The Spurs Web

UEFA have this evening confirmed the details surrounding the fixtures of Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Europa League group stage campaign.

Spurs are back in the Europa League for the first time since 2020-21 after missing out on Europe completely prior to Ange Postecoglou’s appointment.

The North Londoners learned of their opponents during yesterday’s draw which was held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

All 36 teams were manually drawn using physical balls and then a designated automated software was randomly draw eight opponents from Pots 1 to 4.

The traditional group stage has been replaced by a new opening league phase, with 36 teams playing eight matches – four at home and four away – with the top eight progressing directly through to the last 16 and the clubs that finish between ninth and 24th facing a two-legged knockout play-off round in the New Year. The teams that finish 25th or below will be eliminated from European competition altogether.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham’s Europa League Group Stage Schedule

Thu 26 Sep – Qarabağ (H) – 8pm UK

Thu 3 Oct – Ferencváros (A) – 5.45pm UK

Thu 24 Oct – AZ Alkmaar (H) – 8pm UK

Thu 7 Nov – Galatasaray (A) – 5.45pm UK

Thu 28 Nov – Roma (H) – 8pm UK

Thu 12 Dec – Rangers (A) – 8pm UK

Thu 23 Jan – Hoffenheim (A) – 5.45pm UK

Thu 30 Jan – Elfsborg (H) – 8pm UK

This year’s final will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.

The winners gain a place in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, if they have not qualified via their domestic competition. They will also earn the right to play against the winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.

Birmingham City are believed to have seen a loan move for Alfie Devine collapse with a new update suggesting there remains plenty of interest in the midfielder who could still make a late move.

Devine’s move for Birmingham has fallen through

Last summer, Tottenham sent Alfie Devine on his first loan move since joining the club as a 15-year-old from Wigan Athletic. The promising midfielder performed so impressively at Port Vale that Spurs subsequently handed Devine a January loan move to Plymouth Argyle.

Devine made brief cameos in pre-season for Spurs, displaying flashes of the talent that was expected to earn him a loan to Birmingham City.

However, Football Insider reported on the morning of deadline day that Alfie Devine’s proposed loan deal to Birmingham City, managed by former Tottenham assistant coach, Chris Davies, had fallen through.

A loan move for Devine could still happen

Despite Devine’s loan deal to Birmingham collapsing on the final day of the window, Alasdair Gold on X has revealed that the highly-rated 20-year-old could still depart on loan with various sides interested.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Gold explained that Tottenham initially told clubs that the plan was to keep Devine at the club this season, but that stance was changed earlier this month with a number of sides in Germany and across Europe believed to hold an interest in Tottenham’s young star.

Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and Parma were just a handful of the sides revealed by Alasdair Gold to be chasing a loan deal for Devine, although time is ticking with the transfer window shutting in less than twenty-four hours.

Spurs Web opinion

A loan deal for Devine should ideally be sorted after the midfielder proved last season that he is more than capable of performing in senior football after many years of impressing in Tottenham’s youth sides.

The key thing to any loan deal should be whether or not Devine will be given at least a chance with no Spurs fan wanting to see a mirror of Alejo Veliz’s disastrous loan to Sevilla last season where the Argentinian was hardly given a chance, even off the bench.

Devine thrived on loan last season

Alfie Devine joined Tottenham Hotspur from Wigan Athletic in 2020 at just 15 years old, immediately impressing for the club’s youth teams, earning a professional deal in 2021. He was then rewarded with an improved contract that runs until 2027 just a year later. (The Athletic)

Tottenham handed the promising midfielder his first loan last summer, sending Devine to Port Vale in League One, where the former Wigan Academy star shone so brightly that Spurs accelerated his development by loaning him to Plymouth Argyle in January.

Devine’s loan with Argyle was a mixed bag, helping the Pilgrims retain their Championship status alongside fellow Spurs academy star, Ashley Phillips, although the 20-year-old midfielder also faced a period on the bench.

Birmingham City were set to sign Devine on loan

Birmingham City, managed by former Tottenham assistant manager, Chris Davies, were set to sign Alfie Devine on loan however a move has fallen through according to Football Insider.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Championship side, Sheffield Wednesday were previously reported to hold an interest in bringing in Devine on loan this summer (Sheffield Star).

However, it appeared that League One Birmingham City had won the race for the highly-rated Tottenham youngster.

Devine’s immediate future is still in the balance after a failed move to Birmingham City with Football Insider’s report detailing that the Blues deal for Devine collapsing has alerted other interested sides of the 20-year-old’s surprise availability.

Spurs Web opinion

Devine proved last season both at Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle that he is clearly equipped to compete at a respectable level of senior football, with the latest update of his Birmingham City deal falling through a real blow.

Birmingham City, should they have promised Devine a good level of game time, would have been ideal for Devine with the Blues’ manager, Chris Davies, more than familiar with Devine from his time working with the youngster at Hotspur Way before his loans last season.

Tottenham must now prioritise organising a new loan deal for Devine with many clubs likely to be interested in the England youth international.

Sergio Reguilon almost certainly has no future at Tottenham Hotspur now, but an approach to loan the full-back was rejected by Spurs earlier in the summer transfer window.

Lille loan rejected by Spurs

The Spaniard has spent the last two seasons on loan away from Spurs, spending time with Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and more recently, Brentford.

Reguilon was not included in Ange Postecoglou‘s pre-season squad and has been looking for a switch away from the club all summer.

Now, it has emerged via Fabrizio Romano that Lille tried to sign Reguilon on loan but were unable to come to an agreement with Spurs, and have now moved on to another target.

Romano tweeted: “Lille agree on deal with Atalanta to sign Mitchel Bakker as new left back on loan. Understand Lille were in advanced talks for Sergio Reguilón but Spurs rejected their loan proposal.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Reguilon needs to leave

Whether it was the nature of the deal or the idea of the loan itself that put Spurs off is unknown. A report from Football Insider suggested the Lilywhites were open to loan offers if they couldn’t agree a permanent deal for Reguilon this month.

He and Giovani Lo Celso are the two remaining players in the Spurs squad that are destined for a move. Both are into the final year of their respective contracts.

Reguilon has also attracted interest from Barcelona (Sport via Sport Witness) and a number of top Turkish clubs (A Spor).

Spurs Web Opinion

I would imagine it was simply that the proposal from Lille was not the right one.

Most likely, Tottenham are looking for some kind of obligation or suitable fee to make the temporary switch more beneficial for us, as we are just going to lose Reguilon on a free next summer otherwise.

Tottenham Hotspur may have bagged Wilson Odobert to add to their options on the wings this summer, but it is believed another attacking player rejected the Lilywhites as they preferred a switch to another Premier League side instead.

Chiesa set for Liverpool

Federico Chiesa has officially signed for Liverpool and it is thought the winger will join the Anfield outfit in a £10m deal, with a further £2.5m worth of add-ons (Guardian).

Spurs had been linked quite heavily with Chiesa earlier in the window, though it is unclear whether an approach was ever made by the North London club.

If an approach was made, according to TBR Football, then Chiesa was not interested. Turns out, the Juventus man had rebuffed interest from Spurs, Arsenal, and Chelsea, with his heart set on Liverpool all along.

Apparently, Chiesa’s representatives spoke to multiple Premier League clubs, and Barcelona, too, in order to find him a new team. However, after speaking to Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, Chiesa had made up his mind.

It remains to be seen whether Chiesa can remain fit and fight his way into Arne Slot’s starting lineup in order to make this move a success.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Were Spurs actually interested?

There were many conflicting reports on Chiesa over the summer. While word from Italy suggested Spurs were close to agreeing a £25-30m deal (SportMediaSet via CalcioNapoli24), reports from closer to home debunked this.

According to Football.London, those associated with Tottenham were confused by rumours linking them to Chiesa as there was ‘no truth’ to the speculation.

Spurs Web Opinion

I do think getting someone like Chiesa for £10m is a brilliant deal, but only if he can get back to his best and stay fit. With his injury record, it was likely too much of a risk for Spurs to go for, and I’m just hoping we don’t regret it.

The Football Supporters Association, the official body which represents supporters across the English game, has condemned Daniel Levy’s decision to pay himself a bonus while increasing ticket prices.

Ticket prices are getting too high in England

The FSA have revealed a statement condemning the ticket price increases across the Premier League, pointing out that loyal fans are increasingly being priced out of the game.

The body points to the fact that the matchday revenue clubs earn pales in comparison to the £10 billion Premier League TV deal.

They thus question why clubs are intent on increasing ticket prices, which barely make a dent in their revenue, and have called on all teams to stop using PSR as an excuse to justify their actions.

Daniel Levy paid himself a bonus

It was reported by The Daily Mail back in April that Levy handed himself a £3m bonus in addition to the £3.6m salary that he already earns.

MORE SPURS STORIES

This is pointed out by the FSA, who question how the Tottenham chairman can decide to pay himself a bonus while asking fans to cough up more for their tickets.

They wrote: ‘Spurs’ 6% price hike and reduction of senior concessions came as Daniel Levy paid himself a £3m bonus. Ker-ching!’

Spurs Web Opinion

While the FSA makes a fair point about fans being priced out due to increasing costs, it is ridiculous for them to suggest that matchday revenue does not make a difference to the bottom lines of these clubs.

It is worth remembering that Tottenham and many other clubs across the Premier League regularly post massive operating losses.

The criticism of Levy, who apart from being chairman, is also a co-owner, for paying himself a £3m bonus is frankly quite ridiculous.

According to Football Insider, clubs from the Premier League have been exploring a potential move to sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham.

Spurs need to sell Lo Celso and Reguilon soon

Tottenham are in a race against time to offload Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso, with a little over 24 hours left until the transfer window slams shut.

It is still unclear where either player will head but it did emerge this morning that the Spaniard has a few options to choose from.

This claim was made by Fabrizio Romano, who stated on social media that Reguilon is currently holding talks with several clubs before deciding the best option.

Premier League clubs have looked at Reguilon

It has now been revealed by Football Insider that clubs from the Premier League and La Liga have contacted Spurs to enquire about a deal for the left-back this summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The report does not reveal whether these mystery Premier League clubs remain interested in Reguilon with just two days of the transfer window remaining.

The Spaniard impressed during loan spells at Man United and Brentford last season, but it remains to be seen where he will be playing his football for the 2024/25 campaign.

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham have been quite proactive in getting players out of the door this summer and I do not think the club can be blamed in the case of Reguilon.

The left-back likely waited to see what kind of options opened up for him in the latter stages of the window.

Some Nike kits look a little different this season, including Tottenham Hotspur’s new green third kit. Here’s why the subtle yet significant change has been made.

The women’s game is on the rise

Spurs fans enjoying the launch of the club’s new third kit this week will have noticed something unusual about the Nike tick (or swoosh). That’s right, it’s been rotated counter-clockwise at a 90-degree angle, and there are now two ticks.

The second tick is green, just like the kit, so it’s not that noticeable immediately, but it’s there. Many fans have been wondering why the brand made this change, which is also at play across a number of other team’s third kits, such as Chelsea and Liverpool.

Turns out, the change is all linked to the women’s game, and the incredible rise in popularity for that side of football over the past few years.

Commenting on the new vertical swoosh, Nike said on Instagram: “Unveiling The 2024/25 Club third kit collection, Together We Rise, built to celebrate the women’s game from grassroots to greatness. Intentional vertical swoosh to show the upwards rise, togetherness and acceleration of women’s football.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

The reaction to the Nike tick

Despite the positive message behind this creative choice, it is safe to say the reactions online have not been kind to Nike.

Many fans have been confused about the change, while others have described it as “weird” and have criticised the way it actually looks.

However, one Liverpool fan did say: “Now that I know what the tick represents, Nike smashed all our kits this season.” Another X user said: “I actually really like the Nike tick that way, even more knowing why they’ve done it.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Admittedly, the swoosh being like that does look really odd. I love the sentiment behind it, but purely from an aesthetic point of view, it’s the least appealing element of that new Spurs kit, which is actually really nice otherwise.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Sergio Reguilon is currently in talks over sealing a permanent exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

It’s time for Reguilon to leave Tottenham

The writing seems on the wall for Reguilon, who is now into the final year of his contract at Tottenham and is evidently not part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

The left-back, who arrived from Real Madrid back in 2020, has been linked with a return to Spain, with several reports over recent weeks suggesting that Barcelona are eyeing a late move for him (Sport via Sport Witness).

The 27-year-old has also been linked with a return to Manchester United after spending the first half of last season on loan at Old Trafford (The United Stand) while reports also continue to link the Spain international with a move to Turkey (A Spor).

Reguilon is in talks over Tottenham exit

It is unclear where Reguilon will end up but Romano has now confirmed on social media that the defender will follow Giovani Lo Celso out of the exit door before Friday’s deadline.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The journalist explained that the Spurs full-back is speaking to various clubs before deciding on his next destination.

Spurs Web Opinion

My suspicion is that Reguilon will likely end up at a mid-table La Liga side.

The left-back will be prioritising game time at his next club, which is why he might not be too keen on a move to Man Utd or Barcelona.

A number of promising youngsters in the Tottenham Hotspur academy have sealed important loan moves this summer, and as the transfer window nears its end, another exciting talent is heading off to gain first-team experience.

Abbott off to Notts County

The Spurs academy team had a wonderful season last time out, topping the Premier League 2 table and winning the play-offs, with many in the squad impressing enough to get attention from the senior side.

We’ve already seen Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley step up to the first-team, while Will Lankshear and Tyrese Hall were involved in pre-season, too.

However, it is Under-21 captain, George Abbott, who looks set to secure an exciting loan move for the 2024/25 season.

The news comes from Alasdair Gold on X, who posted: “Understand George Abbott is set to join League Two side Notts County on loan. Good move for the versatile 19-year-old Spurs academy player who made his Premier League debut a couple of seasons ago.”

Now, we wait for confirmation of the switch. There is still a chance another club could swoop and take over the deal, but either way, it looks certain that Abbott will be off on loan this season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs youngsters take big steps this season

Abbott would become the latest in a long line of Spurs youth players who could be making big strides in their careers this season.

Jamie Donley is now plying his trade with Leyton Orient in League One, while Ashley Phillips and Dane Scarlett are in the Championship with Stoke and Oxford United, respectively.

Alejo Veliz is further afield, playing for La Liga side Espanyol this season.

Spurs Web Opinion

This would be a fantastic move for Abbott. You’d have to think he would be playing pretty much week in, week out at League Two level. I don’t know if he will ever make it for Spurs, but he should at least be able to forge a decent career in the Championship at least.