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are dreading that their hopes of Richarlison raising his stocks and potentially being the subject of a big-money offer in January have been endangered following his recent injury.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Richarlison will be out for a significant amount of time after sustaining a hamstring injury in Spurs’ 4-1 home win over Aston Villa in the Premier League. Things have been extremely tough for the South American this season, amassing only 88 minutes of Premier League action thus far thanks to a hamstring injury.

The Lilywhites had thought of easing the Brazilian back into the mix after he returned from injury at the end of last month. They had hoped to see Richarlison gradually get back to full fitness, rediscover his mojo and catch the eye of his suitors enough to make a big-money offer.

However, the latest injury setback may have dashed the North Londoners’ chances of being able to sell Richarlison for a lucrative fee during the winter transfer window. The aforementioned report adds the chiefs at the Hotspur Way are concerned that an extended period on the sidelines will make it difficult to move him off their wage bill.

Due to his recent injury, the £90,000 per week star is expected to miss Spurs’ hectic schedule after the November international break. This will directly affect his market valuation as it will certainly drop due to the forward’s non-involvement in competitive action for the club.

Spurs signed Richarlison in a £60million deal from Everton two years ago, and regardless of his poor form and fitness record, key decision-makers at the Hotspur Way remain resolute in recouping the entirety of that fee if the striker leaves the club for greener pastures.

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For now, Big Ange and Daniel Levy will be eager for the ex-Watford man to make a swift recovery from his hamstring injury before having the chance to return to some form before attracting his suitors into tabling an offer during the mid-season trading period.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is a transfer target for Real Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur have been exploring options to add quality and depth to the centre-back department during the winter transfer window.

The North Londoners are in dire need of sufficient quality depth at the heart of their defence, with Ange Postecoglou demanding a new central defender for some time now. He has an established defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven; however, the Spurs tactician only has Radu Dragusin as a cover for both, with Ben Davies another deputy.

Additionally, Cristian Romero have been the subject of Real Madrid’s interest in recent weeks and months. Recent reports suggest Real Madrid are planning to reignite their interest in the 2022 World Cup winner, owing to their defensive crisis.

Since joining Tottenham in 2021, Romero has gone on to establish himself as one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League. The Argentinean, who has won the Copa America twice and lifted the 2022 World Cup with his country, has stepped up to become one of the key players and vocal leaders within Postecoglou’s squad at the Hotspur Way.

The defender’s performances and growing reputation in the game have led to Real Madrid setting their sights on him in 2025 to solve their conundrum at the back. If the 26-year-old ends up leaving Tottenham at the end of the season, Daniel Levy and Co. view Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah as a potential replacement.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King thinks Spurs are in the “driving seat” when it comes to controlling Romero’s future. However, the South American star is keen to start tasting success at club level after lifting trophies with Argentina in recent years.

Truth be told, Tottenham actually find themselves in a strong position with regards to Romero’s future. The Argentinean international is contracted to the North London club until June 30, 2027 (Transfermarkt), so Daniel Levy and his bosses at White Hart Lane can be relaxed about the situation.

Spurs don’t necessarily need to sell him next year, although they will be forced to do so if Madrid intensifies their interest and Romero pushes for an exit. His age and profile mean he is likely to remain an in-demand player in the years to come, so Levy and Co. could do a wise thing by signing the Cordoba-born talent’s potential replacement next year itself.

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Perhaps, the Lilywhites looking at Jonathan Tah, who is out of contract at Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, suggest they might already be planning for life without Romero.

Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr delivered a commanding display for Senegal vs Burundi

Tottenham Hotspur star Pape Matar Sarr delivered a strong performance in Senegal’s 2-0 win over Burundi in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification fixture.

Habib Diallo scored a first-half brace as Senegal beat Burundi and topped their Group L. They have amassed 16 points from six games, winning five and drawing one.

Pape Sarr has been a consistent performer for The Lions of Teranga throughout the Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. The central midfielder, who arrived at Tottenham from FC Metz in 2021, has gradually risen to prominence under Ange Postecoglou. Due to his running power, work rate, tackling and ball-winning skills, he has become an important player for Postecoglou’s side.

The 22-year-old is also equally important for his nation and his latest display against Burundi further proved that. Senegal dominated possession with 67% as Sarr played as a part of a midfield trio on the left side. The youngster has played dominantly as a free-roaming No.8 at Tottenham under Big Ange during this season, so it bodes well for him when essaying a similar kind of role for the national team.

On Tuesday, Sarr’s contribution was vital, completing 78 touches on the ball with an impressive passing accuracy of 91%. He made one key pass and delivered two accurate long balls. Additionally, the African enforcer won nine duels and blocked two shots, further highlighting his work rate and physicality in the middle of the park.

Defensively, the Tottenham man worked his socks off, making six successful tackles and three interceptions. Sarr’s one successful dribble past his opponents typified his intent to drive Senegal forward during his 87-minute stay on the pitch. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore)

Although the Senegalese has been in and out of the Tottenham team this season, his work rate and commitment remain unquestionable. His tireless performances in the engine room have significantly helped the Lilywhites in critical games this campaign, while at 22 there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Sarr’s latest display for his national team augurs well for Tottenham, particularly after the FA slapped Rodrigo Bentancur with a seven-game domestic ban for his comments on skipper Son Heung-min back in June. With Bentancur set to start serving his lengthy suspension from the weekend’s game away at Manchester City, Sarr could help Big Ange solve the selection dilemma in midfield in the Uruguayan’s absence.

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Having operated in the No.6 role for his former club FC Metz, fans can expect the Senegal international to not shrink if Big Ange decides to hand him a similar role as Spurs hunt for a solution to compensate for Bentancur’s loss.

All in all, Sarr returning to N17 after positive displays for his national team is great news for Big Ange and our fans.

Lucas Bergvall‘s appearances—or lack thereof—have come under scrutiny recently amid Tottenham’s topsy-turvy form.

According to one former North London player, the teenager just needs to wait a bit longer before things start clicking for him.

Former Arsenal star suggests Lucas Bergvall to wait for Ange Postecoglou sack to revitalise Tottenham career

Former Swedish footballer Anders Limpar, a close friend of the family of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, has suggested in an interview to Fotball Direkt that the 18-year-old should just wait for Ange Postecoglou to be dismissed as he hopes to revitalise his career at the North London club.

“I sat and talked to his dad for about half an hour a couple of weeks ago. We talked about how young he is and his dad, Andreas Bergvall, I played with him in BP so we know each other. I asked him how he’s getting on in London, he’s loving it. His dad is over for a month, then his mum comes for a month, he has a girlfriend who flies over. So, he’s doing very well.

“He’s a good footballer, but he’s young. If you look at Tottenham’s form in the Premier League, it’s got a bit worse recently and you don’t lean on an 18/19-year-old from Sweden, you take the old guard, and it hasn’t worked.

“The games I’ve seen of Lucas he’s been fantastic, and he just needs to be a little calm and ride out the storm and there I think it might be time for a change of coach.

“They have one of the most talented teams in the Premier League, but they can’t get it together team-wise at the moment. But Lucas will be a mainstay for Tottenham in the future, I am absolutely sure of that.”

Limpar on Bergvall’s situation, as quoted by Sport Witness.

Bergvall, in his debut season at Spurs, has been a regular for the team’s Europa League matches but has scarcely featured for them in the Premier League, having played just 46 minutes of topflight football in five appearances.

The Sweden international has at Spurs a £15k-per-week contract set to run until June 2029.

What’s wrong with a bit of patience?

Spurs youth policy is exciting, but the thing about young players is that they are going to need time. Bergvall is 18 and has been featuring regularly under Postecoglou in a domain the coach sees best suited for him at the moment. There is no reason to make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to the teenager’s appearances.

Postecoglou may well be sacked in the coming weeks if results don’t take a consistent upward trajectory, but regardless of who takes the head coach’s chair for the team, patience is needed with Bergvall, especially this being his first season at the club.

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Lecce star Patrick Dorgu’s stock continues to rise, with big clubs both within and outside of Italy looking to make a move for him in the coming transfer windows.

One Italian journalist has revealed what Lecce’s asking price is going to be for their exciting starlet.

Sky Italia journo reveals Patrick Dorgu price

According to Sky Italia journalist Francesco Modugno, as reported by Calcio Napoli 24, Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is going to cost around €40–50 million in the coming transfer windows.

The Denmark international, having been likened to Gareth Bale in the past, is an attacking fullback that has been on the radar of Tottenham and Chelsea for a while.

This season, the 20-year-old has also been occupying roles out wide in the final third of the pitch for the Salentians, having registered two goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.

Valued at the moment at €12 million by Transfermarkt, Dorgu currently has at Lecce a €12,500-per-week contract set to run until June 2029.

Unlikely

Under Daniel Levy, Tottenham are unlikely to pay over three times Dorgu’s current market valuation.

With speculation surrounding Spurs’ current boss, and Chelsea needing to demonstrate they are willing to stick to a head coach for more than a season, Dorgu is better off moving to a club with a bit more stability, or at least a club where he could be deployed right away under a manager who will be able to leverage his defensive and attacking acumen best and be at the club for at least the better part of a year.

Antonio Conte, currently topping the table with Napoli, is likely to remain in Naples for the majority of next season, while Rúben Amorim’s arrival at Man United and the ever-present unavailability of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia could see the Red Devils reignite their interest in the Dane wingback in January.

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Tottenham Hotspur have faced their fair share of challenges with managerial appointments over the years. From Martin Jol to Antonio Conte, Daniel Levy has had to part ways with numerous managers, highlighting the club’s struggles in maintaining stability. Spurs haven’t always succeeded in securing their top targets or finding the ideal replacements, which has only added to their reputation for inconsistency at the helm.

Arne Slot was Tottenham’s top target before Ange Postecoglou took charge, and Erik ten Hag was nearly appointed before the club opted for Nuno Espirito Santo.

In the on the latest addition of It Was What it Was, Rafa Benitez revealed an Interesting twist in his managerial journey, sharing that he was in talks with Spurs for the managerial role before ultimately becoming Liverpool’s manager.

The former Madrid manager was headed for Tottenham

Rafael Benítez revealed he came close to managing Tottenham Hotspur during the mid-2000s. At the time, he was one of the most sought-after managers, having enjoyed great success with Valencia.

Faced with offers from Besiktas, Inter Milan, and Spurs, Benítez ultimately chose to take charge at Liverpool, where he cemented his legacy. Renowned as one of the modern era’s finest managers, he led top clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, winning both the Europa League and Champions League.

Benitez speaking to It Was What it Was, revealed

“It’s not important at this time. It’s not important.”

“We are talking about a long time ago, but there was Besiktas, Inter, Tottenham and Liverpool. But when I say offers, interest, and then they were talking with my agent and that’s it. But the most serious for me and the most exciting was Liverpool.”

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Benitez’s style of tough love might have clashed with some players at Liverpool, but it undeniably brought out the best in others, cementing his legendary status at Anfield with his 2000s achievements. One can only imagine how different the Premier League might look today had the Spaniard chosen to lead Tottenham instead.

Tottenham could dip their toes in the January transfer window for a new creative midfield force

Tottenham Hotspur might need to do some business in January if they are to compete for a top-four place this term.

The north Londoners enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, reinforcing the squad that finished fifth in Ange Postecoglou’s first season. However, results have not gone their way and Spurs continue to lag behind.

Indeed, Ange Postecoglou’s side are languishing 10th in the Premier League table, and improvements are certainly required to boost their top-four hopes in the second half of the campaign.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold has been discussing some of Tottenham’s January transfer plans. He says Postecoglou would love to bring a new creative midfielder to White Hart Lane if the opportunity arises, although the journalist is not sure a move will take place during the mid-season trading period.

Chelsea outcast Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has emerged as a target for Spurs. The creative midfielder has struggled to make an impact for Chelsea since his summer move from Leicester City, with the 26-year-old finding himself on the fringes of the first team at the moment.

Regardless of being a highly regarded talent and playing under Enzo Maresca during their time at Leicester City, Dewsbury-Hall has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Blues’ midfield. Aston Villa are also showing interest in the ex-Foxes’ star, so the Lilywhites will need to act quickly if they genuinely want the services of Dewsbury-Hall.

LOSC Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is also on the North Londoners’ radar. The diminutive England international has played some impressive football, showcasing his technical ability and vision in Ligue 1, and has continued to attract attention from European elites, including Tottenham, who are among those keen to secure his signature.

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The 24-year-old’s contract at Lille expires at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), so he’d be available for a cut-price fee in January. Lille certainly will want to cash Gomes in rather than see him walk away for nothing in the summer. This will give Daniel Levy a great opportunity to sign the highly talented Gomes and supposedly fulfil one of Big Ange’s winter targets.

With James Maddison struggling for form, the idea of a new creative midfield option could be something Tottenham could explore in the New Year.

Tottenham’s Van de Ven told he would ‘walk into’ the Manchester City team

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has made the headlines this season for his immaculate performances in the backline next to Cristian Romero. And while Spurs have far from a great defensive record in the Premier League, it is the Dutchman who has earned widespread praise over recent months.

His exploits in north London have also linked Van de Ven with a move to Real Madrid, though Tottenham value him very highly and are unlikely to let go of him any time soon. The Whites are also keen on signing Cristian Romero but Spurs’ stance with the Argentinian international is the same as with Van de Ven, and so the duo looks likely to be at Hotspur Way for a long time.

Jamie O’Hara and Dean Saunders spoke about the 23-year-old in a recent talkSPORT podcast, in which the former believes VDV would ‘walk into’ Manchester City’s backline. Saunders did not seem to agree. Here is the full conversation between the two pundits, as has been decoded by Caught Offside.

Jamie O’Hara: “I think Van de Ven is a world-class player.”

Dean Saunders: “Van de Ven? He has had one season playing in the high line. World class? Van de Ven?”

Jamie O’Hara: “Van de Ven is world-class.”

Dean Saunders: “He ain’t getting in Manchester City’s team. He is not getting in Liverpool’s.”

Jamie O’Hara: “What are you talking about? He would walk straight into Manchester City’s team. He walks into it.”

Micky van de Ven’s stock has been on the rise for quite some time now, but it seems like too early a claim by O’Hara for him to ease into Manchester City’s line-up. From a Tottenham point of view, VDV has put every step right but with perennial champions Manchester City requiring a lot more, there is perhaps some more time until the former Wolfsburg defender can be a regular for them.

His positioning and composure on the ball some times leaves a bit to be desired. With that said, his mentality to be a part of the dressing room still needs to be tested as he has not won any major accolade in his club or international career so far. Van de Ven, however, remains a defender with a very high ceiling and Ange Postecoglou is absolutely the right man for him to hit that level.

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Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how his development continues over the next couple of years and if there are some bigger sides lining up moves for him. Tottenham, who have failed in achieving their targets for many years now, could be resigned to losing a bright player if they are unable to build a convincing sporting project sooner rather than later.

Junai Byfield trains with Tottenham Hotspur’s first team

Tottenham Hotspur are in full preparation for the visit to Manchester City as they look to compound the misery on Pep Guardiola by handing him a fifth straight defeat in all competitions, whilst also alleviating some pressure off themselves having lost two successive games on the trot.

Though a number of players who had national duty since Spurs’ defeat to Ipswich Town are soon going to return to international duty, a bright young talent from the club’s youth ranks has been training with the first team. Junai Byfield is the teenager that Ange Postecoglou has called up.

Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur News, Byfield’s ceiling was praised by John Wenham, who had some promising comments to make about the Spurs youngster. He said the following words.

“I think Byfield is right up there in terms of his ceiling. He is absolutely unbelievable. In his most recent outing, he scored a really good goal, which is no surprise as he used to be a striker when he first started playing, so it isn’t unusual that he still has that finishing ability. However, his all-round game is just immense, he has got every attribute going which is really exciting.”

Ange Postecoglou has taken the development of the academy stars very seriously in the 15 months he has spent in north London, with a new talent having the opportunity to train with the first team during the international breaks.

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Meanwhile, the 15-year-old could even be sent out on loan sooner rather than later to quicken his development and without a doubt, his future will be worth keeping a close eye on.

Tottenham’s league form might remain as inconsistent as ever, but at least they’re sticking to one decision: updating their iconic badge. The refreshed logo, featuring the familiar cockerel perched on a football, offers a subtle change. Fans will be hoping the team’s performances on the pitch can eventually reflect the same sense of refinement.

Supporters can rest assured that the iconic cockerel perched on a football isn’t going anywhere. However, the crest has undergone a slight tweak. Since 2006, the words “Tottenham Hotspur” have appeared beneath the logo, but the club has decided to remove them moving forward.

Just as the logo was changed, Tottenham needs to change their ‘Spursy’ antics

Tottenham’s decision to tweak their crest is part of a broader effort to rebrand the club digitally. Their website provides more details about the other changes being made to refresh their image. In the announcement regarding the updated crest, the club stated:

“The world-famous cockerel stands prouder than ever and is supported by a silhouette version, along with the reintroduction of the THFC monogram and new colours, patterns and hallmarks linked to the Club’s heritage.”

Spurs aren’t the first Premier League club to tweak their identity this season, with Liverpool also updating their iconic badge ahead of the 2024/25 campaign to better cater to an online audience. However, Tottenham’s change is more subtle, meaning it’s unlikely to stir too much negative reaction from fans, as the core elements of the original badge remain intact.

Spurs have positioned themselves as pioneers in modernising their brand, first updating their badge back in 2006. The club’s website proudly claims: “A Club of firsts, Tottenham Hotspur took an unprecedented step in 2006 to modernise its identity by simplifying the badge around its world-famous cockerel, which has since stood alone in minimalistic, iconic fashion that other clubs are now following.”

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As Spurs embrace their rebranding efforts, they’ll need more than a fresh logo to overcome the challenges ahead. With a tough test coming up against Manchester City on 23rd November, Pep Guardiola will be looking to take revenge on an injury-ridden Tottenham side.