SPORTbible

England captain and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane has had his say on former club Tottenham Hotspur staying in the Premier League.

Spurs beat Everton 1-0 on the final day of the season thanks to a goal from Joao Palhinha, who is on an initial loan from the Bundesliga giants.

The appointment of Thomas Frank didn't work out as hoped, and Spurs brought in and booted out Igor Tudor before finally alighting on Roberto De Zerbi and avoiding relegation with a win on the last day.

The Italian because Spurs' third manager of the season at the beginning of April with a target of winning three of the last seven matches to secure Spurs' Premier League survival.

Sunday's win against the Toffees was his third win and the most impressive by far. The others were away from home against relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers and an Aston Villa team whose dreadful performance made no secret of their focus on an upcoming Europa League semi-final second leg.

The Everton win was Spurs' first at home in the league since they beat Brentford at the start of December. They managed just nine home wins across four competitions in 2025-26.

Kane, 32, was a talismanic captain for years and his departure for Bayern in the summer of 2023 has coincided with managerial missteps and turmoil behind the scenes to leave Spurs limited and listless in an ever more competitive Premier League.

He had a keen eye on the last day of the season. West Ham United needed to beat Leeds United and for Spurs to lose against Everton. Palhinha's goal sent the Hammers down despite their win.

"Congratulations to everyone at the club especially the fans - massive fight and result on the final day!" the England captain posted on X, formerly Twitter, in acknowledgement of Spurs' meagre achievement.

Kane heads to the World Cup in sparkling form

After Kane's hat-trick in the final of this year's DFB-Pokal, which Bayern won to complete the striker's first career double, outspoken Bayern deputy chairman Uli Hoeness hailed him as 'the best transfer' in the history of the Bavarian titans.

Hoeness dismissed the reported interest of Barcelona, pointing out that the Blaugrana can't afford the Londoner.

Kane has been an outrageous success since moving to the Bundesliga in the wake of Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten title season, firing Bayern to back-to-back league championships and scoring three times in Saturday's DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart in Berlin.

He has scored 61 goals in 51 club appearances in all competitions this season including the remarkable feat of beginning and ending the league season with hat-tricks.

Tottenham Hotspur are in need of major surgery in the summer transfer window after finishing 17th in the Premier League for the second season in a row.

Spurs won the Europa League in 2024-25 and were never in real danger of relegation under Ange Postecoglou but 2025-26 was a genuine dogfight and their Premier League survival went right to the wire.

Roberto De Zerbi's third win in charge was Spurs' first at home in the league for more than five months and Joao Palhinha's goal against Everton was enough to ensure that West Ham United's victory over Leeds United was in vain.

As the Hammers prepare for life back in the Championship, Spurs are able to look ahead to another season as Premier League ever-presents.

There's plenty of work to do if they're to maintain that status for another year beyond that.

Spurs' transfer activity is already underway. After the North London club reportedly pursued a cut-price deal for Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson in the January transfer window, they're close to tying up the move on a free transfer now Premier League football is assured.

Scotland captain Robertson is leaving Liverpool after nine seasons at Anfield, during which he played a major part in two Premier League titles and a Champions League win in 2018-19.

His contract ends this summer and Spurs are on the cusp of his acquisition, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

"Andy Robertson set to join Spurs now their Premier League status is secure," Jacobs posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Agreement in principle already in place."

Robertson embraces a new challenge at struggling Spurs

Now 32, Robertson will soon lead Scotland out at what's likely to be his only World Cup. De Zerbi will be eager to get the best out of him for at least another season on his return to England for pre-season.

Robertson leaves the Reds as a fan favourite after years of consistent performances but started just 11 league matches in 2025-26 after Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last summer.

A new challenge awaits the Glaswegian at Spurs, where the left-back spot has at times been filled by right-footed Djed Spence.

The Scotland skipper made a total of 276 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, where he was twice named in the Champions League Team of the Season after moving from Hull City in 2015.

Roberto De Zerbi brought up the actions of Ben Davies after he was asked about Cristian Romero's controversial decision to miss Tottenham's final-day relegation decider against Everton.

Romero, who is currently out with a knee injury, will be in Argentina on Sunday afternoon to attend the final of the Argentine Championship between Belgrano and River Plate.

The 28-year-old graduated through Belgrano's academy before making his senior debut for the Primera Division club in 2016, so naturally, the game will carry special significance for the 28-year-old defender.

However, his decision has angered many Tottenham fans, who believe the club captain should be in attendance for arguably their most important game of the season.

Tottenham, who have never been relegated from the Premier League in its 34-year history, could still face the drop on the final day of the season as they sit two points ahead of third-bottom West Ham.

Roberto De Zerbi breaks silence on Cristian Romero absence

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's game against Everton, De Zerbi was asked if he could understand why fans are so angry at the situation.

"100%, I understand," he said. "Romero spoke with the medical staff and together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with Argentinian medical staff.

"I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand there is any player who thinks for himself before the club, I can't be the same Roberto, but with Cuti Romero, I can't say anything because with me, in my time, he has been correct from the beginning until now.

"The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can't change anything if Romero is at the stadium or not.

"Finally, I have no time to lose energy and to lose thinking other things. We have to be focused on the game and we have the players good enough to achieve our target."

De Zerbi also mentioned Ben Davies, who has been out of action since January after suffering a severe fractured ankle in a defeat against West Ham.

"Not all leaders are the same," said the Italian. "Ben Davies spoke with me and he asked to stay today with us. He wants to stay with the team in the hotel with his teammates, but Romero is preparing for the World Cup with an injury."

This week, South American football expert Tim Vickery gave some context to Romero's actions.

"Belgrano are Romero's club. It's the club where he started, and he's a fan," he told talkSPORT. "Belgrano have never won the Argentine Championship, and they are going to River Plate, who have won more than anyone else, so this is historic."

Vickery added: "15 years ago, these two met in the play-off that relegated River Plate, and if Tottenham going down is off the scale, River Plate going down is even more off the scale."

Instead of attending Tottenham's crucial final game of the season against Everton, club captain Cristian Romero will return to Argentina to watch boyhood club Belgrano take on River Plate.

Romero, who was ruled out for the rest of the season in April after suffering a knee injury, has been a regular fixture in the stands as Tottenham fight against relegation.

In fact, he joined in the celebrations when Mathys Tel scored a goal against Leeds this month and even took out a member of Spurs' coaching staff after making his way onto the touchline.

However, he will not be in North London on Sunday afternoon after it emerged that the Argentine will attend the final of the Argentine Championship between Belgrano and River Plate.

It is a game that means a great deal to Romero, who graduated through Belgrano's academy before making his first-team debut for the Primera Division club as a teenager.

Speaking on talkSPORT about Romero's decision to snub a game that will decide Tottenham's Premier League fate, host Paul Hawksbee ripped into the Argentine.

"Good club captain, then. Not at Tottenham's biggest game since 1976 - fantastic," he said. "True to the end, good old Cristian."

South American football expert Tim Vickery responded by giving some context to Romero's actions. "I knew this would wind you up," he laughed. "Belgrano are Romero's club. It's the club where he started, and he's a fan.

"Belgrano have never won the Argentine Championship, and they are going to River Plate, who have won more than anyone else, so this is historic."

Vickery added: "15 years ago, these two met in the play-off that relegated River Plate, and if Tottenham going down is off the scale, River Plate going down is even more off the scale."

Hawksbee, however, was far from moved by the story. "I'll be wearing my River Plate shirt at the weekend. I think that's terrible," said the presenter.

"He goes and watches the club he supports as opposed to the club captain of a team that's threatened with relegation that he's not there with the lads and all the other injured players.

"But you know, I mean as I said true at the end I always thought that Cristian Romero was just passing through and that Tottenham were a distraction from Argentina. But I am quite bitter."

Fans react to Cristian Romero's decision to snub Tottenham's final game of the season

As expected, Romero has been widely criticised by the Spurs faithful.

One fan wrote: "The captain of Tottenham Hotspur choosing to personally miss the club’s biggest-ever league match in our recent modern history. Romero should never be allowed to put on a Spurs shirt ever again. Damning indictment of a culture which has been allowed to manifest inside our club."

A second said: "I have always, ALWAYS defended Romero, how he plays and all the controversy that has come along with him, but if this is true, he shouldn’t be allowed back inside Hotspur Way when the season is over."

A third commented: "Absolutely disgraceful," and a fourth wrote: "Off you pop. Club captain and you can’t even be bothered to show your face in the club’s biggest game in years, instead you go to Argentina? Poor, Cuti. Really poor."

A fifth added: "I’ll forever be grateful for his incredible contribution in Bilbao on this day last year, but I just don’t see any way back from this. A really sad way to go out."

Tottenham, who have never been relegated from the Premier League in its 34-year history, could still face the drop on the final day of the season. They currently sit two points ahead of third-bottom West Ham.

Spurs have agreed terms with one of the Premier League's most in-form defenders ahead of the summer window, although a move is dependent on whether they remain in the Premier League.

With two games left to play of the 2025-26 season, Spurs are just two points above third-bottom West Ham.

It has been a disastrous league campaign for the North London club, who have recorded nine wins from a possible 36, and relegation remains a possibility ahead of upcoming matches against Chelsea and Everton.

However, if they do manage to secure safety at the end of this month, then Roberto De Zerbi could have one of the Premier League's best centre-backs at his disposal come the start of next season.

It was confirmed on Friday that Marcos Senesi will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of June.

Senesi's numbers this season are remarkable. As well as making the third-most interceptions of any player in the Premier League, he has played more passes into the final third than any other player.

In fact, such is his forward-thinking nature, he has played more line-breaking passes (242) than William Saliba and Gabriel combined, with a total of 53.5 per cent of his passes being forward ones.

Unsurprisingly, Senesi has been linked with a host of clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle.

But at the time of writing, Spurs are the only club to have agreed terms with the Argentine defender, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, although a move would only go through if they stayed in the Premier League.

Bournemouth release statement to confirm Senesi departure as centre-back speaks out

On Friday, Bournemouth confirmed that the 29-year-old will leave the Vitality Stadium this summer.

A statement read: "We can confirm that Marcos Senesi will leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his contract, bringing an end to four memorable years on the south coast.

"Since arriving from Feyenoord in 2022, the centre-back has been a key figure in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

"A commanding presence at the heart of the defence, he has made 124 appearances for the Cherries and played an important role in helping the club cement its place in the Premier League.

"During the club’s record-breaking 2024/25 campaign, Senesi was a vital part of the squad that achieved the club’s highest Premier League points tally in AFC Bournemouth history (56), while also helping the side record a ninth-place finish.

"Over the years, the defender has scored crucial goals in historic wins over Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion, while he has also been crucial to the side’s 11 clean sheets so far this season."

Speaking about his departure, Senesi said: “From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this club. I’m proud of everything we achieved over the last four years and I’m grateful for the support the fans have always given me.

“AFC Bournemouth will always hold a special place for me and I will look back at my time here with fond memories. For now, there are still two big games left of the season and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has put himself at risk of disciplinary action after suggesting that referees are "petrified" to make decisions because of VAR.

On Monday night, Tottenham were denied a stoppage-time penalty when second-half substitute Maddison went down in the area following a challenge from Leeds United forward Lukas Nmecha.

The 29-year-old and his teammates were convinced they should have been awarded a spot-kick, but referee Jarred Gillett and VAR waved away appeals, a decision that has since become a huge talking point.

According to the Premier League Match Centre, Nmecha got enough contact on the ball to justify the penalty not being given.

However, Maddison has downplayed that claim. In fact, he took to Instagram on Tuesday night to suggest that referees are "petrified" to make decisions because of the video assistant referee.

"For clarity… The small, tiny touch on the ball to change direction came from the outside of my right foot, not Nmecha, and I told the ref that. But the check was over in about 20 seconds," he wrote.

Maddison added: "Officials are petrified to make decisions on pitch now because of VAR. We keep fighting. COYS."

The midfielder, who came on in the 85th minute of their 1-1 draw against Leeds, also touched on making his comeback following an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out for 12 months.

He added: "After the longest, toughest 12 months of my life, the reception you Spurs fans gave me yesterday made all the sacrifice & dark days absolutely worth it. Thank you so much. Back where I belong."

Roberto De Zerbi gives his take on performance of referee Jarred Gillett

Speaking after the full-time whistle on Monday night, De Zerbi said referee Jarred Gillett was "not calm" after being asked about the decision-making from match officials during the 1-1 draw.

"I think they were not calm today, maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday's Arsenal game," he said.

"For sure, we suffered the pressure today. We didn't play with passion with the ball, too frenetic, but also the referee was not calm today."

"I can't understand the polemic about yesterday's VAR because it was 200 per cent a foul, not 100 per cent, 200 per cent," he added.

Asked for his thoughts on the decision to wave away the last-gasp penalty appeal, De Zerbi was coy. “No, I don’t want to come inside the polemic," he said. "I didn’t see. I didn’t watch again. I don’t know."

Premier League relegation can have a big impact on people off the pitch. It's one of the great unspoken human costs of operating at the highest level.

This season, even the British taxpayer could feel the pinch depending on which of London's two rival relegation candidates ends up taking the third spot below the dreaded dotted line.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley already know they'll be playing in the Championship next season and they will be joined by one of a pair of struggling capital giants.

Tottenham Hotspur are two points ahead of West Ham United with two matches left to play and seem to finally be making a fist of it under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs will play Chelsea and Everton in their last two games of the Premier League season, while West Ham face Newcastle United and then Leeds United as they desperately scrap to avoid the drop.

According to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the fate of the capital's drifting football duo could have a knock-on effect on City Hall.

"What I'd say to Londoners who don't support Spurs is you should probably be cheering on West Ham," Khan told the Evening Standard.

"The previous Mayor, Boris Johnson, did the worst deal that can be imaginable. As far as West Ham are concerned, as a deal of the century where he basically gave them rent free, this amazing stadium for 100 years.

"Now if West Ham are relegated, we, the taxpayers, we City Hall, could lose up to £2.5 million a year."

According to the Standard, West Ham pay £4.4 million per year in rent to City Hall, which in turn is responsible for all associated stadium costs even on a West Ham matchday.

Why Londoners 'should probably be cheering on West Ham'

Relegation would be a blow to London's coffers because of a projected drop in revenue and a definite leap in operating costs.

Commercial revenue from the stadium would be expected to drop as a result of the Hammers playing in the second tier.

Meanwhile, London would pick up the bill for four additional matches for next season and every subsequent one West Ham spend outside the Premier League for the remainder of the 99-year lease on the former Olympic Stadium.

West Ham will play their penultimate game of the season on Sunday, two days before Spurs travel across the city to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur moved a further point clear of the relegation zone with their 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Monday night in the Premier League.

It now means Spurs are just two points clear of West Ham, who occupy the final relegation spot, with just two games remaining in the season, which means that their future in the English top flight is still in the balance; however, they do control their fate at this point.

Fans of the club will still be fearful that they could suffer relegation from the Premier League for the first time in their history, albeit not the first time they have suffered relegation from the top flight of England.

Now, a financial expert has detailed how relegation to the Championship could impact Spurs, as Stefan Borson on ‘The Room Where it Happened’ podcast explained that could cost the club about £145 million in just one season.

Borson said: “It’s that double whammy of not just relegation but also no UEFA revenue next season. You’re going to lose £100 million on UEFA; you’re going to lose 75 million on the domestic. Two hundred million quid in one year; the current year of broadcast is at £200 million. That’s going to drop down to £55 (million). That’s a loss of £145 million.”

Meanwhile, the Touchline on X has claimed that the impact could potentially be worse than Borson has claimed, estimating that there could be £250m in revenue overnight.

They back their claim up due to the loss in TV revenue, while there would be no Champions League money with a loss in matchday fees, while a sponsorship clause could kick in, resulting in less money being given to the club.

Now, the positive news for Spurs fans is that at the minute they are outside the relegation zone knowing that if they match or better West Ham’s results in the final two games of the season, they will be safe.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side will travel to Chelsea next, a tough fixture despite the Blues struggling in recent weeks with their focus solely on the FA Cup this weekend.

While on the final day of the season, they will host Everton, with the Toffees aiming to be in with a chance of qualifying for Europe next season, so it could be a tough prospect for Spurs.

A potential saving grace for them is that West Ham have two tough fixtures too, as they travel to face Newcastle United next before, on the final day, hosting Leeds at the London Stadium.

Tottenham have been told to terminate one player's loan deal rather than signing him on a permanent basis.

To say that the 2025/26 season for Spurs has been a disaster feels like an understatement.

Less than a year after winning their first trophy in 17 years by beating Manchester United 1-0 in Europa League final, the London club are facing a battle for Premier League survival.

Following the draw with Leeds United, Spurs are 17th in the Premier League table and just two points clear of rivals West Ham United with two games left in the season.

Should Spurs be relegated to the Championship it is widely expected that several players will leave the club in order to stay in the Premier League or to go abroad.

And according to Spurs expert John Wenham, one of the players that should leave the club regardless of the outcome of their relegation battle is young talent James Wilson, who joined the club on loan during the winter transfer window.

Despite interest from Arsenal, Wilson left Scottish side Hearts to to play for Spurs' Under-21 squad in a deal that includes a reported £2.5million buy clause.

And despite scoring four goals in 11 appearances for the U21s, Wenham clearly isn't impressed and thinks he should be sent back to the Scottish club in the summer.

Speaking to Tottenham News, he said: “The one I wonder about is James Wilson.

“This is the kid that came on loan from Hearts, despite the fact Hearts might win the first league title for 60-odd years or whatever it is, and instead has come to play for our under-21s, which I just find strange.

“I know we’ve got this option to buy out, but I probably would send him back, from what I’ve seen.

“We’ve got other strikers that, including Will Lankshear, who’s been out on loan at Oxford doing so well, I’d put above him [Mason Melia and Dane Scarlett], in terms of moving forward as a club.”

Which Spurs players could leave if they are relegated?

Several players look almost certain to be on their way out should Spurs go down at the end of the season, with one believed to have already agreed a deal to leave.

After falling out of favour at the club, it has been reported that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has reached an agreement to return to Italy with Inter Milan at the end of the season.

Alongside him, it is likely that both Dominic Solanke and Rodrigo Bentancur will leave should Spurs go down, with both player's contracts set to expire in the summer.

Meanwhile centre back pair Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero would be expected to leave amid interest in both defenders in recent weeks.

A player who won the Europa League with Spurs last season has since retired at the age of 27 - and now lives a very different life.

Goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman joined the club's academy at the age of 10 and spent his entire professional career in north London.

He only played once for the senior side, coming on as a substitute for Joe Hart during a Europa League group stage match in the 2020/21 season.

But Whiteman was a part of the first-team squad under a host of top-class managers, including Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Ange Postecoglou.

He was registered as part of the Europa League squad last season as a club-trained player, with Spurs having to register four players under that category.

And despite not playing a single minute, the goalkeeper was awarded a winner's medal by the club.

He left Spurs at the end of his contract in June, before retiring from football altogether shortly after turning 27 in October.

The Athletic reported that he had trials in the summer with several clubs in the EFL, and was offered an initial six-month to be the number two goalkeeper at a Championship club but turned it down.

Spurs player starts brand-new full-time career

Whiteman's passions outside of football had already long become apparent to fans, with his film reviews on the popular website Letterboxd gaining him a cult following.

He also began work in creative industries, such as photography, music and acting, alongside his footballing career.

"I guess I always felt a little bit different," he told The Athletic in October 2025 of how he realised he could have a career away from football.

"My team-mates - who I got on well with - called me a hippie. That was their definition.

"But then, when I was 18, I met my ex-girlfriend, who was a model. She was a bit older than me. Her best friend was a director. It just started opening my eyes to what life has to offer.

"So as I was getting a bit older around 18 or 19, I started meeting new people and realising a bit more about myself, and understanding the football bubble, because it's so insular."

Whiteman now works for the production company Somesuch as a director and photographer and, as per his management's official website, is currently taking part in acting classes.

He is also a resident DJ on NTS Radio, a global platform which broadcasts to over 50 countries worldwide from Hackney in east London.

His debut art exhibition, titled 'A Loan', went on display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 1 and will remain there until September 27.

It features photographs and diary entries from his time on loan in Sweden, as well as a 'full-size replica of the lakeside sauna where Whiteman spent so much of his time'.