Hotspur HQ

The one position most neglected by Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer market

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Most of you will have read the caption to this piece thinking "where do you even begin?" Which is absolutely fair. There are a number of positions that Spurs have grossly neglected over the years. However, there is one in particular - and maybe one that doesn't get mentioned enough compared to the neglect of other positions.

That is, defensive midfield. The number six role to give it its more modern term. Spurs' seeming refusal to buy a defensive midfielder for a number of years now has been borderline disgraceful. Absolutely amateurish stuff. Let's crack the nuts and bolts of it.

Can you even remember the last time Spurs signed a true defensive midfielder? Some could argue Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, but even at Southampton, he often played as a number eight, with Oriel Romeu playing as the six. He just ended up playing there in North London, because, guess what - there was no actual six in the squad.

You could argue he is more of a fit there than others, but nevertheless. Even if you do include the Danish international, when was the last one before or after him? Spurs have had Oliver Skipp, probably a natural DM, but he was not signed. Maybe you could say that him being a first team player negated the need for one?

With all due respect to an academy graduate whom loved the club, it feels a bit of a stretch to say the club did not need to sign a top player in that role. Still, that is the board's dream, isn't it? A free player who can "do a job" there.

So, before Højbjerg, you have to go back to 2016, and the signing of Victor Wanyama, also from Southampton. Pretty good player for a short while, and one who Spurs could certainly do with right now. That said, they could do with absolutely any defensive midfielder right now.

Some have hoped that Archie Gray will be able to move there when (if) Spurs get their central defenders back. Again, he is not a natural defensive midfielder. At Leeds United, though often played as a right-back, he was seen as a central midfielder, a number eight. Not a number six. Although he could "do a job" there, it still feels like a slight square peg in a round hole.

Talk of Spurs activating their option to buy Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis in the summer has began to increase lately, so that is at least a start. Someone who is capable of putting out fires and giving other plays the license to get forward and do their thing.

There needs to be a plan though. To have a shortlist for this summer, Cardoso and others. One (sort of) defensive midfielder signed in nine years is just insane. Soon we will upload a piece analysing the number sixes Spurs could look to bring in this summer.

We saw it against Aston Villa. The absolute gaping holes in midfield. Not only do Spurs need someone capable of winning the ball back from a standing start, they need someone capable of eating ground and large spaces too. Both of those things whilst also being good on the ball. Not easy, that is true - but other clubs have managed to do it. That is what people who work in recruitment are paid for.

There is the possibility of signing a more technical DM, who can also tackle, but perhaps less mobile and athletic - with the caveat that they are partnered with a space eater such as Pape Sarr, or someone of that ilk.

Regardless of the type of profile they sign, there absolutely has to be a six signed this summer. No ifs, no buts. It is time to stop neglecting one of the most important positions in football.

Source

Spurs plan to activate buy option for midfielder

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Plenty of Tottenham Hotspur fans will know of Real Betis midfielder midfielder Johnny Cardoso by now, and the fact that in the summer they will have an option to purchase him for around £21 million pounds, as part of the agreement that saw Giovani Lo Celso return to Seville last summer.

Recently, the midfielder signed a new contract at the La Liga side, causing some questions as to whether or not that clause would continue to exist, but, rest assured, it has been confirmed that it will be, meaning he will still be available for that fairly modest fee this summer.

Spurs prepared to activate their option to buy Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis

As per a report from outlet Football Insider, Spurs plan to activate that clause this summer, stating that manager Ange Postecoglou has identified him as the player he wants to strengthen a priority position. This report was from before the defeat at Aston Villa by the way, so imagine how much he wants him now.

The only thing is, will Ange even be here for that? Whether or not you think he should be in charge, it doesn't feel overly likely he will be there on match day one of the 25/26 season. It feels unlikely that they will sack him this season - at least not whilst the club remain in the Europa League - but the summer hardly feels out of the realms of possibility.

Should Ange leave, in the summer, or before then - we'll have to see if the new manager would like to sign Cardoso. It is possible the club signs him anyway, it is likely the clause in the first place was club driven, but a manager that appreciates the player would certainly increase the chances.

One manager who would like him is his current USMNT manager, Mauricio Pochettino. However, a lot of fans need to hear this. Giving up a home World Cup to come back to Spurs, under Levy and ENIC - is not a foregone conclusion. Seriously. Please stop thinking it is.

Source

Spurs looking at striker with 15 league goals this season

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Although the winter transfer window is now closed, the rumours still continue to circulate, around the world. Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur are no exception to that rule, and rumours linking to exits and arrivals continue to do the rounds. Â

The latest player to be linked to Spurs, is Fiorentina and Italy striker Moise Kean. As per Italian based outlet Tuttosport, the club have a concrete interest in the player – and have sent scouts to watch the player against Inter Milan on Monday night. Â

Tottenham Hotspur linked with a move to Fiorentina and Italy striker

In a weird quirk, Fiorentina’s previous league game was also against Inter – the defending champions – where he scored two goals, taking his tally to 15. At the moment, Mateo Retegui of Atalanta is the only player in Italy with more goals. Furthermore, Kean has also scored more non penalty league goals this season than a certain Harry Kane in the Bundesliga. Â

According to the report, from the summer onwards, the striker will have a release clause in his contract of 52 million Euros, which works out at around 45 or so million pounds. Â

Some of you may remember Kean from his spell at Everton – where he came off the bench against Spurs twice – safe to say things did not go very well for him on Merseyside. As the above stats, show you, however, he is definitely a better player now. He was very young when he came to England, a teenager in fact, and should not be judged on a difficult spell, that also coincided with the covid outbreak. Â

We can expect interest in Kean, or any other striker, to hinge on what happens with Mathys Tel beyond the summer. Spurs do have an option to buy the Frenchman, but the player himself would have to agree to a move. It is no secret that he wants to make it at Bayern, and the two performances since he signed have probably already scared him off. Â

Should Tel stay beyond the summer, it would be surprising to see the club go for another striker, even if Richarlison departs the club. Though the 19-year old can play across the front line, he is primarily a striker, and if he plays wide, he is certainly an inside forward, not a touchline winger. If he does not stay, however, that could open the window to the signing of Kean or another striker. Â

Source

Spurs youngsters nominated for award

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

It is no secret quite how well Spurs loanees Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley have been doing out on loan at League One side Leyton Orient this season. Both players play in every game - with Keeley keeping plenty of clean sheets, and Donley contributing with goals and assists in attack.

Both players impressed against Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round, with Keeley making a number of saves, and a long range effort from Donley forcing an own goal from Stefan Ortega, as they showed what they can do on national television.

As a reward and recognition for their top form this season, both players have been given nominations for the London Football Awards. Keeley has been nominated for goalkeeper of the year, and will compete with David Raya, Mark Flekken, Dean Henderson, and Hannah Hampton.

Meanwhile, Donley has been nominated for player of the year, competing with Matty Stevens, Michael Cheek, Giorgi Chakvetadze, and, finally, Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate and former first team player Japhet Tanganga.

It really is great to see the recognition deserved like this. There is very little doubt in anybodies mind that both players will be playing in the second tier next season. Some fans are even hopeful that Donley could be "in and around" the first team at Spurs. You can see both players having the chance to impress during pre-season in the summer, and then decisions taken from there.

There is a possibility that Orient are in the Championship, it is worth adding. The O's are currently 9th in League One, but were sixth before this weekend, where they didn't play a league game. Win their game in hand, and they could well be in the play off positions.

After the game against City, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Donley, saying: "What a goal. Fantastic [the way] he shoot[s], the quality, the technique and the speed, the flight of the ball. When you concede this goal, it is just to congratulate the guy. I think it was Donley. He is an incredible left-foot[ed] player.”

Source

Spurs legend has a release clause in his contract

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

As per a recent report from the Telegraph (in part via BILD), Tottenham Hotspur legend, Harry Kane, has a release clause in his existing contract at Bayern Munich.

In the summer of 2023, the England captained penned a four year deal at the German giants after joining from Spurs, giving a fairly healthy two 1/2 years remaining on that existing contract at Bayern.

However, the above report suggests that he could have left Vincent Kompany's side this winter for a clause of 67 million Euros. Next January, there will be another clause, allowing him to leave for 54 million Euros.

The report also implies that Spurs have a first refusal option for Kane, meaning if another club agrees to activate the said clause, Tottenham will have a chance to match any bid, and let the player decide for himself where he wants to go.

It is worth pointing out that they also suggest Kane is very happy in Munich, and has no thoughts about leaving as of right now. He certainly won't want to leave before he's won (at the very, very least) one trophy. Bayern are currently going well in the Bundesliga, but there are still 13 games to go and it is not over yet.

No doubt about it, it would be interesting to see if Spurs would want to bring Kane back. His goalscoring ability will never be in doubt, but would he be the right fit? He probably wouldn't be for Ange, but how likely is he to still be manager by the time a return is possible? Furthermore, the 31-year old has played in a Kompany system this year, which is not too dissimilar to how Ange plays.

One thing that could scupper the player's interest - is Erling Haaland's new contract at Manchester City. If he stays at City for, let's say - 75% of that deal, he should blow Alan Shearer's record out of the water. He wouldn't admit it, but Kane will be conscious of that. Does that dampen his motivation to return to the Premier League?

For an Englishman, with an English partner, and four Children - a return to England is likely tempting regardless, it should be said. You'd be surprised if he retires in the Bundesliga - or another top European league - but at what stage he returns to the Premier League, is pretty hard to predict at the moment.

Source

Spurs decide their three squad changes for Europa League knockouts

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

It is fairly common knowledge by now that clubs competing in all three European competitions can only make three changes from their league phase squad to their knockout stage squad. You can draft in U21 players, hence Dane Scarlett was able to come on and score against Elfsborg, despite not being named in the initial league phase squad, whilst he was on loan at Oxford United.

Nevertheless, due to three changes being allowed, and Spurs making three transfer window signings, as well as the renaissance of Djed Spence, there became a dillema and a debate within the fanbase. Out of Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, and Spence - who should be the player to miss out?

Ange Postecoglou decides three changes for the knockout stages

Well, Ange has decided that the unlucky player will be Kinsky. It is no doubt nothing against him as a player, but Gugilelmo Vicario is to be back fit for the knockout stages. As a Spurs player, you can't guarantee he won't get another injury, but it is much less likely for a goalkeeper. There is simply less need for Kinsky than the other players.

Given the consistent injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, and the season ending injury to Radu Dragusin, Danso absolutely had to be in. Given his form over the last couple of months, Spence absolutely had to be in. Plus, Spurs did not pay a 10m loan fee for Tel to not be able to play in the Europa League. Therefore, it had to be Kinsky. It will be frustrating for him, but he should understand the situation.

As you'd expect, Dragusin is one of three players removed from the squad, as well as Fraser Forster and Timo Werner. We won't forget that performance against Rangers, Forster.

This could have been avoided if Spurs had just registered Spence for the league phase. It felt like a strange decision at the time, and it feels like that even more so now. Nevertheless, it is is a relief to see that he will be at Ange's disposal for the round of 16 onwards.

Just as a side note, whilst we are here. How important was it for Spurs to avoid those two play-off games? The game against Aston Villa is already going to be shattering enough, imagine if there was a trip to Eastern Europe four days later, making it three away games in seven days. That was absolutely paramount.

As for Kinsky, he will get another chance to show what he can do against Villa. There is a fair possibility that may be his last game for a fair while, particularly if Spurs get dumped out of the cup. Let's see.

Source

Lucas Bergvall steps up as a leader in front of Tottenham’s senior players

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

It was a night to forget for Tottenham, as their hopes of reaching the Carabao Cup final were crushed in a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

While many of the club’s experienced players struggled to cope with the occasion, one of the youngest members of the squad showed maturity beyond his years.

Lucas Bergvall may not have had the opportunity to make a significant impact on the pitch, but his actions after the final whistle spoke volumes.

With some of his teammates looking eager to escape the scene of their worst performance of the season, the young midfielder reminded them of a fundamental responsibility.

For Tottenham, the loss wasn’t just about conceding four goals—it was about failing to fight, failing to respond, and failing to meet expectations.

But as frustration settled in, a small moment involving Bergvall and a senior player highlighted the stark contrast in attitudes within the squad.

A lesson in leadership from Lucas Bergvall

According to Football London’s Alasdair Gold, Rodrigo Bentancur was visibly distraught as he headed straight for the tunnel after the final whistle.

However, before he could disappear, he was stopped by Bergvall, who reminded him to acknowledge the 6,000 Spurs fans who had made the long journey to Merseyside.

It was a gesture that, while small, symbolised the frustration of supporters and the lack of leadership within the team.

Tottenham had failed to register a single shot on target in 90 minutes, and rather than stepping up, key figures like Bentancur, Heung-Min Son, and Yves Bissouma appeared overwhelmed by the occasion.

Gold described the moment in his column: "Liverpool are the best side in Europe right now and they are devastating at times in their play with players at the peak of their powers, but the least Tottenham could have done for those 6,000 travelling fans was turn up and put up a fight and look like they weren't terrified by it all."

Tottenham’s identity crisis

The defeat at Anfield further exposed Tottenham’s ongoing struggles this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy revolves around courage and aggression, yet his team displayed neither against Liverpool.

"The entire Postecoglou ethos is about being brave and bold, while taking the game to the opposition no matter the circumstances. This performance was anything but. It was timid, meek and terrified at times," Gold added.

While Bergvall’s intervention won’t change the outcome of the match, it serves as a reminder that leadership isn’t solely about experience.

Perhaps, in Tottenham’s darkest moments, their youngest players are the ones setting the example.

Source

Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur official line ups

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

This evening, Tottenham Hotspur will play in their biggest game of the season so far, as they face Liverpool at Anfield for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi finals. Coming into the game, Spurs have a 1-0 lead, thanks to a late Lucas Bergvall winner in the first leg, after excellent work from Dominic Solanke.

Nevertheless, Liverpool are the heavy favourites to progress and face Newcastle United in the final, after they beat Arsenal 2-0 in both legs of their semi-finals. They weren't the favourites to go through, so Spurs should take some heart from that.

How both teams are lining up for tonight's huge showdown

For the task at hand, Ange Postecoglou has opted for the following line up; Kinsky; Gray, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son.

Meanwhile, the substitutes bench consists of; Austin, Porro, Reguilon, Bergvall, Ajayi, Cassanova, Olusesi, Moore, Tel.

Ange makes two changes to the team that beat Brentford 2-0. In defence, Danso comes in to make his debut straight away, replacing Porro - with Gray moving to right-back. Meanwhile, Sarr comes in for Mikey Moore. We could also see a debut for Tel off the bench in the second half. Bit surprised not to see Bergvall and his energy in the starting line up.

In the red corner, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has gone with a line up of; Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.

It will be quite the test for Gray out at right back against Gakpo, whom has been in good form this season. If Sarr is the left sided central midfielder, you would assume he has the job of trying to disrupt Ryan Gravenberch in build up. Although Kelleher is solid enough, it is encouraging from a Spurs point of view that Alisson is not in goal.

Make no bones about it, Spurs are the clear underdogs here. Everybody is expecting their hosts to make the final - but stranger things have absolutely happened. Who expected Ange's side to keep a clean sheet in the first leg with a centre back duo of Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray, with a debutant goalkeeper behind them? That felt no more likely than Spurs progressing here, so let's wait and see.

There is a chance to be one game away from immortality. To be 90 minutes away from ending 17 years of hurt. Leave absolutely nothing (or everything, depending on who you ask, one for the football cliches podcast) out there lads. As always, come on you Spurs.

Source

Tottenham boss confirms Micky van de Ven will be unavailable for Carabao Cup semi

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham fans are facing another injury setback ahead of one of their most crucial games of the season.

With the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool on the horizon, manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Micky van de Ven will not be available.

Despite making his long-awaited return in Tottenham's 3-0 victory over Elfsborg, the Dutch defender will not be rushed into another high-stakes match just yet.

As Tottenham’s injury concerns mount, Postecoglou is remaining cautious with his players, particularly with Van de Ven still working to reach full match fitness.

With key players already sidelined, this development has raised further questions about how the team will cope in the upcoming fixture against a formidable Liverpool side.

Micky Van de Ven set to miss Carabao Cup semi-final

Micky van de Ven's return from injury seemed like a bright moment for Tottenham, but according to Football London, Postecoglou has confirmed that the defender is not ready for the high-intensity demands of the Premier League just yet.

Van de Ven completed the first 45 minutes against Elfsborg without issue, but the Spurs manager is taking a cautious approach.

"With Micky and Romero to a certain extent, it's about being conservative with them. Micky got through the 45 minutes but he feels he's not ready yet for the step up to the Premier League yet. Obviously a big shame to lose Radu," Postecoglou explained.

The situation is made more complicated by the absence of several other key defensive players.

Radu Dragusin, who had recently joined Tottenham, is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, while Cristian Romero is still recovering from his own injury.

This leaves Postecoglou with limited options as he prepares for the second leg of the Carabao Cup against Liverpool, with Spurs holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

Kevin Danso’s potential debut and Spurs’ injury struggles

With Van de Ven unavailable, Postecoglou may be forced to field Kevin Danso, the recent loan signing from Lens, in what could be a baptism of fire for the Austrian centre-back.

A strong defensive performance will be crucial for Tottenham to hold onto their lead and advance to the Carabao Cup final.

Despite the mounting injury issues, Postecoglou remains determined to navigate this challenging period.

Tottenham will be hoping their squad can rise to the occasion, with the Carabao Cup offering a realistic chance to end their lengthy trophy drought.

Source

Spurs target will become free agent in the summer

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Since last summer, LOSC Lille and England midfielder Angel Gomes has been consistently linked to Tottenham Hotspur. Last summer, between the windows, and during the winter transfer window. Transfer correspondent Dean Jones said that, whilst the club were interested in signing him for free this summer, they sent reps out to France to potentially fast track a deal to this winter, though nothing came of that.

In the end, Gomes stayed at Lille. Although he scored in their Champions League win over Feyenoord, he has seriously been left out of the side in recent weeks, with it feeling like that is as a result of the interest, and the likelihood of him leaving the club.

As per journalist from the Telegraph, Mike McGrath - whom was the first to break the news of Spurs hijacking a move for Kevin Danso - Gomes will leave Lille as a free agent this summer, and states that both Tottenham and fellow London side West Ham United want to sign him.

Consistently linked to Spurs midfielder set to be free agent

Wherever Gomes ends up, it will be a relief when this saga is finally over, it has been going on for a fair while now. It is clear he will leave the French side, that he has been at since 2020, but hopefully we will find out where he goes soon enough - ideally before the end of the season, which is viable given he can speak to Spurs (and other clubs).

As for the player himself, he is perhaps not in a position of absolute need, as someone who mostly plays as an eight, but on a free transfer for a quality homegrown player, it is still an absolute no brainer. Spurs signing a defensive midfielder won't hinge on the signing of Gomes. They can both happen, or at least they should in reality.

In fact, the 24-year old has previously played as a defensive midfielder in his career, though that is not his best position. Likewise he has played as a number ten, but his true best role is in between the two, as a number eight. He is a very technically gifted player, with a low centre of gravity and is a good passer who can also evade pressure. For someone of his stature, he is pretty good defensively too, even if he isn't a pure number six.

Let's see how this one ends up finally playing out.

Source