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Postecoglou hopeful that Dominic Solanke will make the cut for Tottenham vs Bournemouth

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke missed the team’s game against Fulham at home, raising further concerns over the team’s ongoing fitness issues as Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are already sidelined among the attackers. The Englishman’s absence was very much there for all to see as Spurs slumped to a 1-1 draw, their fourth winless result in the last five matches.

Their next clash in the Premier League is against Bournemouth midweek as Ange Postecoglou’s side requires three vital points. Barring the game against Manchester City on matchday 12, Tottenham’s form has been a cause for worry with their injury problems only compounding the pessimism among the fans.

Postecoglou was quizzed about Solanke’s availability for the fixture against the Cherries, to which he replied by saying the following as per Football London, in his post-match press conference after the draw versus Fulham.

“I hope so. He trained yesterday but he came in today and didn’t look well at all so we sent him home. It’s obviously an illness not an injury so we need to see how it settles down in the next couple of days but hopefully it’s nothing too significant.”

Tottenham and their fans will be relieved that the striker’s absence against Fulham came as a result of being ill and not due to an injury. Moreover, Solanke has trained reasonably well and given that his manager confirmed that he does not have a serious issue, the player’s participation against his former side will be very much on the cards with there being a reasonable duration between the two matches.

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Solanke’s visit to the Vitality Stadium will be his first game against Bournemouth since joining Tottenham this summer. The English international will no doubt look to grace the occasion with a successful result and hopefully by getting onto the scoresheet.

Tottenham were provided to a 1-1 draw against Fulham in Sunday’s Premier League clash, with luck playing a part in them avoiding defeat.

Despite taking the lead through top scorer Brennan Johnson, the injury-hit hosts couldn’t hold on as substitute Tom Cairney delivered a well-deserved equaliser for Marco Silva’s side midway through the second half. Fulham ended the game with ten men for the second consecutive match after Cairney received a red card for a reckless tackle on Dejan Kulusevski in the final minutes. However, Spurs failed to capitalise, barely testing Bernd Leno in the dying moments and settling for a disappointing point.

Tottenham drew Fulham 1-1 in the Premier League

Depleted by injuries, Spurs found it hard to control the game against a lively Fulham side. Son Heung-min missed an early chance, while Fraser Forster made key saves to deny Raul Jimenez and Alex Iwobi. James Maddison nearly caught Fulham off-guard with a clever free-kick that hit the post, but the first half largely belonged to the visitors.

Fulham began the second half with energy, but Spurs took the lead against the run of play when Brennan Johnson hammered home a superb cross from Timo Werner. Fulham, however, didn’t back down. Alex Iwobi created space on the left, setting up Tom Cairney for a superb finish to equalise.

Despite Fulham going down to ten men late on, Spurs couldn’t find a winning goal, leaving fans disappointed with another missed opportunity.

Here are the three talking points from the match

Brennan Johnson has consistently stepped up for Tottenham this season, often helping the team out with his clinical finishing and insane positioning. With 10 goals in all competitions across 20 appearances, the Welshman is the club’s top scorer.

This performance was the normal Johnson: quietly effective, largely unnoticed until it mattered most. His goal came from an inch-perfect cross by Timo Werner, a moment that might give the German the confidence boost he desperately needs. While Johnson’s overall game might not always catch the eye, his knack for delivering in crucial moments remains invaluable for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham, like Southampton, have been hit hard by injuries, with nine senior players currently sidelined. Archie Gray joining the club also appeared to struggle following his limited minutes against Fulham. Despite last weekend’s triumph at the Etihad, confidence among the Spurs faithful was understandably low ahead of this match. After dismantling the champions 4-0 on their turf, this felt like the kind of game where Spurs might fail to show up—and unfortunately, they did.

While it’s hard to place the blame solely on Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s persistent inconsistency has been amplified by their growing injury list. Stand-ins like Fraser Forster and Ben Davies delivered solid individual performances, but the team as a whole fell far short of last Saturday’s high standards.

Lets now address the elephant in the room, The absolute horror tackle made on Kulusevski by the veteran Tom Cairney. Tom Cairney came off the bench in the 62nd minute and made an immediate impact, levelling the game just five minutes later with a superb curling strike into the bottom corner. However, his heroics quickly turned sour. In the 82nd minute, Cairney was initially shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Dejan Kulusevski. After a VAR review, referee Darren Bond upgraded the booking to a straight red, with replays revealing a dangerous studs-up lunge into the back of Kulusevski’s calf.

The decision left Fulham down to ten men for the final minutes, but Spurs failed to capitalise. Cairney’s dismissal could have compounded Tottenham’s struggles, given their already lengthy injury list, but fortunately, Kulusevski appeared to escape serious harm.

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Tottenham will next face Bournemouth on Friday, where in-form striker Dominic Solanke will take on his former club. Having already witnessed how the team struggles in his absence, Solanke’s presence will be pivotal.

Meanwhile, Timo Werner, though not at his best recently, is expected to feature prominently. Whether starting or coming off the bench, the German forward is likely to play a key role in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

Tottenham Hotspur eye January swoop for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney

English striker Ivan Toney was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer but a move didn’t materialise. However, he left Brentford to join Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli.

The 28-year-old has not enjoyed a great start to life in Saudi Arabia. He has netted six goals and supplied three assists in 15 games across all competitions for Al-Ahli, playing with ex-Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino. However, only three months into his Saudi adventure, he is considering returning to England.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are set to battle London rivals Chelsea for the signing of Ivan Toney.

Spurs broke their club-record transfer to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window, and while he has done well, he has not got enough rest due to injury problems to Son Heung-min and Richarlison. Given the hectic schedule clubs have to negotiate in the next couple of months, it becomes imperative for the Lilywhites to bring in a quality back-up for Solanke in the 2025 transfer intervals.

Someone like Toney would be ideal for Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs. Premier League proven and at the peak of his powers, the Englishman will add a different dimension to the Tottenham attack. He is excellent at hold-up play and an asset in the box from set-piece plays.

However, the aforementioned report adds Tottenham could face a couple of obstacles while landing the ex-Brentford star. Having signed a lucrative contract with Al-Ahli, Toney currently earns €490,577 per week and that would be difficult for the North London club to match.

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Secondly, the Saudi club perhaps will not allow him to leave on a cheap and ask for a substantial transfer fee in January, which Daniel Levy might be hesitant to pay after spending heavily on Solanke.

While interest in Toney is apparent, Levy and Co. have to negotiate extremely well with Al-Ahli if they plan to bring him in. Plus, Big Ange will also need to define the former Peterborough man’s role at the club, as he will not be keen to act as a back-up to Solanke at Tottenham.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has been linked with a move to Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur chief Daniel Levy enjoyed a solid summer transfer window where he made some exciting deals, and he would be looking to build on it in the upcoming windows.

The English businessman has tweaked the club’s transfer strategy off late as the North Londoners now look to sign highly-rated young players and nurture them into their potential in the corridors of Hotspur Way.

There will be further opportunities to strengthen Spurs’ bid to get back in the Champions League as well as win a trophy at the turn of the year. And plans are supposedly put in place to back head coach Ange Postecoglou in the winter transfer window.

According to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham are among a host of clubs to have been impressed by the performances of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Milos Kerkez has developed into one of the finest left-backs in the Premier League in the last 12 months. The Hungary international has been a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s side since the start of last season, catching the eye with his work rate, aggression, energy, pace and commitment. He has grown in stature this season and scored a left-footed pile-driver in the Cherries’ 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend.

The aforementioned report adds Liverpool are intensifying their interest in Kerkez, who is open to a move away from the Vitality Stadium in January. Bournemouth are likely to demand at least £40m to let their star left-back go next month amid interest from several clubs.

Primarily a left-back, Kerkez can also operate as a left-sided midfielder or left-winger, which makes him an ideal squad option for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou likes multi-dimensional players, which would help him operate tweaked roles and strategies in games. The Hungarian is only 21 and has a lot to improve but he’d be a strong option to cover and compete with Destiny Udogie, whose form has dipped a bit this season.

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Adding a competent left-back could help Udogie kick on and get back to the levels he showed in his debut season at Tottenham. Kerkez, in that regard, could be that player for Big Ange. If he arrives at the Hotspur Way, the duo can grow together and fix the left-back department for at least a decade.

That said, Tottenham must beat Liverpool to the signing of the Bournemouth full-back when the transfer window reopens in January.

As Spursy as it gets, Tottenham drew 1-1 at home against Fulham. Injuries continue to plague the team, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the squad and increase depth. Sitting 7th in the Premier League, Spurs will need reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window. Reports now suggest that Tottenham are targeting Everton’s striker, who currently is sitting 15th in the league.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 27-year-old will become a free agent in the summer of 2025, and a report from Fichajes suggests that Spurs are closely monitoring him ahead of a potential move. Recently linked with Arsenal, the £100k-a-week England international could prove to be a valuable addition. With the need for more depth in the attacking unit, signing another striker would be a wise decision for Spurs.

The experienced striker could fit well under Postecoglou

Calvert-Lewin has struggled in recent seasons, but he remains a proven performer in English football. If he can regain his form and confidence, he could become a key player for Tottenham in the upcoming season. At 27, he still has plenty of time to revive his career. The Everton striker has amassed 259 games for the toffees with 89 goal contributions while that doesn’t seem much, we need to take into consideration that he has done it with a struggling Everton. This basic stat just proves his worth.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can reach an agreement with him in the coming months. Securing him on a free transfer would be a significant bargain and allow the club to allocate funds to strengthen other areas of the squad. The striker is likely to be drawn to the idea of joining Tottenham, as it would represent a step up in his career, playing alongside top-quality players and competing for trophies.

Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring his situation. It will be fascinating to see how this develops, as these clubs may be in a better position to offer him more playing time than Tottenham.

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Dominic Solanke is expected to be the first-choice striker at Tottenham, meaning Calvert-Lewin may have to settle for a role as a squad player. It will be intriguing to see if he is willing to accept that role.

With the upcoming winter transfer window approaching, it has come into the limelight that Tottenham Hotspur are scouting €20,000 gross per week left winger to add more strength to their attacking lines.

Under Ange Postecoglou’s vision for a significant transformation, the English club is scouting the transfer market for players to bring youth and creativity to their team. Spurs are currently targeting a promising talent who has been making waves in Spain’s top division with an attacking style that heavily relies on width and rapid transitions.

Despite playing in a highly competitive and less-publicized Spanish league, this young winger has made a significant impact with his speed, dribbling agility, and keen goal-scoring ability.

Emerging from Lazio’s youth academy, this young player has honed his skills in Italy and Spain, gaining acclaim for his adaptability and versatility across various tactical formations.

Tottenham scouting Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro

According to a report by Give Me Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is consistently scouting the young talent Raul Moro, who is currently playing as a left-winger for the Spanish club Real Valladolid in the top tier of Spanish football.

The report also suggests that Tottenham is keen to finalize a deal that would have him donning the white jersey in the forthcoming transfer window.

Moro’s ability to challenge defenders in one-on-one situations and his calmness in the final third could bring a much-needed element of surprise to Tottenham’s offense. His high work rate and willingness to contribute defensively align well with the Australian Coach’s expectations for players to offer support at the back.

This possible signing would fit perfectly with Lilywhite’s philosophy of developing young talent and increasing the depth of their attacking options.

Moro’s potential transfer to Tottenham could revitalize the wings and add depth to their attacking lineup. This acquisition would symbolize the club’s commitment to securing its future.

Harry Winks’ Tottenham return ruled out by John Wenham

Tottenham Hotspur had been linked with a transfer for Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks some weeks ago. It had emerged that the Lilywhites were prepared to pay £32 million for their former player following his strong displays at the King Power Stadium over recent months. However, such claims have been refuted by John Wenham.

Speaking to Tottenham Hotspur News, the podcaster was quoted saying the following words regarding the club’s rumoured interest in Winks.

“That rumour is complete nonsense. Spurs were more than happy with the deal they secured which essentially got £10 million off the fee for James Maddison by sending Winks the other way. He is doing well at Leicester, and I’m happy to see him getting some praise. However, his time at Tottenham is finished. That chapter is closed.”

Harry Winks is admittedly having a very good time at Leicester City, although spending three times the money in comparison to what they sold him for would have been an absolutely ridiculous decision from Tottenham if indeed rumours about his return to north London were true. That said, he does not even have enough in the tank right now to be a starting player for the club.

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It is also difficult to foresee Tottenham Hotspur landing a midfielder in the near future as they have some very good young as well as experienced options, while Dejan Kulusevski’s inclusion in the engine room has been a very welcome boost too. John Wenham is one of the most reliable Tottenham sources and following his verdict, there is unlikely to be any more unwanted speculation about Winks possibly making his way back to the club.

As the 2024/25 Premier League season progresses, Tottenham Hotspur is on the lookout for new talent to bolster their squad. Under the guidance of coach Ange Postecoglou, who prioritizes consistency in all competitions, the club has pinpointed the goalkeeper position as a key area for improvement.

Spurs are said to be closely monitoring a promising young talent, an imposing Englishman known for his sharp reflexes and capacity to thrive under pressure.

Tottenham’s evaluation period will provide them with a chance to ascertain if this rising star is the real solution to their depth issues even as they combat the difficulties of a long season.

The athlete under scrutiny has consistently been a top performer for his team, demonstrating an ability to stay composed under pressure, quick reflexes, and reliable excellence.

Spurs looking forward to sign Anthony Patterson

As reported by the news outlet The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur is in heavy pursuit of signing Sunderland’s goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

The highly regarded Black Cats No1 is prepared for the step up to the topflight but it might have to be as a second choice.

Sunderland would not want to part with Patterson during their Premier League pursuit, but if the price is right, Tottenham might secure a deal.

Spurs have another keeper on their radar including James Trafford at Burnley, but the England Under-21 stopper would not come cheap.

For Spurs, bringing in a goalkeeper such as Patterson would not only help with some immediate depth issues but would also fit with their objective to invest in young, up-and-coming players.

Should the Lilywhites follow through with their interest, it would give both the club and player a chance to develop alongside each other, guaranteeing reliable depth for the grueling fixtures that plague Premier League sides.

The upcoming months are crucial in deciding whether Patterson will join the Tottenham squad. Currently, the Black Cats’ standout player is firmly on the Spurs’ radar.

Dragusin will not leave Tottenham in the winter

Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin has not enjoyed the best of starts to life at the club and his plans of rejecting Bayern Munich for a move to north London seem to have fallen flat after failing to secure a regular berth in Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven. Though minutes recently have come by for the player, he remains below Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in the pecking order.

That has raised questions over his continuity at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially considering that the Romanian international is capable of playing as a regular for most European sides, some of them which are head and shoulders above Spurs. However, The Athletic has revealed Dragusin will not be allowed to depart north London in January.

Though the 22-year-old’s future has come under the scanner recently, there does not seem to be any concrete interest in his services but Spurs would not let him go on the cheap either, even if Dragusin were to seek an exit next summer. Having said that, he does have a few years left on his contract at Hotspur Way, so the club is in a very good bargaining position.

Tottenham’s decision to hold onto the player for the second half of the season comes as far from a surprise due to the fact that he has been a reliable back-up option. Moreover, Ange Postecoglou’s side could be playing in four competitions post-January as well if all goes according to plan and having a decent squad depth will be handy considering how many injuries the team has already faced.

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It is unlikely for Dragusin’s role to improve significantly in the near future, especially once Romero and Van de Ven return, however, it can be comfortably assumed that his career will not take a nosedive keeping the busy Europa League and domestic cup calendar in mind. The defender’s situation will undoubtedly be re-evaluated in the summer, when his future could take a turn for Spurs’ worse.

Tottenham Hotspur faced Fulham at home in what was a battle between the two London clubs at the N17. Before the game, the biggest question was which version of Ange Postecoglou’s side will be in action against the Cottagers.

This season so far, both in the Premier League and the Europa League, Spurs have been suffering from multiple personality disorder. It has either been the scintillating displays like the one against Manchester City or the dreadful ones like against Ipswich Town.

On the evidence of the first half, one would have to say that it was the Ipswich version of Spurs that turned up on the night. Fulham were much better in the first 45 minutes and Tottenham were perhaps lucky to go into the break with a 0-0 draw.

Tottenham did not show much signs of improvement in the second half but managed to open the scoring after excellent play from Werner. However, Spurs understandably looked better after Fulham’s red card but could not force the issue and ultimately, this would feel like two points dropped for the home side.

Here is how we think Tottenham Hotspur players fared in their Premier League encounter against Fulham at home.

Player Ratings

Fraser Forster: 7/10

A few brilliant saves strewn across the first half from the experienced shot-stopper. Yet another few excellent saves early in the second half. Could have done absolutely nothing about Cairney’s goal though.

Pedro Porro: 6/10

Looked to get forward at every opportunity but did not link up with Johnson the same way that he does with Kulusevski. Reiss Nelson troubled him one-on-one repeatedly though. Very middling performance from the Spaniard.

Radu Dragusin: 8/10

Spurs’ best player in the first half. Was a tower in defence and also drew an excellent save with a header in the box from a set-piece. Incredible clearance in stoppage time after Wilson sent Ben Davies to the cleaners.

Ben Davies: 6/10

The veteran looked solid if not spectacular in the first half but was a liability in aerial duels. Continued to look rock solid in the second 45 as well. His lack of pace is a huge liability for Spurs though.

Destiny Udogie: 6/10

Typically, Udogie – inconsistent first half. Did not do much in the game through the 90 minutes except for occasional flashes of brilliance.

Pape Matar Sarr: 7/10

One can never fault Pape for effort but that’s about all he showcased in the first half. Won the ball which resulted in Fulham’s red card and was immediately taken off after that.

Yves Bissouma: 5/10

A cynical foul at the edge of the penalty area was his only meaningful contribution in the first 45 minutes of the game. Failed to control the game.

James Maddison: 6.5/10

Whenever Maddison operated with the ball, Spurs looked good in the first half. Showed incredible awareness during a free kick late in the first half and was unlucky to have not scored. Unfortunately, that would be the highlight of the game before being hooked off.

Brennan Johnson: 7/10

Was a constant outlet in the first 45 minutes but safe to say he didn’t do much with it. Against the run of play, Johnson did what he has done all season – be at the right place at the right time to profit. Worked his socks off.

Timo Werner: 7/10

All pace, no output – a familiar story for the German in the first 45. His assist for Brennan’s goal was a work of art though. Taken off for Dejan Kulusevski.

Son Heung-min: 5/10

Isolated figure playing as the number nine and did not have much influence in the first half. Moved to the left once Kulusevski came on with the Swede occupying a false nine role. Poor outing from the captain in general though.

Substitutes

Dejan Kulusevski: 7.5/10

Replaced Timo Werner at around the 65th minute mark. Judging by how fresh he looked after coming on, one wonders why he didn’t start this game. A foul on him resulted in Fulham goal scorer Cairney getting sent-off. Such a bright cameo.

Archie Gray: N/A

Replaced Pape Sarr in the 85th minute. Taken off for Lankshear after an injury.

Lucas Bergvall: N/A

Came on for James Maddison in the last few minutes. Hardly saw any of the ball.

Will Lankshear: N/A

Came on for Archie Gray in the dying minutes.