Hotspur HQ

This weekend, we saw Tottenham Hotspur announce the signing of 21-year old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague, on a six and a half year contract, in an attempt to try and solve their goalkeeping crisis, which lead to Brandon Austin making his debut for the club weeks before his 26th birthday.

New Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper receives superb co-sign

The goalkeeper has the seal of approval from Premier League legend Petr Cech, who says his compatriot "has the ingredients" to be a success in North London. Speaking to The Playbook House (via flashcores), the 42 year old said: I wouldn't worry about him being at a disadvantage because of his younger age. When we look at the Premier League, it's not uncommon to come across players who are maybe 17 years old.

"When they have something to give to the team, they just play. So I think with Antonin it will be all about his performance. I am very happy that he got the opportunity. The Premier League is the best league in the world and he can build on the tradition that the Czech goalkeeping school has there. It's good for the whole of Czech football.

Tottenham is a traditional club that regularly fights for the Champions League. I believe that he will do well and that the club will suit him. The role in the team should suit him because the coach wants the goalkeepers to play with their feet, which is his great asset.

I came to England at a similar age. So I would advise him to concentrate mainly on football. To prepare for every training session, for every game and to be on his toes all the time. We spoke about the transfer and I told him my opinion. But I don't think he needed it. He is very lucky to have a great family background. He and his dad, Antonin Sr, have a great relationship and it's one of the things that has made him move so fast in his career.

If he starts on Wednesday , it depends on the coach and the current feeling of Antonin. I think if he gets the chance, it could be an advantage for him because he would basically have nothing to lose in that game. Plus, the coach would let him know he has his confidence. This is always important at the start of a new adventure.

Nice words from such a great like Cech. The former goalkeeper was in their Euro 2004 squad with the aforementioned Antonin Sr, so he is already a family friend. Pretty big words and something to be excited about.

Amongst the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase, there has been some confusion regarding whether or not new goalkeeper signing, Antonin Kinsky, will be allowed to play for the club in the Europa League knock out rounds, given he has played for Slavia Prague, six times, in the current iteration of the competition.

Any doubts have been put to rest by Alasdair Gold, who has confirmed he will be able to, saying: "UEFA's rules now state he can play in the Europa League this season for Spurs if they make the knockout stages despite having already turned out repeatedly in that competition for Slavia Prague during this campaign.

New goalkeeper allowed to feature in Europa knockout rounds

Someone would have to be taken out of the squad first though due to their numbers already registered." So there we go, whether it be for the play-off round, or the last sixteen of the competition, he will be able to feature for Tottenham in the competition. Should Spurs qualify for the last 16, he may not be needed to start - but certainly will be if they face the February play-off round.

Some years ago, a player would be cup tied in these circumstances, but those rules changed ahead of the 18/19 European season.

He will, as you would expect, be unable to feature in the final two games of the league phase, where Ange's side travel to Germany to face Hoffenheim, before hosting Norwegian side Elfsborg - meaning either Fraser Forster or Brandon Austin will be between the sticks for those two games.

Spurs are able to make three different changes to the league phase squad, when they pick their squad for the knockout rounds. Due to the homegrown rules, any changes will have to be a minimum net neutral when it comes to homegrown players. It will certainly be interesting to see what Ange goes for.

Many were baffled at the exclusion of Djed Spence from the league phase squad, and you would like to assume he will be named in the squad for the knockouts. With the 24-year old being homegrown, they can simply swap Forster for Kinsky, whilst keeping the quota. Then, Spurs can pick Guglielmo Vicario, Kinsky, Austin and Whiteman in the squad.

Then, there has to be a player that comes out for Spence, with many people suggesting it should be Timo Werner. The third and final change will probably be a new pending signing. Whilst Richarlison has something to offer when fit - he never is - so he could be the final player to drop out, particularly if the said signing is an attacking player.

It's pretty safe to say that there is plenty said about Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu. In his second season at the club, Spurs currently sit 12th in the Premier League, having lost 10 of their first 20 games of the season. However, there is an absolutely unprecedented injury (and illness) crisis, that gives him some leeway in terms of the result.

However, even that crisis splits opinion within parts of the fanbase, with some fans suggesting that these injuries are as a result of Ange's highly intense methods, that will lead to more injuries. Some also suggest that with such a small amount of players unavailable, Ange should adapt his style of playing to make sure the physical toll, that comes with playing twice a week is reduced.

Ange Postecoglu not under any internal pressure at Spurs

Nevertheless, regardless of anyone's opinion on the matter, the 59-year old's job is currently safe, as per David Ornstein, who told NBC Sports (02:20) on Sunday: "Ange Postecoglu is 100% safe in his job, I'm told. There is no uncertainty over his future, despite the pressure he appears to be feeling in some of his public comments.

They're backing him to lead this project forward, and they will hope he delivers. They've got a chance of a League Cup trophy, a Europa League trophy, they're focusing on that, and they are also fighting to get into the top four, although realistic about their chances on that too."

Whilst frustrations are totally appreciated and understandable, this does feel like the right thing to do. Who are the club going to get right now, who could turn the season around? The Premier League results are frustrating, no doubt. However, even without the big context applied of all the missing players, Spurs don't need to try and get a top four finish.

Back in 2022, we saw the club get top four. What did that end up achieving? The club have got top four a number of times in the last seventeen years. Been there and done it. They have not won a trophy in that time. That has to be the aim.

The Carabao Cup feels unlikely, with who is in the way, both in the semi-finals and the final. However, the Europa League is there to be got at, particularly with no clubs coming down from the Champions League as a result of the new format.

In some sad news, former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate Jamie Bowden, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of just 23, due to an injury he sustained back in 2022.

Former long term academy player is forced to retire early

On his Instagram account, that can be found @jamiebodwen 17, he said: "Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end. On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me .Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham .

I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch. Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things. I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be.

My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound. God is with us throughout. I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days. I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next.

The end of the statement suggests he could be looking to go into coaching, or something else within the sport. Although he was able to play in the Premier League until he was 25, so a bit different - we saw similar with Ryan Mason, who went into coaching after he was forced to retire - becoming interim manager of the first team at just 29 years of age.

Plenty of other former academy players, such as Japhet Tanganga, Dennis Cirkin and Marcel Lavinier, have shown their love and support in the comments, as well as current youngsters such as Alfie Devine, Josh Keeley, and Jamie Donley.

Back in 2007, Bowden joined Spurs as a six year old, and remained at the club for sixteen years, before leaving in 2023. As he touched on above, he had a loan at then League Two side Oldham Athletic back in 2021, scoring what would prove to be his only professional goal, as well as providing a further four assists.

His final game for Spurs U21s, or anyone, came back in a game against Chelsea in April of 2023 - where he played alongside the likes of Alfie Dorrington, George Abbott, Keeley, Donley, Devine, Matthew Craig - and even Lucas Moura.

Just goes to show that nothing is guaranteed. Good luck to him in whatever he decides to do next.

Tottenham's defensive woes have been hard to ignore this season, with injuries to several key players making it increasingly difficult to maintain the team's usual level of solidity at the back.

While the likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been sorely missed, Tottenham fans are beginning to get some good news regarding their return.

With January here and crucial fixtures on the horizon, the question of when these two key defenders will make their comeback has been on the minds of many.

Fortunately, manager Ange Postecoglou has provided an update that offers clarity on the situation.

The expected return date for Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Ben Davies are all expected to return around the same time at the end of January.

This means that Tottenham fans can expect the trio to make their return for key matches in late January, though they will miss some significant fixtures before then.

Speaking to the press, Postecoglou said, "Ben, Micky, and Romero are all kind of around the same time, back end of January."

This timeline suggests that the three defenders will not be available for Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United, the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, or the FA Cup third-round tie against Tamworth.

The trio are also unlikely to feature in the North London derby against Arsenal on January 15.

However, the end of January brings a potential boost for the team, with the following fixtures likely to see the return of Van de Ven and Romero to the starting XI:

What the return of Van de Ven and Romero means for Tottenham

The absence of these two defenders has been keenly felt by Tottenham, with their presence in the backline providing a sense of stability and organisation.

Both players have been pivotal to the team's defensive efforts, and their return is likely to restore some much-needed composure at the back.

Their absence has coincided with a dip in defensive form for Tottenham, but with their expected return in late January, the team could be set for a much-needed defensive boost.

Fans will be hoping that Van de Ven and Romero’s comeback will coincide with a strong run of form, helping Tottenham to secure more positive results and keep up with the competition in both the Premier League and Europa League.

It should also be added that it was recently reported that Tottenham full-back Destiny Udogie will be out for 6 to 10 weeks.

As per a report, Tottenham Hotspur have listed PSV Eindhoven central defender Olivier Boscagli as a target for the January transfer window. The same source mentioned interest in Dominic Solanke as far back as April of last year.

Spurs said to be interested in French defender from PSV

Back in the summer of 2019, Boscagli joined Dutch giants PSV from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, for a fee of around 2 million Euros, and has enjoyed a successful time in the Netherlands since, winning four trophies. He played 33/34 games last season, as PSV won the title with a record 91 points - just 11 points dropped all season. The defender also won the U19 Euros with France back in 2016.

Whilst the quality of the Eredivise is perhaps not the best, there have been recent examples of players coming over to the Premier League and thriving. Cody Gakpo is one of Liverpool's biggest attacking threats, and Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite had a successful loan at PSV back in the 22/23 season - a player who has also been linked to the club this month.

The 27-year old, like Branthwaite, is a left footed central defender. He has a pretty good injury record, missing just 15 career games, and five since 16/17, outside of a one off ACL injury he picked up in April of 2022, which lead to PSV singing the Everton defender on loan for that 22/23 season.

For those that are that way inclined, his fbREF makes for good reading. The defender ranks in the 99th percentile for passes attempted, progressive passes, progressive carries, as well as assists, npxG+ xAG, and shot creating actions - when compared to other central defenders. Sure, numbers do not always tell the full story, but you can tell by this data that he is clearly a very capable ball playing defender - something that Tottenham need.

Although, as mentioned above - Boscagli won the U19 Euros with France back in 2016, he is still yet to be capped by Didier Deschamps at senior level. That is no bad thing though. Spurs know only too well from Cristian Romero how international can seriously cripple your options. Having a weeks rest every month for the first three months of the season, as well as summers off, would be quite a refreshing change to what the club have been used to over the years.

As always, let's wait and see what happens. Certainly a position of need.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a move for Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, a 24-year-old American international.

The North London club had the option to sign Cardoso last summer as part of the deal to send Giovani Lo Celso back to the Spanish side.

Originally, Tottenham were expected to make their move for Cardoso in the summer of 2025.

Tottenham's move for Johnny Cardoso

However, new reports suggest Spurs are now considering bringing forward their interest, potentially signing him in January.

Cardoso has become a key figure for Real Betis, attracting attention from several major European clubs, including AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid.

While Tottenham would prefer to wait until the summer to trigger the £25 million release clause for the midfielder, reports indicate that the club may not be willing to risk missing out on him if other teams start making advances.

Despite being on the radar of top clubs, Cardoso seems to be fully focused on his current season at Betis.

In an interview with Marca, he commented on his concentration, saying, "I feel good, this motivates me even more to continue working, evolving and seeking to achieve great goals."

While the midfielder's current focus remains on his objectives with the Spanish club, Tottenham may soon try to bring him back to the Premier League earlier than expected.

Although a defensive midfielder might not be at the top of Tottenham's January wish list, they may see Cardoso as a valuable addition, especially given Yves Bissouma's inconsistent performances this season.

Spurs have struggled to find a reliable option in the middle of the park, and Cardoso’s arrival could offer them much-needed reinforcement.

A player with big potential

Cardoso’s development at Betis has been promising, making him a solid prospect for Tottenham.

His composure and adaptability in midfield have caught the eye of many, and his potential for improvement under a manager like Ange Postecoglou could see him thrive at Spurs.

Should Tottenham decide to act quickly, the club could secure a player capable of contributing to the team for years to come.

In short, while Tottenham’s move for Cardoso may not be a pressing priority, the club are seriously considering an early transfer if competition heats up.

Spurs fans will be watching closely to see if the midfielder's future lies in North London sooner rather than later.

Over the last few months, we have seen Tottenham Hotspur linked to LOSC Lille midfielder Angel Gomes a number of times – reaching all the way back to September. During and since the summer, they have also been linked with his team mate Jonathan David. Both players are out of contract in the summer, and are set to wind down their contracts in the summer, if they are not sold this month. Â

There has been a somewhat interesting development in terms of Gomes’ future. In Lille’s 1-1 draw at home to Nantes on Saturday evening, the England international remained an unused sub for the entire game, despite being one of the club’s more important players over the last few years.

Spurs linked midfielder left out of side on Saturday night

Players can be rotated sometimes, but to not come on at all felt particularly noticeable. Meanwhile, the other Spurs linked player, the aforementioned David, played for the whole 90 minutes. Could this mean that they see Gomes as already out of the door, and David less so? Perhaps some straw clutching, but it did jump out as a bit strange.

With his contract soon expiring, you would imagine that the 24-year old would not cost a big fee. As he can now speak to clubs in England (or anywhere outside of France), ahead of a move in the summer - there is a big chance for Spurs to try and agree personal terms with the midfielder – which could, in turn, help fast forward a move to this window. Â

There is very little doubt that Gomes would add incredible quality to the midfield. He would add a dynamic option, who could help the team both in and out of possession – whilst also helping regarding the homegrown quota. However, with the current situation in defence, and the form of James Maddison this season, you would feel that other positions are of greater need and priority, so there is that to take into consideration too. Â

Over the past few weeks, we have seen Tottenham Hotspur links to a number of players. One of those players has been Paris Saint Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who has been linked to the club by various sources.

Spurs linked to an out of favour versatile PSG attacker

Now, we have seen highly reputable insider Paul O Keefe confirm that the forward interests Spurs "a lot", amidst all of the current talk. However, if they do want to bring him to North London, they will potentially have to act fast, with fellow Premier League side Aston Villa also said to be interested in the Frenchman.

Back in the 22/23 season, Kolo Muani built a reputation as one of the most highly thought of attackers in Europe, as he scored 15 goals and provided a further 11 assists for Frankfurt in just 2646 minutes. That same season, he scored for France in their World Cup semi-final against Morocco, and was incredibly close to scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds of the final. He currently has 27 caps for Les Blues.

Off the back of that season, the France international got a move back to his homeland to join PSG in the summer of 2023, for around 90 million Euros, but has not lived up to the billing so far, particularly this season, falling seriously out of favour under manager Luis Enrique.

In the 23/24 season, he played 26 and started 13 Ligue 1 games - scoring six goals. This season, he has played 10 and started just two games in the league, scoring twice in that time. It is clear for everyone that he needs something different in January, and that his days in the capital are numbered.

Quality wise, Spurs could probably do better than Kolo Muani, but he does give genuine versatility across the whole front line. Ange has been unable to give adequate rest to Dominic Solanke due to a lack of available back up, something that this signing would be able to give them.

He would be a better option in attack than Timo Werner. Sure, that should not be the benchmark, not at all - but beggars cannot be choosers at the moment. That isn't to say you should lower your standards due to a lack of club ambition, rather just talking based on the current situation. On a simple loan deal, this could be a somewhat useful deal for the club.

Let's see what happens.

In recent days, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Fikayo Tomori, the England international currently at AC Milan.

With Tottenham looking to bolster their defence, the 27-year-old centre-back’s potential return to the Premier League has caught the attention of many.

The real story behind Tottenham’s interest in Tomori is now coming to light.

Tottenham are interested in Fikayo Tomori

Reports suggest that Tomori, who has been a key figure for Milan in previous seasons, has struggled to maintain his place in the starting XI this campaign.

This has led to speculation that he could be seeking a move in January to secure regular game time.

Tottenham, in need of defensive reinforcements, have reportedly been approached with the chance to bring him back to England. However, new developments could influence whether or not this deal goes through.

According to a recent update, it was not Tottenham who initially pursued Tomori, but rather the player’s representatives who offered him to the North London club.

The update from TEAMtalk suggests that Milan's new managerial change, with Sergio Conceicao replacing Paulo Fonseca, has left Tomori’s future in limbo.

While it remains 'very possible' that the defender will leave Milan this month, Tottenham is still weighing up whether to make a move.

However, Spurs' potential interest comes with a few caveats. Given the strong defensive partnership between Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, it seems unlikely that Tomori would be an automatic starter at Tottenham.

What’s at Stake for Fikayo Tomori?

If Tomori’s primary goal is to secure a regular starting spot, he may find it difficult to achieve that at Spurs, especially without guarantees from manager Ange Postecoglou.

If Tomori is indeed seeking consistent game time, Tottenham might not be the right fit.

While Spurs are looking to strengthen their squad, Postecoglou is unlikely to offer any player assurances about their role in the starting lineup.

The competition for places in the defence is fierce, and it’s unclear whether Tomori would be able to displace the current first-choice pairing.

With Milan under new management, Tomori’s future is still uncertain, but if he decides to leave, the competition for his signature will undoubtedly be fierce, with several clubs across Europe keeping tabs on the player.