Football.London

Tottenham's pre-season preparations will take a step up on Saturday when they face Bayern Munich in South Korea. Victorious in their four friendlies against Hearts, QPR, Vissel Kobe and Team K League so far this summer, Ange Postecoglou's side have a different challenge altogether this weekend when they face the German giants.

It is the first of two encounters against Bayern to round off their pre-season campaign ahead of the new Premier League term. Following Saturday's match at Seoul World Cup Stadium, the sides will meet again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seven days later.

While there will be no Harry Kane for Bayern on Saturday, Eric Dier will come up against Tottenham for the first time since his switch to the Allianz Arena back in January. In terms of the Spurs starting XI, Postecoglou will likely make a few changes here and there following the midweek win over Team K League.

Spurs have been rather short at centre-back over the course of the summer but Radu Dragusin will be in line to start after appearing off the bench against Team K League. Destiny Udogie could possibly feature for the first time this summer going on Postecoglou's comments in his post-match interview with SPURSPLAY on Wednesday.

However, it remains to be seen where exactly Ashley Phillips and Richarlison are with their fitness after watching on from the sidelines against Team K League. We could also see a few changes in midfield, which in turn could result in Lucas Bergvall dropping down to the bench against the Bundesliga club.

Ange Postecoglou has made it clear to football.london that there is a place in his Tottenham squad for Djed Spence if he continues to "take control of his own direction".

It was this time two years ago in South Korea when Antonio Conte set the tone for the young right-back's arrival at Spurs from Middlesbrough when he told football.london that Spence was a club signing before he had even been announced. The player never really found his place under the Italian and went out on loan to French side Rennes for the second half of the season.

He was unable to win a spot in Postecoglou's squad that summer and was sent on an ill-fated loan spell at Leeds United, which was cut short, before enjoying a more successful time at Genoa in Serie A. The Italian club wanted to re-sign him this summer but were not willing to meet Spurs' valuation of the 23-year-old.

Spence has played just 43 minutes across six appearances for Tottenham in the two years since he joined, but his time in Italy appears to have been just what the right-back needed in his career. He has returned to the north London club determined to prove his worth and has impressed throughout pre-season, both in training and in matches, to wow Postecoglou and his coaches. He has shown a willingness to learn the inverted full-back role and has operated well so far inside centrally as well as down the flank.

That meant the defender was taken on the tour to Japan and South Korea while other players expected to leave the club were left behind to sort out their futures. Spurs have been linked with plenty of right-backs this summer, with the latest reports linking Manchester City's Issa Kabore with a move to north London believed to be wide of the mark at this time.

That could well be because Spence has trained and played himself into the reckoning under Postecoglou, if he continues his current efforts, and the Australian confirmed that to football.london out in Seoul on Friday.

"I think with Djed, for me we got him back into pre-season and we’re judging him on his merits. He's a Tottenham player. To be fair to him, I think he's been very, very good for us this pre-season, in terms of the way he's trained and his general attitude," said the Spurs boss. "But a lot of these things are in the players' hands themselves. They kind of decide their own future in many respects and I think Djed is in that boat.

"I think there's an opportunity for him here, for sure. Thinking about building a squad, he would be definitely somebody who could [contribute] with the attributes he has. I thought last year there was a chance but it didn't quite work out. For those kind of things, I think sometimes players really wait for direction when they can really take control of their own direction."

He added: "Djed’s here. He is a Spurs player. He's a very good player who fits into our football and so it's as much about him as it is about me making a decision.

"As you see right now, he's been very good pre-season, he's been very good on the tour. He's impressed all the coaches, not just myself. For some of them it’s the first time they've worked with him and they've all been really impressed with him.

"Maybe he's learned a couple of things over the last couple of years about himself and hopefully we can sort of bear the fruit of that."

Tottenham have been linked to a number of strikers with Ange Postecoglou's latest comments seeming to confirm he wants a new signing in that department. Richarlison impressed last season through showing glimpses that he could be the perfect Postecoglou striker, however injuries prevented him from gaining any prolonged momentum.

Son Heung-min was shifted inside as a result during Richarlison's absences with Dejan Kulusevski currently being trialled at the tip of attack, however neither of those are really long-term solutions. As such, signing a striker ahead of the 2024/25 is a must with Postecoglou making it clear that is what he wants.

"At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out and out number nine and in Japan, I've always had a striker. It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it's fair to say," he revealed when speaking to football.london in Seoul.

"If Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him. So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way.

"We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould. It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

Santiago Gimenez, Lois Openda, Dusan Vlahovic, Joshua Zirkzee, Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Dominic Solanke have been linked but it now appears the latter three names are on the club's final shortlist. Spurs want to sign a very specific striker with the aforementioned trio all having qualities that Postecoglou wants from his vocal point.

Combining the play, being able to hold up the ball and thus draw fouls are major requirements with Gyokeres and David particularly impressive in that department. Solanke, despite his physical frame, does struggle with that although his aerial ability somewhat makes up for that.

Where the Bournemouth star does thrive, though, is with the ball at his feet, both in space and when required to take snap shots from close range. His lack of passing range is another drawback but because of that, he is always occupying the last man, ready to make a run in behind or finish off a flowing move between the goal posts.

David, on the other hand, is quite the opposite in terms of profile to Solanke but that arguably makes him a better fit for Tottenham. With every player in Postecoglou's system required to move the ball forward and do so quickly, David is an expert in the passing department.

Some of his listed strengths include short passes, sharp lay-offs and keeping possession under pressure. The Canada international is also very quick over a short distance and an elite finisher with 71 goals scored during his three-year spell at Lille in France showcasing exactly that.

The 24-year-old does like to drop deep, though, which may cause some issues with a presence needed in the penalty area at all times. Gyokeres meanwhile, expected to be more expensive than both Solanke and David considering his £86million release clause, is another striker target that certainly fits the mould.

Having scored 43 goals during his debut season in Portugal, Gyokeres has shown how clinical he is in the attacking third but his work in the build up is just as important. While being able to stretch the pitch with dashes into space, Gyokeres is also more than capable with the ball at his feet, both when it comes to dribbling and finding his teammates.

Of the three potential signings, Gyokeres, at least on paper, is the best fit for Spurs, but unfortunately his price tag makes it rather difficult to pursue a move. With that in mind, while David and Solanke do have weaknesses it is much more likely one of those two is acquired.

Lille are open to accepting an offer in the region of £25million for David as his contract expires in 2025. Solanke though, could cost up to £65million with that said to be the value of his release clause after he signed a new deal last summer.

Because of the difference in fees required, David should be the priority with Postecoglou and Johan Lange then able to spend any remaining funds on other potential arrivals.

The search for the new striker to take Tottenham to the very next level goes into the final month of the summer transfer window. Spurs' Premier League opener against Leicester City on Monday, August 19 is edging ever closer but still there is no sign at present of a frontman signing on the dotted line.

Tottenham are yet to find a replacement for Harry Kane almost one year on from his big-money move to Bayern Munich. Due to the England captain's status in the game as one of the best strikers in the world, Spurs were never going to find a natural replacement as there are very few players in his position who can do what he does on the pitch and also contribute those remarkable numbers on a consistent basis.

Amid the hunt for a striker, players such as Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Dominic Solanke have been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer. Gyokeres is undoubtedly the pick of many following an incredible debut campaign at Sporting CP, with some supporters turning their nose up at the prospect of a move for Bournemouth striker Solanke.

Maybe not the big-name signing supporters are crying out for, the 26-year-old did enjoy an excellent season on the south coast after hitting 21 goals and that should not be sniffed at. Many will point to the fact that it was the first time Solanke had scored double figures in a Premier League season, though.

Although prior to last season things maybe didn't fall into place for him in the top flight, he has demonstrated his eye for goal in the Championship - which Gyokeres also did at Coventry City - after scoring 44 goals in the two seasons Bournemouth were out of the Premier League following their relegation in July 2020.

The appointment of Andoni Iraola as Bournemouth boss seemed to work wonders for Solanke's game as everything clicked into place for him in front of goal. For a team tipped to be a in a relegation battle, the 19 Premier League goals the striker netted was some achievement and a major reason for the Cherries coming within a whisker of a top-half finish.

Having netted 21 in total for Bournemouth in 2023/24, Solanke could quite easily surpass that total if he makes the move to Tottenham before August's transfer deadline. The Lilywhites lack that penalty-box striker and Solanke showed everyone last season that he is extremely clinical in and around the box and that he also has all the attributes the north London club require in a new frontman.

A move to Tottenham would also leave him licking his lips at the prospect of scoring for fun due to the amount of times players such as Son Heung-min, Timo Werner, and Brennan Johnson send inviting balls across the face of goal. As well as the goals that he could provide, Solanke is also powerful, very impressive in the air and he is virtually always available - which is something Richarlison has struggled with following his move from Everton - after only missing a few games here and there for Bournemouth over the past five seasons.

His homegrown status would also come as a massive plus point to Tottenham when it comes to naming a 25-man squad for both the Premier League and Europa League, as would his Premier League experience compared to David and Gyokeres. The main talking point when it comes to Solanke, though, is a potential transfer fee.

Many Tottenham supporters have baulked at reports of a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract that can only be triggered by the Premier League's top six. For a player who has only ever hit double figures in one Premier League season, that is a substantial fee as there is no guarantee his Bournemouth form from last season will immediately transfer over to his new club.

A more reasonable fee, however, and it is a transfer Tottenham should certainly consider as Solanke could thrive playing in Ange Postecoglou's system and also bolster their lack of numbers in the frontline. A transfer to N17 would also hand him an opportunity to prove that he can cut it at the very top of the Premier League amid the previous hope when he was coming through the system at Chelsea and also following his move to Liverpool in 2017.

If Postecoglou does want Solanke to lead the line for his team this season then Tottenham should do all they can to sign him. The head coach certainly knows best after all, with Guglielmo Vicario's transfer from Empoli proof of that at a time many were calling for the club to sign David Raya from Brentford.

The Italian, who very few supporters had heard of prior to his Tottenham transfer, maybe was the cheaper option compared to Raya but Postecoglou knew what he could bring to the club and he has since fully repaid his faith in him following an outstanding debut campaign. Tottenham unfortunately aren't going to sign that like-for-like replacement for Kane and it's about finding the perfect player that fits the mould for the head coach's way of playing.

Time will tell if Solanke is to be Postecoglou's man.

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Ange Postecoglou will be hoping club chief Johan Lange can help him build a dream Tottenham attack for the 2024/25 campaign. Over the last 12 months, the Lilywhites have signed Brennan Johnson, Manor Solomon, James Maddison and Timo Werner to bolster their frontline but Postecoglou wants more.

"At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out and out number nine and in Japan, I've always had a striker. It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it's fair to say," he revealed when speaking to football.london. "You know but if Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him. So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way.

"We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould. It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

Spurs are expected to bring in a new attacker this summer, especially given the comments from the Tottenham boss with Jonathan David, Desire Doue, Jacob Ramsey and Pedro Neto all linked. The Lilywhites bagged 74 Premier League goals during the last campaign with Son Heung-min and Richarlison both hitting double figures.

The Brazil international hit a purple patch of form during the winter but injuries prevented him from making a prolonged impact, which often meant others had to contribute. Despite being the club's first-choice central defenders, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven combining to hit eight goals.

A squad clear-out taking place before the summer window closes appears an aim for Postecoglou with Richarlison one of the players the club are open to selling. Back in 2022, Spurs completed a £60million deal to sign him from Everton and now two years on, the club are hopeful of recouping that fee.

Lille's David and Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord have been linked as potential replacements but Premier League experience counts for so much and therefore Solanke would be the dream striker addition, if Spurs can agree a deal in the region of £40million.

football.london reported back in June that the 26-year-old was on the club's striker transfer shortlist with a move now being explored, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Signing the 26-year-old, who did not miss one game through injury last season in comparison to Richarlison's nine, would allow Son to push back out to the left with Werner as the back-up option.

On the opposite flank, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson would be competing for the spot, with a deal for Pedro Neto a major risk given the requirements needed to sign him, and therefore Johnson gets the nod in my view because of his superb crossing abilities that Solanke would thrive off.

If Tottenham can also get a deal for Eberechi Eze over the line, Spurs would have quite the number of exciting options at Postecoglou's disposal. His arrival from Crystal Palace may affect the minutes of James Maddison but it is certainly plausible that both can play in midfield ahead of Yves Bissouma.

What are you expecting from this match?

We're looking forward to it, we've had a good trip. The boys have worked hard since we've been here and we had a good game the other night and looking forward to finishing it off in a positive manner against Bayern tomorrow night and hopefully another good game for all the supporters to watch.

What have you made of the challenge in training in a place like this in the heat?

You're right, it is a challenge at this time of the year. I've experienced it myself working in Japan, but at the same time, I think it's a good challenge for the players and mentally as much as anything else to adjust the conditions to still work hard, to train and still try to play our football during the practice games we've had.

So I think at times it's been really difficult but they've pushed through and I think we'll get the benefits of that when we get back to London. And, you know, they're having a heat wave now and it's 24 degrees. So my boys will be pretty relaxed about that.

And I think mentally we'll come out of this stronger knowing that in tough conditions, they still manage to work hard and the games have shown that we can still perform at a good level.

You're still waiting for a few international players to return next week, including two key centre-backs, will it be tough to get them match fit in time for the start of the season?

I don't think it'll be too challenging because, you know, they've only both of them sort of had three weeks off and you know, both Micky and Cuti and Rodrigo will be back all this week.

They've had good preparations coming into it and we know they'll be looking after themselves and we've still got two weeks before the season starts. So that's a still a fair chunk of time for us to get them ready for the start of the season and beyond, because it's not just about the first game, it's about the games after that.

We've seen how the guys who maybe have come in a bit later, like Radu came in this week within a few sessions they're back up to speed and I expect the other guys to be the same.

Son Heung-min's contract is in his last year of his contract and there's talk of an extension, what can you tell us about that?

Yeah, look, that's not really my area, what I always do and what I've always done is irrespective of the contract situation of players is to you know, treat them all the same. Ben and Sonny are an important part of this football club. We've got a really young team at the moment and we need some good experienced players around them and they're two that certainly set the right example. And in terms of contracts I think that all gets sorted out at the appropriate time. But from my perspective, and I think the players' perspectives themselves, we're just focused on preparing for a big year.

What will it be like for Son coming up against Kim Min-jae?

It's a game of football, not a tennis match. So it's 11v11, I'm sure Sonny will enjoy the challenge of playing against his national team-mate. But at the same time knowing what Sonny's like will be focused on making sure that we as a team perform at a good level and keep progressing and against a very good opponent who have got a lot of very good players.

You play Bayern twice before the Premier League season starts, tell us about that?

I just think they're a good opportunity for us against a very good opponent to just extend the work we've done in pre-season already and put it to practice in games. I think there'll be two different games here and in London. I think the conditions here will play a part tomorrow, obviously, but like I said, for us, it's just a really good opportunity against a quality opponent to get ready for our first game against Leicester, which is a week later.

Tottenham are expected to complete at least one attacking signing in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. A plethora of names have already been linked with technical director Johan Lange undoubtedly working hard behind the scenes to ensure Ange Postecoglou has the best possible squad available to him.

Timo Werner and Archie Gray have already arrived with Lucas Bergvall also officially joining the club on July 1. As football.london reported earlier this year Lille's Jonathan David is one striker that is high on Spurs' striker shortlist with a potentially bargain deal able to be sanctioned as he is out of contract in 2025.

Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth is another name that features on that list and thus has been mooted by Spurs, fresh off scoring 19 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 campaign. And now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Tottenham are exploring a move for Solanke, though he states it will not be an easy deal to pull off.

With three years remaining on his current contract, the Cherries are unlikely to accept an exit on the cheap despite the recent arrival of Enes Unal. However, Spurs likely have funds available and Solanke's homegrown status gives the club a further incentive to try and sign him.

Here, our writers discuss whether or not Tottenham should pursue a move for the 26-year-old.

Kieran Horn

Solanke is not quite the marquee transfer that numerous Tottenham fans were expecting, though I do think many are overlooking his abilities. 29 goals from 134 Premier League appearances is not a great look, however some context is needed for that stat.

Having spent time at Chelsea and Liverpool, many of those games have been as cameo displays but Solanke is now arguably at the prime of his career with Jurgen Klopp recognising that recently when he praised Solanke earlier this year. Having kept a close eye on Solanke, mostly because he was in my FPL team, I have to say I was always impressed by his hold-up play and instinctive finishing.

Solanke's explosive 2023/24 campaign also shows how important the manager can be in helping a player thrive with Andoni Iraola showcasing exactly that. Postecoglou could certainly have a similar impact on him with it abundantly clear he needs a reliable frontman as Richarlison continues to be plagued by injuries. Solanke meanwhile, featured in every league game for Bournemouth last term.

If Spurs can reach an agreement in the region of £50million, I think it has the potential to be an excellent piece of business. I also trust Postecoglou wholeheartedly so if that's who he wants then I am absolutely on board, however I would still like to see either an attacking midfielder or winger arrive alongside Solanke.

Tom Coley

Solanke would be a really good player for Tottenham to sign but his £60million release clause is steep. For someone with 19 Premier League goals to his name last season it may seem par for the course at this stage but when his history is taken into consideration it's still a risk.

The underlying numbers for Solanke are strong. He didn't massively outperform his xG and is often where he should be on this metric, he is broadly comparable to other top players with his shots per goal, and he scores in a variety of ways.

Some players, especially strikers, do just mature later, and Solanke is showing signs of being someone more comfortable with his position in the game now. This would appeal to Postecoglou and give him a new element to build around up front.

It's just a lot of money for a player who has previously not hit double figures in the top flight. Is this a flash in the pan for Solanke or evidence that his price tag could prove to be a steal? It's hard to really know just yet but Spurs would be justified in taking the gamble.

Isaac Johnson

Solanke is in his career prime aged 26 and is a traditional striker in an era where such assets are hard to find. It’s no surprise Harry Redknapp approved the prospect of his transfer to Spurs when I spoke to him in June.

But it’s easy to forget that last season’s 19-goal haul last season was the first time he’s hit double figures in the Premier League. That's not to undercut his achievement, but rather to point out that any approach carries the risk of being underwhelmed.

It’s why paying out such a large sum for the striker is a gamble. Shelling out anything above £50m needs to guarantee you some level of success or confidence can spiral. Solanke showed esteemed Premier League quality last season but a main driver behind that was his regular game time, which might not be as readily available at Spurs.

Next season, wherever he is, will be a litmus test of whether last season was a purple patch or a prolonged uptick in output. It's up to Tottenham to choose whether Solanke is a risk worth taking for his price tag.

Lee Wilmot

I'm torn with this one. There is no doubt that Solanke is a good striker, but is he a great striker?

He scored a goal ever other game in the Premier League last season, which is an impressive return, but that was his first really prolific run in the top flight. the season before he bagged more assists than goals - seven to six - so we're going off one prolific campagin.

In the top flight at least, he was prolific in the Championship before that. He has a £65million release clause that can be activated by a number of undisclosed clubs. that's a lot of money for one season in the top flight.

The likes of Jonathan David, potentially available for as little as £20million, and Viktor Gyokeres have been a bit more prolific over a longer period of time, albeit without Premier League experience.

Solanke would be a good buy, for around £40million, but I'm not sure I'd spend £65million on signing him over other options.

Rob Guest

It comes as no surprise to see Dominic Solanke mentioned in regards to a big-money move to Tottenham after an incredible year in front of goal for Bournemouth. Nineteen goals in 38 Premier League games was an impressive return for the 26-year-old and he could quite easily surpass that tally if he becomes part of Ange Postecoglou's exciting Spurs side.

After all, the Lilywhites need a penalty-box striker due to the amount of inviting crosses they put across the face of goal, with Solanke demonstrating just how clinical he can be in and around the box last season. Only a couple of his strikes came from outside the area and he also contributed with some powerful headers.

Solanke undoubtedly benefitted from Andoni Iraola's appointment as Bournemouth boss and the opportunity to play under Postecoglou and with better quality players at Tottenham could take him to new levels altogether. He would also suit Tottenham down to the ground as he is powerful, good in the air and also a tidy finisher, with the striker virtually always available after only missing a handful of games over the past five seasons.

However, it's how much Spurs would have to pay Bournemouth for him that is the main talking point amid talk of a £65million release clause. I personally believe that is too much money for Solanke, especially as last season was the first time he hit double figures in a Premier League campaign, but he could be a shrewd purchase if bought for a more reasonable fee.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed to football.london that Tottenham are focused on signing a new striker this month and one that fits his very specific mould.

Spurs have been linked with a number of strikers this summer as Postecoglou looks to bolster the options in his front line. The Australian has been forced to play midfielder Dejan Kulusevski as a striker during the club's pre-season tour to Japan and South Korea due to Richarlison's injury recovery.

Tottenham are understood to have Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke among their list of potential striker targets with the 26-year-old having scored 21 goals last season for the Cherries, with 19 of those coming in the Premier League. He was the joint fourth top scorer in the competition alongside Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden.

Spurs are in need of bolstering their homegrown options and Solanke fits that bill, but with that tag also comes a big transfer fee with some suggesting as much as £60million could be required to prise him away and Cherries owner Bill Foley admitting last month that there is a release clause that is worth around £65million for the striker.

football.london understands that Bournemouth are bracing themselves for the potential departure of Solanke this summer and have been looking at Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer among other targets to fill his place.

Tottenham could potentially offer players in part-exchange for Solanke if they were to make a move for him with a number of players still looking for moves out of the club and others available on loan.

Solanke is one of a few potential options for the north London outfit, who have also looked at, among others, Lille's Jonathan David and Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, although the latter is the subject of interest from a number of Europe's top sides.

football.london spoke to Postecoglou on Friday out in South Korea about the type of striker he wants at Tottenham and he is not being tied down to a particular type of forward.

"At Celtic, I had Kyogo, who was a sort of out and out number nine and in Japan, I've always had a striker. It just depends, like last year we had to be a bit creative, it's fair to say. You know but if Harry would have stayed I definitely would have used him!" he said.

"So I think for us what's more important is the type of striker we get. You know we play a certain way. We demand certain things from a physical perspective from the technical aspects of it that it's going be a striker that fits that mould.

"It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us."

Postecoglou has technical director Johan Lange on the recruitment front to help him this summer and he believes that his clarity in his requirements will help the Dane.

"Irrespective of the approach, I like to think I've always been pretty clear on what I want. I've had success for the most part of my career with transfers and, I mean, I thought last year's window was excellent," he said.

"When I was a Celtic or at Yokohama, I mean, there's still guys that dominate the league that I brought to the league. So I think what hopefully minimizes us getting it wrong is I'm really clear on what I want. Now, it kind of helps now with Johan and his team that they've got some more information around that, but it still comes down to, I think the most successful models are about having a real clear idea about what you're after.

"You know, because if it's just a left winger you want, there are thousands of them all very, very good. It's about finding one that's going to fit into the way you want to do things."

football.london put it to Postecoglou that he wanted a stronger squad this season to handle all the different competitions yet has so far only got two new faces in 18-year-olds in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. The Spurs boss said transfers will happen this month and that he is not getting emotional about the situation because he believes that the transfer overhaul at the club is bigger than many people perhaps thought.

"I don't think it'll all get done [in this window]. I've never believed in quick fixes and I think I said that it would have been great if we had done our business already, but I've always maintained a discipline not to go off and sort of get too emotional through these times," he said.

"It's a difficult time. This is the part of the season where I've probably got the least control over decisions and I've learned to stay disciplined and make sure that we do what we set out to do. We've added the two young guys, but I also think there's been growth from other guys from last year, which naturally makes us stronger this year.

"But yeah, we obviously still got a hand in this window, but I think we'll go beyond this window. This was wasn't just tinkering around the edges when I took over, it needed, you know, a big shift from where it was. I was just thinking about last year's pre-season, you know, I reckon 50% of the people who were on that tour are probably not here now.

"So we've already done a hell of a lot and we don't need to do as much, but I still think there's...because it's not just about having success one year. What you're trying to build is another, hopefully another cycle of success, and I think that'll take a bit longer."

There's a big beaming smile on Destiny Udogie's face when he talks about his return to action at Tottenham Hotspur after so long out.

The 21-year-old Italian was a revelation for Spurs in his first year in England with 30 appearances under his belt as well as two goals and three assists. Udogie received plaudits aplenty and was nominated for the Young Player of the Season award in the Premier League for his raiding performances up and down the left flank as one of Ange Postecoglou's two inverted full-backs.

However, the young defender suffered a serious injury in training at the end of April just as the campaign was reaching its business end, requiring him to have surgery on his left quadriceps.

Three and a half months later and Udogie has only just returned to full training with the squad for the final week of their pre-season tour to Asia. It has been by far the longest time he has spent out injured so far in his young career and he had to return to the relentless pace of Postecoglou sessions in the heat and humidity of Seoul no less, but the young Italy international wouldn't have it any other way after so long out.

"I think it's been honestly the best feeling after being out so long. Being back with the boys is really nice, but [this training] is not easy!" he told football.london with a grin. "But I'm good. I'm good. Yeah, I feel better and I'm getting good.

"It's the first time I've been out for so long. So it wasn't easy, but my team-mates were really great, they helped me a lot. I think [the process] is mental. You have to be ready because obviously it's not easy to be far from the pitch. You just want to play football, but my family was with me and my team-mates."

The injury also robbed Udogie of what was looking like a call-up to Italy's squad for the Euros, alongside Tottenham team-mate Guglielmo Vicario, following three appearances for the senior side, but the young defender's view is now one of looking forward after feeling that initial pain on every level.

"Yeah, I think it's been a tough one to take, but more to come so it's ok," he said simply.

In Udogie's absence towards the end of last season, coupled with an injury to Ben Davies, Postecoglou had to use different options at left-back with right-back Emerson Royal and defensive midfielder Oliver Skipp playing there in certain games. This summer so far the Australian's main go-to makeshift left-back has been attacking midfielder Jamie Donley and the 19-year-old has been in good form, with a couple of assists and he has certainly got the backing of Udogie.

"Honestly, he's been great, he's been great. I know Jamie really well. He's an incredible player with a lot of quality so I know what he can do and he can be good in any position," said the Italian. "I think what he's doing is good. I saw him [against Team K League] as well, so he's performing well and he's doing great."

Udogie has had to work hard himself in learning to be a Postecoglou full-back, having played as a wing-back for Udinese before his move to north London. The inverted nature of the role under the Spurs boss means operating as a midfielder in central roles at times and also the need to get up and down the flank within the blink of an eye.

"It's just about working in training with the staff. They teach me a lot of stuff. So I try to learn as much as I can about the game," he explained. "We work on everything - in possession, without the possession and alone. When alone I'm just trying to use my imagination, like I put myself in the position and I try to turn and play.

"So far I think it has been the hardest [system I've played in] because you have to attack and then you've got to come back - high sprints - so it is not easy, but the way we train, they bring us in the position to be ready so we are ready. I'm a little bit of a work in progress but I feel more comfortable, so I think I'm getting there."

He added: "This season I want to be the best I can be, with the assists, the running, the scoring, helping my team and everything. I have to improve in everything when it comes to defending and attacking.

"I mean, the way we play, we are always with the ball so we have a lot of opportunities to score, to make assists, to attack. So I will try to give my best to the team."

football.london was speaking to Udogie in Seoul as he met with representatives from the Homeless World Cup Foundation and the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee, as well as the South Korean men's Homeless World Cup squad.

Growing up, Verona-born Udogie had a Brazilian left-back hero from Real Madrid that he wanted to emulate, but nowadays the young full-back looks only to himself and what he can fix about his own game.

"Growing up, I always watched Marcelo. So I would say it used to be Marcelo every day," he said. "But now I really try to watch myself more and learn from my mistakes."

Udogie got to see a new Tottenham signing in action for the opposition on Wednesday evening as he watched from the sidelines with 18-year-old Yang Min-Hyeok impressing for Team K League. The South Korean teenager will join Spurs in January as the most expensive player to have transferred directly from Korea to European football and he caught his future team-mate's eye.

"Obviously he's a very young player, but I think you can see his quality," said Udogie. "He's energetic, he's quick, he has the touch so I think he can be good for us."

When Dejan Kulusevski spoke to football.london in Tokyo last week, the Swede said that the training sessions under Postecoglou felt different this summer with more focus on extra details, with that first year of understanding the Australian's philosophy now firmly under the players' belts and Udogie agreed.

"Yeah, honestly, we are more confident, we know them, we know the staff, the manager and this season I think we believe more that we can do something big," he said.

So what exactly is something big for this Tottenham team?

"Anything!" concluded the young Italian with a big grin.

Radu Dragusin's return to the Tottenham camp for the rest of the team's pre-season campaign has come as a big boost to Ange Postecoglou. Starring for Romania during their recent participation at Euro 2024, the Spurs centre-back was never going to return for the first day of pre-season training due to his country's qualification for the knockout phase and also because he required a well-earned summer break.

Jetting into South Korea to link up with his club teammates once again, the player got some pitch time in the tank on Wednesday evening after coming on in the closing stages of Tottenham's 4-3 win over Team K League at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Now with his first pre-season minutes under his belt, Dragusin will probably be in the mix to start in Saturday's friendly against Bayern Munich at the same venue.

The return of Dragusin coupled with Ben Davies making his comeback after fully recovering from the injury that ended his 2023/24 season prematurely does play into Postecoglou's hands when it comes to new signing Archie Gray. Needed to play at centre-back in the team's first three summer friendlies due to having extremely limited options there, Wednesday's game against Team K League saw the 18-year-old push upfield into his natural midfield role for the first time in a Tottenham shirt.

Partnering Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr in a rather youthful midfield combination, the Durham-born player took on the No.6 role as his two midfield partners played a little more advanced. Gray did look at home there, which is no surprise really, having played so well there in the Championship when representing Leeds United.

The youngster showed some nice touches of the ball and used it well when in possession as he took up some good positions, demonstrating that he has a very good football brain for a player of his tender years. There was even one moment early on in the first half when he found himself putting in a low cross from the right flank after some persistent play.

Very much a brand new Tottenham midfield trio against Team K League with Yves Bissouma starting on the bench and Rodrigo Bentancur still away on his break, the trio fared well together in what could be viewed as a Spurs midfield for the coming years. Whether Gray plays as a No.6 or a No.8 on a full-time basis in the future will be determined later down the line, with his outing against Team K League the first glimpse of just what he can offer Tottenham in midfield in the years ahead.

One aspect he is going to have to get to grips with, especially in the Premier League, is the physicality levels. At 18 years of age, Gray is still maturing and developing but Postecoglou admitted after the game that the club are "gonna have to build him up" and also fellow new arrival Bergvall.

"Yeah, I thought it worked ok," said the Australian on the midfield three in his post-match interview. "Obviously they are three very young players in that midfield set up and as you said, the first time they had played together. But yeah, for the most part I thought they handled it pretty well.

"I think Lucas found it tough physically. It's a very demanding role in there and it's going to take us a while to get him up to speed from a physical perspective, but you can see the quality he has when he's on the ball.

"And Archie, he's what he's shown the whole time. He's been very composed, he seems to understand the game really well and for the most part, I thought he was taking up the right positions. But again, physically I think we're gonna have to build him up. I thought Pape's running is just unbelievable. He's a benchmark for us in that midfield area.

"So, yeah, I think the three of them - considering they're so young and that's the exciting bit - if we keep pushing them and improving them, they're going to be very good footballers for us."

Having so far spent the vast majority of his short Tottenham career playing as an emergency centre-back with Spurs' first-choice options all away on their summer break, supporters can now look forward to Gray having the opportunity in the next two friendlies to play in his natural midfield role. Dragusin's return has certainly given Postecoglou a boost and it won't be long at all until Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are back with the team.

Bayern Munich are Tottenham's opponents in their two remaining friendlies, thus giving Gray the ideal chance to test himself against some top midfielders prior to the new Premier League season kicking off. Needed to help out at centre-back at the start of this summer, Postecoglou can now unleash Gray in midfield as he puts his Tottenham masterplan firmly into practice.

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