Hotspur HQ

You would be forgiven for not having paid much attention to the North London derby next week. Before that game, Spurs have two games, in two different competitions, that are far, far bigger priorities than the Premier League. Sure, one is against non league side Tamworth, but there is a Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool to deal with first.

Nevertheless, Ange's side have been given a boost, a little over a week before the game. Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is now going to miss the game, having picked up an injury in their draw against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out - a game that he had opened the scoring in himself.

Arsenal youngster will now miss the North London derby

They are already going to be without Bukayo Saka, who is set to be out until March at the earliest, having picked up an injury just before Christmas. In the previous North London derby, it was Saka who assisted the only goal of the game. In the one before that, he scored. Two vital contributions in games Spurs lost by just one goal.

Since the 23-year old picked up this injury, their goals from set pieces have began to dry up, when that was their main source of goals before that. The idea of Saka potentially going up against Reguilon felt pretty daunting. Even the idea of Nwaneri felt pretty concerning, so for him to be out too is just huge. They are now extremely short changed on the right hand side as a consequence.

Everybody knows the issues Spurs have had with injuries this campaign, and how it has, in part, derailed their season to date. So it does feel nice that an opponent is going to be without some key players too. Ideally by that game, one or more two will be in the door too.

Although the last two, aforementioned North London derby defeats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been very painful, they did draw 2-2 in the only derby at the Emirates under Ange Postecoglu so far, back in September of 2023. That game was only last season, but feels like it could have been five years ago.

It can't be denied that a lot has changed since then, and that result is not going to have any bearing on the game. However, it does show how much Spurs can compete when they are at their best. Although you always want to win these games, and lord only knows how much they need wins, but you would probably be okay with another draw in that one.

The January transfer window is well and truly in full swing. Spurs have already signed one player, and have been linked with a host of other players in the past few days, and even before the window. This coupled with the sheer amount of games Ange's side are playing in January, means it is going to be an incredibly intense month for everyone involved.

Tottenham looking at French midfielder for a bargain price

Another player to be linked with the club this month is Maxence Caqueret of Lyon, as per media outlet GiveMeSport. The French midfielder has impressed with his performances for the Ligue 1 outfit, and could find himself on the move this month, whether it be to Spurs or elsewhere.

At the moment, the 24-year old has two and a half years remaining on his existing contract, but Lyon are in no position to be fussy. The club are in serious financial difficulties, and need to raise money by the summer to avoid serious repercussions. As a result, Spurs could manage to bring him in for a very modest fee.

The report says that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the midfielder this season, and took a liking to him. They further state that the club are "keeping track" of developments regarding the aforementioned financial situation, with the idea of potentially pouncing should they be forced in to selling the player.

In terms of play style, Caqueret is very capable on the ball, yet also very good off of it. He currently averages 2.3 tackles a game in Ligue 1 - only Destiny Udogie averages more than that this season from the current Spurs squad. This is despite averaging just 64 minutes per game this season.

Further on in the report, it is stated that there is serious competition for the player's signature, with fellow Premier League sides West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Everton also "eager to discover" a potential forced situation for Lyon regarding a sale of the player. For those that are concerned by the level of sides mentioned there, it also said that a move to Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, fell through in the summer.

We will have to wait and see on this one. It does not feel like a position of absolute need, at least not over other positions, but it has been felt for a while that they do need a midfielder who can put out fires, with none of the current midfielders out and out number sixes.

According to a report from high profile journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur have been joined by Manchester United and Serie A side Juventus, in their pursuit of Paris Saint Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Spurs one of three clubs mentioned as interested in player

The Frenchman, 26, has found himself out of favour under PSG boss Luis Enrique, and it has become clear that the best thing for him is to depart the club. So far this season, he has started just two games in Ligue 1, and will be fully conscious of the fact this is doing his chances of becoming a starter for the national team no good at all.

In his report, Ornstein confirms the interest is in a loan dealn - though did not state anything about an option or obligation either way. Mind you, it is worth saying that there has been talk from elsewhere that PSG are currently "insisting on an obligation" for any potential deal, with the Parisians wanting "at least £50 million plus a loan fee", though they are "open to negotiating" on that figure.

It does not feel like an exaggeration to say that the difference between an option and an obligation, should probably be the difference in signing him or not. With an obligation, it just feels too risky - especially for that reported fee. With a loan, Spurs have the chance to assess him for four months, before making a decision in the summer.

The Timo Werner loan is a good example. Spurs were able to see if they rated him highly enough or not. In the end, they decided on a loan extension. Although he is clearly not of the requisite quality, they are not lumbered with him on a permanent deal. The wages are pretty annoying, but at least is not that as well as a fee - nor having to pay those wages beyond this summer (god willing).

You can completely understand why fans are not excited about a potential deal, given how the last 18 months have gone for him. Just simply suggesting that if, and specifically if, it is with an option, or a dry loan (unlikely), bringing in a forward that can cover both wings and up front, would not be a terrible idea. Some will say "jack of all trades, master of none", perhaps true - but with the amount the likes of Heung-Min Son and Dominic Solanke have been ran into the ground, that wouldn't be the worst thing.

Tottenham Hotspur have seen plenty of players come and go over the years, but one loanee’s performances this season have caught the attention of many, and it seems like a permanent departure from the club is on the cards.

Bryan Gil, who never quite managed to establish himself at Spurs, has been making waves since his loan move to La Liga side Girona.

His displays have been so impressive that they’ve even sparked speculation about his long-term future.

Gil's time at Tottenham was less than stellar. Despite his clear talent, the young winger struggled for game time under three different managers at the North London club.

However, his fortunes have taken a turn for the better since making the move to Girona last summer.

Girona’s serious interest in Bryan Gil

According to AS, Girona are seriously considering exercising the option to buy Gil for €15 million (£12.4 million) at the end of the season.

This option was included in the deal when Gil moved to the Spanish side on loan in the summer.

The La Liga outfit have been impressed by Gil’s performances and have made him a key figure in their attacking setup.

As a result, Girona are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window with plans to make the move permanent.

Even though we are still in January, the report indicates that Girona are 'already seriously considering' retaining Gil beyond this season.

The winger has settled well in the club’s system under manager Michel Sanchez, and he is reportedly happy at the Estadi Montilivi.

Bryan Gil’s resurgence in La Liga

Gil’s resurgence at Girona has not only caught the attention of his current club but has also led to his return to Spain's national team.

His standout performances have shown glimpses of the talent that Tottenham originally took a chance on.

The Spanish international, who was once seen as a promising talent at Sevilla, has found consistency at Girona, something that was hard to come by at Spurs due to his lack of regular playing time.

With multiple loan spells in recent years, it’s clear Gil has been searching for stability, and Girona might just be the place where he can finally settle.

Furthermore, Girona's financial stability means they are in a position to activate the €15 million clause, making the move permanent.

It looks like a summer decision will soon be on the horizon for Bryan Gil and his future at Tottenham.

On Sunday, the 5th of January, we saw Tottenham Hotspur make their first signing of, hopefully a busy window, when they confirmed the signing of Antonin Kinsky from Czech side Slavia Prague on a six and a half year contract, for a fee of a little over 10 million pounds.

Latest recruit ready to make his Spurs debut on Wednesday

With this signing, fans have wondered: Will he go straight into the team for the huge Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool? There is no doubt that it will be a risk, but what wouldn't be a risk? Despite his solid debut against Newcastle United, Brandon Austin would also be a risk, perhaps even more so.

Then, with all due respect, Fraser Forster is more than a risk, bless him. No hate intended, but we know what he is. At the moment, Kinsky is at least an unknown quantity, as is Austin - to a lesser extent albeit.

Something that could be key. Goalkeeping legend Petr Cech gave his seal of approval on the deal, and mentioned that he spoke to the player ahead of the move. Something that the 42-year old said stuck out - how that playing with his feet is the keepers "great asset."

We know how important playing with your feet is in the modern game, particularly in this system. We saw Spurs nearly surrender their place in the semi-finals from a 3-0 lead, when Forster made two individual errors with his feet. Having Kinsky in goal would be a big advantage from that alone.

The man himself seems to think he is ready, saying: "I will prepare to be ready [for the semi-final against Liverpool. And if the coach decides to point to me, I'll be ready. I feel great. I'm calm in my head.”

During the same interview, the 21-year old also said: I remember consistently watching Tottenham’s Champions League matches - especially because I liked the style of Hugo Lloris, who was the goalkeeper here for a long time. So it’s a huge honour for me ".

One thing to note, is that any idea of him playing will be in vain if he does not get a work permit in time, though Spurs have until Midday on Tuesday. Despite all of their incompetence, surely this is something that will be sorted, and therefore allow Kinsky to play against Liverpool.

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.