Football.London

Having been completed in 2019, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (THS) has already started to prove a game changer when it comes to revenue generation.

For the 2022/23 financial year, matchday revenue rose to £117.6m, 11% higher than the year previous, while commercial revenues, a chunk of which can be attributed to the stadium and its ability to house concerts and NFL regular season games, was up £44.3m year on year.

Yes, the stadium’s construction saw a lot of debt placed on the club, with gross debt sitting at a little over £850m for the last financial year, but with that not a consideration when it comes to profit and sustainability rules (PSR) due to it being an allowable deduction, as well as the club being able to service the debt comfortably while raising revenues with every financial year, it has proven a shrewd decision.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, when addressing University of Cambridge students at the Cambridge Union in March last year, said: “Debt isn’t really a problem for anyone that understands finance, providing you can match long-term income streams with long-term debt. As long as it is financed properly it isn't a problem.

“It is effectively a 30-year mortgage at a very low interest rate. It’s not a problem at all. When you are building a club and building long-term value there are a number of ingredients. One is profitability; some clubs are valued at a lot of money that aren’t profitable, therefore revenue becomes important. Physical assets, success on the pitch; there is no one asset, you need them all to come together.”

Spurs are well placed over the next decade, at a time of greater financial controls being put in place, to push for competitive success with the ability to invest in the on-pitch product. They have greater flexibility on that front than their ‘big six’ rivals.

But continuing to try and move the needle when it comes to revenue generation will be key, and being one of the clubs who have been seeking a naming rights partner for their home stadium, they have significant potential to reap greater rewards.

Levy has previously given his opinion on the stadium naming rights for THS. Spurs have previously held talks with firms such as Google, but a deal never materialised, with Levy having said previously that there may be revenue potential in keeping the THS name for global brand recognition.

Levy has a reputation for driving a hard bargain. But what could the THS naming rights actually be worth to Spurs?

According to a report from financial advisory firm Kroll, Spurs have the greatest revenue generation potential out of all Premier League clubs based on current stadia.

While Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain make up the top three in terms of European football, Spurs are fourth on the list with an estimated annual revenue potential of €18m (£15m) per year. That is higher than Manchester United at £12.8m, and Manchester City at £12.5m.

“Investment in football assets has never been more popular, and the opportunity for sponsors to capture value in the stadium naming rights market in Europe, and for clubs to expand their revenues, should not be underestimated,” said Mike Weaver, managing director and international valuation advisory services leader at Kroll.

“Football clubs want to diversify their income streams to remain competitive and investors are looking for a stake in one of the world’s most popular and profitable sports. As this year’s Stadium Naming Rights Study shows, stadium sponsorship continues to be an opportunity for both clubs and investors, but only with careful and accurate strategies for investment. For institutions considering selling their stadium naming rights, they must be aware of the importance of correctly valuing these sponsorship opportunities or risk underselling one of their most important assets.”

Stadium naming rights partnerships at an elite level tend to be struck over a considerable period of time, the benefit for the club being a large sum of money guaranteed over years, while for the sponsors it protects against inflation of the naming rights over time. Allianz, for example, have a 20-year deal in place with Bayern Munich for the stadium naming rights.

A 20-year deal at the estimated value for Spurs would be £300m, a sum likely still less than what Levy had in mind for the rights.

Looking at major US sports teams, deals in excess of £500m have been inked in recent years, although there are some stark differences between the markets.

Daniel Haddad, head of commercial strategy at global sports agency Octagon, explained: “It's a completely different mark in the US, and I think one of the big mistakes that a lot of European clubs or sports entities make is actually trying to draw a comparison on the value of a stadium naming rights deal in the US and trying to translate it into what that could mean in Europe.

“Essentially, the key difference is that if you look at traditionally how sports teams are able to sell their assets in the US, they don’t have to share, they don't have the kind of other highly visible points of entry.

“The market in the US is almost kind of trying to accommodate those with jersey patches, etc. But it’s always been in the US that stadium naming rights is the top-tier asset in terms of brand recognition and exposure.

“There isn’t the same extent of field signage in the US. If you watch an NFL game it is pretty much a clean environment from a stadium branding perspective.

“Obviously the model there is different and you get a lot of a lot more brands integrated in the broadcast spotlight as in sponsored segments on CBS or ESPN, but the actual playing environment is a lot cleaner.

“Crypto.com is actually one of the exceptions to this, but mostly stadium naming rights are purchased by a massive business located in that state. So, if you look at most of the stadium naming rights deals in the US, the corporation would usually be a US company with its headquarters in that state.

“The economies of these states can be massive. California is bigger than the UK economy, and in every state you have multiple businesses. The signature is billion-dollar revenue businesses that can afford that as a marketing expenditure. So, that's why it’s a different market.

Having been completed in 2019, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (THS) has already started to prove a game changer when it comes to revenue generation.

For the 2022/23 financial year, matchday revenue rose to £117.6m, 11% higher than the year previous, while commercial revenues, a chunk of which can be attributed to the stadium and its ability to house concerts and NFL regular season games, was up £44.3m year on year.

Yes, the stadium’s construction saw a lot of debt placed on the club, with gross debt sitting at a little over £850m for the last financial year, but with that not a consideration when it comes to profit and sustainability rules (PSR) due to it being an allowable deduction, as well as the club being able to service the debt comfortably while raising revenues with every financial year, it has proven a shrewd decision.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, when addressing University of Cambridge students at the Cambridge Union in March last year, said: “Debt isn’t really a problem for anyone that understands finance, providing you can match long-term income streams with long-term debt. As long as it is financed properly it isn't a problem.

“It is effectively a 30-year mortgage at a very low interest rate. It’s not a problem at all. When you are building a club and building long-term value there are a number of ingredients. One is profitability; some clubs are valued at a lot of money that aren’t profitable, therefore revenue becomes important. Physical assets, success on the pitch; there is no one asset, you need them all to come together.”

Spurs are well placed over the next decade, at a time of greater financial controls being put in place, to push for competitive success with the ability to invest in the on-pitch product. They have greater flexibility on that front than their ‘big six’ rivals.

But continuing to try and move the needle when it comes to revenue generation will be key, and being one of the clubs who have been seeking a naming rights partner for their home stadium, they have significant potential to reap greater rewards.

Levy has previously given his opinion on the stadium naming rights for THS. Spurs have previously held talks with firms such as Google, but a deal never materialised, with Levy having said previously that there may be revenue potential in keeping the THS name for global brand recognition.

Levy has a reputation for driving a hard bargain. But what could the THS naming rights actually be worth to Spurs?

According to a report from financial advisory firm Kroll, Spurs have the greatest revenue generation potential out of all Premier League clubs based on current stadia.

While Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain make up the top three in terms of European football, Spurs are fourth on the list with an estimated annual revenue potential of €18m (£15m) per year. That is higher than Manchester United at £12.8m, and Manchester City at £12.5m.

“Investment in football assets has never been more popular, and the opportunity for sponsors to capture value in the stadium naming rights market in Europe, and for clubs to expand their revenues, should not be underestimated,” said Mike Weaver, managing director and international valuation advisory services leader at Kroll.

“Football clubs want to diversify their income streams to remain competitive and investors are looking for a stake in one of the world’s most popular and profitable sports. As this year’s Stadium Naming Rights Study shows, stadium sponsorship continues to be an opportunity for both clubs and investors, but only with careful and accurate strategies for investment. For institutions considering selling their stadium naming rights, they must be aware of the importance of correctly valuing these sponsorship opportunities or risk underselling one of their most important assets.”

Stadium naming rights partnerships at an elite level tend to be struck over a considerable period of time, the benefit for the club being a large sum of money guaranteed over years, while for the sponsors it protects against inflation of the naming rights over time. Allianz, for example, have a 20-year deal in place with Bayern Munich for the stadium naming rights.

A 20-year deal at the estimated value for Spurs would be £300m, a sum likely still less than what Levy had in mind for the rights.

Looking at major US sports teams, deals in excess of £500m have been inked in recent years, although there are some stark differences between the markets.

Daniel Haddad, head of commercial strategy at global sports agency Octagon, explained: “It's a completely different mark in the US, and I think one of the big mistakes that a lot of European clubs or sports entities make is actually trying to draw a comparison on the value of a stadium naming rights deal in the US and trying to translate it into what that could mean in Europe.

“Essentially, the key difference is that if you look at traditionally how sports teams are able to sell their assets in the US, they don’t have to share, they don't have the kind of other highly visible points of entry.

“The market in the US is almost kind of trying to accommodate those with jersey patches, etc. But it’s always been in the US that stadium naming rights is the top-tier asset in terms of brand recognition and exposure.

“There isn’t the same extent of field signage in the US. If you watch an NFL game it is pretty much a clean environment from a stadium branding perspective.

“Obviously the model there is different and you get a lot of a lot more brands integrated in the broadcast spotlight as in sponsored segments on CBS or ESPN, but the actual playing environment is a lot cleaner.

“Crypto.com is actually one of the exceptions to this, but mostly stadium naming rights are purchased by a massive business located in that state. So, if you look at most of the stadium naming rights deals in the US, the corporation would usually be a US company with its headquarters in that state.

“The economies of these states can be massive. California is bigger than the UK economy, and in every state you have multiple businesses. The signature is billion-dollar revenue businesses that can afford that as a marketing expenditure. So, that's why it’s a different market.

One thing this reporter did expect from Tokyo was that it was going to be roasting hot - and the Japanese capital did not disappoint. One thing less expected was a Champions League-winning star and his teammates walking into the coffee shop he was working in.

Tokyo is an assault on the senses. It's where the future meets the past, smart and new meets old and - let's say less smart - and most people walk around holding umbrellas aloft even when there's no chance of rain. That's because Tottenham Hotspur have arrived in the huge, sprawling city in just about the hottest period they could possibly manage.

The umbrellas are simply for the locals to remain shaded from the sun. The temperature is touching 37C and even those used to the warmth in the city are sweating. The air-conditioned shops and restaurants offer temporary respite and football.london duly took refuge within the walls of one well-known coffee shop franchise.

They were not the only visitors from the UK to head in there. Within 10 minutes, James Milner - a man who has won the Champions League, the Premier League three times, the FA Cup twice as well as the Club World Cup and European Super Cup among numerous other trophies - walked through the door.

The 38-year-old, who will likely break Gareth Barry's record of 654 appearances in the Premier League this season as he has 634, wandered in as if it was just any normal day. He was accompanied by his Brighton team-mate and goalkeeper Jason Steele. If they were looking to remain inconspicuous, their Brighton training gear was working against them.

Steele was asked for the odd selfie but most of the attention went former Liverpool and Manchester City man Milner's way. Soon after they had left, Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke ambled in and ordered himself something from the counter and patiently waited for it to be made. It wasn't just current Brighton stars as Glenn Murray, now often a pundit for the BBC, next came in for a coffee and sat in the window watching Tokyo life drift by.

Brighton are staying in the Roppongi area of the city. They are in Japan to face Kashima Antlers on Wednesday night at the Japan National Stadium, where Spurs will take on Vissel Kobe on Saturday. Brighton have a Japanese star in their ranks in Kaoru Mitoma, who is back from a back injury that has ruled him out for much of 2024 so far, and the reception for the team's arrival showcased his popularity and accordingly Brighton's.

Tottenham have Asia's most famous footballer in Son Heung-min and his arrival has also been big news, with huge modern 3D advertising boards in the city announcing Tottenham's game this weekend. Japanese Spurs fans have been desperate to find out where and when the team is training, having already awaited his and the squad's arrival on Tuesday. The location has not been made public for fear of security concerns as so many people are likely to flood to the place.

Ange Postecoglou did not allow his players to rest up for long after their flight from the UK. They trained on Monday morning at Hotspur Way before embarking on their flight to Tokyo that afternoon, arriving on Tuesday thanks to the eight-hour time difference. Then they were up bright and early on Wednesday morning to launch into training.

Postecoglou and his coaching staff had a double session in the heat planned for them. Lucas Bergvall was back from his injury scare against QPR on Saturday and it is testament to the 18-year-old's confidence and outgoing nature that he has quickly settled in as a popular member of the squad. The Swede's performance at Loftus Road at the weekend showed just how much the senior players already trust him as he was constantly given the ball by all of them in the tightest of areas on the pitch.

Archie Gray is a wonderful talent but a known one to many of the players after a big season at Leeds United. Bergvall was the unknown quantity and the Spurs stars have quickly seen why Tottenham and Barcelona were both battling to bring in the gifted teenager.

Ahead of training, there was a reunion for Postecoglou with Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, who was there to greet the Spurs boss as he walked out to the session. The Australian was managing Yokohama F.Marinos in the J-League when Moriyasu took charge of his country, while the Japan boss also travelled to Scotland to see him and Kyogo Furuhashi during a European tour a couple of years ago.

It's not just the Tottenham players and staff taking in the heat of the capital this week. Spurs have brought out two legends as club ambassadors in Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles. The World Cup-winning Argentine knows Japan well having worked and won trophies trophies over the years at Shimizu S-Pulse, Yokohama F. Marinos, Tokyo Verdy and Machida Zelvia, which was one of his last jobs in management in 2012.

"To live in Japan… you have to experience it. In fact, I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity," said the 71-year-old. "To stay in Japan for some moment in your life is so, so nice. You fall in love with Japan. It's such a wonderful place. It's a very respectful culture, very humble, very successful. Nobody shouts, people don't use the telephone in front of each other, it's a very special place."

Over the coming days, the two Spurs legends and their current counterparts will take on plenty of community events, meeting the Japanese Tottenham supporters as well as taking part in an open training session at the national stadium on Friday evening, with a press conference for Postecoglou, in preparation for the match against Vissel Kobe the following night (11am kick-off UK time).

One player who currently looks to be sticking around on the tour despite speculation aplenty about his future is Emerson Royal. The Brazilian right-back has firm admirers in AC Milan with the Italian side yet to show just how much they truly like him by getting anywhere near Tottenham's asking price of at least €20million (£16.8million).

Reports in the 25-year-old's homeland claim that Turkish side Galatasaray have now made an official bid to sign Emerson, which prompted AC Milan into making another bid for the player, one which finally reaches the €20million (£16.8million) asking price. All of that news comes as something of a surprise to Tottenham of course, who have yet to receive a bid from either club in recent days, with Milan's last bid coming in at €10million (£8.4million) two weeks ago, the same bid that was submitted in verbal form and rejected the previous week before that.

All of the noise could mean that an actual decent bid is on the way from the Italian side, with Dortmund, Flamengo and Saudi Pro League sides having also shown interest in him in recent times, but it could also just be an attempt to get the player to agitate for a move. Nothing will happen at that low price though for a player with two years left on his contract and who who is a perfectly solid full-back and cost Tottenham far more when he signed from Barcelona three years ago.

This tour and the transfer window will have plenty more twists and turns to it and football.london will be in Tokyo and then Seoul, in South Korea, to cover it all.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

One thing this reporter did expect from Tokyo was that it was going to be roasting hot - and the Japanese capital did not disappoint. One thing less expected was a Champions League-winning star and his teammates walking into the coffee shop he was working in.

Tokyo is an assault on the senses. It's where the future meets the past, smart and new meets old and - let's say less smart - and most people walk around holding umbrellas aloft even when there's no chance of rain. That's because Tottenham Hotspur have arrived in the huge, sprawling city in just about the hottest period they could possibly manage.

The umbrellas are simply for the locals to remain shaded from the sun. The temperature is touching 37C and even those used to the warmth in the city are sweating. The air-conditioned shops and restaurants offer temporary respite and football.london duly took refuge within the walls of one well-known coffee shop franchise.

They were not the only visitors from the UK to head in there. Within 10 minutes, James Milner - a man who has won the Champions League, the Premier League three times, the FA Cup twice as well as the Club World Cup and European Super Cup among numerous other trophies - walked through the door.

The 38-year-old, who will likely break Gareth Barry's record of 654 appearances in the Premier League this season as he has 634, wandered in as if it was just any normal day. He was accompanied by his Brighton team-mate and goalkeeper Jason Steele. If they were looking to remain inconspicuous, their Brighton training gear was working against them.

Steele was asked for the odd selfie but most of the attention went former Liverpool and Manchester City man Milner's way. Soon after they had left, Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke ambled in and ordered himself something from the counter and patiently waited for it to be made. It wasn't just current Brighton stars as Glenn Murray, now often a pundit for the BBC, next came in for a coffee and sat in the window watching Tokyo life drift by.

Brighton are staying in the Roppongi area of the city. They are in Japan to face Kashima Antlers on Wednesday night at the Japan National Stadium, where Spurs will take on Vissel Kobe on Saturday. Brighton have a Japanese star in their ranks in Kaoru Mitoma, who is back from a back injury that has ruled him out for much of 2024 so far, and the reception for the team's arrival showcased his popularity and accordingly Brighton's.

Tottenham have Asia's most famous footballer in Son Heung-min and his arrival has also been big news, with huge modern 3D advertising boards in the city announcing Tottenham's game this weekend. Japanese Spurs fans have been desperate to find out where and when the team is training, having already awaited his and the squad's arrival on Tuesday. The location has not been made public for fear of security concerns as so many people are likely to flood to the place.

Ange Postecoglou did not allow his players to rest up for long after their flight from the UK. They trained on Monday morning at Hotspur Way before embarking on their flight to Tokyo that afternoon, arriving on Tuesday thanks to the eight-hour time difference. Then they were up bright and early on Wednesday morning to launch into training.

Postecoglou and his coaching staff had a double session in the heat planned for them. Lucas Bergvall was back from his injury scare against QPR on Saturday and it is testament to the 18-year-old's confidence and outgoing nature that he has quickly settled in as a popular member of the squad. The Swede's performance at Loftus Road at the weekend showed just how much the senior players already trust him as he was constantly given the ball by all of them in the tightest of areas on the pitch.

Archie Gray is a wonderful talent but a known one to many of the players after a big season at Leeds United. Bergvall was the unknown quantity and the Spurs stars have quickly seen why Tottenham and Barcelona were both battling to bring in the gifted teenager.

Ahead of training, there was a reunion for Postecoglou with Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, who was there to greet the Spurs boss as he walked out to the session. The Australian was managing Yokohama F.Marinos in the J-League when Moriyasu took charge of his country, while the Japan boss also travelled to Scotland to see him and Kyogo Furuhashi during a European tour a couple of years ago.

It's not just the Tottenham players and staff taking in the heat of the capital this week. Spurs have brought out two legends as club ambassadors in Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles. The World Cup-winning Argentine knows Japan well having worked and won trophies trophies over the years at Shimizu S-Pulse, Yokohama F. Marinos, Tokyo Verdy and Machida Zelvia, which was one of his last jobs in management in 2012.

"To live in Japan… you have to experience it. In fact, I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity," said the 71-year-old. "To stay in Japan for some moment in your life is so, so nice. You fall in love with Japan. It's such a wonderful place. It's a very respectful culture, very humble, very successful. Nobody shouts, people don't use the telephone in front of each other, it's a very special place."

Over the coming days, the two Spurs legends and their current counterparts will take on plenty of community events, meeting the Japanese Tottenham supporters as well as taking part in an open training session at the national stadium on Friday evening, with a press conference for Postecoglou, in preparation for the match against Vissel Kobe the following night (11am kick-off UK time).

One player who currently looks to be sticking around on the tour despite speculation aplenty about his future is Emerson Royal. The Brazilian right-back has firm admirers in AC Milan with the Italian side yet to show just how much they truly like him by getting anywhere near Tottenham's asking price of at least €20million (£16.8million).

Reports in the 25-year-old's homeland claim that Turkish side Galatasaray have now made an official bid to sign Emerson, which prompted AC Milan into making another bid for the player, one which finally reaches the €20million (£16.8million) asking price. All of that news comes as something of a surprise to Tottenham of course, who have yet to receive a bid from either club in recent days, with Milan's last bid coming in at €10million (£8.4million) two weeks ago, the same bid that was submitted in verbal form and rejected the previous week before that.

All of the noise could mean that an actual decent bid is on the way from the Italian side, with Dortmund, Flamengo and Saudi Pro League sides having also shown interest in him in recent times, but it could also just be an attempt to get the player to agitate for a move. Nothing will happen at that low price though for a player with two years left on his contract and who who is a perfectly solid full-back and cost Tottenham far more when he signed from Barcelona three years ago.

This tour and the transfer window will have plenty more twists and turns to it and football.london will be in Tokyo and then Seoul, in South Korea, to cover it all.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has given Tottenham Hotspur's backline a heads up about possible Spurs signing Eberechi Eze, raving about his capabilities.

After dazzling for England in Euro 2024 and bagging an impressive 11 goals with four assists at Crystal Palace last season, Eze has caught the eye of top clubs, including Man City, Liverpool, and notably Tottenham with the latter rumoured to be edging ahead in the chase for his £68million move, reports the Mirror.

Eze, who only stepped onto the international stage last year, played a key role from the bench under Gareth Southgate's command in Germany. Saka shared insights from behind the scenes with England, highlighting Eze's outstanding performance in training and how he stood out among the talents.

He said: "In training, I would say probably Ebs [Ebere Eze]. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say." His words echo that of ex-QPR teammate Joel Lynch, who previously told BBC Sport not to underestimate Eze's skill: "I just wouldn't go near him [Eze]. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me".

Lynch and Saka's acknowledgements are a clear testament to the attacking midfielder's flair, something Spurs' defence will have to get accustomed to if the transfer materialises, as they'll see his trickery up close in training sessions.

"Before the start of games, where everyone is giving each other high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game, please'. He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play," Lynch added.

According to TalkSPORT, Spurs are leading the race for Eze, with negotiations reportedly at a 'more advanced' stage than City's, despite Pep Guardiola's firm interest in the player. This comes as Kevin de Bruyne is rumoured to be on the brink of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

If Spurs do secure Eze's signature for a reported £68m, the club's defence will certainly be put on notice during that first training session.

Lynch also pointed to a loan spell at League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a turning point in young Eze's career, saying: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.

"Every bit of his game was better. He literally came back our best player. He was miles above the rest really. The way he carries himself is perfect. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has given Tottenham Hotspur's backline a heads up about possible Spurs signing Eberechi Eze, raving about his capabilities.

After dazzling for England in Euro 2024 and bagging an impressive 11 goals with four assists at Crystal Palace last season, Eze has caught the eye of top clubs, including Man City, Liverpool, and notably Tottenham with the latter rumoured to be edging ahead in the chase for his £68million move, reports the Mirror.

Eze, who only stepped onto the international stage last year, played a key role from the bench under Gareth Southgate's command in Germany. Saka shared insights from behind the scenes with England, highlighting Eze's outstanding performance in training and how he stood out among the talents.

He said: "In training, I would say probably Ebs [Ebere Eze]. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say." His words echo that of ex-QPR teammate Joel Lynch, who previously told BBC Sport not to underestimate Eze's skill: "I just wouldn't go near him [Eze]. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me".

Lynch and Saka's acknowledgements are a clear testament to the attacking midfielder's flair, something Spurs' defence will have to get accustomed to if the transfer materialises, as they'll see his trickery up close in training sessions.

"Before the start of games, where everyone is giving each other high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game, please'. He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play," Lynch added.

According to TalkSPORT, Spurs are leading the race for Eze, with negotiations reportedly at a 'more advanced' stage than City's, despite Pep Guardiola's firm interest in the player. This comes as Kevin de Bruyne is rumoured to be on the brink of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

If Spurs do secure Eze's signature for a reported £68m, the club's defence will certainly be put on notice during that first training session.

Lynch also pointed to a loan spell at League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a turning point in young Eze's career, saying: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.

"Every bit of his game was better. He literally came back our best player. He was miles above the rest really. The way he carries himself is perfect. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has given Tottenham Hotspur's backline a heads up about possible Spurs signing Eberechi Eze, raving about his capabilities.

After dazzling for England in Euro 2024 and bagging an impressive 11 goals with four assists at Crystal Palace last season, Eze has caught the eye of top clubs, including Man City, Liverpool, and notably Tottenham with the latter rumoured to be edging ahead in the chase for his £68million move, reports the Mirror.

Eze, who only stepped onto the international stage last year, played a key role from the bench under Gareth Southgate's command in Germany. Saka shared insights from behind the scenes with England, highlighting Eze's outstanding performance in training and how he stood out among the talents.

He said: "In training, I would say probably Ebs [Ebere Eze]. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say." His words echo that of ex-QPR teammate Joel Lynch, who previously told BBC Sport not to underestimate Eze's skill: "I just wouldn't go near him [Eze]. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me".

Lynch and Saka's acknowledgements are a clear testament to the attacking midfielder's flair, something Spurs' defence will have to get accustomed to if the transfer materialises, as they'll see his trickery up close in training sessions.

"Before the start of games, where everyone is giving each other high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game, please'. He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play," Lynch added.

According to TalkSPORT, Spurs are leading the race for Eze, with negotiations reportedly at a 'more advanced' stage than City's, despite Pep Guardiola's firm interest in the player. This comes as Kevin de Bruyne is rumoured to be on the brink of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

If Spurs do secure Eze's signature for a reported £68m, the club's defence will certainly be put on notice during that first training session.

Lynch also pointed to a loan spell at League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a turning point in young Eze's career, saying: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.

"Every bit of his game was better. He literally came back our best player. He was miles above the rest really. The way he carries himself is perfect. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has given Tottenham Hotspur's backline a heads up about possible Spurs signing Eberechi Eze, raving about his capabilities.

After dazzling for England in Euro 2024 and bagging an impressive 11 goals with four assists at Crystal Palace last season, Eze has caught the eye of top clubs, including Man City, Liverpool, and notably Tottenham with the latter rumoured to be edging ahead in the chase for his £68million move, reports the Mirror.

Eze, who only stepped onto the international stage last year, played a key role from the bench under Gareth Southgate's command in Germany. Saka shared insights from behind the scenes with England, highlighting Eze's outstanding performance in training and how he stood out among the talents.

He said: "In training, I would say probably Ebs [Ebere Eze]. He has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say." His words echo that of ex-QPR teammate Joel Lynch, who previously told BBC Sport not to underestimate Eze's skill: "I just wouldn't go near him [Eze]. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me".

Lynch and Saka's acknowledgements are a clear testament to the attacking midfielder's flair, something Spurs' defence will have to get accustomed to if the transfer materialises, as they'll see his trickery up close in training sessions.

"Before the start of games, where everyone is giving each other high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game, please'. He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play," Lynch added.

According to TalkSPORT, Spurs are leading the race for Eze, with negotiations reportedly at a 'more advanced' stage than City's, despite Pep Guardiola's firm interest in the player. This comes as Kevin de Bruyne is rumoured to be on the brink of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.

If Spurs do secure Eze's signature for a reported £68m, the club's defence will certainly be put on notice during that first training session.

Lynch also pointed to a loan spell at League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a turning point in young Eze's career, saying: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.

"Every bit of his game was better. He literally came back our best player. He was miles above the rest really. The way he carries himself is perfect. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Ange Postecoglou is back in Japan and he is working his Tottenham players hard in the heat of Tokyo to ensure they are ready for the new Premier League season.

The 58-year-old spent three-and-a-half years in the country as the boss of Yokohama F. Marinos, helping the club win the J-League title in 2019 for the first time in 15 years. Now the Australian is back in Japan, albeit in the capital Tokyo, as Spurs prepare to face Vissel Kobe in the National Stadium on Saturday.

Here are five things we reckon Postecoglou needs to get from this tour to Asia, with Tottenham then heading on to South Korea next.

Take advantage of a rare opportunity

Postecoglou has a rare opportunity this summer in that he is the first coach in half a decade to have a second pre-season at Tottenham Hotspur, such has been the high turnover of managers at the club since Mauricio Pochettino left north London back in 2019.

That gives the Australian a leg up on his predecessors over the past five years as he can build on the foundations he created in his first 12 months at the club, in which time Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League, with more points and goals scored than the previous season and fewer conceded.

Postecoglou's second seasons at clubs are usually spectacular and come with silverware and the Spurs boss has already stated that he expects much bigger things this time around at Tottenham. This second pre-season tour is a key period in adding extra layers to the team's set-up with the extra tactical detail on top of the philosophy already set within his first 12 months.

No injuries

It should go without saying because pre-season tours can be nervy affairs when it comes to injuries because players are tired, worked hard with double sessions in the heat and also often struggling with the effects of jet lag.

For Postecoglou and Tottenham though it is even more important to keep clear of injuries as they suffered so badly with them last season, with a group of key ones derailing their chances of finishing even higher in the Australian's first campaign in charge.

The hope is that, as at his previous clubs, the injuries start to clear on the whole in his second season, most noticeably hamstring problems, as the players and sports science staff adjust to the demands of his non-stop football at Hotspur Way and during matches. There will still be a few nervous moments though when players fall to the floor and transfer plans can have to alter in an instant.

Good coaching dynamics

This pre-season tour will not only be a good opportunity for the players to fully bond, it will also present a chance for the new-look coaching staff to do so.

Last summer, Postecoglou had a group of staff that knew each other well from their work already within the club in the shape of Matt Wells, Ryan Mason and Rob Burch. Chris Davies and Mile Jedinak simply added to that dynamic and settled in well.

However, Davies has since left to become the new manager of Birmingham City in League One. In his place, 35-year-old Wells has stepped up to become Postecoglou's senior assistant coach.

The one-man hole in the coaching staff has been replaced by two people with Postecoglou bringing in both Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo, who enjoyed success together at Central Coast Mariners, winning the A-League title, before enduring a more difficult spell at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

The duo will bring plenty of experience and ideas to the Tottenham coaching set-up, but it's also going to provide an interesting test for the dynamics of the group. That's because it's unusual for a manager and his assistant to be transplanted into the middle of a coaching set-up, to work under a younger senior assistant coach as well.

It's got the potential to cause problems if the dynamics don't work, with Montgomery no doubt keen to return to managing and Raimundo used to following his lead, but on the flipside it's got plenty of potential for bringing a positive boost to the group with new ideas, experience and two disciplined coaches who will understand the Postecoglou way.

Someone to step up

There is always someone who steps up and breaks out on a pre-season tour. It could be a young player from the academy who grabs his chance or it could be a previously out of favour or fringe star who breathes new life into his career at the club.

Last year the player in the latter camp was Giovani Lo Celso, although injuries would then fragment his season at Tottenham, yet he did end it by winning the Copa America with Argentina.

This time around that senior player could be Djed Spence. The 23-year-old right-back was expected to be sold this summer, with Genoa looking to make his loan move permanent but unable to match Spurs' asking price. Plenty of other clubs are interested, but the full-back has made a good impression on Postecoglou and the coaching staff this summer, with plenty of hard work on the training pitches.

He's also impressed with both of his friendly appearances so far, scoring and grabbing an assist against Hearts, and that's why he has been brought on the tour. He might still end up heading off this summer with Pedro Porro and £40m new signing Archie Gray able to play at right-back, along with Emerson Royal, but Spence has at least put himself into the equation.

Of the young players, 16-year-old Mikey Moore has already been making a name for himself and could continue his fine pre-season out in Asia, while the likes of Jamie Donley, Tyrese Hall, Will Lankshear and George Abbott among others will all be looking to do similar with their game time and training sessions.

Transfer help

Postecoglou has made no secret of the fact that he needs new signings on top of what has come already. Gray has come into the club with Timo Werner returning on a new loan deal, while Lucas Bergvall has arrived at Spurs following his £8.5million February move from Djurgarden.

On the need for further new recruits, the Tottenham head coach told football.london in Edinburgh last week: "'I'm comfortable. We've got a strategy in place about what we want to do. I'm really happy with the two lads we've brought in, both obviously very talented but more importantly really ambitious. They're not here to ease their way in. They want to play and I think that's great. They've brought a good energy to the group and no doubt there will be a couple more additions but I'm comfortable with where we're at."

It feels like the transfer window is starting to move now and anyone that Tottenham could get over the line in time to join the tour would increase their chances of adjusting quickly to the very different Postecoglou way.

Spurs also need some players to head out of the door with Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil left at home to find new clubs, while Emerson Royal continues to be linked with a move to AC Milan, who have thus far been unable to get anywhere near what Tottenham are looking for when it comes to the Brazilian full-back's price tag.

One thing is clear, Postecoglou needs help in the transfer window from the club if they are to compete higher up the Premier League table next season and the exits of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joe Rodon, and the clearing of plenty of big, high earning names off the wage bill, will have negated much of the Gray transfer money to allow Tottenham to spend this summer.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou is back in Japan and he is working his Tottenham players hard in the heat of Tokyo to ensure they are ready for the new Premier League season.

The 58-year-old spent three-and-a-half years in the country as the boss of Yokohama F. Marinos, helping the club win the J-League title in 2019 for the first time in 15 years. Now the Australian is back in Japan, albeit in the capital Tokyo, as Spurs prepare to face Vissel Kobe in the National Stadium on Saturday.

Here are five things we reckon Postecoglou needs to get from this tour to Asia, with Tottenham then heading on to South Korea next.

Take advantage of a rare opportunity

Postecoglou has a rare opportunity this summer in that he is the first coach in half a decade to have a second pre-season at Tottenham Hotspur, such has been the high turnover of managers at the club since Mauricio Pochettino left north London back in 2019.

That gives the Australian a leg up on his predecessors over the past five years as he can build on the foundations he created in his first 12 months at the club, in which time Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League, with more points and goals scored than the previous season and fewer conceded.

Postecoglou's second seasons at clubs are usually spectacular and come with silverware and the Spurs boss has already stated that he expects much bigger things this time around at Tottenham. This second pre-season tour is a key period in adding extra layers to the team's set-up with the extra tactical detail on top of the philosophy already set within his first 12 months.

No injuries

It should go without saying because pre-season tours can be nervy affairs when it comes to injuries because players are tired, worked hard with double sessions in the heat and also often struggling with the effects of jet lag.

For Postecoglou and Tottenham though it is even more important to keep clear of injuries as they suffered so badly with them last season, with a group of key ones derailing their chances of finishing even higher in the Australian's first campaign in charge.

The hope is that, as at his previous clubs, the injuries start to clear on the whole in his second season, most noticeably hamstring problems, as the players and sports science staff adjust to the demands of his non-stop football at Hotspur Way and during matches. There will still be a few nervous moments though when players fall to the floor and transfer plans can have to alter in an instant.

Good coaching dynamics

This pre-season tour will not only be a good opportunity for the players to fully bond, it will also present a chance for the new-look coaching staff to do so.

Last summer, Postecoglou had a group of staff that knew each other well from their work already within the club in the shape of Matt Wells, Ryan Mason and Rob Burch. Chris Davies and Mile Jedinak simply added to that dynamic and settled in well.

However, Davies has since left to become the new manager of Birmingham City in League One. In his place, 35-year-old Wells has stepped up to become Postecoglou's senior assistant coach.

The one-man hole in the coaching staff has been replaced by two people with Postecoglou bringing in both Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo, who enjoyed success together at Central Coast Mariners, winning the A-League title, before enduring a more difficult spell at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

The duo will bring plenty of experience and ideas to the Tottenham coaching set-up, but it's also going to provide an interesting test for the dynamics of the group. That's because it's unusual for a manager and his assistant to be transplanted into the middle of a coaching set-up, to work under a younger senior assistant coach as well.

It's got the potential to cause problems if the dynamics don't work, with Montgomery no doubt keen to return to managing and Raimundo used to following his lead, but on the flipside it's got plenty of potential for bringing a positive boost to the group with new ideas, experience and two disciplined coaches who will understand the Postecoglou way.

Someone to step up

There is always someone who steps up and breaks out on a pre-season tour. It could be a young player from the academy who grabs his chance or it could be a previously out of favour or fringe star who breathes new life into his career at the club.

Last year the player in the latter camp was Giovani Lo Celso, although injuries would then fragment his season at Tottenham, yet he did end it by winning the Copa America with Argentina.

This time around that senior player could be Djed Spence. The 23-year-old right-back was expected to be sold this summer, with Genoa looking to make his loan move permanent but unable to match Spurs' asking price. Plenty of other clubs are interested, but the full-back has made a good impression on Postecoglou and the coaching staff this summer, with plenty of hard work on the training pitches.

He's also impressed with both of his friendly appearances so far, scoring and grabbing an assist against Hearts, and that's why he has been brought on the tour. He might still end up heading off this summer with Pedro Porro and £40m new signing Archie Gray able to play at right-back, along with Emerson Royal, but Spence has at least put himself into the equation.

Of the young players, 16-year-old Mikey Moore has already been making a name for himself and could continue his fine pre-season out in Asia, while the likes of Jamie Donley, Tyrese Hall, Will Lankshear and George Abbott among others will all be looking to do similar with their game time and training sessions.

Transfer help

Postecoglou has made no secret of the fact that he needs new signings on top of what has come already. Gray has come into the club with Timo Werner returning on a new loan deal, while Lucas Bergvall has arrived at Spurs following his £8.5million February move from Djurgarden.

On the need for further new recruits, the Tottenham head coach told football.london in Edinburgh last week: "'I'm comfortable. We've got a strategy in place about what we want to do. I'm really happy with the two lads we've brought in, both obviously very talented but more importantly really ambitious. They're not here to ease their way in. They want to play and I think that's great. They've brought a good energy to the group and no doubt there will be a couple more additions but I'm comfortable with where we're at."

It feels like the transfer window is starting to move now and anyone that Tottenham could get over the line in time to join the tour would increase their chances of adjusting quickly to the very different Postecoglou way.

Spurs also need some players to head out of the door with Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil left at home to find new clubs, while Emerson Royal continues to be linked with a move to AC Milan, who have thus far been unable to get anywhere near what Tottenham are looking for when it comes to the Brazilian full-back's price tag.

One thing is clear, Postecoglou needs help in the transfer window from the club if they are to compete higher up the Premier League table next season and the exits of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joe Rodon, and the clearing of plenty of big, high earning names off the wage bill, will have negated much of the Gray transfer money to allow Tottenham to spend this summer.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham. Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.