TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer window is now just a matter of days from coming to a conclusion.

It has certainly been a mixed summer for Ange Postecoglou who has seen more than 10 players depart Tottenham over recent months.

When it comes to arrivals, Spurs have been able to acquire five signings but there are some caveats to those additions.

Timo Werner has returned on another loan and Yang Min-hyeok will not land in north London until January.

But with Friday’s deadline quickly approaching, there are still some areas which have not been addressed over the course of the window.

Spurs have seen some positive early signs from youngster Archie Gray which could potentially be replicated with a late move from Johan Lange.

Tottenham have already scouted £20m midfielder

There is still room for more departures from N17 with Tottenham open to allowing Giovani Lo Celso to find a new club.

This comes following the recent sale of Oliver Skipp to Leicester City which has opened up a spot in the squad for another potential midfield addition.

One player who Tottenham have already scouted is Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney who is valued at £20m.

This is a midfielder who has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ from his time under Michael Carrick on Teesside in the Championship.

Although signing another player from the second tier may not exactly excite the fans, Spurs are showing their scouting of the Championship can work.

Archie Gray is already impressing those behind the scenes at Tottenham having arrived from Leeds United earlier this summer.

And it finally looks like Djed Spence is flourishing at Tottenham with Postecoglou having sang his praise over the pre-season.

Hayden Hackney could complete Tottenham’s midfield

Hackney is proving his worth in the Championship with Boro and looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

Despite playing in a deep midfield role, Hackney has shown his ability to create with his passing stats leaving a lot to be impressed about.

Stats via FBRef.

And it has seen some big praise come from his manager and former Spurs player Carrick earlier in the year.

“You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden,” Carrick told the media.

“He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.

“To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that.”

Tottenham Hotspur fans will no doubt be hoping for another surprise name to pop through the door before the transfer window slams shut.

Most of Tottenham’s summer business has come out of the blue in the form of Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke, so you can never rule out another surprise.

Ange Postecoglou’s policy is clearly to bring in younger players with potential, like your Archie Grays, Lucas Bergvalls and Odoberts to build for a bright and sustainable future.

This provides the perfect blend with the experienced heads of Son Heung-min, Fraser Forster and Ben Davies primed and ready to nurture the younger guys and help them develop.

However, it appears as if Spurs are preparing to offload some of their deadweight for the remainder of the window, which is something Alasdair Gold echoed…

Alasdair Gold details Tottenham’s ‘main focus’ for the remainder of the transfer window

The good things about Spurs doing the majority of their business early is that they can now focus on the lesser things like departures, rather than rushing around for players they desperately need.

Giovani Lo Celso is now pushing for an exit after Oliver Skipp’s departure, while Sergio Reguilon is the subject of a bid from Besiktas.

And, Alasdair Gold sees this pattern continuing for the remainder of the window, as he stated on his YouTube Channel.

“I still think Spurs will look at opportunities that arise. I think the main focus is still getting players out of the squad, the last remaining few.”

Who else could be on their way out of Tottenham?

Alfie Devine had a really good pre-season away with Spurs but he’s unlikely to get a chance this season, and Mikey Moore is another who showed glimpses of brilliance.

Jamie Donley and Ashley Phillips are expect to leave on loan too, which makes perfect sense for their progression.

Lo Celso and Reguilon have never really nailed down permanent spots in sides in seasons gone by, which had led to numerous loan moves and sparse appearances.

So, if there aren’t any more signings this summer at least it’ll be a positive if the Lilywhites can get two players who are on a combined £123,000 per week off the wage bill.

Tottenham Hotspur have spent heavily already this summer, but there could still be one more surprise up their sleeve as the deadline approaches.

Ange Postecoglou has been a busy man behind the scenes in north London since the transfer window opened, having already welcomed five players to Tottenham.

And, it looks as if their attention has switched to looking at potential outgoings, as Spurs are looking to move on two senior players before the deadline.

However, Spurs fans may just get an unexpected surprise if Alasdair Gold’s transfer claim is anything to go by…

Alasdair Gold teases potential late Tottenham transfer

Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that Spurs will be focused on outgoings for the remainder of the window, and while that isn’t wrong, there still appears to be the potential for one more signing.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Alasdair Gold stated.

“I just still feel that they’ll scour for some. If any of the players on their original list are available, also anyone that they had on their list that they thought would not be on the market, suddenly comes on the market.”

One player who Spurs have had an interest in is Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, though they’ve been told they’ll need to stump up silly money to sign him.

Where do Tottenham potentially need to strengthen?

Left-back is a position that Spurs could potentially look to bolster if something arises in the final days of the window, with Ben Davies seemingly now being used as a centre-back option.

Djed Spence was brought on to replace Destiny Udogie against Everton last time out, and with Sergio Reguilon the subject of a late bid from Besiktas, the Lilywhites could be left with just one recognised left-back.

If we really had to say another position then a striker on a potential loan could be one to watch. Dominic Solanke has already picked up an injury since joining Spurs, which leaves Richarlison and Son heung-Min as the only other two options, and they’re not natural target men.

Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou looks to have his side pretty stocked in most positions in his eyes, with versatile players like Archie Gray, Ben Davies and Dejan Kulusevski able to play in multiple different positions.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window so far.

The North Londoners have placed great emphasis on recruiting young talent with the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert all joining Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Teenage attacker Yang Min-hyuk is due to link up with the team in Janaury after completing a switch from Gangwon FC earlier in the window.

Though, they could still make a game-changing deal before the deadline on Friday for just £13m…

Tottenham Hotspur should sign Federico Chiesa

Tottenham Hotspur were in talks to sign Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa earlier in the summer transfer window.

For whatever reason, that deal has since gone quiet but with the Italy international still available, Spurs should make a move to bring him in.

Juventus manager Thiago Motta has excluded him from the first-team and he’s thought to be available for just £13m due to his contract situation.

Chiesa has just one year left on his deal, so the Italian giants are willing to sanction his sale for a cut price fee.

Having signed a number of talented teenagers, Tottenham could certainly do with his experience at the highest level.

Arsenal and Chelsea interested in Chiesa

Chiesa is attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, so it won’t be a straightforward deal to do for Tottenham.

Barcelona were thought to be on the verge of signing him earlier this week but that deal has gone cold.

Chiesa, who’s been labelled ‘world class’ per Sports View, is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League, so Spurs aren’t expected to have any issues in convincing him to join.

A telling few days lie ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur were absolutely outstanding against Everton in their second game of the season.

Spurs were desperate to pick up all three points after being held to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the new Premier League campaign.

Ange Postecoglou made a few changes, and Tottenham produced a fantastic performance. They scored four past the Toffees in what was a truly dominant display.

Deeney was really impressed with many Spurs players, but one of them stood out for him. He has raved about him on BBC Sport.

Troy Deeney delivers verdict on Heung-min Son’s performance in Tottenham vs Everton

Heung-min Son is Tottenham’s best player.

The South Korean has been immense for Spurs for many years now, but ever since Harry Kane left the club, he has taken his game to another level.

Son was Tottenham’s top scorer in the 2023/24 season, and there’s every chance he will be on top again this time around.

Against Everton on Saturday, Son was on fire. He scored a brilliant brace to help his side pick up a 2-0 win against Sean Dyche’s men.

Deeney, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals, has included Son in his Team of the Week.

The former Watford star even claimed that the Korean was the best player on the pitch by a mile – ahead of all of his teammates.

He said: “Best player on the pitch by a mile. He started through the middle and moved out to the left, got a couple of goals.

“He was a constant threat and looks to be enjoying the challenge of being that main man and replacing all the goals from Harry Kane.”

Son’s best position

Son is 32 already, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The £22 million (Guardian) Korean has mostly played as a left winger over the years, but he has been given more opportunities up top since Kane’s departure.

Son has done brilliantly as a centre-forward, but we still think the former Bayer Leverkusen man’s best position is as a left-winger.

Playing out wide allows Son to cut inside into a more central position and have a positive impact, which, in our opinion, is his biggest strength.

We think Postecoglou agrees that Son’s best position is on the left, which is why he has brought in Dominic Solanke.

The Englishman, once he returns from his injury, will lead Spurs’ line again, and Son will move back to the left flank, which is his best position.

Tottenham Hotspur have got their season up and running over the weekend after putting a convincing three points on the board.

Ange Postecoglou‘s side were able to put any concerns following their opening day draw to Leicester City to one side with an emphatic win over Everton.

Next up for Tottenham is a trip to Tyneside which has not fared them well in recent seasons but there is, of course, the transfer deadline before then.

Spurs have been busy in this summer’s window but the large majority of their business done has focused on player departures.

Daniel Levy and Johan Lange have been able to dramatically cut down the size of the squad with players like Emerson Royal being sold to AC Milan.

But there is still time for Tottenham to add one more player before the end of play on Friday evening.

Tottenham looking to address key position in the transfer window

The latest arrival to land in north London has been Wilson Odobert who seriously impressed James Maddison on his Tottenham debut over the weekend.

However, there could still be room for further additions to arrive with Spurs having focused largely on bringing in young prospects.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has now claimed there is one position which is still slightly concerning those within the club.

Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs, Bridge has said those at Spurs have said a new backup goalkeeper is of interest.

“Goalkeeper area is an issue. I’m told it’s not a pressing issue, at the moment,” said Bridge.

“Personally. I would like to see more competition for Vicario. When I asked, it is an area which they will be looking at. Whether that gets addressed now or January… I’m leaning more towards January.”

Tottenham need competition for Guglielmo Vicario

Last season, Guglielmo Vicario played every single game in Tottenham’s season with the Italy international making an immediate impact at the club.

However, there have been some concerning moments from the goalkeeper over pre-season with a goal in each of the friendlies against Bayern Munich gifted by Vicario.

Of course, if he is going to make a mistake fans would wish for it to come in the pre-season friendlies.

However, it could well be suggested that the lack of competition may have Vicario sitting comfortably in his spot between the sticks.

If Spurs can add a goalkeeper who can keep Vicario on his toes regarding his spot as the starting goalkeeper then perhaps the Italian’s game will continue to develop after an impressive first season.

Tottenham Hotspur will be bouncing into their next game following what was a really impressive win over Everton.

Any concerns that lingered from the draw on Monday against Leicester City will have been forgotten by Ange Postecoglou with Tottenham looking mightily impressive.

The Lilywhites were clinical against the Toffees with Spurs taking a two-goal lead within the opening 25 minutes of the game.

Tottenham have put themselves among the top four following their victory on Saturday as they now prepare for a trip north to face Newcastle United.

It would be difficult to narrow down one standout player from the game in north London but it was apparent James Maddison was impressed by one, in particular.

James Maddison shares his verdict on Wilson Odobert’s Tottenham debut

Spurs have operated carefully in this summer’s transfer market with Postecoglou only bringing in players he really feels are suited to the club.

Tottenham’s business in the summer transfer window may now be completed following their fifth addition of the market.

Wilson Odobert was the latest Spurs signing made and he was handed his debut at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Blues.

The French winger was unavailable for the game on Monday night against the Foxes as he was awaiting his work permit to return.

However, he was ready to go on Saturday and Postecoglou wasted no time in bringing him straight into the starting XI.

Following the game, Odobert posted on his Instagram account where he said: ‘What a feeling to make my debut at home with a big win thank you all for your support we keep going.’

With the Spurs youngster impressing on his debut, vice-captain Maddison took to the comments to share his thoughts on Odobert’s display: ‘Sharp,’ replied the Spurs midfielder.

Ange Postecoglou says Maddison and Odobert have formed a strong partnership

Maddison has struggled over the large majority of this year to find his absolute best form in a Spurs shirt.

However, he has had a full summer of rest to come back for the 2024/25 campaign full recharged after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

But it seems as if the addition of the £25m Odobert could well be a signing which could help to bring the best out of Maddison this season.

Postecoglou has already said he was impressed by the synergy Maddison and Odobert showed in their first game together on Saturday.

“He [Maddison] had a really good synergy with Wilson early on, they worked really well together. And then he made some great runs,” Postecoglou said.

There were a lot of things to like about Tottenham Hotspur’s victory on Saturday afternoon in their first home game of the season.

After a wasteful display against Leicester City on Monday night, Tottenham really turned the screw against Everton in N17.

Ange Postecoglou was left delighted with the showing from his side which has put them up into the top four ahead of their trip to Tyneside next weekend.

It would be difficult to pinpoint one specific Man of the Match for Tottenham with a number of their players putting a solid shift in.

But there was one impressive showing with Heung-min Son waxing lyrical about Wilson Odobert on his Tottenham debut.

And the Spurs boss has already admitted one of his players is forming a good partnership with the new Tottenham winger.

Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham player has formed Wilson Odobert partnership

Tottenham’s transfer business has not been overly extravagant this summer despite the £65m signing of Dominic Solanke.

Chelsea were able to beat Tottenham to the signing of Pedro Neto this summer which led the Lilywhites to signing Odobert instead.

However, the 19-year-old enjoyed a strong debut which showed a lot of promise to the on watching Tottenham fans in the crowd.

And it seems as if the young winger may also have just brought the best out of James Maddison with Postecoglou singing the midfielder’s praise after the game.

“Yeah, I thought Madders was really good and again, really disciplined. It’s not an easy game when you play against a team like Everton because you know there’s not gonna be a hell of a lot of space in the front third,” Postecoglou told football.london.

“But you’ve also got to work defensively for second balls. I thought he was really good at doing that for us. He kind of mopped up a few times when they’ve gone long and, and kept the ball for us.

“He had a really good synergy with Wilson early on, they worked really well together. And then he made some great runs.”

James Maddison has made a strong start to the 2024/25 season

After a strange 2023/24 campaign, the £40m Maddison was coming into the new season on the back of his England squad omission.

Maddison certainly has something to prove after he was unable to rediscover his best form following his ankle injury last term.

However, the Spurs midfielder has made a strong start to the new campaign with an assist in Monday’s opener against Leicester.

And he also added another assist on Saturday, here is a rundown of his display…

Although Maddison may be hoping for Solanke to make a quick recovery, it seems as if he is already showing positive signs inside the opening two games.

Tottenham Hotspur fans got their first glimpse of Wilson Odobert in action for their club on Saturday as Ange Postecoglou handed the surprise summer signing his debut in the win over Everton.

Spurs secured their first victory of the campaign with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of the Toffees at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Heung-min Son scoring twice while Yves Bissouma and Cristian Romero also got on the scoresheet.

Tottenham caught many off-guard by signing Wilson Odobert during the transfer window, with very few links surrounding the deal before it was all but completed. And it may have surprised some when Ange Postecoglou decided to hand him a full debut against Sean Dyche’s side on Saturday.

Odobert was never afraid to run at players and saw plenty of the ball on his Tottenham bow. He was taken off midway through the second-half, with Richarlison replacing the 19-year-old. But it seems that he managed to impress.

Wilson Odobert makes Tottenham debut in emphatic win over Everton

Speaking on Sky Sports (broadcast on 24/8; 17:34), Michael Dawson issued his verdict on Odobert’s performance, and made an exciting prediction.

“Wilson Odobert coming in for his first start for Spurs since signing from Burnley, very, very positive. I think he will be really good. The way he drives, the way he attacks the full-backs, good performance,” he said.

The statistics which will really please Ange Postecoglou as youngster makes Spurs bow

A couple of statistics from the game may well really please Postecoglou when it comes to Odobert’s performance, particularly as he is still finding his feet in North London and is going to need some time to fully adapt to his new surroundings.

As shown by Whoscored, Odobert completed 31 accurate passes during his time on the pitch – that is more than Heung-min Son, Brennan Johnson or Dejan Kulusevski. Son and Johnson saw out the full 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, Odobert also completed three challenges. Cristian Romero was the only Tottenham player to make more, with the co-vice-captain managing to make six against the Toffees.

Of course, he is likely to be judged by the impact he makes in the final third in the years to come, but it is encouraging that he is already working extremely hard for the team when you consider what Postecoglou often wants his players to do.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign having picked up four points from a possible six.

Monday night’s opener certainly was not a straightforward one but Saturday’s win over Everton got the Lilywhites back on track.

Ange Postecoglou‘s side were able to win in emphatic fashion in north London as they really put down a marker for where they are at following a positive summer.

Tottenham have not been overly busy in the market when it comes to player arrivals with their business done so far perhaps best described as selective.

Ironically, it is Spurs who have made the biggest move of the summer having brought in Dominic Solanke for around £65m.

And Daniel Levy is looking for outside investment so Spurs can continue their growth with big money signings like this over the coming years.

Saudi-backed investor wants £650m slice of Tottenham

Earlier in the summer, Levy revealed that Spurs were in conversation with a number of parties over potential investment into the club.

One of the names to crop up was the former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley who was said to be keen on investing in Tottenham.

And it seems as if she may just have been working behind the scenes in recent weeks to put together some financial backing to fund her bid for the north London side.

According to The Sun, Staveley is now looking for a 25% stake in Tottenham which would cost in the region of £650m.

Having brokered the deal for Newcastle’s takeover back in 2021, Staveley’s connections in the Middle East remain strong with ‘serious money’ said to be backing her.

The 51-year-old is said to be ready to step up her bid to buy into Tottenham before eventually looking to purchase a bigger stake in the Lilywhites.

What Amanda Staveley recently said about investing in Tottenham

Having now departed her role at St James’ Park, Staveley is free to invest in whatever club she would like to.

And it seems as if that is something in which the 51-year-old is keen to do having spent around three years on Tyneside overseeing Newcastle’s progression.

When asked earlier in the summer if she could potentially invest into Tottenham, Staveley admitted it was a possibility.

“Not much, I’m afraid. My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn’t always work out exactly how you want it to,” she replied when asked on talks with with Rothschild & Co.

“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We’re hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football. Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that’s difficult. But it’s possible.”