TBR Football

Guglielmo Vicario has been a revelation for Tottenham since joining last summer, with the Italian establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

The £17m signing from Empoli has been a natural successor for Hugo Lloris between the sticks for Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou making a smart decision in bringing in Vicario as the player to replace a club legend such as the Frenchman.

Although Vicario was slammed by Lee Dixon after this weekend’s North London Derby defeat, the 27-year-old has overall been a success, with Tottenham in good hands between the sticks if the Italian is in the starting XI.

Yet things could quickly change with Inter Milan now starting to show transfer interest.

Vicario tempted by Italy return as Inter Milan eye 2025 swoop

According to Milan Live, Vicario has emerged as a target for Inter Milan as a long-term replacement for Yann Sommer, with the Italian giants putting plans into place on who could replace the Swiss shot-stopper next summer.

As per the report, Vicario is tempted with a return to Italy if an offer from a club like Inter was to be made, with €30m (£25m), potentially enough to convince Tottenham to sell the Italian international to the Serie A giants.

Should Tottenham fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season and Inter once again claim the Scudetto, there’s a real chance that Vicario could make a push to join the Nerazzurri next summer.

And with Inter already putting in the groundwork on a potential deal for Vicario, Tottenham could soon have to make a difficult decision on the future of their starting goalkeeper, who could be hard to replace next year.

Tottenham need to convince Vicario he’s already at the perfect club

Given how attached Italian players are to their homeland and how big a club like Inter are, it’s going to be some mission for Tottenham to convince Vicario that he’s already at the ideal team in Spurs.

Yet football is a funny game where things can change quickly, and Tottenham have Vicario’s destiny in their hands if they can enjoy a successful season where Champions League qualification is secured.

Indeed, it will be quite the task given the current state of play of the Premier League, yet if Vicario is willing to give it his all, a top-four finish is possible for Tottenham, a moment that could keep the Italian in north London.

Despite only being 180 minutes into his Tottenham Hotspur career, there’s already an audible concern about Dominic Solanke’s goalscoring in N17.

Solanke has featured in two games for Tottenham so far this season, facing Leicester City and Arsenal either side of a minor ankle injury.

The 27-year-old became Spurs’ record signing this summer, a forward who is as adept at pressing from the front as he is finishing his chances – the perfect Ange Postecoglou striker.

That being said, after spurring a few chances against both Leicester and Arsenal, the pressure is already beginning to mount on Solanke – whether that’s fair or not.

It’ll therefore be interesting to see whether Postecoglou decides to play Solanke away to Coventry City on Wednesday evening, a game in which he might grab his first goal.

Dominic Solanke told that he’s overthinking his chances at Tottenham

Ian Wright has been discussing Solanke’s frustration in a Spurs shirt thus far on the ‘Wrighty’s House’ podcast, explaining why he believes it’s not quite working right now.

The pundit was sympathetic towards Solanke, but felt as if the striker needed to be more cold in front of goal, saying he was overthinking things.

Wright explained: “When you look at the chances that Ollie Watkins got, I think those are the kind of chances that Dominic Solanke probably needs right now.

“Because every chance I’ve seen him have up to this point, where he’s got to manufacture it so it’s coming, he’s got to get the touch right, he doesn’t get the shot off for some reason, or he’s making the wrong decisions.

“When I saw him against Leicester, you know, he’s got so much time and he’s blasting it straight at the keeper just because he wants to get it done.

“Instead of getting cold in the moment, like Dennis Bergkamp would say, you have to be cold in that moment.

“He would say that to us – you what I mean about going into a place of just like calm, you know what I mean?

Speaking about the big chance that fell Solanke’s way in the derby, Wright then continued: “He had more than enough time to take that ball and on his left foot and get the shot away.

“He didn’t even get the shot away. That’s what worries me with him, I think he’s thinking about it too much.”

Mikey Moore deserves to start against Coventry City

Looking forwards for Spurs, Postecoglou’s side face a trip to Coventry City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening as mentioned.

And as well as considering a start for Solanke, Mikey Moore also deserves his Tottenham chance, and could be one of several youngsters in the line up.

If there’s any way to lift the mood in N17 right now, seeing the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Moore all thriving in the first team would definitely help.

There’s a slightly frosty atmosphere around Postecoglou and his press conferences right now.

But that could all change after a few feel-good wins, which both Postecoglou and Tottenham know how to deliver.

Tottenham Hotspur will be hurting this week.

Ange Postecoglou’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat to fierce rivals Arsenal on the weekend and pressure is now beginning to mount.

Tottenham reside in the bottom half of the Premier League table and a number of players are performing well below their usual standards.

One being Guglielmo Vicario and it’s just come to light what club insiders are now feeling about the Italy international’s current form.

Tottenham accept Vicario has a flaw in his game

According to the Daily Mail, there is an acceptance around the club that Vicario must improve at attacking crosses.

On the weekend, Gabriel headed home inside the six-yard box – which should be the Italian’s territory to claim.

Spurs didn’t see the goalkeeping department as a cause for concern over the summer transfer window and instead focused on strengthening at the top end of the pitch.

That may well change in January if Vicario doesn’t address this obvious flaw in his game, which is starting to be a detriment to the team.

However, the report notes that Spurs don’t have an endless pot of money – indicating that they’re unlikely to sign a Vicario replacement any time soon.

Tottenham were linked to Joan Garcia in the summer

Whilst a goalkeeper wasn’t considered a priority signing in the summer, Tottenham were interested in Joan Garcia.

So evidently, there are some figures at the club who aren’t totally convinced that Vicario is the man going forward.

Garcia has excelled for Espanyol over the last 12 months and it’s thought he has a release clause worth £25m in his contract.

Tottenham endured a rough weekend – but those within Hotspur Way believe Mauricio Pochettino will deliver a positive in 2025.

Spurs are yet to see a return on the pitch from their summer recruitment, with Archie Gray yet to break into the starting XI following his £30m move from Leeds, while the £65m Dominic Solanke is still searching for his first goal.

Now – however – there is a belief at Tottenham that Mauricio Pochettino will help them secure a bargain in 2025…

Tottenham believe Mauricio Pochettino will help Johnny Cardoso improve ahead of proposed move to Spurs

In case you missed it, Tottenham negotiated an option to buy Johnny Cardoso in a £21m deal from Real Betis – when selling Giovani Lo Celso to the Spanish side during the summer.

The United States international is a top prospect, and Spurs smartly moved to secure first dibs on his signature in case another club makes a bid.

Now, Pochettino is in charge of the United States Men’s National Team, and – according to Give Me Sport – Tottenham see the Argentine as the ideal man to help coax the best out of Cardoso, ultimately making that £21m agreement look like a bargain later down the line.

The Real Betis No.4 will spend time working with the man Daniel Levy sacked back in 2019 during international breaks, which does not offer much room for work on the training field, but nonetheless, Tottenham are optimistic that the South American will turn the 22-year-old they have effectively pre-ordered into an even brighter star.

Ange Postecoglou wants Real Betis No.4 to challenge Yves Bissouma

Give Me Sport state that Postecoglou is “relying” on Pochettino to take Cardoso up a gear, as the Australian wants to provide competition for Yves Bissouma.

Bissouma has left Postecoglou angered after his latest bout of ill discipline, so if Pochettino can ensure that the American becomes a Premier League ready midfielder, it could spell the end for the Mali international in N17.

Spurs already have plenty of rivals for the Tottenham No.8 in midfield regardless of what happens with Cardoso, such as the aforementioned Gray, and also Sweden international Lucas Bergvall.

Therefore, if Bissouma does not improve, he may well end up being ousted by Postecoglou whether Cardoso joins or not.

Tottenham Hotspur’s tricky summer window has carried over into their Premier League campaign with just one win from their opening three games.

One positive for Ange Postecoglou is the performances have been there but lapses of concentration in both defence and attack have cost them dearly.

Over their opening three games, Tottenham have only been able to keep one clean sheet and have already seen Micky van de Ven suffer from an injury issue.

However, one defender who has established himself over the years in the Spurs backline is Cristian Romero who comes into the season having won his second Copa America with Argentine.

TBR Football understands Tottenham and Romero set to engage in talks before Christmas over a potential new contract.

Tottenham set to open contract talks with Cristian Romero

Spurs are aware that Real Madrid in market for a defender and one of those on their radar is Romero.

Romero joined Spurs from Atalanta in 2021, initially on-loan before a permanent deal was finalised in 2022 in a deal worth over £40 million.

The Argentine is coming into the new campaign with three years remaining on his current deal which gives Tottenham some time to work before concerns may be raised when his deal reaches its final two years.

And he has made a bright start to the season with a goal in his 100th Tottenham appearance in the victory over Everton last month.

Romero has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top defenders and Spurs are ready to recognise his progress since arriving at the club and TBR is told that they are prepared to offer a ‘significant’ pay rise.

Tottenham need to show Cristian Romero he can win trophies in N17

Spurs are at real risk of suffering from the same issue that saw Harry Kane depart last year for Bayern Munich as he seeks his first club trophy.

Romero has already had a taste of lifting silverware at international level with two Copa Americas and one World Cup under his belt.

The Argentine will want to carry his international success into his club career but he is still awaiting his first trophy with Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur are getting ready to take on Arsenal in the latest edition of the North London derby.

Both Spurs and the Gunners are in tricky situations ahead of the fixture as they failed to win their respective last games before the international break.

In addition, both Tottenham and Arsenal have some personnel issues ahead of the North London derby.

Spurs are sweating on Yves Bissouma’s fitness, while the Gunners could be without three key midfielders.

Both teams have strong front lines who could have a big say in terms of where the points and bragging rights will go.

Much of the attention will be on Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s record signing and the man expected to lead their line.

Spurs paid an initial £55million – with a further £10million in add-ons – to sign Solanke, whose contract at N17 runs until 2030.

Paul Merson has now given his verdict on the England international’s signing, what he expects from him, and what he needs to get used to.

Paul Merson says Dominic Solanke needs to get used to scrutiny for his efforts in front of goal

Merson, writing on Sky Sports, believes Solanke will take Tottenham to “another level” and has backed him to get to 20 goals this season.

However, the Arsenal legend also stressed that the 26-year-old will be under the microscope when it comes to putting chances away, something he’ll need to get used to.

“Dominic Solanke is a good signing and takes Tottenham to another level,” said Merson.

“What he’s got to get used to is if you miss a few good chances then you’re under the microscope.

“With no disrespect, when you’re playing for Bournemouth and you miss three chances, there are no headlines about it. He’ll have to get used to being at a big club and putting his chances away.

“When he starts scoring, I think he could get 20 goals this season whereas Arsenal might be short of a centre-forward. I’m not sure they did enough in the transfer window.”

Solanke has a chance to endear himself to Tottenham fanbase immediately

Solanke had to miss out on Tottenham’s last two games due to injury, while his first game was always going to be a case of finding his feet as he didn’t have a pre-season with Spurs.

Now, he has had more time to get used to Ange Postecoglou’s methods, so he should hopefully hit the ground running.

To impress in the North London derby – perhaps even get a goal or assist – will immediately endear him to his new fanbase.

Tottenham v Arsenal team news

Spurs will hope to have Micky van de Ven back after he missed the Newcastle loss before pulling out of Netherlands duty.

Likewise, Solanke should return, while Richarlison is not expected to be fit and Bissouma is a doubt.

As for Arsenal, Martin Odegaard is a serious doubt with an ankle injury, while Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also sidelined.

Riccardo Calafiori suffered a knock on Italy duty, while Gabriel Jesus has been dealing with a groin problem of late and Declan Rice is suspended.

Tottenham have recruited impressively when it comes to securing talents for the future – and the present.

In the likes of Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr, Spurs have signed some top prospects who can help Ange Postecoglou achieve results now, but also grow into world class footballers in the meantime.

Now, Tottenham have been told they have another talent who is worth over £67m – one who hardly plays for the north Londoners…

George Becali praises Radu Dragusin

George Becali – owner of FC Steaua Bucuresti – has now been speaking about Radu Dragusin in an interview with Fanatik.

The Tottenham No.6 emerged from the youth ranks at Regal Sport Bucuresti before moving to Juventus in 2018.

Speaking about Dragusin, Becali said: “Dragusin is a central defender. He can grow. He can sell for €70m – €80m (£59.1m – £67.6m). He’s young, he’s tall, a central defender. You rarely find this.”

The Romania international is certainly an interesting profile at the age of 22 – having already amassed 23 caps for Romania and 40 appearances in Serie A.

However, Dragusin is yet to assert himself at Tottenham since his £26m move from Genoa in January, making just five Premier League starts under Postecoglou.

In fairness, the Australian has a selection headache when it comes to central defenders, with the aforementioned Van de Ven usually one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers, while Cristian Romero is also one of Europe’s best, meaning the Romanian often misses out.

Despite a lack of starts for the man from Bucharest, Postecoglou has recently heralded Dragusin for his bravery in possession, with Guglielmo Vicario also impressed by his Spurs teammate in training, so he is still doing something right behind the scenes at Hotspur Way.

Still a smart signing by Tottenham

Some Spurs fans might question why £26m was spent on a defender who rarely plays, but it was a necessary – and clever – deal nonetheless.

After Eric Dier moved to Bayern Munich, Postecoglou didn’t actually have another central defender behind Van de Ven and Romero, so another option was needed.

Of course, a cheaper defender could have been signed, but in Dragusin, Spurs secured a top talent who is unlikely to drop below his initial £26m value given his immense potential.

If anything, Dragusin is already more valuable than that, as Becali states – an investment, if you will.

Tottenham spent over £100 million in the summer transfer window, and that appears to have halted their pursuit of one player in particular.

Ange Postecoglou‘s marquee summer signing, Dominic Solanke, has only played one competitive game since joining from Bournemouth for £65 million in the summer.

Solanke is currently facing an anxious wait to see if he’s going to be fit enough to play a big part in the North London derby this weekend.

The Englishman scored 21 goals and assisted four in 42 appearances in all competitions last season, which was enough for Spurs to move to secure his services.

However, it appears as if the £65 million signing has seen Daniel Levy abandon his plans for another striker target moving forward…

Arsenal now get a potential free run at ‘phenomenal’ star as Dominic Solanke rules Tottenham out

Spurs already have the likes of Son Heung-min, Timo Werner and Richarlison, who can operate at the pinnacle of the attack if needed in the absence of Solanke.

However, Spurs’ lack of need for a striker could see Arsenal get a free run at one of the best strikers in world football, according to Give Me Sport.

It’s been claimed that Arsenal are prepared to test Newcastle’s resolve if there are any indications that Alexander Isak is available next year. The Gunners remain keen on completing the deal after showing interest during the summer transfer window.

Spurs will not join their North London rivals in upping the ante in their pursuit. Their decision to turn their attentions towards landing Dominic Solanke has resulted in them no longer wanting a striker.

Is Alexander Isak better than Dominic Solanke?

Dominic Solanke is two years older than Isak, with the pair 26 and 24 respectively.

Last season, Isak was Newcastle’s main man with 25 goals in 40 games, which narrowly beats Solanke’s tally.

However, it’s not guaranteed that the striker will even leave Newcastle as he’s currently locked in transfer talks, and Isak demands a release clause be inserted into the deal.

Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a productive summer transfer window.

The North Londoners outlaid £124m on five new signings, including the statement arrival of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

Tottenham also raised a healthy £46m in player sales and remarkably, one of their fringe player who was offloaded now has a substantial release clause in his contract at his new club.

Giovani Lo Celso has release clause worth over £50m

Giovani Lo Celso left Tottenham on a permanent deal in the summer, returning to his former club Real Betis for a fee of around £8.4m.

The Argentina international was a fringe player under Ange Postecolgou last term, starting just four Premier League games.

Now, at Betis, it’s just emerged that he has a release clause in his contract worth in excess of £50m, which is pretty staggering.

That’s according to ABC Sevilla, who claim it’s a deliberate tactic to fend off interest from the Saudi Pro League.

It also amplifies how desperate Lo Celso was to return to Betis – accepting such a high release clause that’ll put off nearly every suitor.

Tottenham may regret Giovani Lo Celso sale

For whatever reason, Lo Celso never really showed his true potential at Tottenham across his five-year stint.

Though, on the international stage with Argentina, he consistently delievers and looks like a top-level midfielder.

Perhaps he’ll find that level with Betis and that could see Spurs regret their decision to sell him, especially for such a low fee.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to compete in the Europa League this season, a much-welcome return to European action after missing out in 2023/24.

However, one decision made by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou relating to the competition has caused some controversy.

The decision in question is that Tottenham defender Djed Spence is not in the Europa League squad for the group stage, despite his impressive pre-season.

In addition, Spurs’ Europa League selection only has 23 players instead of the 25-man limit.

This is because of the rules around Europa League squads, which stipulate that a 25-man squad must have four homegrown players.

Alasdair Gold, speaking on the Gold & Guest podcast, has now discussed the “ridiculous” situation which has led Tottenham to this point.

Alasdair Gold not impressed with Tottenham’s lack of homegrown players

Gold noted how Spurs’ “poor squad management” has led to them not having enough homegrown players to compose a full Europa League squad.

In the Premier League, a player under the age of 21 does not have to be in the registered squad.

However, UEFA rules say Under-21 players must have been at the club for at least two years to qualify.

Spence does not fall into that category and as a result was omitted from the squad as Ange Postecoglou went for Fraser Forster instead.

In addition, Tottenham only have Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman as homegrown players, and both are goalkeepers.

Gold said: “Spurs stuffing themselves completely by poor squad management, really, over the years of just not having any now outfield senior club-trained players in their squad, which is a ridiculous situation to get yourself in.”

Later on, Gold said: “Jose Mourinho pointed out a few years back, didn’t he? He said there was this gap in the players coming through from the academy.

“He was looking down at that point. It was to the likes of Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett back then who were like, I think they were both sixteen at the time.

“He was saying there was no little kind of middle section coming through. And he’s been proved absolutely right because no one’s come through to fill that void.”

Tottenham’s Europa League group-stage squad

Goalkeepers

Guglielmo Vicario

Fraser Forster

Brandon Austin

Alfie Whiteman

Defenders

Radu Dragusin

Destiny Udogie

Cristian Romero

Pedro Porro

Ben Davies

Micky van de Ven

Midfielders

Son Heung-Min

Yves Bissouma

James Maddison

Archie Gray

Lucas Bergvall

Dejan Kulusevski

Brennan Johnson

Wilson Odobert

Pape Sarr

Rodrigo Bentancur

Forwards

Richarlison

Timo Werner

Dominic Solanke

Who do Tottenham play first in the Europa League?

Spurs will host Azeri club Qarabag FK at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday 26 September, 8pm kick-off.

Postecoglou’s charges have three games – in two different competitions – before they get under way in European club action.

They host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday 15 September, then head to Coventry City in the League Cup on Wednesday 18 September, and then host Brentford in the league on Saturday 21 September.