CaughtOffside

Peter Crouch has named Pedro Neto third among his top signings of the summer, behind new arrivals at West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues were among the Premier League’s busiest clubs, bringing in the likes of Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jadon Sancho.

Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen, Raheem Sterling and Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, were among a raft of players to leave Stamford Bridge.

Neto was the most expensive arrival of the summer, costing the Blues an initial £54m from Wolves (per Sky Sports).

And the Portugal international was named third on Crouch’s list of top summer Premier League transfers.

“Pedro Neto from Wolves to Chelsea, I think he’s a top player,” Crouch said when asked to name his top three summer signings on the TNT Sports YouTube channel.

“I think many in Europe would have signed him and Chelsea have got a top one there along with many others, but I think he’s a top signing.”

Crouch ranks West Ham and Tottenham transfers above Neto

Crouch then went on to list West Ham’s capture of centre-back Max Kilman — who left Wolves alongside Neto — and Dominic Solanke to Tottenham as his top two deals of the summer.

“Number two, I think Max Kilman at West Ham is a top signing. Very solid, I think he’s shown in the first few games that he brings the ball out, retains the ball really well, top player,” former Tottenham, Liverpool and England striker Crouch continued.

On Solanke, he added: “And I think Dominic Solanke at Tottenham, only because I don’t think they replaced Harry Kane since he left as the focal point.

“I think they’ve got enough ability in and around it but a No.9 at Spurs, once he gets over his injury, I think he’ll score and do the business.”

Tottenham finally replaced Harry Kane this summer after signing striker Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

The Lilywhites made some key additions to their squad this summer and along with Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall and Min-hyeok Yang, Solanke was added to the team as they aim to solve their goal scoring issues.

The English striker joined the north Londoners in a club record move this summer and he is expected to push Tottenham’s challenge for a top four place in the Premier League.

The stiker is yet to score for Spurs so far this season and his start to life at the Tottenham Stadium has already been affected by an injury.

However, Ange Postecoglou has high hopes from the attacker but that cannot be said about former Watford striker and football pundit Troy Deeney.

According to Deeney, Tottenham should have targeted a move for Ivan Toney instead of Solanke.

He feels Toney, who has now joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, would have scored more goals at Spurs than Solanke.

Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, Deeney expressed his opinion about Toney and Solanke.

“Ivan Toney was available, let’s use him as a case in point. Would he add value to Chelsea? Yes, he would score more than Nicolas Jackson. In my opinion he would score more than Solanke at Spurs. Everyone is looking for that mobile, running striker, the goalscoring comes like fifth in the list of attributes,” Deeney said.

It is a surprising claim from Deeney, considering how prolific Solanke was last season for Bournemouth.

Dominic Solanke can shine at Spurs this season

He scored 19 Premier League goals in a team with no great, creative players and still performed well.

It remains to be seen how Solanke will fit in Postecoglou’s style and how his teammates can get the better out of him.

Toney has started a new journey in the Middle East, far away from the competitiveness of the Premier League.

Son Heung-min played last season as the central attacker for Spurs and scored 17 goals. There is no reason why Solanke cannot do the same for the north Londoners.

Some of the biggest Premier League clubs were interested in a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle United have been credited with interest in the England international.

He had a release clause in his contract that expired with the end of the transfer window.

However, there is good news for clubs who still retain an interest in his services and want to sign him next year.

According to the Daily Mail, the clause in Eze’s contract at Selhurst Park will become active again at the end of the season.

The report has added that the player will have the same clause of guaranteed £60m payment plus a further £8m due in add-ons in his contract.

Apart from letting the player leave for the decided release clause, the report has mentioned that the South Londoners could allow their attacking midfielder to leave the club by negotiating a deal other than the clause.

The player has started the season in fine form, with a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in his team’s 1-1 draw.

The English midfielder has shown consistency and form with his goal scoring ability and goal creation quality.

After the loss of Michael Olise this summer, it was crucial that Palace keep their other star player at the club and they have managed to do that.

Arsenal face competition from Spurs and Newcastle for Eze

His eleven goals and four assists in the Premier League last season helped the Eagles to a top half finish.

Premier League clubs are expected to chase the Palace midfielder again next year and the race to sign him could become intense with several clubs looking to sign him.

It remains to be seen how long the player will stay at Selhurst Park. Interest from bigger clubs may turn his head soon and it appears that Palace will not stand in his way if any club can meet his price tag.

RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda was linked with a move away from the German club during the summer transfer window.

However, the Bundesliga outfit managed to hold onto him in the end. According to a report from SportBILD, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were keen on signing the player and they made moves to get the deal done.

It will be interesting to see if the Premier League clubs return for the Belgian attacker during the January transfer window. Openda has established himself as a prolific goal scorer in the Bundesliga and he is certainly good enough for the Premier League.

Apart from his ability to find the back of the net, he will add creativity to the attack. The striker scored 28 goals last season and picked up seven assists in all competitions as well.

Chelsea could use Lois Openda

Chelsea need to bring in a top class goalscorer who can lead the line for them, and the Belgian certainly fits the profile. The Blues failed with their attempts to sign Victor Osimhen in the summer and a move for Openda in January could be ideal for them.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have spent a substantial amount of money on Dominic Solanke and it seems highly unlikely that they will sign another striker who is likely to cost a premium. The report from SportBILD claims that the player will cost in excess of €75 million. Tottenham will have to improve the other areas of their squad and they are unlikely to splash out on a striker anymore.

Similarly, Manchester United ended up signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and the Red Devils are unlikely to pursue a striker any time soon.

It will be interesting to see where the 24-year-old ends up eventually. He is certainly good enough to play for the biggest clubs in the world, and a move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for him.

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has now raised question marks over James Maddison’s performances for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Premier League legend believes that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has not been able to assert his quality away from home. Keane has urged Maddison to show some personality and deal with his setbacks better.

“I have still got my question marks over Maddison, particularly, away from home,” said Keane on Sky Sports Football (01/09/24 at 1:00 pm).

“There are always question marks over him. He has had a couple of disappointments in the last few months with England. But if you give him time and space. If Son is making runs in behind – that’s up to Spurs to get some decent possession and use his intelligence.

“All he needs is one or two opportunities to get on it – I still think there is more to come from Maddison. That’s where he needs to show his personality. He has had his disappointments, every player in their careers will have setbacks. It’s how he deals with it. The next few months are going to be big for him.”

There is no doubt that Maddison has been a quality signing for Tottenham and he has already established himself as a key player for the club.

The north London club will hope that he can perform at a high level consistently and help them push for trophies.

James Maddison needs to step up

Spurs will take on Arsenal after the international break and the England midfielder will certainly look to make his mark in the north London derby.

The midfielder needs to add more consistency to his game. He started his Tottenham career on a high but his form dipped after an injury. It also resulted in his exclusion from the England squad. Keane believes that he will have to get over these problems in order to truly fulfil his potential.

The England international midfielder is the chief creator for Tottenham and they need him to be at his best throughout the season, if they are serious about winning trophies. Tottenham will rely on him to deliver in the big games and help them secure Champions League qualification as well.

Spurs have a history of working with leading sports representatives CAA Base, and after another one of their players recently decided to join the agency, the Londoners’ relationship could get even stronger.

CAA Base already look after several key figures at Spurs including Son Heung-min and James Maddison, as well as manager Ange Postecoglou.

And the agency have recently welcomed another key figure to their ever-growing list of clients.

Richarlison latest Spurs star to join CAA Base

Wide-attacker Richarlison has been unveiled as CAA Base’s newest acquisition after a post appeared on social media showing the Brazilian signing a contract.

The South American’s recent decision to change agencies could be a sign he is planning his future.

The 27-year-old was strongly linked with leaving Spurs during the summer with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia mooted as one possible destination.

The Spurs winger, who earns £90,000-per week, shut down rumours he would be joining the Pro League by posting a photo of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on his Instragram with the caption: “I am home.”

However, with Richarlison’s playing time reduced following the arrival of Wilson Odobert from Burnley in the summer, fans will still be wondering if the Brazilian features in Postecoglou’s long-term plans.

Spurs enjoyed a busy summer transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou brought in five senior players, including £65 million man Dominic Solanke. There were also transfers for Leeds United academy starlet Archie Gray and talented Swedish playmaker Lucas Bergvall.

The start of the season hasn’t quite gone to plan for the Lilywhites though. Even though they thrashed Sean Dyche’s Everton 4-0, an opening day 1-1 draw against Leicester and a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle last weekend have dampened the mood.

Spurs considering signing Angel Gomes in 2025

And while Postecoglou is under no threat of losing his job early into the season, the Aussie will need to turn things around, and according to recent reports, could use next year’s transfer window to reinforce Spurs’ squad even further.

According to HITC, the Londoners have been tracking Lille midfielder and former Manchester United academy player Angel Gomes.

The 24-year-old, who has enjoyed an excellent three years in France, has recently earned his first senior England call-up.

Speaking recently about the Lille midfielder, interim England boss Lee Carsley said: “Angel is probably different to what we would have seen in the past (which) would have been a central midfielder that is more robust.

“Angel is very technical, controls the game with his skill and technique. Very determined, excellent attitude. Technically and tactically excellent, I think he’s a player that people are going to really be excited to see.”

Admired by Spurs and expected to leave Lille when his contract expires at the end of the season, the Lilywhites are eyeing a free transfer for one of Europe’s most under appreciated playmakers.

During his time in the Lille side, London-born Gomes has directly contributed to 26 goals in 118 games in all competitions.

Micky van de Ven is hopeful he will be fit enough to return in time for the North London Derby.

The Dutch defender was ruled out of Spurs’ Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

Picking up a quad injury, the 23-year-old made way for Radu Dragusin, who partnered Cristian Romero for the Lilywhites’ 2-1 defeat at St. James’ Park.

Spurs handed Micky van de Ven injury boost

However, with Ange Postecoglou already downplaying how serious Van de Ven’s latest injury setback is, according to a recent report from BBC Sport, the no-nonsense Aussie is expecting to welcome the centre-back in time for this month’s North London Derby against bitter-rivals Arsenal.

Although he is set to miss the Netherlands’ upcoming Nations League fixtures against Bosnia and Germany, Van de Ven is ‘confident’ he will be available for selection for Spurs’ home match against Arsenal on the 15th of September.

Should Spurs’ number 37 be included in Postecoglou’s matchday plans later this month, the 23-year-old will likely replace Dragusin at the heart of his side’s defence.

Tottenham Hotspur will take on Newcastle United in the Premier League tomorrow and they will look to build on their impressive victory last time.

Spurs picked up a 4-0 win over Everton and they will look to continue at that level. They have a quality squad and the fans will certainly expect a strong performance from their players.

The Londoners will be desperate for Champions League qualification this season and they will look to do well in the domestic competitions as well. They need to beat these teams in order to do well this season. Newcastle have a formidable squad and this is likely to be a tough challenge for Tottenham. It will be interesting to see if they can step up and produce a strong performance away from home.

Previously Spurs have struggled away from home against Newcastle, and they cannot afford to be complacent here.

Newcastle to beat Tottenham?

Meanwhile, popular pundit and former Arsenal player Paul Merson has predicted Newcastle to win the game against Spurs. He believes that the North London club will struggle on their travels and they will come up short against the Magpies.

“Tottenham had a brilliant result when they beat Everton 4-0 last weekend. But I’m backing Newcastle to win this one,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda.

“This is a real test for Spurs, especially considering they’re playing away from home.

“In the past, I’ve seen Tottenham getting destroyed on the road in this particular fixture, so it’s a big test for them psychologically as well.”

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will certainly demand a professional performance from his players and a defeat will be extremely disappointing for him. Spurs have the quality and experience to grind out all three points here and anything less than a victory will be underwhelming for the manager and the fans.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Michael Dawson has questioned Jadon Sancho’s surprise deadline-day move to Chelsea.

With the summer transfer window now sealed shut after Friday night’s deadline, fans will be focused on the immediate future of their clubs as they now must make do with the current layout of their squads.

Compared to transfer windows of the past few years, this summer has been extremely quiet with the big sides seemingly hesitant to pay out large transfer fees in order to secure their targets.

But unsurprisingly Chelsea still tops the charts for the most expenditure bringing in the likes of Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among others.

But the most surprising signing from manager Enzo Maresca came on the final day of the window when the Blues sealed the deal for Manchester United outcast Sancho to join the ranks on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The 24-year-old has looked a shadow of himself since making the initial move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund. He was forced to return to the German club after a fallout with Erik ten Hag last season.

Michael Dawson on surprise Chelsea deal

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Spurs defender Dawson questioned the move as a whole and claimed that Sancho will still struggle for minutes at Stamford Bridge.

‘Jadon Sancho is a good player, let’s not forget that’ he told Sky Sports.

‘But to go to Chelsea, why will it be any different there? Where’s he going to play? I honestly thought he needed to go somewhere where he was going to play.’

The English winger will replace Raheem Sterling who also made a surprise deadline day move of his own to London rivals Arsenal from Chelsea after he himself was outcast from the squad.