TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur are now into the 72 hours of this summer’s transfer market with a few positions which could ideally still do with strengthening.

Ange Postecoglou‘s summer signings have been very particular with the Australian carefully selecting the players which he has brought to north London.

Over the summer, Tottenham have been able to land five signings but two of them include Timo Werner being retained on loan and Yang Min-hyeok who does not arrive until January.

The latest of the arrivals has been Wilson Odobert who impressed Heung-min Son on his Tottenham debut over the weekend against Everton.

But with just a matter of hours now remaining in the market, it could well be a case of Tottenham reacting to any potential late opportunities which present themselves.

With some positions still needing to be strengthened, Fabrizio Romano has shared his understanding on what could happen when it comes to arrivals.

Tottenham have actually made the biggest splash in the transfer market this summer with the signing of Dominic Solanke.

A new backup goalkeeper is being eyed by Tottenham but that deal could now be pushed back until January.

However, money could still be spent on signing some further players to strengthen the squad with a busy schedule ahead.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has claimed Spurs are still working on something in the background after landing Odobert from Burnley.

“The deal they did with Burnley [for Odobert] was completely silent,” he said.

“So, I think they’re still working on something, and I’m told they’re still working on something, but there is still nothing concrete or close to being completed. But I can confirm Tottenham are still in the market for opportunities.”

Tottenham need strength in depth this season

One thing which Tottenham have done really well this summer is offloading the players who Postecoglou did not intend on using.

There are still a few players who could leave the club with Besiktas eyeing up a deal for Sergio Reguilon over the coming days.

But Spurs could still do with another addition or two before the end of play on Friday to make sure they have enough to see them through until January.

Tottenham’s injury issues last season were well documented and Postecoglou simply cannot deal with a repeat this time around.

Micky van de Ven has already shared an update on his injury scare after Solanke has been ruled out of action following his debut.

The Lilywhites have a much busier schedule this term with Europa League football to be played, so further injury issues will seriously hinder Tottenham’s hopes of achieving something this season.

Leeds United have signed Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan deal.

Spurs have done a really good job moving players out in this window. They released Tanguy Ndombele, Japhet Tanganga and Ryan Sessgnon, while the likes of Joe Rodon, Oliver Skipp and Emerson Royal have been sold.

Tottenham have loaned out Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil to Marseille and Girona respectively, and now, another one has joined the list.

Solomon completed his move to Leeds on loan on Tuesday.

Tottenham’s James Maddison sends message to Manor Solomon after Leeds loan move

Tottenham signed Solomon from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2023.

The 25-year-old had impressed in a loan spell across London at Fulham in the 2022/23 season, and that convinced Spurs to sign him when they had the chance.

Solomon, unfortunately, had a disastrous debut campaign.

The Israel international managed just six appearances for Spurs before suffering a serious injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Solomon returned to full fitness over the summer, but he had no place in the Tottenham side to have any chance of getting regular game time.

So, Ange Postecoglou decided to loan him out, and Leeds United have signed a solid player as they aim to return to the Premier League.

Solomon took to Instagram to celebrate his move, and he received a lot of love in the replies below his post.

James Maddison wished him well by saying: “Good luck brother!”

Solomon’s future at Tottenham is at risk

When he’s fully fit, Solomon is a fantastic player.

The winger is quick, a good dribbler and he has the ability to score goals and provide assists. That’s the reason why Tottenham signed him in 2023.

Now, he is very far down Postecoglou’s pecking order, and unless he has an absolutely incredible season at Leeds United, we can’t see a way back for him in North London.

Tottenham were actually open to selling Solomon in this window.

It will be interesting to see how he will fare in the Championship. He definitely has the ability to become one of the best players in the division there.

In most respects, the ownership styles of Tottenham’s Daniel Levy and Chelsea’s Todd Boehly could not be more different, but they are closely aligned on one thing.

Levy is one of the most conservative and successful owners in Premier League history, relative to the amount that his ENIC group have invested at least.

Boehly meanwhile, who became the public face of Chelsea following his takeover with Clearlake Capital two years ago, is anything but conservative.

He has pumped billions into the club for new signings, most of whom have been demonstrably unsuccessful.

Analysis suggests that Chelsea‘s amortisation bill (how clubs account for transfers over a period of years) will hit £250m this season and remain that high for years to come.

That will shackle the club with big Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR, formerly FFP) issues – unless they can continue to pull rabbits out of the hat with loophole-busting workarounds.

It is more likely, however, that they will need to find some way to dramatically increase revenue to offset costs.

And matchday income is one way that both Chelsea and Spurs are targeting.

Tottenham only just behind Chelsea in matchday income metric

The North London have the obvious edge over Chelsea in that they have a far bigger stadium.

Tottenham’s matchday income was £118m in 2022-23, the last financial year on record, while Chelsea’s was far behind at £76.5m.

However, in terms of the amount of cash they generated per fan, per matchday, there is almost parity between the two sides.

In fact, according to a study from industry experts Sports Business Institute Barcelona, Chelsea earn 20 pence more per fan each match.

Spurs and Chelsea earn far more than any other Premier League side in this metric, squeezing £100.50 and £100.70 per fan on each matchday respectively.

Chelsea’s ultimate ambition is to either expand Stamford Bridge ore move to another site altogether in order to increase their overall matchday income total.

Who earns more, Tottenham or Chelsea?

Chelsea’s spending may give the impression that they have endless cash to burn, but that may not be the case for long as PSR catches up with them.

With the Premier League expected to move to a new system that limits clubs to spending 85 per cent of revenue on wages, transfers and agents fees, Chelsea’s spending power will be anchored.

Their revenue was £512m in 2022-23, compared to Spurs’ total of £550m.

That would give them respective PSR budgets of £435.2m and £467.5m respectively, and the net would be even tighter for Chelsea under UEFA’s 70 per cent limit.

Few behind-the-scenes figures are as synonymous with their clubs as Daniel Levy is with Tottenham, and the fame comes with extra scrutiny.

Levy has been in situ at Spurs for more than two decades and, despite helping raise Spurs from Premier League also-rans to ‘Big Six’ mainstays, remains a divisive figure in North London.

Many supporters feel that the increasing commercialisation of the club has come at the expense of bedrock fans.

Tottenham’s annual commercial income was £228m at the last count, while overall revenue has almost doubled since the move to the new stadium in 2019.

Matchday income has been a huge part of that increase and Spurs are now among just three Premier League clubs who can expect to earn £100m-plus through the turnstiles every season.

Their matchday income figure is set to rise again next season, but not without provoking the wrath of fans for whom tickets are becoming more and more unaffordable.

FSA namecheck Daniel Levy amid Tottenham cash grab

This summer, Spurs have announced both a six per cent increase in season ticket prices plus a gradual phasing out of concessions tickets.

That latter policy in particular has provoked outrage, with no new concessions season tickets being issued from 2025-26.

In a statement on rising ticket prices across English football, the influential Football Supporters Association highlighted that Levy had raised prices while simultaneously paying himself a £3m bonus.

The FSA also pointed out that matchday income pales in comparison to the £10bn Premier League TV deal and that clubs should stop using PSR as an excuse to price bedrock fans out.

Spurs’ matchday income in 2022-23, the last season for which financial data is available, stood at £118m.

Extrapolating based on a six per cent price rise, that figure will rise to £125m in 2024-25.

How much does matchday income really matter to Spurs?

One only needs to take a cursory glance at the accounts in the years since 2019 to see how transformative the new stadium has been for Spurs.

However, the extra six per cent in matchday income will not move the dial significantly in the context of total revenues which are expected to hit £600m in the next handful of seasons.

The price rise will also smart for Spurs fans given that the club have so far failed to agree a naming rights deal, which they initially hoped could bring in £25m every term.

Tottenham’s immediate priority is to navigate the final days of the transfer window, but the club’s efforts to sell an equity stake remain ongoing.

It has been an open secret within the world of sports investment that ENIC, headed up by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, are looking for fresh capital.

Spurs value themselves at £3.75bn and have enlisted the Rothschild bank to seek out high worth individuals or groups who may be interested in taking a minority stake.

So far, a handful of parties have been linked with a potential deal, but there have been no formalities between Tottenham and a would-be buyer.

That perhaps is not a surprise given that the immediate concern has been preparing Ange Postecoglou‘s side for a new season in the Premier League.

What’s more, it is a saturated acquisitions market at present.

As well as Spurs, West Ham, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves are all seeking minority investment, while Everton’s protracted takeover saga has still not reached its crescendo.

However, the latest financial news from the United States represents a boost for the North London club as they look to find a buyer.

In recent years, Middle East sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms from the US have dominated discourse around the Premier League takeover market.

But despite interest in Spurs, private equity’s interest in football is declining as a result of broader market factors, disruptors like Chelsea’s Todd Boehly, and the Premier League’s resistance to the franchise model.

One of those broader market factors has been stubbornly high interest rates.

Private equity firms flourish in periods of lower interest rates as it makes borrowing for takeovers (known as a ‘leveraged buyout’) cheaper and increases their potential returns.

After raising rates 11 times in a row, the United States Federal Reserve is expected to announce a rate cut on September 18, according to Forbes and others.

That will likely broaden the pool of investors for whom buying into Spurs is feasible and attractive.

There has also been a further development this week in that PCP Capital Partners are believed to be ramping up efforts to buy a stake in Tottenham.

The group, which is led by former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley, is said to be backed by capital from the Middle East and could be eyeing up to a 25 per cent stake.

However, the original report erroneously suggested that Staveley could simultaneously invest in Spurs and Newcastle as her stake in the North East club was less than 9.9 per cent is wrong on two fronts.

Firstly, the Premier League’s rules on dual ownership have been tightened to prevent owners or directors from holding any material influence in more than one club, irrespective of how small their stake may be.

Secondly, Staveley has already sold her 9.9 per cent stake in Newcastle to co-investors the Saudi Public Investment and the Reuben Brothers.

Who else could buy Tottenham?

Qatar Sports Investment have been linked with a Spurs takeover, although that is unlikely to happen for one of several reasons.

For one, the Premier League is under increasing pressure ahead of the implementation of an independent football regulator to prevent nation states or their proxy institutions from owning clubs.

Furthermore, QSI’s ownership of Paris Saint-Germain would mean the two clubs could not compete in the same UEFA competition under the same control.

And QSI would almost certainly want full strategic direction over Spurs, which Daniel Levy is unlikely to grant.

Elsewhere, MSP Sports Capital – the group who tried to buy Everton earlier this year – have previously been linked, but there has been no update on their interest in the past year.

The same is true of Liberty Media, the most valuable sports empire in the world who over see F1 as well as billions of dollars of other sports and media assets.

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.