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Antonin Kinsky signs new Tottenham contract after remarkable recovery from Atletico Madrid nightmare

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Antonin Kinsky signs new Tottenham contract after remarkable recovery from Atletico Madrid nightmare - The Independent
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Antonin Kinsky has committed his future to Tottenham, signing a new contract that caps a remarkable turnaround for the goalkeeper following a disastrous outing against Atletico Madrid in March.

The 23-year-old Czech international endured a torrid time in the Champions League fixture, making two glaring errors before being substituted inside the opening 16 minutes by then-manager Igor Tudor as Spurs suffered a 5-2 thrashing.

However, since Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment in April, Kinsky has emerged as a strong contender for the number one spot.

He featured in all of Tottenham’s final seven matches, playing a crucial role in securing their Premier League status. His performances included a particularly impressive showing in the 1-1 home draw against Leeds and a vital clean sheet on the final day against Everton.

Speaking on Tottenham’s website, Kinsky expressed his delight: "I’m so happy and I can feel the trust from the club. When I joined 18 months ago, my expectations were to fight for my place in the team and to wear this shirt every week. It’s been a real journey to get here and a nice story already, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead over the next months and years. Everyone around the club feels that we can have a successful season and I want to contribute to that. We want to give the fans what they want and what this club deserves."

It is understood that Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to depart Spurs this summer, paving the way for Kinsky to become the first-choice stopper, with 37-year-old Martin Dubravka – signed last week on a free transfer from Burnley – providing both support and competition.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi added: "Toni was outstanding over the final seven games of the season and a key part of what we achieved in that period. I am delighted he has committed his future to the club.

“He has earned this new contract, not only with his performances but also his professionalism and desire to improve. We have huge belief in what Toni can become. He is still young, has enormous potential and I know that Spurs is the perfect place for him to continue to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe."

All the players Tottenham Hotspur have signed this summer

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Spurs transfer news: All the players Tottenham Hotspur have signed this summer - The Independent
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All the players Tottenham Hotspur have signed this summer

Rom Preston-Ellis

Tuesday 30 June 2026 09:31 BST

Spurs are actively overhauling their squad under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, with a significant focus on rebuilding their defence.

The club has made four key signings, including Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million from Brighton.

Veteran Scottish left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi have joined on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.

Experienced goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka has also arrived on a free transfer from Burnley to provide cover.

To accommodate new arrivals, Spurs have now sold Argentine striker Alejo Véliz to Bahia for approximately £7.7million and released midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Tottenham sign former Man United goalkeeper on free transfer as Guglielmo Vicario nears exit door

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Tottenham sign former Man United goalkeeper on free transfer as Guglielmo Vicario nears exit door - The Independent
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Tottenham have secured Martin Dubravka as their fourth summer signing, a strategic move poised to establish Antonin Kinsky as the club's primary goalkeeper.

The experienced former Newcastle and Manchester United stopper joins on a free transfer, having concluded his tenure at Burnley at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

This acquisition signals a clear vote of confidence in Kinsky, who impressively rebounded from a difficult performance against Atletico Madrid in March to become a key figure in Tottenham’s successful fight against relegation.

With Italy international Guglielmo Vicario understood to be departing this summer, Kinsky is now set to assume the number one jersey. The 37-year-old Dubravka will provide crucial support and competition from behind him, offering a wealth of Premier League experience.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Dubravka stated: "It’s an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I’m looking forward to it. Everything moved pretty quickly and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’ve loved watching (boss) Roberto (De Zerbi)’s teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here. Tottenham is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started."

Dubravka, who spent the 2022-23 season on loan as a back-up keeper at Manchester United, is expected to gain opportunities in domestic cup competitions for Spurs.

The Slovakia international is particularly noted for his adeptness with the ball at his feet, a quality highly valued by manager Roberto De Zerbi. He joins Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke as part of De Zerbi’s summer recruitment drive.

Manager De Zerbi commented on his new signing: "I am very happy because Martin is a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality. He has very important qualities for me and will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to our dressing room."

Spurs have also been heavily linked with West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes following the Hammers’ relegation from the top flight.

It is understood that positive talks have taken place between the two clubs over a potential £85 million transfer.

Tottenham make headway in battle with Manchester United for key midfielder’s signature

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Tottenham make headway in battle with Manchester United for key midfielder’s signature - The Independent
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Tottenham Hotspur have held positive talks with West Ham United over the prospective £85m of Mateus Fernandes, as they aim to beat Manchester United to the Portuguese midfielder’s signature.

The progress comes a summer that is expected to see Spurs spend a considerable budget to boost new manager Roberto De Zerbi’s plans.

Having been relegated at the end of the season, West Ham are insistent on a significant proportion of any agreed price up front, while Tottenham have also offered a higher package overall.

Their wage proposal to Fernandes is higher than United’s, and the 21-year-old is very keen on the move.

Spurs have a budget of well over £200m for this window, and want to bring in players suited to De Zerbi’s system. The Italian is personally a huge fan of Fernandes.

Manchester United maintain an interest but may look elsewhere as they do not want to get involved in a bidding war.

Two men deny burgling Spurs stadium on night of Beyonce concert

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Two men deny burgling Tottenham stadium during Beyonce concert

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Two men deny burgling Tottenham stadium during Beyonce concert - The Independent
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Two men have denied charges of burgling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the night Beyoncé played to a sell-out crowd.

Alirza Dag and Murat Kodalakoglu, both 23, are accused of accessing a VIP rooftop terrace at the north London venue.

The pair also face charges of causing £1,700 worth of damage to an electronic keypad used to gain entry to the exclusive terrace.

At Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, Dag admitted criminal damage to the door access control panel, while his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

Defence lawyers Tetevi Davie and Anisa Kebbati, representing Dag and Kodalakoglu respectively, stated that their clients had no intention to steal in relation to the burglary allegations. Ms Kebbati added: "(Kodalakoglu) denies any intent or involvement in criminal damage."

Their trial has been scheduled for 18 February 2030. Due to the significant time until the hearing, Judge Daniel Fugallo imposed a sole bail condition: that they inform their solicitors within seven days of any change to their address or contact number.

The prosecution had previously claimed at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court that the two men broke in "with intent to steal".

The incident occurred on 16 June last year, during the final night of six sold-out shows at the Spurs ground for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter world tour.

Dag, from Tottenham, and Kodalakoglu, from Chelmsford, are alleged to have burgled Lilywhite House, which houses administration offices at the £1 billion stadium.

They are accused of cutting wires on the electronic access panel to gain entry to a balcony terrace typically reserved for senior club executives.

Beyonce also performed a series of concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2023.

The pop star headed over to the English capital to play hits from her Renaissance album at the venue that officially opened in 2019.

Tottenham agree £52 million deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke

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Tottenham agree £52 million deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke - The Independent
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Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion to secure the services of Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke in a deal understood by the Press Association to be worth £52 million.

The move for the 25-year-old centre-back comes after a dismal 2025-26 campaign for Spurs, which saw them narrowly avoid Premier League relegation on the final day of the season.

After two initial bids were rejected, an agreement has been struck for the player, who was set to be out of contract next summer, with a fixed £52m fee bringing him to north London.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi previously worked with Van Hecke during his tenure at Brighton, where the ball-playing central defender blossomed into one of the league's standout players in his position.

Despite avoiding the drop, De Zerbi has stressed the need for significant lessons to be learned, with the club's majority owners, the Lewis family, pledging to be "all in" to fund a necessary rebuild following consecutive 17th-placed finishes.

Tottenham's defensive frailties were stark, conceding 122 goals across the last two Premier League seasons.

Van Hecke's arrival marks another step in De Zerbi's immediate efforts to bolster the backline, following the earlier acquisitions of left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Van Hecke began his career in the Netherlands with NAC Breda before joining Brighton in 2020.

It was under De Zerbi during the 2023-24 season that he truly flourished with the Seagulls, making 40 appearances and playing a key role in their qualification for Europe for only the second time in their history.

He will now link up with his Netherlands international teammate Micky van de Ven at Tottenham.

Brighton, meanwhile, are expected to intensify their pursuit of Spurs centre-back Luka Vuskovic as a potential replacement, though two of their bids have already been rejected this month, PA understands.

Brighton launch £30 million bid for highly-rated Tottenham teenager

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Brighton launch £30 million bid for highly-rated Tottenham teenager - The Independent
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Brighton have tabled a substantial £30 million bid for Tottenham's highly-rated Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old is widely considered one of Europe's most promising young defensive talents, despite yet to make a senior appearance for Spurs since his 2023 move from Hajduk Split.

Vuskovic spent last season on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed a breakout year in senior football.

He featured 30 times across all competitions, including 28 league appearances, and also made his full international debut for Croatia.

His impressive form has earned him a spot in Zlatko Dalic’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, where he could potentially face England next week.

Prior to Hamburg, he also had loan spells with Westerlo in Belgium and Radomiak Radom in Poland.

The Seagulls' pursuit of Vuskovic comes as they continue discussions with Tottenham over the potential sale of fellow central defender Jan Paul van Hecke, for whom two bids have already been rejected.

Brighton have already moved to bolster their defensive options under Roberto De Zerbi, having secured the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Robertson and Senesi have both arrived on free transfers after their contracts expired at Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.

Spurs are aiming to get back on track after narrowly escaping relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season.

It was a torrid campaign for the north London club, which saw Spurs go through three managers after sacking Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor before finally settling on De Zerbi.

Meanwhile, Brighton want to bolster their own ranks ahead of their return to Europe after qualifying for next season’s Conference League.

It promises to be a busier season for Brighton due to their European commitments, and the potential signing of Vuskovic could set the club up well for another strong campaign.