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Arsenal set to take on north London rivals Tottenham in race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze - Paper Round

Published 26/06/2025 at 23:23 GMT+1

The race is on to sign Eberechi Eze, with north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham set to battle for the Crystal Palace midfielder. Elsewhere, reports claim The Gunners could move for former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, while Viktor Gyokeres prefers a move to Manchester United this summer, and Eddie Howe's Newcastle are preparing a triple swoop.

‘Flying start’ - Eze stuns Man City inside eight minutes at the Etihad

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Arsenal v Spurs in battle for Eze

The Sun claims Arsenal are set to take on north London rivals Tottenham in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The midfielder is reportedly in hot demand this summer after helping Palace to their first-ever FA Cup triumph last season, with a memorable victory over Manchester City in the final.

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"SunSport understands Gunners chief Andrea Berta has held talks with one of Eze’s representatives," reads the article.

"But Berta will have to convince the Arsenal hierarchy that it is a worthwhile deal given the England international’s age and the fee.

"Spurs target Eze turns 27 on Sunday and the Emirates club are against signing two players that age with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, 27, also on their radar.

"RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains Arsenal’s No. 1 striker target but they are also interested in Gyokeres, although they face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool.

"Earlier this summer, signing a left-winger was regarded as a bonus, with a striker a priority, but the club now want to do both."

'That's a celebration in itself!' - Eze delights in learning sign language

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Arsenal line up surprise striker option

Arsenal could make a move for former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez if they are unable to land either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sun also claims The Gunners have Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike on their shortlist of attacking options.

Last season’s Premier League runners-up are stepping up their pursuit of an attacker having played through some of the campaign without a recognised striker.

"Arsenal are willing to play a waiting game to land Benjamin Sesko at a competitive price," reads the article.

"But the Gunners have other targets if they cannot agree terms for Sesko with RB Leipzig or for Viktor Gyokeres with Sporting Lisbon.

"Former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez and Eintracht Frankfurt frontman Hugo Ekitike are also on the Arsenal shortlist.

"And sporting director Andrea Berta is spinning a number of plates as he bids to land the right striker for the right fee.

"Arsenal’s interest in Sesko is long-standing and remains strong. Yet SunSport understands Leipzig are yet to receive a formal bid and the delay in progress is puzzling sources in Germany.

"Meanwhile at Sporting, Gyokeres is kicking up a stink about the Portuguese club refusing to honour a gentleman’s agreement to let him go this summer for £59m - instead of his release clause of £85m."

'One of the hottest properties in Europe' - Leipzig's Sesko thumps in 'red-hot' opener

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Gyokeres switches focus to Man Utd

Sporting CF striker Viktor Gyokeres wants a move to Manchester United this summer, it has been claimed.

The Mirror claims a host of top European clubs have turned down the opportunity to sign the Sweden international, leaving him with a choice between United and Arsenal.

However, with The Gunners making RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko their priority, Gyokeres feels a move to Old Trafford is now his most likely avenue out of Lisbon.

The outlet writes: "Viktor Gyokeres has put Manchester United into pole position for his signature. The Swedish hitman has U-turned on making Arsenal his priority - re-opening the door on a reunion with Ruben Amorim.

"While new sporting director Andrea Berta has been testing the waters with the Gyokeres camp and Sporting, Arsenal's preferred No. 9 option is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. A £60m deal is, at this stage, most likely for Arsenal and the RBL forward.

"As such, Gyokeres is increasingly aware that his best bet this summer may be to reunite with former boss Amorim and intermediaries have made contact on the player's behalf to signal he is ready to join the Premier League under-performers."

Gyokeres shows why he's a wanted man as he hits FOUR in a game for Sporting

Video credit: SNTV

Newcastle launch triple swoop

Newcastle have launched a bid to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro, Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, claims The Telegraph.

Eddie Howe’s side are yet to make their first move in the summer transfer market but are ready to spend £125 million to land the trio.

"The triple swoop is a hugely ambitious attempt by the club to fill three of their four positional needs this summer and would represent a remarkable piece of business if they can pull it off," notes the outlet.

"Telegraph Sport understands that all three players are interested in the moves and would love to play for manager Eddie Howe.

"Newcastle are believed to have verbally discussed bids of around £50 million for Pedro and are willing to pay around the same for Elanga.

"Newcastle’s offer for Trafford is understood to be around £25 million with add-ons. Negotiations are set to continue with all three targeted clubs currently seeking more money for the players."

'Sensational' Elanga goes the length of the pitch to stun Man Utd with a worldie

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Balotelli set for Spanish third division

Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is set to join a new club - Spanish third division side Real Murcia.

Balotelli, who won the Premier League with City, is a free agent having been released from Serie A side Genoa after making just six appearances.

"Mario Balotelli is poised to plunge his career to new depths - by playing for a third division club in Spain," writes The Sun.

"His agents have now opened talks with Real Murcia, who will remain in the Spanish third tier next season after losing in their promotion playoffs.

"Murcia president Felipe Moreno met Balotelli's advisors in Madrid recently, and went on to discuss the striker's signature with sporting director Asier Goiria.

"Moreno reportedly plans a fresh round of talks about a deal for Balotelli, who will be 35 next month."

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Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all linked with Mohammed Kudus transfer - Paper Round

Updated 20/06/2025 at 22:51 GMT+1

Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are all in the frame to sign West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus this summer, though Spurs are also linked with Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo. Elsewhere, Liverpool could soon move for both Marc Guehi and Milos Kerkez, and Jadon Sancho is the subject of interest from Serie A sides Napoli and Juventus.

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West Ham consider Kudus sale

Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian winger would be sold for the right fee by West Ham United, with the club willing to sell almost any player this summer.

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The Evening Standard states: "But heightened speculation about Kudus' future over the past month is even less surprising given it has also become clear that West Ham consider only Jarrod Bowen, their captain, as strictly not for sale under any circumstances this summer.

"The board are aware of Kudus’ hefty market value, given he is still 24, and would consider selling the player this summer if an opportunity arose to improve their financial wiggle-room.

"That explains why Chelsea were unexpectedly offered the chance to sign Kudus during the first summer transfer window earlier this month. No formal offer has yet been made for the versatile forward by any club, and there is a significant disparity between the respective valuations Chelsea and West Ham have for the player.

"Kudus remains on their list of targets this summer, though talks between the clubs are not advanced at this stage, and he is also attracting reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.

"And it has also been reported that Manchester United considered a player-swap-plus-cash deal for Kudus which West Ham declined."

Bournemouth name Semenyo fee

Antoine Semenyo will cost £65 million, according to a report in The Athletic.

While Tottenham are keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, he prefers a move to Manchester United, and Bournemouth’s Semenyo is seen as an alternative.

The website explains: "Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry to Bournemouth about forward Antoine Semenyo but are not proceeding with a move for the Ghanaian forward at present.

"Semenyo is thought to be attracted by the prospect of a move to north London but Bournemouth’s steep asking price has deterred further interest from Spurs in the short term, as well as his other suitors, including Manchester United.

"Bournemouth are thought to value the 25-year-old winger at £65 million.

"Semenyo has become an integral part of Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side, scoring 21 goals across the last two seasons including 13 in 42 appearances in all competitions in 2024/25."

Liverpool plan two new signings

Liverpool are said to be close to signing Milos Kerkez, but he is not the only defender who could arrive at Anfield.

The Mirror believes that Jarell Quansah may join Bayer Leverkusen, with Marc Guehi in line to replace him.

The paper reports: "More business is set to be conducted in the coming days as Liverpool look to equip themselves with the ability to retain the Premier League title. Two deals could soon be completed: one in and one out.

"Milos Kerkez is expected to travel to Merseyside on Tuesday to undergo his medical after Liverpool agreed a £40m fee with Bournemouth. The full-back is set to come in and provide strong competition to Andy Robertson.

"[Florian] Wirtz's arrival may not have been Liverpool's final dealing with Bayer Leverkusen this summer either. Defender Jarell Quansah is closing in on a £35m move to the Bundesliga side.

"An exit for the young defender in the coming days could see the Reds move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. The ex-Chelsea youngster's deal is set to expire in 12 months' time."

Two Serie A sides chase Sancho

The Sun reports that Italian sides Juventus and Napoli are both keen on landing Manchester United’s unsettled winger Jadon Sancho.

Sancho failed to secure a permanent move to Chelsea at the end of the season and is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

The Sun writes: "Sancho, 25, returned to United after last season's loan stint at Chelsea, who paid their Premier League rivals a £5 million fee to avoid having to sign him on a permanent basis.

"The Bianconeri have started talking with Man Utd about a possible deal [in] the last few hours.

"This comes after Juventus' Serie A foes Napoli also expressed an interest for Sancho.

"But unlike the Old Lady, the Italian champions are speaking directly to the player's camp."

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Published 19/06/2025 at 18:06 GMT+1

One of the most intriguing transfer moves of the summer could see Bryan Mbeumo saying goodbye to Brentford. But his destination remains unclear, with both Manchester United and Tottenham chasing his signature. After a fantastic season with The Bees, would Old Trafford or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium be better suited for the Cameroonian's talents?

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Just a few short weeks after their UEFA Europa League final showdown in Bilbao, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United look set to lock horns again, this time off the pitch in the transfer market.

The two traditional members of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ both endured a torrid time of it in the competition last season, with United finishing a lowly 15th and Spurs faring even worse, ending the campaign in 17th and just one place above the relegation zone.

The north London side did end the season on a high, however, winning the Europa League at the expense of The Red Devils, triumphing 1-0 in the Basque Country to end a 17-year trophy drought.

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That historic victory was not enough to save manager Ange Postecoglou, unfortunately, with the Australian leaving the club shortly afterwards and being replaced by Brentford boss Thomas Frank in N17.

Hoping for vastly improved performance in the league next term, both clubs are expected to be active in the transfer market.

United have already secured the services of Matheus Cunha, while Spurs have made Mathys Tel’s loan deal with the club permanent; however, both clubs reportedly have their sights set on Bryan Mbeumo, following the Brentford’s star’s brilliant campaign in Red and White for the Bees.

So if he does give up the stripes next season, will he opt for the red shirt at Old Trafford, or the white at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

How good was Mbeumo last season?

French-born Cameroon international Mbeumo primarily operates on the right wing, and last season proved to be one of the most effective attackers in the league, scoring 20 times, but also providing seven assists.

His total goal contributions were only bettered by Mohammed Salah (47) and Alexander Isak (29).

PlayerGoals + assistsMohamed Salah29 + 18 (47)Alexander Isak23 + 6 (29)Bryan Mbeumo20 + 7 (27)Erling Haaland22 + 3 (25)Ollie Watkins16 + 8 (24)

The 25-year-old also overperformed his expected goals total by the greatest margin in the division with his 20 strikes coming from an xG of 12.26, in addition to the highest expected assists total of any player in the Premier League this season (9.28).

This incredible output saw him named in Opta's Premier League Team of the Season.

Premier League Team of the Season

Image credit: Opta

How important is Mbeumo for Brentford?

The Bees have continuously impressed since their 2021 promotion to the top flight, and as well as finishing a respectable 10th this past season, also managed their most wins in a campaign since coming up, with 16, and their most goals scored (66).

That was largely helped by Mbeumo, whose 27 goal contributions accounted for 40.9% of the team's total in the league.

These goals and assists directly led to Brentford winning 22 of their 56 points across the campaign, second only to Salah, who helped champions Liverpool to 38 of their 84 total points.

Mbeumo often provided the foundation on which Brentford were able to build, with eight opening goals for the club, only bettered by Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest on nine.

With regard to his team-mates, Mbeumo’s partnership with Yoane Wissa proved especially effective, with the Congolese forward scoring 19 times, while as far as assists go, Danish midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard contributed 10.

Brentford 24/25Goals + AssistsBryan Mbeumo20 + 7 (27)Yoane Wissa19 + 4 (23)Kevin Schade11 + 2 (13)Mikkel Damsgaard2 + 10 (12)Christian Norgaard5 + 4 (9)

How would Mbeumo fit in at Man Utd?

United’s shortcomings last season were highlighted by their poor record in front of goal. As a team, the Red Devils’ 44 strikes in the league saw them rank 16th overall, with only Everton and the three relegated sides scoring fewer, and a conversion rate worse than every team bar bottom of the table Southampton.

ClubTotal goalsConversion %Ipswich Town3613.6%Leicester City3313.6%Manchester United4412.3%Southampton2612%

On an individual basis, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo were the club’s top scorers with eight in the league, further highlighting the need for more firepower in advanced areas.

Man Utd, PL 24/25GoalsBruno Fernandes8Amad Diallo 8Alejandro Garnacho 6Rasmus Hojlund4Marcus Rashford4Joshua Zirkzee3

Fernandes remains the team’s shining light, however, having finished the campaign with 91 total chances created - more than any player in the division.

Mbeumo himself made the top five of this particular list, suggesting that the prospect of the two linking up could well provide both the creativity and clinical edge that the team sorely missed last season, and see goals flow at Old Trafford once more.

PlayerChances created 24/25xABruno Fernandes918.0Cole Palmer899.3Mohamed Salah899.1Enzo Fernandez796.2Bryan Mbeumo709.3

How would Mbeumo fit in at Spurs?

Almost conversely, Spurs’ attack was far from their biggest issue last season, with the team’s 64 goals the seventh-best total in the league, and the same as a Chelsea side who finished fourth.

That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement, however, and Mbeumo would potentially be joining an attack-minded team where he could truly flourish – especially under the same manager who has liberated him previously.

PlayerGoals + AssistsBrennan Johnson11 + 3 (14)James Maddison9 + 7 (16)Dominic Solanke9 + 3 (12)Son Heung-min7 + 9 (16)Dejan Kulusevski7 + 4 (11)Richarlison4 + 1 (5)Mathys Tel2 +1 (3)Wilson Odobert1 + 0 (0)

Why Mbeumo might be reluctant to join the club, however, is due to competition for places given how many players Spurs have to deploy in wide attacking areas.

However, with club legend Son Heung-min perhaps rumoured to be on his way out of the club, Mbeumo could be the perfect player to fill that void immediately.

'Absolutely brilliant!' - Mbeumo beats Raya at near post as Brentford strike first

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Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son Heung-min insists UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United will be 'the biggest day of my life'

Published 16/05/2025 at 23:56 GMT+1

Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min admitted that the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United will "be the biggest day" of his life, after his side's 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday. Spurs take on United in the Europa League final on Wednesday, with the club hoping to win their first major silverware since the 2008 League Cup and first European trophy since 1984.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min stressed that the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United will be "the biggest day" of his life.

Spurs fell to their 21st Premier League defeat of the season against Aston Villa on Friday, as Unai Emery’s side climbed back into the UEFA Champions League spots with a 2-0 win.

Of course, Tottenham, who remain languishing in 17th in the Premier League table, had one eye on Wednesday’s Europa League final against United, with the game live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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"It's a very disappointing result and a very poor season", Spurs skipper Son told the BBC. "We can’t hide this fact.

"But at the end of the day, we can win a trophy, so I think that’s what we’re all looking for.

"Wednesday will be the biggest day of my life. It will be great. We will be excited, and I hope we can make history."

Vicario on Europa League final motivation – ‘We want to make it happen for Sonny’

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Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou defended his decision to exclude Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie from his side that faced Villa as a means of protecting them from injury ahead of next week’s showpiece event.

"They are available," the Australian admitted to Sky Sports. "For us, there is no point bringing them in. They were not going to play today. They stayed home. They had a really good, strong session.

"Come Wednesday, they are all available; that is the most important thing. "That was the primary thing. When those guys play, the back four, with Vic in goal, our chances improve."

Postecoglou added: "Yeah, I don't know how else to say it. They are available.

"If something happened to them today, I think they would not be available. I just don't think that would be the smart course for us to take."

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Updated 14/05/2025 at 18:46 GMT+1

Dejan Kulusevski is highly unlikely to feature in Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League final showdown with Manchester United - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - after the Swede underwent knee surgery on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was forced off in the first half of Spurs' defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with manager Ange Postecoglou initially describing the issue as "more of a knock".

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Dejan Kulusevski has undergone knee surgery and is expected to be ruled out of Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United, his club confirmed on Wednesday.

The Sweden international was forced off in the 19th minute of Spurs' 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with his manager later downplaying the severity of the issue.

But Tottenham confirmed that the 25-year-old required an operation to his right patella - his kneecap - which took place on Wednesday.

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With just a week to go before Tottenham face Manchester United in a season-defining Europa League final - shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - it is highly unlikely Kulusevski will recover in time.

"We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend," read a statement on the club website.

"Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately."

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had previously intimated the injury was "more of a knock".

"[He] should be okay, just talking to him after," said Postecoglou. "[The] medical team [are] not too concerned with him, more of a knock than anything else."

Kulusevski has been a mainstay of Tottenham's current campaign, having made 50 appearances in all competitions.

Only Son Heung-min and Richarlison have scored more than the Swede's eight goals at the club this term.

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Micky van de Ven insists Tottenham Hotspur have nothing to fear against Manchester United in UEFA Europa League final - 'We need to win the trophy'

Published 14/05/2025 at 10:58 GMT+1

Micky van de Ven has said Tottenham Hotspur "need to win the trophy" ahead of their UEFA Europa League final with Manchester United next Wednesday, with the club looking to end a 17-year wait for a major title. Despite the growing pressure for a trophy and UEFA Champions League qualification being on the line, the defender insists his side "don't have fear" ahead of the showdown in Bilbao.

End Spurs trophy drought or Champions League qualification? Van de Ven is in no doubt…

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Micky van de Ven has insisted that Tottenham Hotspur have nothing to fear in their UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United next Wednesday.

Both sides have endured difficult domestic campaigns, but have the chance to end the season on a high with silverware in Europe’s second-tier competition, which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

With the two teams currently sitting 16th and 17th in the Premier League table, Europa League glory also offers an unlikely route into next season’s UEFA Champions League.

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The pressure on Spurs to take home the title, however, feels particularly strong, given the club’s 17-year trophy drought.

Despite this, Van de Ven insists Ange Postecoglou’s men are not approaching the clash in Bilbao with fear, instead taking confidence from the "qualities" they possess.

Speaking exclusively with TNT Sports, the central defender said: "People ask me if we had fear for United. Of course, it's a final, and in the final, everything can happen, but if you really look at it, it's the same game as it always is.

"Of course, the word 'final' is different, and you're one game away from winning silverware, but we don't have fear. We know our qualities, we know how strong we are, so yeah, we don't go there with fear."

‘We know how good we are’ – Van de Ven insists Spurs ‘don’t fear’ Man Utd

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Spurs last won a major trophy in 2008 as they defeated Chelsea in the League Cup final under head coach Juande Ramos.

The north London side have reached four finals since then, including the Champions League showpiece in 2019, but failed to get over the line on each occasion.

Van de Ven is aware of the importance of ending the wait for a major title and believes that it is more significant than qualification for Europe's elite competition next season.

He said: "Of course, it's nice that you play Champions League next year, but we need to win the trophy."

The defender also suggested it is particularly important to provide cause for celebration this season, given the "tough year" the fans have endured.

Discussing what it would mean to the supporters to finally win a trophy, the Dutchman said: "[An] unbelievable feeling, I think.

"[The fans] say ‘we haven't won a trophy for a long time’ and we want to be the group of people - all the support they gave us the whole year, the whole tough year - we want to give them something special to celebrate. We are the guys that want to change that."

Postecoglou on 'imposter syndrome' after fond European final memories with late father

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Postecoglou's side are sitting 17th in the Premier League table, just one place above the drop zone, having suffered a record 20th loss in the league this season on the weekend.

Despite being on course for their lowest finish in the division, Van de Ven believes victory over United will allow Spurs to end the season on a high.

He said: "To give the season - the tough season - a positive end, that's how we see it in the team, and it's a really big game.

"You play Champions League next season when you win this prize, and you have a prize, so you win silverware.

"So, of course, in the team we see how big this game is for us and for the club."

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Follow the Europa League 2024-2025 live Football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United with TNT Sports. The match starts at 20:00 on 21 May 2025. Catch the latest Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United news and find up to date Europa League 2024-2025 standings, results, top scorers and previous winners. Football fans can read breaking Football news headlines, interviews, expert commentary and watch replays. Keep up with what’s happening in the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions. Make TNT Sports your go-to source for sports online from football to UFC, rugby, boxing, cricket and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Published 13/05/2025 at 14:55 GMT+1

In this exclusive TNT Sports interview, Ange Postecoglou talks about what it would mean for himself and his players should Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Europa League to end their trophy drought. Both Premier League sides have the opportunity to salvage disappointing seasons when they collide in Bilbao on Wednesday, May 21, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Postecoglou says Europa League win ‘probably destroys 50% of the narrative’ around club

Video credit: TNT Sports

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says victory over Manchester United in the final of the UEFA Europa League "probably destroys 50% of the narrative" surrounding the club.

Spurs’ well-publicised trophy drought extends back to the 2008 League Cup final when they edged out Chelsea at Wembley after the game went to extra time.

Chances have come and gone in the interim, most notably in 2019 when they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the final of that season’s UEFA Champions League, but more than 17 years of hurt can be ended should they prevail over their Premier League rivals in Bilbao on May 21, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Asked if that would change the perception of the north London club, Postecoglou told TNT Sports: "It's a great opportunity, I think, because it probably destroys 50% of the narrative that exists around the club in terms of its stature at the moment. It’s this constant question, well, until you actually win something everything else is irrelevant.

‘I’m an outlier’ – Postecoglou on ‘annoying’ criticism amid run to Europa League final

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It doesn't matter how nice your stadium is, the supporters, your training facilities, it doesn't matter if you have been runners-up in the league until you win something.

"So, once you do win, and this is a significant trophy, that's out of the equation. Then different questions come, and you have to kind of repeat that, but that's a different course you navigate.

"But all that stuff around, you know, that you haven't won anything, I think, disappears in one fell swoop."

Highlights: Solanke and Porro send Spurs to Bilbao

Video credit: TNT Sports

For Postecoglou, an Australian who grew up watching major finals with his dad, he admits it is "emotional" to think he is going to lead out one of England’s biggest teams on such a grand occasion.

Disbelief that he has come so far and has a chance to help give Tottenham fans an experience they will likely never forget is another feeling that is not far away from the surface.

"I would really love to take a couple of weeks to mull it over because it becomes very emotional for me," the 59-year-old added. "That was me and my dad watching European Cup finals or UEFA Cup finals or Cup Winners' Cup finals.

Postecoglou reveals message he hopes will inspire Spurs to Europa League glory

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"To think that's going to be replicated now and especially the people I know and the people who have been in my life, they're going to see me out there, it's surreal for sure.

"[There’s a] bit of impostor syndrome there, where it's just not right, but at the same time, I've worked hard for it.

"A lot of people in my inner circle have made a lot of sacrifices for me to be in this position, so I appreciate it."

‘Not a common thing to see somebody like me in this position’

Spurs’ run to the final of the Europa League is in complete contrast to their domestic form this season.

They sit 17th in the Premier League table on 38 points and have lost a club-record 20 games from 36 so far.

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That has, inevitably, led to plenty of criticism from some quarters. And while Postecoglou accepts some of it is understandable and "logical", he believes some of it is a result of his relatively unusual rise through the managerial ranks, having spent the majority of his career in Australia before a two-year stint with Scottish side Celtic preceded his move down south.

"Sometimes it [the criticism] gets annoying, but I also understand it because I think I'm a bit of an outlier," he said. "And I think when you are an outlier – this is not a common thing to see somebody like me in this position – it's only natural people will question things.

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"I think I've earned the right to be here, I think all the success I've had is valid success, but because it hasn't come in conventional quarters here in Europe where people have very easy reference points, invariably you get questioned.

"I don't think there'd be another manager who gets to a European final that's had their ability to manage questioned as much as I have. So I understand some of it and it's logical, but there is some of it that does get annoying after a while because if you’re so dismissive of everything I've done, and I am here, then it doesn't say much for the competition I'm in.

"So you’ve got to weigh it up against the other. Either I'm doing something significant, and I've earned the right, or this isn't a big deal anyway, because anybody can do it."

'Form is meaningless'

Despite their struggles, Spurs have recorded three wins over Manchester United this season: home and away in the league and in the Carabao Cup.

However, Postecoglou is reading little into that, nor is he putting any stock into the recent form of the two sides.

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"I just think finals are just unique beasts," he continued. "Form going into it, head-to-head going into it means absolutely nothing. That's my experience, that's why you've seen so many finals… you can have your favourites, you can have your underdogs, it's all meaningless.

"Previous form is meaningless, even form leading into it is meaningless because it's about the day.

"So, what you do is you prepare that they're gonna be at their best and we've got to prepare for us to be at our best and then we'll see who comes out on top."

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