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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal ‘lead race’ to sign £50m target, Tottenham reach Cody Gakpo ‘agreement’ Enzo Fernandez latest

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal ‘lead race’ to sign £50m target, Tottenham reach Gakpo ‘agreement’, Fernandez latest

Jack Hinshelwood is the latest name to be linked with the Premier League champions as they continue talks with Jarell Quansah

Arsenal could turn their attention to Brighton’s £51m-rated midfielder Jack Hinshelwood as they continue talks with Bayer Leverkusen over signing England international Jarell Quansah. The Premier League champions have been keen to sign a defender following the injury to William Saliba and the 23-year-old Quansah, formerly of Liverpool, would be able to cover both centre-back and right back positions.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are set to make a third bid of around £60m for Rodri, but are still set to fall £10m short of Manchester City’s valuation of the Ballon d’Or winner. The deal could yet influence the speed of any move for Enzo Fernandez, with his former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca pushing for the midfielder's signature. Chelsea’s deadline of 5pm on Friday passed without City submitting their £120m bid, and the club expect Fernandez – who was booed by Chelsea fans on his return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday – to now stay for the upcoming season.

Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, according to reports in the Netherlands, while Spurs are also close to signing Manchester City winger Savinho and have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in expressing interest in Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has rejected the chance to join the Turkish club as part of a deal.

In other news, Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has completed his transfer to Atletico Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Ferran Torres, the scorer of the winning goal in the World Cup final, from Barcelona.

Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below

Newcastle close in on first signing under Matthias Jaissle

Newcastle are close to agreeing a deal with Benfica to sign right back Amar Dedic.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is due to arrive before next week’s Premier League opener and will become their first signing under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

Dedic, 23, previously worked with Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg.

The fee for the right back, who replaces Kieran Trippier and will provide competition to Tino Livramento, is around £30m.

Dedic could be immediately thrust into action in Sunday’s opener against Liverpool as Livramento is still sidelined by the calf injury that forced him to miss the World Cup.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 09:31

Tottenham news: Spurs set for busy end to the market?

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a busy end to the transfer window, according to Miguel Delaney in his Inside Football newsletter. With Savinho set to be secured for a fee of £65m plus add-ons from Manchester City, they are still chasing Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, and there may even be a right-winger as Roberto De Zerbi has been toying with playing Mohammed Kudus more centrally.

Spurs have been linked with Victor Osimhen, too, who has been offered to several Premier League clubs. Gakpo, a major target all summer, has reached an agreement with Tottenham over personal terms, according to reports in the Netherlands. Liverpool maintained that they would not consider letting Gakpo leave without a suitable replacement.

And Atletico Madrid have signed Tottenham captain Cristian Romero in a £34.2m deal. A great player on his day, a liability as a centre-back and captain on others, Spurs will be happy to get this deal done. Romero signs a five-year deal at Atletico.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 08:31

Liverpool news: Will PSG budge from £145m Bradley Barcola price?

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola is set to rumble on until late in the transfer window.

While signing a new winger is a priority for Andoni Iraola’s side, Paris Saint-Germain are refusing to budge from their huge £145m asking price.

PSG, though, have been active in this summer’s transfer market. They have signed Ferran Torres from Barcelona, pursued Yan Diomande before he signed for Real Madrid, while the agent of Mika Godts, the Ajax winger, has claimed that PSG have agreed to pay £47m for the 21-year-old.

Where does it leave Barcola, who is behind Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order at PSG? Liverpool are prepared to play the long game, but Arsenal could also reignite their interest.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 07:31

Man City news: Latest on Rodri, Fernandez and Bouaddi

Barcelona are set to make a third bid of around £60m for Rodri but are still set to fall £10m short of Manchester City’s valuation of the Ballon d’Or winner.

Those negotiations are running parallel to talks on Enzo Fernandez, where Chelsea themselves are insisting on £120m.

City are considering Fernandez and Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as midfield reinforcements while they are set to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for £51m.

Fernandez is set to stay at Chelsea after the club’s 5pm Friday deadline passed without any acceptable bids being received.

Unless Chelsea can be persuaded into a U-turn and be brought to the negotiating table, Fernandez will still be at Stamford Bridge when the transfer window closes on 1 September.

And Ruben Dias is in pole position to become Manchester City’s next captain – because Erling Haaland scores so many goals.

Inside Man City’s midfield rebuild and £300m question that will shape their future

The exits of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders leave Enzo Maresca free to create his own midfield: but as the season starts in earnest in Sunday’s Community Shield it is still unclear who those solutions will be

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 06:30

Arsenal news: Jarrel Quansah talks, Ethan Nwaneri future?

Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Jarell Quansah and have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for the England international.

Mikel Arteta wants to add a defender to his squad following the injury to William Saliba and there is a gap between Arsenal and Aston Villa when it comes to the valuation of Ezri Konsa.

Quansah, who joined Leverkusen from Liverpool last summer, can play at both centre-back and right-back, so fits what Arteta wants from a member of his defence.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has admitted that Ethan Nwaneri may have to leave Arsenal to find the regular football he needs to fulfil his potential.

Arsenal are also in contention to sign Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, according to The Sun. Hinshelwood can play across the midfield as well as at full-back.

While a deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly to Chelsea or Manchester United is considered highly unlikely.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 05:34

Chelsea news: Liam Delap attracts interest from Como

Italian side Como have expressed their interest in signing Chelsea striker Liam Delap, according to the Mail.

Chelsea are set to demand £50m for the 23-year-old striker, who is also of interest to several Premier League teams.

Como will be playing in the Champions League next season under Cesc Fabregas and have also agreed a deal to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Meanwhile, Napoli have agreed a deal Benoit Badiashile on an initial loan.

TalkSport reported that Coventry are keen on signing 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong, while the Independent understands Hull City have interest in Tosin Adarabioyo, but he wants to stay.

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 04:31

As Gianni Infantino clings to power, football as you know it could be about to change

Moves to reduce the power of the Fifa presidency could in turn lead to the growing influence of Europe’s biggest clubs and how they decide to shape the game, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter

As Gianni Infantino clings to power, football as you know it could be about to change

Moves to reduce the power of the Fifa presidency could in turn lead to the growing influence of Europe’s biggest clubs and how they decide to shape the game, writes Miguel Delaney in his latest Inside Football newsletter

Jamie Braidwood16 August 2026 03:33

Jeff Bezos is buying into Liverpool – this is why

As the consortium that has reached a “definitive agreement” to buy a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool continues to generate noise, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is described by industry figures as a mere “silent partner”.

It’s perhaps apt given the lack of actual explanation or intention behind this, despite all the commotion.

The entry of one of the world’s wealthiest men into football has naturally stoked a lot of emotion, not least from the supporter group Spirit of Shankly. They have written to Liverpool asking for clarity, having warned how previous changes in the running of the club have led to “decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool”.

For all the inevitable focus on the hard figures of the numbers, and the influence of Bezos’s own wealth, there’s a sense this is all about something much bigger. “It just looks like a power/political play over an investment decision,” one well-placed source says.

Holding part of an “asset” in a sphere of such increasing social and political importance gives you entry into another world, as the recent World Cup made clear. It has become a solid platform for the highest politics. That is one of many reasons why beleaguered Fifa president Gianni Infantino won’t resign.

Football itself is morphing, which is why there is such an unstable time at the top. That attracts the interest of figures like Bezos, who are likely to change it more. The world is increasingly centring on football, as its single global sport, so the world’s biggest conglomerates are getting involved. Such concentrations of interest and wealth are inevitable.

Jeff Bezos is buying into Liverpool – this is why

The world’s third-richest man is part of a consortium that has bought a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool. While the Amazon founder may be a ‘silent partner’ in the deal, it is clear that the uncertainty at the top of global football presents an opportunity to the billionaire class, writes Miguel Delaney

Miguel Delaney16 August 2026 01:33

Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City exit is a parable of modern football

Tijjani Reijnders’s fleeting time at Manchester City is almost over. The Dutch international is on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah in a transfer worth around £55m. Will he lift the “Pride of the Eastern Province” to Saudi Pro League glory? Who knows? Also: who cares?

Amid the summer transfer churn, perhaps it is not a particularly eye-catching or noteworthy deal. City will make a small profit on a player they bought for £45m last summer. City fans won’t shed many tears. Reijnders is far from the first Premier League player to accept Saudi Arabian riches, and he won’t be the last.

But there is something jarring and a little bleak about the road from AC Milan’s marauding midfielder to Al Qadsiah’s flagship signing in little over a year.

Tijjani Reijnders’s Manchester City exit is a parable of modern football

The Dutch midfielder is set to be sold by Manchester City only one season into a five-year contract when he joins Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah

Lawrence Ostlere, Chief Sports Writer15 August 2026 23:31

Myles Lewis-Skelly likely to stay at Arsenal

A deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly to Chelsea is considered highly unlikely.

Chelsea are generally happy with their squad, and will only now move in the event of "reactions" to the market.

There is still some puzzlement within Arsenal as to how reports of the 19-year-old being offered around has got out. Lewis-Skelly's camp have not been in touch.

There is long-standing interest from Manchester United but the Old Trafford hierarchy do not have the finances right now to even test Arsenal's willingness to keep their teenage star.

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer15 August 2026 22:31

Cristian Romero says ‘the journey wasn’t perfect’ as he confirms Tottenham exit

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Cristian Romero says ‘the journey wasn’t perfect’ as he confirms Tottenham exit - The Independent
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Cristian Romero has confirmed his departure from Tottenham, acknowledging that he was not always perfect while maintaining the club will forever hold a place in his heart.

The defender leaves north London after a five-year spell to complete a 40 million euros (£34.1m) move to Atletico Madrid, with a 15 per cent sell-on clause included as part of the overall package.

Although the Argentina international divided opinion across 156 games due to several suspensions, he was named man of the match in the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United, bringing Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought to an end.

“Today, I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than a club,” Romero said on Instagram.

He added: “It was my home, my challenge and the place where my family and I built such an important part of our lives.

“I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together.

“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history. I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.

“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me.

“I know I wasn’t perfect, but one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.

“Thank you for everything. I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever.

“With all my love and respect. Thank you for everything. And goodbye Spurs.”

Romero fired frequent thinly-veiled digs at the board over a perceived lack of ambition during an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign for Spurs.

A string of outstanding displays helped inspire the club to European success in Bilbao the following season.

He was critical of Spurs’ hierarchy several times before a knee injury in April curtailed last season for him, with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.

A final nail in the coffin for many supporters was Romero’s actions in the final week of the campaign after he was allowed to fly to Argentina to continue his rehabilitation.

It sparked a backlash from fans and even though Romero got a flight back to watch the win over Everton which secured survival, new boss Roberto De Zerbi gave the 28-year-old the green light to move on.

He is now finally set to work under compatriot Diego Simeone at Atletico after years of links to the LaLiga club.

Daniel Levy set for smaller Tottenham stake after missed deadline

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Daniel Levy set for smaller Tottenham stake after missed deadline - The Independent
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Daniel Levy is set to see his stake in Tottenham fall slightly after missing a deadline to take part in a club share issue, the Press Association understands.

A £100m cash injection was provided to the football club this summer by the Lewis family, which runs Spurs’ majority owner Enic and has assumed a larger role in decision-making since Levy stepped down as executive chairman last September.

That investment raised the Lewis family’s holding in Tottenham to around 88 per cent, and Levy was offered the opportunity to buy his proportionate share to prevent dilution, but failed to meet the cutoff.

According to sources close to the Lewis family, minority shareholder Levy was granted 60 days to invest at the matching price to maintain his ENIC stake at approximately 29 per cent.

Levy is said to have agreed to the funding commitment before ultimately missing Monday’s deadline to contribute his proportionate share.

"Daniel committed to funding and failed to do so, despite the extended deadline," a source close to the Lewis family told PA.

"The family is focused on the football, investing in the team, backing the management and creating a stable environment for the club."

The development follows unverified reports earlier in the summer that Levy had sold his 24.99 per cent share in Enic to American tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick.

Earick, chief executive of sports investment company Eight Sports Capital, claimed Levy had sold his stake in Spurs’ parent firm, but an ENIC spokesperson said: "We can confirm that neither Enic nor Tottenham Hotspur Football Club are aware of any sale by Daniel Levy’a family trust of its minority stake in Enic."

PA has approached Levy’s representatives for comment.

Meanwhile, PA understands the Lewis family forms part of a consortium which has submitted an offer in an ongoing auction to buy a London-based basketball team in the soon-to-be created NBA Europe franchise.

It has been a busy summer for Tottenham and the Lewis family, with £237m spent on revamping Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, while key defenders Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven have signed new long-term contracts.

Further reinforcements in attack are targeted during the final three weeks of the transfer window and outgoings will continue, with young forward Yang Min-Hyeok joining Belgian outfit Westerloo on a season-long loan.

Roberto De Zerbi reveals key to Tottenham revival and says club ‘not finished’ in transfer market

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Roberto De Zerbi reveals key to Tottenham revival and says club ‘not finished’ in transfer market - The Independent
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Roberto De Zerbi believes rebuilding the spirit and mentality of Tottenham Hotspur will be crucial to achieving a revival following two seasons near the foot of the Premier League table.

The 47-year-old, who took over in March and guided the club to safety on the final day of last season, insists that a busy summer recruitment window alone will not deliver long-term success.

Tottenham have already recruited Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Cole Ramsey and Martin Dubravka, but De Zerbi has explained that there is more to come and that his players must build a camaraderie to achieve big things.

"In the transfer market, we're not finished yet. We're looking forward to start another season with different ambitions and results," De Zerbi said on the Men in Blazers YouTube channel.

"We have to find the condition to build a strong team, than the last seasons to compete again for the top of the table.

"I usually think about the soul, passion, spirit and mentality of the team and then the improvement we can do in the future, because I can't stay with the focus just on the present."

The Italian coach said he wants supporters to identify his side not only by their style of play but through their commitment and character.

"I would like when we go to play in the Premier League... the people recognise one's soul, passion, value of the player," he said.

"The qualities of the players are not enough. If you don't put something more, something of yourself, something you feel inside of you, it's very tough to now compete with the top teams in the world, in the Premier League."

Tottenham were further boosted by the news on Monday that defender Micky van de Ven has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The future of his centre-back partner Cristian Romero is less certain, with the Argentine rumoured to be leaving the club this summer. In recent days, he has been linked with a shock move to north London rivals Arsenal.

Spurs begin their new Premier League campaign against Brentford on 22 August.

Micky van de Ven ‘excited’ for Tottenham’s future after signing new long-term deal

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Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has expressed enthusiasm over the club’s current trajectory following his decision to sign a new contract.

Reportedly securing a five-year extension, he was delighted to pledge his long-term future to the side, where head coach Roberto De Zerbi views him as a pivotal figure to build his team around.

“It’s a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family,” Van de Ven said.

“I’ve always loved Spurs, from the first day I stepped in here. I love the club, I love the fans and I’ve developed really well here.

“It’s clear the direction the club wants to go in and I want to be a part of it. I’m excited about what’s to come.”

The Netherlands international has played almost 100 matches for Spurs since originally joining from Wolfsburg in 2023 on a six-year contract and at the age of 25 arguably has plenty of progress still to make.

“Micky is one of the best centre-backs in Europe and an important player for us,” De Zerbi said.

“He has the qualities, mentality and ambition that we want at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am very happy that he has decided to continue his journey with the club.

“We are building something strong here, and players like Micky are an important part of that future.

“His decision to sign a new contract shows his belief in what we are creating together.”

Meanwhile, Spurs teammate James Maddison has dismissed reports that he has suffered a recurrence of a previous injury, saying he is “feeling good” after training with Tottenham.

Last week it was suggested Maddison, who is yet to feature in Spurs’ pre-season matches, was struggling with an old injury that had left him unable to take part in the team’s warm-up games.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said in July it was “not the right moment to take risks” and that Maddison, who missed almost all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, would not feature on the club’s pre-season tour.

In an Instagram story, the England international said he is working with his team-mates and there had been no injury flare-up.

“Feeling good after another good session with the team,” he said. “Working hard to be healthy and have a great year.

“Definitely haven’t had any recurrence of any injury I’ve had before.”

Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Chelsea, Tottenham and Premier League clubs discover second-round fate

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Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Chelsea and Spurs among clubs to discover second-round ties - The Independent
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The Carabao Cup continues with the first Premier League representatives entering the competition at the second-round stage.

Chelsea and Tottenham have been drawn at home to Luton and Charlton Athletic respectively, while Nottingham Forest face off against Leeds in the only all-Premier League tie of the round.

The 11 top-flight teams not playing European football this season join those to have progressed through the first round, with Brentford facing a potentially tricky visit to second-tier Birmingham City, Newcastle at home to West Bromwich Albion and the winners of tonight’s last opening-round tie between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter to face newly promoted Coventry.

Relegated West Ham, Wolves and Burnley were among the weekend winners reaching this stage, and will now play Championship opposition Southampton, and League One sides Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford respectively.

The cup competition remains regionalised for now with the qualifiers split into a north and south section to ease travel demands, limiting the pool of possible opponents for each of the sides. The second-round ties will be played in the week commencing 24 August.

Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore set for another loan as Bundesliga club lead race for highly-rated star

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Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore set for another loan as Bundesliga club lead race for highly-rated star - The Independent
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Tottenham’s highly-rated young attacker Mikey Moore is poised for a loan move away from the club, with German side Koln currently leading the race for his signature.

The decision comes despite the 18-year-old’s promising pre-season performances under manager Roberto De Zerbi, as all parties agree another temporary spell elsewhere would best serve the versatile forward’s development.

Moore enjoyed a standout season at Rangers last term, where he netted seven goals and was crowned PFA Scotland’s Young Player of the Year, overcoming a challenging start in Glasgow.

His impressive form earned him a chance to catch De Zerbi’s eye this summer, but the club now believes further experience away from north London is crucial.

While Championship play-off runners-up Middlesbrough had expressed interest in reuniting Moore with former Tottenham academy teammate Will Lankshear, who recently moved to Teesside in a £20m deal, sources indicate Moore’s preference is a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues. Borussia Dortmund initially registered interest but were rebuffed by Spurs after requesting an option to purchase the player in any season-long loan agreement.

However, the prospect of a straight loan has not deterred other Bundesliga clubs like Koln and Hamburg, with teams from La Liga also making enquiries. Koln have intensified their pursuit over the weekend, making them the most likely destination.

This follows the successful loan spell of young centre-back Luka Vuskovic at Hamburg last season, which culminated in a £52m transfer to Brighton from Spurs earlier this summer.

Despite Rangers’ desire to bring Moore back to Ibrox, a fresh challenge is deemed more beneficial for the England youth prospect.

Moore’s anticipated departure is expected to precede attacking reinforcements for Tottenham, as De Zerbi has hinted at further signings during the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Spurs maintain a long-standing interest in Manchester City’s Savinho, while Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has emerged as a key target in what promises to be a significant summer rebuild.

Tottenham have already broken their transfer record twice in this summer window after signing midfielder pair Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes from Newcastle and West Ham respectively.

James Maddison outlines Roberto De Zerbi’s ‘very clear’ message to Tottenham squad ahead of new season

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James Maddison outlines Roberto De Zerbi’s ‘very clear’ message to Tottenham squad ahead of new season - The Independent
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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has voiced his enthusiasm for working under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, and is confident that the Italian's attacking philosophy will perfectly align with his playing style as the club prepares for the new Premier League campaign.

De Zerbi, 47, assumed control in March following the departure of interim coach Igor Tudor, as he successfully steered Spurs to Premier League safety with a 17th-place finish secured by a final-day victory over Everton.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the 29-year-old midfielder Maddison explained how De Zerbi is approaching his first full season as Tottenham head coach.

"The manager is very clear. The goals are to be better, to play better football, to be passionate and to be proud to play for this club,” he said.

Maddison elaborated on the importance of embracing the new approach.

"If we listen to his style, principles, if we keep the short-term targets of trying to be better and trying to implement the way he'll play, the long-term targets will be better in the long run,” he added.

Maddison further expressed his personal anticipation, stating: "We're still learning the way he plays. As a player he's a coach you want to play for because he loves everything with the ball. He's very attacking, and I'm really excited."

Maddison, whose previous season was curtailed by an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, which he only returned from in the final weeks of the campaign, confirmed the immediate focus is now firmly on building momentum towards Spurs' Premier League opener against Brentford on 22 August.

The club has already commenced its pre-season tour, securing a 2-0 victory over Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday. They are set to face Sydney FC on Wednesday before a clash with Chelsea in Sydney three days later.

Looking ahead, Maddison underscored the significance of the upcoming campaign: "First game of the season, Brentford — a big season for us under a new manager. We want to have a successful season.

“We need to be better than the last couple of seasons. So it's kind of all just preparation leading to that first game."

Eight Premier League clubs criticised over shirt prices as most expensive costs £26 more than cheapest

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Eight Premier League clubs criticised over shirt prices – see full list - The Independent
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Football fans are facing significant price hikes for replica shirts, with some now costing up to £90 after eight Premier League clubs increased their prices.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from consumer experts, who warn of "blatant greed" and the potential for a surge in counterfeit purchases.

Tottenham supporters are now expected to pay £90 for an adult first-team replica shirt, a £5 increase from last year, while a child’s shirt for a three-year-old now commands £70. Chelsea has similarly raised its prices by £5, with shirts now costing £89.99.

Newly promoted Coventry City has seen a £10 jump to £70 for adult shirts, with children’s kits rising by 25 per cent to £60, and baby kits priced at £55. Ipswich Town shirts are up £6 to £65, while Leeds, Bournemouth, and Hull have all increased their prices by £5. Overall, ten clubs now charge £80 or more for a replica shirt.

Brentford stands out as the only Premier League club to keep its kit for two years, offering a slight reprieve.

Consumer expert Scott Dixon, from The Complaints Resolver, condemned the increases, stating: "These price rises will leave many loyal fans wondering when enough is enough. We see this year in, year out, and it smacks of blatant greed and an own goal that could backfire on clubs. These kits are overpriced by anyone’s standards and will leave many fans priced out."

He highlighted the particular impact on families: "Children’s clothing is zero rated and there’s less material used to make their kits, so parents will rightly question how some clubs can justify increases of up to 25 per cent. Clubs know how ‘pester power’ works from a marketing angle and how it puts pressure on parents to buy the latest shirts so they don’t feel left out."

He urged clubs to reconsider their approach. “Loyal fans deserve better. Clubs should be making it easier for the next generation of supporters to feel part of their club, not pricing them out."

Dixon also warned of the wider implications: "Fans ought to vote with their feet and wallets and refuse to pay it. The unintended consequences will be fans buying cheap counterfeits, which is known to fund organised crime."

This warning comes as authorities recently seized counterfeit football shirts worth over £18 million in the UK during the World Cup, citing safety concerns.

Operation Bloxwich, a UK police enforcement effort targeting fake goods, saw the Police Intellectual Crime Unit recover more than 220,000 pieces of football merchandise.

One significant raid uncovered 1,618 fake strips from a Birmingham warehouse, including replicas of those worn by star players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.