TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has been putting his players through their paces ahead of the new season.

Spurs have enjoyed a decent summer both in terms of transfer activity and how the team has fared in pre-season friendlies.

Tottenham have made some shrewd additions to their squad, signing Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke.

In addition, Spurs have re-signed Timo Werner on loan, Lucas Bergvall has arrived at N17, and Yang Min-hyuk has signed for the Lilywhites.

Although Tottenham lost both of their friendlies against Bayern Munich, they were victorious in all of their other pre-season games.

Spurs were also boosted by how some of their academy stars fared over the summer, with several players staking claims to be in the first-team.

Now, according to a report, Tottenham have provisionally decided to keep one of their youngsters at N17 amid speculation linking him with a loan move away.

Will Lankshear set to stay at Tottenham

The player in question is Will Lankshear, who enjoyed a solid pre-season in wake of some amazing efforts for the youth team in recent years.

Lankshear has registered a staggering 30 goals and five assists from just 39 appearances for Tottenham at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

The Evening Standard recently reported that Lankshear was not certain to go out on loan, because Spurs are currently short of cover up front.

Two strikers have left Tottenham on loan in recent weeks. Alejo Veliz has joined Espanyol, while Dane Scarlett has linked up with Oxford United for the rest of the season.

Now, according to PA Sport journalist George Sessions, as per Irish News, ‘Lankshear is currently set to remain part of Postecoglou’s first-team squad after an excellent pre-season.’

Sessions also posted on X, adding: “Could change come deadline day but after an impressive pre-season where he leapfrogged Scarlett & Veliz, Will set to stick around.”

Will Lankshear likened to Harry Kane

Tottenham insider and football.london journalist Alasdair Gold previously drew comparisons with Harry Kane when describing Lankshear’s qualities.

Back in February, he said on The Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast, via TEAMtalk: “He’s a very talented young player, he’s got a long way to go, but he’s got a little bit of the Kane physique about him.

“He’s got a lovely touch, a lovely finish, I said in my match report the other day, his partnership with [Jamie] Donley reminded me a little bit of Kane and Son – like an academy version of it.”

It’s exciting to hear that Lankshear is set to be in the first-team picture, as things stand.

With Tottenham competing in the Europa League this season, there’s a good chance the 19-year-old will get game time in the coming months.

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be busy on the transfer front in the coming weeks as Ange Postecoglou looks to apply the finishing touches to his squad.

Spurs have made two new senior signings in Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke, while Timo Werner has re-signed on loan.

In addition, South Korean prodigy Yang Min-hyuk is now on Tottenham’s books, and Lucas Bergvall has arrived at N17.

Now, Dharmesh Sheth has spoken about a player who Spurs – as well as Premier League rivals Aston Villa – could well pursue once again, much to the chagrin of his club.

Tottenham and Aston Villa ‘sure’ to be keeping an eye on Conor Gallagher

Tottenham have been heavily linked with Conor Gallagher for most of the summer, while Villa were said to have opened talks for him.

For a while it looked like both clubs had missed the opportunity to sign the England international.

The Chelsea midfielder had agreed a £36million move to Atletico Madrid and he even travelled to the Spanish capital with a view to completing the deal.

However, talks between the Blues and Atletico stalled, and the midfielder has since returned to London to continue with his early-season fitness programme.

Sheth, speaking to GiveMeSport, believes Gallagher’s sale would be a poor scenario for the Blues, who may now be forced to consider Premier League proposals.

The Sky Sports News journalist was asked by GMS whether the likes of Tottenham and Villa would be keeping an eye on developments.

“I’m sure they will be keeping an eye on this situation, and that would be the second-worst case scenario for Chelsea,” he replied.

“The way that they orchestrated this deal was that they offered him a two-year contract, which effectively is telling him that we want to sell you.

“And then, not only that, but they effectively chose the club that he was going to, which was Atletico Madrid – a club outside of the Premier League.

“They didn’t want him to go to a Premier League rival. Now that he is not going there, are Chelsea going to have to entertain potential deals from clubs in the Premier League?”

Gallagher needs to move away from Chelsea

It’s a real shame about what’s happening to Gallagher this summer.

Normally, a homegrown player who has come through his boyhood club’s academy to become their captain and also a senior international would be a cause for celebration.

However, Chelsea seem to be eager to get rid of him, he’s being made to feel like he no longer matters to the club and, to make things worse, his move to Atletico is in limbo.

Gallagher needs to leave the club and find somewhere better this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have seen their bloated squad reduced massively over the last month and a half of the transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou set out to do exactly that at the end of last season with Tottenham holding a lot of unwanted players on their books.

Numerous players returned to the club over the summer from various loans and some of those players were allowed to leave on a free.

There is no doubt Daniel Levy has taken a considerable hit on some big money signings – namely Tanguy Ndombele – who have left for either nothing or a fraction of what was paid for them.

The latest player to wave goodbye to north London was Emerson Royal who has now signed for AC Milan in a move which may have surprised some.

With 11 players have departed the club, Fabrizio Romano has now shared what he’s heard on a potential arrival at Spurs.

Reportedly, Tottenham are expected to make a £34m bid for Monaco right-back Vanderson over the coming days.

Of course, Spurs have lost their backup right-back in Emerson but there are still options for Postecoglou with Djed Spence.

And Romano has now shed some light on what he has heard about the potential arrival of Vanderson in north London.

Vanderson would certainly require a hefty price tag – almost what Spurs paid for Pedro Porro – despite potentially playing as backup.

“There is still nothing imminent or really close in terms of new right-back. I’m hearing that they believe they could already be well covered in that position,” Romano told GiveMeSport.

“Obviously, they have Pedro Porro and Emerson Royal left, but there is also Archie Gray, who can cover that position.

“So Tottenham are not desperate in this moment to sign a new right-back.”

Djed Spence has Ange Postecoglou’s trust at Tottenham

Of course, Tottenham need quality squad depth going into this season with Europa League football also to contend with.

No Spurs fans need reminding about their trophy drought by the Europa League feels like a great opportunity to get their hands on a major piece of silverware.

And Postecoglou has already identified Djed Spence as a player who could play an important role in Tottenham’s campaign.

Postecoglou does plan on using Spence as Porro’s backup at Tottenham this season following the 23-year-old being what was perhaps the surprise package of the pre-season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has now had over 12 months in his role with the Lilywhites with big changes made.

After weeks of preparations, Tottenham are now set to end their pre-season and enter the 2024/25 term with their curtain raiser against Leicester City.

Postecoglou promised change this summer and that is exactly what has unfolded in N17 with 11 players having departed the club this summer alone.

The Australian has had a full year to assess his options after inheriting a squad which was moulded around Antonio Conte’s plans.

However, there were also a number of player exits last summer with Postecoglou now admitting they were not all sanctioned by him.

Ange Postecoglou admits he didn’t sanction sale of ‘outstanding’ Tottenham player

This summer has seen something quite remarkable happen in north London with Tottenham offloading so many players already.

Emerson Royal is the latest to depart after sealing a move to AC Milan after weeks and weeks of negotiations.

But last summer also offered some considerable exits and Postecoglou has now admitted that he did not have much of a say in one of them, in particular.

Harry Winks departed Tottenham last summer in a £10m deal to join Leicester City following their relegation down to the Championship.

But Postecoglou has admitted he did not get much of a say in Winks’ future after landing: “Yes, to be fair to Harry, that decision was kind of made before I got here,” he told the media on Thursday.

“The squad has changed fairly dramatically from 12/13 months ago but that’s the reason I’ve came in. At the same time, it doesn’t diminish Harry’s career. He has had a fantastic season and is back in the Premier League this year. He is an outstanding footballer. These decisions are often not a reflection of a player’s ability, it is just timing of things and things moving on.”

What Harry Winks has said about facing Tottenham on Monday

Ironically, Winks’ first game back in the Premier League is going to see Tottenham travel to the King Power Stadium on Monday night.

The Foxes will be looking to cap off the opening weekend of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign in style with a shock victory against Spurs.

Tottenham do hold a seriously impressive record against newly-promoted sides but Winks is fully focused on taking all three points as he faces some of his old teammates.

A number of players have left Tottenham this year – such as Eric Dier, Ryan Sessegnon and Japhet Tanganga – although another who departed Spurs in 2024 is now in a tough situation.

It is always difficult to leave a club of Tottenham’s magnitude, as – except for elite talents like Gareth Bale and Luka Modric – the most likely way is down.

Tanganga is now playing in the Championship with Millwall, while Sessegnon failed a trial at Crystal Palace this summer before ending up back at Fulham.

Now – however – another player who left Tottenham in 2024 has opened up on his incredibly inconvenient situation…

Ivan Perisic speaks out after Tottenham exit turned into a nightmare

Ivan Perisic has now held an interview with Dalmatinski after his romantic return to Hajduk Split turned into a nightmare – because of Gennaro Gattuso.

The Croatia international agreed to return to his boyhood club on loan last season – the final year of his contract with Tottenham – for a salary of just €1 (85p) every month as a tribute to his beloved side, where he emerged from the academy in 2006 at the age of 17.

However, Perisic has now been left in limbo after Gattuso suddenly told him that he was surplus to requirements at Hajduk Split.

What Croatia international said about Hajduk Split situation

The Croatian – who made 50 appearances for Tottenham – said: “I came to Hajduk in the hope that together we will realise our dream and take the title. I had a good contract at Tottenham, and even when I was injured (during his loan at Hajduk Split) I had an excellent offer from a big foreign club.

“Instead, at the invitation of the club management and the fans, I chose a life without a family, living abroad in the hope that I can help fight for the title and place in the group stage of the Champions League.

“It is clear to everyone that I didn’t choose Hajduk and Split because of money. In my desire to help, I put my health and my family on the back burner many times and I don’t regret it because I don’t know any other way, but on Sunday evening someone else stepped forward (Gattuso) and decided that he no longer needed my help.

“Ever since I can remember, I have looked at Hajduk as something big, and I will behave that way in a moment that is extremely difficult for me and my family. I wish the club all the luck, victory on Thursday, placement in Europe and winning the title, regardless of who is managing the club.”

Perisic only just signed a one-year contract with Hajduk Split after his loan spell from Tottenham officially ended in July, but the 35-year-old must now find a new club after his generous decision to play for 85p a month sadly backfired.

Interestingly, Barcelona are said to be keen on signing Perisic after his clash with Gattuso.

Hopefully, the man from Omis can bounce back and find somewhere else to see out the remainder of what has been a truly special career.

The new Premier League campaign is now just days away for Tottenham Hotspur who travel to Leicester City on Monday night.

But there are now more new rules for the Tottenham players to get up to scratch with before kicking off against the Foxes.

Ange Postecoglou‘s side are facing a much busier 2024/25 campaign having now made their return to the European stage.

But the Australian was not left completely satisfied as Spurs failed to land a spot in the Champions League by just two points.

Improvements have been made over the summer with the signings of Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke as the Lilywhites look to develop on the foundations set last season.

Spurs were shaky at the back last season but there is now a new rule in place which will have Postecoglou and, more specifically, Guglielmo Vicario delighted going into the new season.

What are the new Premier League rules for 2024/25 season?

One of Tottenham’s biggest weaknesses last season was their inability to defend against set pieces.

That was certainly an even bigger issues in the second half of the campaign when clubs realised they were able to target Vicario from corners.

Manchester City seemed to kickstart the targeting of the Italy international in the FA Cup fourth round game back in January.

And from then on, Vicario was forced to face some really physical tactics inside his six yard box as he battled to win the ball.

It has now been announced by the PGMOL that blocking and interference inside the box is going to be much more stringently penalised.

Attacking players are going to be under much more scrutiny when it comes to how they look to effect the movement of the defending players who are going for the inswinging set piece.

This is positive news for Vicario, then, following his difficulties which came from set pieces during his first Premier League season.

Vicario enjoyed a really promising first season in England last year. However, his only real issue came through defending set pieces once teams realised they were getting away with so much on the Italian.

What Guglielmo Vicario said to Ange Postecoglou about defending corners

It has to be said, there were the odd instance where Vicario could potentially have been stronger against the attacking players.

But the majority of the incidents did see the Spurs goalkeeper harshly treated by the officials as he looked to claim the ball.

Postecoglou spoke over the summer about the discussions he and Vicario have held on the matter with the Italian taking a positive approach.

There was a period where I thought the officials were getting it wrong,” Postecoglou told The Athletic.

“But we had to weather that storm and the beauty of it is that he accepted that.

“He wasn’t making excuses. He wasn’t coming in on a Monday saying, ‘Oh, I can’t believe I’m not getting protected’. Instead, he was coming in and asking: “OK, how do we solve this?”

Considering how hard Spurs had to work last season to keep a clean sheet, this new ruling will certainly be taken as an added bonus.

Tottenham Hotspur have made some big signings already, but they aren’t going to stop there.

Spurs have signed Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke this summer for a combined fee of about £100 million. Timo Werner has also been brought in on another loan deal.

That makes Tottenham much stronger than they were last season, but Ange Postecoglou is keen to strengthen his squad even more.

Here’s the latest on one of their targets.

Tottenham eyeing late move to sign Vanderson but there’s a problem

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move to sign Vanderson this summer, and GiveMeSport have shared the latest on the situation.

Spurs sold Emerson Royal to AC Milan recently, and reports have claimed that Postecoglou wants a new right-back to replace the Brazilian.

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Kyle Walker-Peters is on Tottenham’s radar, but he isn’t the only right-back they are looking at.

Tottenham have opened talks to sign Vanderson from Monaco as a replacement for Emerson. Reports have revealed that Vanderson is aware of Tottenham’s interest as well.

Now, GMS claim that Tottenham are actually planning to make a move in the ‘eleventh hour’, which suggests it will be in the final days of the window.

However, there is a big problem – Monaco’s asking price.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 side are demanding over £30 million for Vanderson, which is a figure that could prove to be a ‘stumbling block’ for Tottenham.

Tottenham could be about to make a big mistake

Tottenham still have quite a bit of work to do this summer.

The North Londoners need a backup left-back to provide cover for Destiny Udogie, while a new midfielder will also do them a world of good. Postecoglou could be on the market for a versatile winger as well in the coming months.

With that in mind, splashing over £30 million on Vanderson to only be a backup for Pedro Porro makes no sense right now.

Postecoglou has Djed Spence at his disposal already, while young Archie Gray has proved that he can fill in at right-back as well.

Vanderson is a brilliant player, but we think signing him for big money this summer would be a big mistake.

Tottenham Hotspur have now properly entered the summer transfer market having made the big money signing of Dominic Solanke.

Ange Postecoglou has had to wait patiently this summer to see Tottenham fully attack the market despite the club being busy in player exits.

A whopping total of 11 players have already departed north London this summer over various means of departure.

But when it has come to player arrivals, Spurs fans have been made to wait patiently with only really Archie Gray and Solanke marking new faces for Monday’s season opener.

This summer has seen Tottenham look to bolster their attack with players like Nico Williams but Spurs still have two weeks to tie up any final pieces of business.

Tottenham expected to make two final signings this summer

It has been a strange summer of transfers for Tottenham as they have technically made four signings already.

However, the additions of Timo Werner and Yang Min-hyeok may not be recognised by a lot of the fans.

But, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now claimed Spurs are hoping for two further additions after signing Solanke.

Although three attackers and one midfielder have been signed this summer, it seems as if Spurs still feel there could be improvements made in those departments.

“Tottenham’s new signing Dominic Solanke is ready to start against Leicester next Monday but they are still keen to sign an energetic midfielder and a winger this window,” said Bridge on Sky Sports.

Despite Spurs having already reinforced their attack, this season is going to provide more challenges than last with Europa League football to contend with.

Tottenham also eyeing a new right-back with Vanderson

Having recently sold Emerson Royal to AC Milan, Tottenham are now believed to be on the look for a new right-back.

Tottenham are expected to lodge a £34m bid for Monaco right-back Vanderson before the end of the month.

This comes despite Djed Spence’s sudden return to Postecoglou’s plans at Tottenham following what was a surprisingly positive pre-season for the defender.

But it has to be said there are likely going to be a lot more Tottenham fans who want to see their attacking line bolstered over another right-back being signed.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window having brought in four exciting players.

Dominic Solanke has just joined Spurs in a £65m deal following Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Yang Min-hyuk through the door.

Ange Postecoglou, however, is still keen to bring in another midfielder and was desperately trying to sign one from the Premier League before the move broke down…

Ange Postecoglou really wanted Conor Gallagher

Tottenham have been linked to Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher for most of the summer transfer window.

It seemed Gallagher was on his way to Atletico Madrid earlier this week but that deal collapsed and he’s not back at Chelsea.

According to The Times, Tottenham were really pushing to sign the England international before his proposed move to Madrid but they were put off by his £45m price tag.

Despite agreeing a £33m deal with Atleti, Chelsea were insistent that Spurs would have to pay a premium if they wanted to take Gallagher, labelled as ‘amazing’ (The Sun), to North London.

As such, Daniel Levy evidently pulled the transfer.

Conor Gallagher move could be back on

Now that Gallagher’s move to Madrid is off, perhaps Chelsea will soften their stance and allow him to join Tottenham for a reduced fee.

The West Londoners are clearly walking a PSR tightrope due to their substantial spending, so they’ll want to offload the 23-year-old this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer in a year’s time.

One Tottenham Hotspur star is on Napoli’s radar as they look to wrap up a deal to appoint Antonio Conte as their new manager.

The Italian left Spurs in March 2023 after an explosive public outburst. It was a sour end to his time in North London and he has been without a job since.

Now, he’s all set to return to management, and once he takes charge at Napoli, he could make a move to sign a Tottenham player.

Antonio Conte wants to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Tottenham

Tottenham are expected to be active in this summer’s transfer window.

Spurs have already brought in Timo Werner on another loan deal. A few more signings are likely to be made and several players could leave too.

One of them is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who joined Tottenham in the summer of 2020 and was a hugely important part of the side in his first three years at the club.

However, following Ange Postecoglou‘s arrival in 2023, Hojbjerg dropped down the pecking order. He started just 10 times in all competitions in the recently-concluded season.

The Dane will enter the final year of his contract in July, and it seems very likely that he will be leaving Tottenham in the summer window.

Now, Corriere dello Sport claim that Napoli, who are all set to appoint Conte as their new manager, are interested in signing Hojbjerg this summer.

It has been revealed that the club, their sporting director Giovanni Manna, and Conte are all admirers of the Spurs midfielder and could make a move to sign him once the window opens.

What Conte really thought about Hojbjerg at Tottenham

Conte and Hojbjerg shared a fantastic relationship at Tottenham.

The Dane played all but three games under the former Spurs boss during his time as the manager of the club. He was always one of the first names on the team sheet.

The Atheltic revealed in April 2022 that Conte, like Jose Mourinho, always valued Hojbjerg’s willingness to learn and saw him as an ‘example’ to all of his teammates at Spurs.

After Conte left, it was claimed that some people at Tottenham felt Hojbjerg was ‘too close’ to the Italian, which didn’t go down well.

Hojbjerg needs to leave Tottenham this summer, and a reunion with Conte at Napoli sounds like a fantastic move for all parties involved.