TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur are set to open their journey in the Europa League this week in what may be a welcome break from the Premier League.

Ange Postecoglou‘s side have pulled themselves back into the top half of the table over the weekend with victory over Brentford.

It has not been a straightforward start to the new campaign for Tottenham who have been unable to take their opportunities in front of goal.

But there have been plenty of positives to come from the opening five games with Tottenham looking a threat – despite not always being able to take their chances.

And it seems team spirit has remained high despite some of the frustrating defeats to the likes of Newcastle United and Arsenal over recent weeks.

Heung-min Son waxes lyrical about Tottenham defender

Following a busy summer for Tottenham, some of the key figures at the club have took part in a Q&A session with some selected fans in north London.

Daniel Levy responded to criticism being received from some Tottenham fans after a turbulent start to the campaign.

But it was not just Levy who faced questions from the media with Ange Postecoglou and Heung-min Son also in attendance.

The South Korean captain was asked a number of questions during the evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

One of the questions put to the 32-year-old was which player is his favourite to ever play for Tottenham.

To which Son simply replied ‘Ben Davies’ despite playing alongside the likes of Gareth Bale and Harry Kane during his time in north London.

Heung-min Son has created more chances than anyone in the Premier League

It has been a solid but not spectacular start to the season for the Spurs captain who has provided two goals and two assists.

Those two goals did come in the victory over Everton which will see him wanting to get back on the scoresheet sooner rather than later.

But Son has also show his strengths in creating opportunities for Spurs with two assists recorded on the weekend against the Bees.

There is no player in the Premier League who has created more chances from open play than the Spurs captain this season.

And that is exactly what players like Dominic Solanke will be hoping for as he looks to make a real impact in north London.

A major change in the boardrooms of one Tottenham’s key partners could lead the North London club to a substantial windfall.

While the approach of Daniel Levy and ENIC has at time frustrated supporters, they are considered one of the best run clubs in football from a financial perspective.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been utterly transformational for Spurs, as has an accompanying commercial strategy that raised £228m in the last financial year alone.

The club’s revenue was £550m in that season and is expected to have risen when they eventually release their accounts for 2023-24.

Given that PSR ties spending to revenue and that ENIC and Levy want Spurs to live well within their means, this is central to Ange Postecoglou and Johan Lange‘s recruitment and retention budget.

Spurs have one of the most diversified sponsorship portfolios in the Premier League and are believed to have earned over £100m from this stream alone last term.

Their biggest deal is with Nike, who pay approximately £30m per season for the rights to produce Spurs shirts and other merchandise.

Boardroom switch-up could be goldmine for Spurs

Spurs have been partnered with Nike since 2017, with the two parties agreeing a 15-year deal a year into the contract that will see the alliance continue until 2033.

Last year, it emerged that Spurs were rivalling Chelsea to become the latest club to be given the Nike Air Jordan treatment.

Air Jordan, the iconic Nike brand inspired by NBA legend Michael Jordan, have enjoyed an extraordinarily successful commercial relationship with Paris Saint-Germain branching out into streetwear.

In news which could be significant for Spurs, Nike have replaced previous CEO John Donahoe with Elliot Hill, who is believed to be a major fan of the Jordan brand.

With the value of a collaboration with Jordan valued by some sources as high as £60m annually, that will likely be welcomed by Spurs’ commercial department.

How Tottenham’s Nike deal compares to the rest of the Big Six

At £30m per season, the headline figures for Spurs deal with Nike make it the least valuable of any of the so-called Big Six clubs.

At the very top of the tree is Man United, who earn around £90m per season from German sportswear giants and Nike rivals Adidas.

Spurs do not have the global reach of United but Levy has previously claimed that their deal appears less valuable than it actually is because they have retained merchandising rights.

The Air Jordan contract may lead the two parties to restructure the deal, which is one of the longest in European football, in order to reflect revised value for both parties.

It is likely that Champions League or at least European football of some description would be a prerequisite to any deal with the Air Jordan brand.

Tottenham Hotspur managed to claim victory from the jaws of defeat on Wednesday as they advanced to the fourth round of the League Cup.

Spurs looked set to fall to a second morale-sapping defeat in the space of four days, only for two late goals to put them in the fourth round at Coventry City’s expense.

Tottenham struggled for much of the match and conceded in the 63rd minute as Brandon Thomas-Asante netting a simple finish from close range.

However, Djed Spence equalised for Spurs in the 88th minute, pouncing on a superb Dejan Kulusevski through-ball and firing home first-time.

Then, in added time and with penalties looming, Rodrigo Bentancur sliced the Coventry defence open with a ball for Brennan Johnson to neatly chip over the keeper.

While it was a relief for Tottenham to get back in the game and stumble over the line, Dominic Solanke went another game without getting on the scoresheet.

The £65million summer signing is yet to get off the mark for Spurs, having played three games so far for his new club.

Tim Sherwood has now given his verdict on Solanke’s time at Tottenham so far and what he’d say to him.

Tim Sherwood backs Dominic Solanke to shine at Tottenham once he’s up and running

The former Tottenham manager, speaking on talkSPORT, is optimistic about Solanke’s future, saying he has the capability to shine.

Sherwood is confident that, once the Spurs newcomer gets off the mark, he’ll be fine.

“Just keeping playing, you know? You’re going to play,” said Sherwood. “I would say to him, ‘Who else is there at the moment to play ahead of him?’

“Paid big money for him, just give him a conversation and say look, ‘No matter what happens today, you’re in the team next week.

“‘I’m going to persevere with you, I want you to get strikes at goal, be yourself, be like you were when you played for Bournemouth.

“‘You’ve been at big clubs,’ he’s been at Chelsea, he’s been at Liverpool, he never got the opportunity.

“It’s easy to play for Bournemouth, with respect, you know, the teams that are around the mid-table in the Premier League.

“It’s a lot harder playing for big clubs but I believe he’s got the capability, certainly got the tools to be able to do it, he just needs a goal, get some confidence and he’s off and running.”

Solanke needs something to work with

As clear as night follows day, a big-money signing finds himself with pundits criticising him even though he hasn’t exactly done anything wrong.

Solanke’s Tottenham debut was a case of him finding his feet at his new club, for whom he hasn’t had a pre-season.

Then, injury ruled the £90,000-a-week ace out of the following two games. Obviously that’s out of his control.

Solanke worked hard against both Arsenal and Coventry, but the service simply wasn’t there for him. He needs his teammates to give him something to work with.

Tottenham Hotspur may need to switch their attention to tying down one of their star men to a new deal, with one of Europe’s giants circling.

Ange Postecoglou won’t be too unhappy with the four goals conceded so far this season, but it’s the manner of goals they’re starting to concede.

Cristian Romero was criticised for his lack of effort in defending a corner against Arsenal, which saw Gabriel Magalhaes steal in to score the only goal of the game.

That wasn’t all as Richard Keys also slammed Romero after hearing his complaints about travelling back after being away on international duty with Argentina.

Despite all of this, Romero’s performances on the field have been attracting the interest of Real Madrid.

And, amid this interest, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation between Tottenham and Romero…

Cristian Romero’s contract doesn’t expire until 2027 but that hasn’t stopped Real Madrid from sniffing around.

On his day, there’s no doubt the Argentine is one of the best central defenders in world football, but his aggressiveness and rash decision-making has often let him down.

Still, he’s an important member of Ange Postecoglou’s team and a leader on the field, so keeping him at the club will be a big priority.

Interestingly, when speaking to Caught Offside, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the contract situation of Cristian Romero.

“Cristian Romero continues to be an important player for Tottenham, and so it’s perhaps normal that we’re starting to see rumours about interest from other top clubs, with some fans asking me if there’s anything to the links with Real Madrid.

“However, I’m told that nothing is happening now. Romero’s contract could be a topic in the next months as Spurs of course want to keep him for the long term; but no active talks have started yet.”

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Real Madrid all tried to sign Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero was a man in-demand this summer just gone as PSG, Man United and Real Madrid all made approaches for the South American.

However, Spurs rejected any advances and would only accept an astronomical offer.

Spurs aren’t blessed with many centre-back options. Micky van de Ven, Romero, and Radu Dragusin are the only recognised players in that position, with Archie Gray and Ben Davies also able to play there.

After spending over £100 million in the summer months, perhaps Daniel Levy will look to recoup some, if not all of that money with a big sale, should contract negotiations get nowhere.

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.

Tottenham have the chance to return to winning ways tonight with Ange Postecoglou set to take a look at a couple of youngsters in the Carabao Cup.

The North London derby result is now firmly behind Tottenham as their sights now move towards tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Coventry City.

Ange Postecoglou has already confirmed that Yves Bissouma will miss out through injury.

However, that’s not the worst news in the world as this now allows players like Lucas Bergvall to start from the off and gain valuable experience potentially.

One player who will be looking to improve on his last performance is Cristian Romero, who was slammed for his efforts in defending the corner which Arsenal scored from.

Although, it appears as if the club are more worried about a different matter…

Tottenham put plans in place to open talks with Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero has his off days but when he’s at the top of his game there are very few central defenders better than him in world football.

However, interest is coming from outside of Tottenham, as Real Madrid reportedly watched Romero and one other player in the North London derby.

This has forced Spurs to act quickly, with Give Me Sport stating that Daniel Levy has now put plans in place to open talks over a new deal for Romero.

It’s stated that Tottenham are being fearful of being dragged into an uphill battle to persuade him to remain at the club.

Levy is aware they need to address the situation, resulting in plans being put in place to open talks with Romero and his representatives over an improved contract, which could see him earn in the region of £200,000-per-week if he is prepared to commit his long-term future.

The transfer latest between Real Madrid and Cristian Romero

Graeme Bailey revealed to The Boot Room that Real Madrid are in the market for a defender, and Romero is on their radar.

Ben Jacobs even stated that it would take an insane, astronomical fee for Spurs to sell Romero during the summer transfer window, so perhaps a release clause will be inserted into the contract.

Daniel Levy isn’t the type of person to let a player go cheaply, so Spurs fans shouldn’t have too many worries.

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.