TEAMtalk

Tottenham’s board are reportedly considering ‘five’ names to replace Ange Postecoglou as the new manager of the club as the pressure continues to grow on the Australian amid claims that the players have ‘quit’ on him.

The 59-year-old is currently overseeing the club’s worst Premier League season in recent times as they languish down in 14th place, with 13 defeats from their 24 games to leave them just 10 points above the relegation places.

The cup competitions have been a different story altogether, with progress secured in the Europa League and Tottenham still in the FA Cup as they head to Aston Villa on Sunday, although Thursday night’s shocking performance at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg would have left a bitter taste in the mouth of all Spurs fans.

There were plenty of calls for Postecoglou‘s head after the 4-0 rout at Anfield as a Tottenham team still missing a number of key performers completely collapsed and surrended arguably the club’s best hope this season of ending their 17-year wait to win a trophy.

Indeed, some pundits are now convinced that Postecoglou’s players have given up on their manager – normally the first sign that the axe is on the way for the man in charge, no matter the clear circumstances that have caused so many of Tottenham’s issues this season.

“Anyone who has played the game will tell you most of those Spurs players quit, gave up,” former Watford striker Troy Deeney wrote in The Sun. “Not on each other or themselves, but quit on the manager, the fan base, everything.”

Deeney also claims that he saw just one player put himself forward for media duties at the end of the game, further evidence that Spurs stars have given up on their under-fire manager.

Indeed, another negative result at Villa in the FA Cup is likely to bring about a major meeting next week to discuss Psotecoglou’s future, with only the club’s successful Europa League run and the fact that key injured should be returning soon keeping him in a job.

To that end, the Daily Mirror claims that five names are currently under consideration to be the new man at the helm in north London, with several of them already known to TEAMtalk – as we’ve mentioned on numerous occasions.

Five names in the mix for Tottenham job

So let’s take a good look at the list of names that The Mirror has put forward for discussion.

Andoni Iraola

Bournemouth’s Spanish coach has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches in the Premier League after guiding the Cherries to seventh spot in the table this term.

Indeed, Iraola has led the south-coast outfit to wins against Spurs, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle in a remarkable campaign so far, while he also guided them to the FA Cup fifth round after an impressive 2-0 win at in-form Everton on Saturday.

What’s even more impressive is that the Spaniard has done that during a severe injury crisis that has seen Bournemouth lose both of their main strikers in Evanilson and Enes Unal.

As TT has previously reported, Iraola is right near the top of Tottenham’s list to replace Postecoglou – although it will be an expensive job trying to prize him away from the Cherries.

According to the Express, he is currently one of the leading favourites with the bookies to take over should Postecoglou’s tenure come to an end – though it’d likely cost a pretty penny to buy him out of his Bournemouth deal.

Thomas Frank

Praise for the Brentford manager has not stopped since he guided them to the top flight in 2020/21 season, with his attacking style of play well suited to the Tottenham ethos.

It’s also common knowledge that the Dane is looking to eventually move on and challenge himself at a bigger club. Indeed, speaking back in December last year he shared his criteria for considering an exit: “I think the club you’re going into, can you instantly improve it? Is there low-hanging fruits, or is it difficult to raise the bar? And is their finances good? Can you get the players in and out you want to? I think that’s the key.

He also reflected on his future aspirations by saying: “I think there’s a part of me that thinks that one day, maybe I need to try something different. Is that a bigger club, Champions League, bigger challenge? I don’t know.”

Champions League is most definitely a push for Tottenham at the moment, unless they win the Europa League, and while Frank is a name most certainly in the mix, it must also be pointed out that Postecoglou actually did the double over the Bess this season.

That being said, TT have reported on numerous occasions that Frank is well liked by Tottenham chiefs.

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Edin Terzic

The highly-rated German-Croatian coach is currently without a job since his departure from Borussia Dortmund last summer, having led them to the Champions League final in the 2023/24 season.

As we’ve reported previously, Terzic is very much a name on Tottenham’s radar if they decide to pull the trigger on Postecoglou – links that were only magnified by the Besiktas president in his search for a new manager recently.

Serdal Adali, speaking to Turkish TV network Tivibu Spor last month, revealed: “Edin Terzic was one of our foreign alternatives. In the meeting, he said he was expecting an agreement with Tottenham. That book is closed.”

The Turkish outfit ended up moving for former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instead as Terzic remains on the market.

Mauricio Pochettino

However unlikely this might seem, Pochettino remains a name that will not go away due to his affinity with the club.

The Argentinian was ousted by Levy in late 2019 following a downturn in results, even though he had led Spurs to a Champions League final just months before.

In a chat with BT Sport back in November 2022, Pochettino aired his hope for a future comeback: “Deep in my chest, my soul, my heart – I am sure that we will cross [paths] again. My dream is to be back and to try to finish the work that we didn’t finish.”

Despite a recent stint at bitter rivals Chelsea and the fact that he is currently in charge of the United States national team, Pochettino remains a name to watch.

Kieran McKenna

The outsider of the group but again, a name that TT has mentioned before when it comes to potentially taking the reins in north London.

McKenna has certainly turned heads at Ipswich, earning promotion to the Premier League after a 22-year hiatus and clearly showing his managerial prowess.

Despite Town’s current predicament, sitting in 19th with just a trio of victories – one of which was at Tottenham – McKenna’s seven-year history with Spurs’ academy and a return to the club in 2015 as an Under-18s coach mean he knows the club inside out.

At this stage, he’s a long shot but the fact that Tottenham’s squad is one the youngest in the Premier League and he has a history of working well with younger players does make him a serious option going forward.

Tottenham are pursuing the summer signing of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling and have joined the race for a Crystal Palace talent with a clear vision for the future in mind, according to reports.

The big topic at Tottenham right now is how long Ange Postecoglou will stay in his job as head coach after suffering a damaging 15 defeats this season. But while the Australian’s fate is in the balance, Spurs seem to have some transfer plans in the pipeline for the summer regardless.

Dibling was someone they looked at in January, but the attacking midfielder stayed at Southampton. With relegation a real threat for Saints, though, he could easily come back into view in the summer.

And Spurs will be there in the race for his signature, judging by the latest update from Football Transfers. It’s claimed that Tottenham view Dibling as a ‘key’ target within their ongoing vision of making signings for the future.

In fact, the report says Spurs are making an ‘aggressive push for young talent’ and have also joined the race for Crystal Palace midfielder, Adam Wharton.

Tottenham have been holding internal talks about their moves for both players, who could become priority targets in the next transfer window.

However, Spurs will have to work hard to sign them, since there is plenty of competition from elsewhere for Dibling and Wharton.

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Tottenham’s rival suitors for Wharton

TEAMtalk can verify Wharton is a target for a number of clubs. This week, sources confirmed Manchester City are likely to sign another midfielder in the summer – following on from their capture of Nico Gonzalez from Porto this month – and that Wharton is on their shortlist.

We are also expecting Manchester United and Newcastle to watch Wharton over the second half of the season.

Wharton will cost a large fee due to his contract with Crystal Palace lasting until 2029.

Dibling, meanwhile, is under contract with Southampton until 2027. They stood firm to keep him in January, but might not have as strong a position if they suffer relegation under Ivan Juric.

Tottenham transfer roundup

Another player known to be on Tottenham’s shortlist is one of Wharton’s teammates at Crystal Palace: Marc Guehi.

Spurs made a move for Guehi before the deadline, but Palace didn’t want to sell at that stage, forcing Postecoglou’s side to settle for Kevin Danso instead.

Guehi remains on the radar for the summer, but the latest report revealed Chelsea are confident of re-signing the defender.

Tottenham have also tentatively been tipped to bring a Bayern Munich attacker back to the Premier League – but maybe not the one they’d dream of.

And Spurs are still in pole position to complete a deal for Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, despite the latest twist.

Dibling turning heads at Southampton

Born in Exeter in February 2006, Dibling signed a professional contract with Southampton in October 2021 and made headlines a few months later after scoring a hat-trick in a Premier League 2 game against Newcastle.

Chelsea fought off competition from Newcastle to sign the left-footed right winger in the summer of 2022, but he failed to settle in west London and quickly returned to Southampton.

The 18-year-old made five first-team appearances in all competitions in 2023/24 and was handed his first-ever Premier League start in a 3-0 defeat against Man Utd.

“He’s a really, really talented player,” Southampton’s then-manager Russell Martin said after the game, where Dibling won a penalty.

“We have to manage the expectation and his load because he came off with cramp. He’s an outstanding young man and an outstanding talent, we love working with him.”

The England Under-19 international – who grew up idolizing Eden Hazard – is renowned for his dribbling skills and has impressed his team-mates at St Mary’s.

“When I saw his first session, I thought ‘he’s not 18’,” Yuki Sugawara said of his first impression of Dibling.

“I asked ‘how old are you?’ Then he said 18. I said ‘what the f*** is that?’ He’s really crazy (talented), you know?

“But for sure he will be one of the best players in the Premier League and in the world, I think, because his mentality is so cool. Everything will be top level.

“He’s still young, he needs to learn a lot of things, but he just needs to focus on the process and what he wants to be. Then I think he’s going to be a top, top player.”

Ange Postecoglou has been warned he could only have one game left to spare himself from the sack with one former Tottenham star fearing Daniel Levy could hold a meeting to sack the struggling Aussie as soon as next week.

The 59-year-old was somewhat unfortunate not to lead Tottenham back into the Champions League after they finished fifth and narrowly missed out to Aston Villa. This season, though, has been a thoroughly different situation and a dour run of results has seen Spurs lose seven of their last 13 matches in all competitions – including Thursday’s humiliating 4-0 routing to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

That defeat, which saw Spurs fail to register a single shot on target on the opposition’s goal, has seen the pressure piled back on Postecoglou, who has faced of questions over his future this season.

And with the club way out of this season’s UCL race – Tottenham are currently 14th in the Premier League and nearer the bottom three (10 points clear) than they are the top four (16 points adrift) – pressure has been firmly placed on their ability to win a cup instead.

However, with the League Cup avenue having been shut down, extra emphasis will now be placed on the FA Cup, though a tricky trip to take on Aston Villa in the fourth round on Sunday is far from the easiest of assignments.

Should Spurs lose, former player Paul Robinson fears the club will meet to discuss the Aussie’s future.

“I think they’ll be having that conversation on Monday,” Robinson told Tottenham News. “Spurs have a very difficult game against Aston Villa and a week is a long time in football. How they played against Liverpool was extremely disappointing – they were tactically inept again.

“It was one of the poorest performances I’ve seen. It’s disappointing in a semi-final not to have a shot on target, which a lot was made from. But I didn’t expect them to get a result against Liverpool.

“I’ve always said that the thing keeping Ange in the job was the first 10 games at the start of last season, which a lot of people are hanging their hats on, the fact they’re in all the cups and how well they’re doing in the Europa League.

“But this week, they’re out of the EFL Cup, and they could be out of the FA Cup on Sunday if they play like they did against Liverpool. The conversation about Ange’s future really starts to heat up next week. They’ve got no chance of getting Champions League football.”

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When Tottenham could decide to sack Postecoglou revealed

Robinson feels it is only their decent run of form in the Europa League that has kept Postecoglou in his job so far and feels this season has been nothing short of a disaster.

“If they get knocked out of the FA Cup, take away the Europa League, and this season has been terrible. A week is a long time in football so I hope the conversation is different after a resounding win against Aston Villa.

“It’s not only season-defining but the pressure is going to mount on Postecoglou even more.”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has also been critical of Postecoglou, though feels he was let down by his players on Thursday night as they once again failed to perform in big games.

The Liverpool legend said: “Ange Postecoglou is a manager who is just trying to find something – and what he’s trying is not working.

“It was never in doubt before the game. It’s Tottenham. When did Tottenham ever win a big game? When did Tottenham ever go anywhere and surprise you and win against the odds?

“Whenever Tottenham go into a big game they never believe that they are going to win. Not one of those Tottenham fans tonight would have believed.

“When I look at those three Spurs midfield players, I thought they were a disgrace no matter who the manager is.”

Despite the growing criticism, our sources have previously insisted that no decision on the former Celtic boss’ future will be made mid-season, though a review of his performances will be held once the current campaign is over.

Having chopped and changed several managers on a frequent basis since dispensing of Mauricio Pochettino’s services in the autumn of 2019, Levy knows he cannot afford to axe another manager mid-season, fearing such an act would reflect badly on him and his judgement.

There is also a strong element of sympathy from the Spurs board at the injury crisis Postecoglou has faced this season, feeling it is unfair to judge the manager against the lack of options he has had at his disposal over the majority of the season.

Whether that stance has changed in the wake of Thursday’s loss – or could do if they suffered the same fate at Villa Park – remains to be seen.

But either way, Postecoglou needs some positive results – and probably a trophy win – to keep the wolves from his door.

Latest Tottenham news: Kevin Danso’s response; Mathys Tel claims

Despite the pressure building on the manager, one of his most recent signings, defender Kevin Danso, has offered some words of encouragement for the Tottenham faithful, offering a 64-word response to their Carabao Cup mauling and in response to strong criticism from former midfielder Jamie O’Hara.

Meanwhile, the loss on Thursday has also provoked some worrying reports to emerge over the future of Mathys Tel.

Spurs won the race to sign the Bayern Munich forward before the transfer window closed earlier this week, the player handed an immediate debut in that loss at Anfield.

Now, though, it is claimed that Tel wants to use his short time with Spurs as a platform to help him secure a move to one of their Premier League rivals.

Elsewhere, our Tottenham expert has run the rule over SEVEN players fighting for their futures at N17 in the wake of the frenzied sack speculation mounting on Postecoglou’s head.

New Tottenham signing Kevin Danso sent out a classy response to the club’s fans after a demoralising night on Merseyside which saw him concede four goals on his debut and miss out on a place in the Carabao Cup final.

The 26-year-old Austria international was snapped up by Spurs from Lens last weekend, with Ange Postecoglou’s side beating Premier League rivals Wolves to the loan transfer that also includes a £21million obligation to buy in the summer.

The addition of Danso was much-needed as Cristian Romero and Micky ven de Ven continue to sit on the sidelines, while Radu Dragusin suffered an ACL injury in the recent Europa League win over Elfsborg.

It was somewhat surprising to see him given a starting nod for the game at Anfield, given how well Ben Davies and Archie Gray played together in the 2-0 win at Brentford last weekend.

Unfortunately for Tottenham and the under-pressure Postecoglou that decision backfired as the north London crashed to a 4-0 defeat in one of the worst performances of the season, with Danso not making a particularly strong impression on his debut.

Indeed, outspoken former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara let rip at the result and gave his initial thoughts on both Danso and fellow new boy Mathys Tel.

Speaking to talkSPORT after the game, O’Hara said: “Shocking night for Spurs at Anfield, they didn’t have a shot on target, all hope is lost, it doesn’t look like we’ll win a trophy this season unless he pulls out some sort of miracle.

“Terrible game, terrible game. The players haven’t been up to standard, and in terms of transfers, you know, he got Mathys Tel over the line and Danso tonight wasn’t convincing with what he might be.”

However, taking to social media platform X on Friday morning, Danso commented: “Yesterday marked my debut for @SpursOfficial in the @Carabao_Cup , and though we fell short against a strong side, I couldn’t be prouder to have worn this shirt for the first time.

“The loss stings, but I truly believe in this team and our journey ahead. I want to thank everyone at the club, and every single fan for the support! Onwards and upwards. COYS.”

Postecoglou gives his verdict on Danso display

The Austrian now has a couple of days to work on his partnership with Davies prior to Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Aston Villa, with both Van de Ven and Romero not yet ready to return.

Danso actually looked quite comfortable prior to Yves Bissouma’s mistake that led to the first Liverpool goal and Postecoglou admitted afterwards that he was pleased with how both new boys did in trying circumstances.

Tel was forced to come just before half-time after Richarlison went down with a calf injury and is in line to start his first gamee for the club at Villa Park.

Speaking about the pair, Postecoglou said: “Yeah they did OK. Kevin was really positive, as was Maty. It’s hard, you know, throwing guys in after their first trainings sessions, it’s not ideal.

“That’s part of our dilemma at the moment of trying to get some fluency and consistency but also knowing we have to keep tinkering with the starting line up to account for everything going on. But I thought they acquitted themselves well.”

Latest Tottenham news: First dibs on Kane return / Sane move lined up

Tottenham reportedly have ‘priority’ to land Harry Kane if he looks to leave Bayern Munich as a result of a clause included when he left the north London club in 2023.

A bomb was dropped on February 5 that Bayern Munich striker Kane can return to England for a heavily-discounted sum soon. In both January 2025 and 2026, he’d have been able to activate a clause to leave in the summer which follows.

For the coming summer, with the clause not activated, Kane will not be on the move, but if in a year’s time, if he decided it’s time to go back home, he’ll cost just £54million (€64.6m/$67m).

That’s likely to pique the interest of a number of clubs, but Kane’s former side Tottenham, for whom he bagged 280 goals in 435 games, are at the head of the queue. Indeed a Telegraph report has revealed how when selling the striker to Bayern in 2023, Spurs included a clause which gives them priority over the re-signing of the superstar.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are planning to bring Leroy Sane back to the Premier League, with a report claiming that Spurs are already in talks as chairman Daniel Levy plans a smart deal with Bayern Munich’s stance on keeping the winger also being revealed.

Chelsea believe they will win the race for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi despite interest from other major clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is set to have his price tag reduced, as per reports.

Since leaving Chelsea for Palace in July 2021, Guehi has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and as an important player for the England national team. With Guehi refusing to extend his Palace contract beyond June 2026, top clubs are vying to sign him.

Newcastle United submitted several offers for the defender last summer, the last of which totalled £65million (€78m / $80.8m). However, Palace rejected all such proposals.

In the recently closed January window, Tottenham launched a late £70m (€84m / $87m) bid for Guehi, but this was snubbed too.

GiveMeSport have now provided their take on the 24-year-old’s situation. They state that Chelsea are ‘confident’ Guehi will re-join them this summer, even if there is a fierce battle for his services.

The Blues know that Guehi still loves the club, having come through their academy before leaving in search of first-team football.

Chelsea think that Guehi will choose to join them over Spurs if it comes down to the two London clubs during the next transfer window.

Enzo Maresca’s side ‘touched base’ with the 22-cap England international in January, via his representatives and intermediaries. But Chelsea decided to wait until the summer to make a concrete move, knowing that Palace would not sell.

Even with Guehi entering the final year of his contract this summer, Palace are expected to hold out for at least £70-75m (up to €90m / $93.2m) when selling him in six months’ time.

While Chelsea and Spurs are thought to be Guehi’s main suitors, Chelsea must also watch out for other interested parties.

It was claimed on Wednesday that Manchester United and Liverpool are preparing bids of their own for Guehi.

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Marc Guehi in, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall out?

While Guehi could soon return to Stamford Bridge, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall is destined to leave in the summer.

West Ham United and Everton were keen on signing the Chelsea flop in January, but he instead remained in West London.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are expected to lower their asking price for Dewsbury-Hall in the coming months in order to facilitate his exit.

Chelsea have previously looked to make back the £30m (€36m / $37.3m) they originally spent on Dewsbury-Hall, though no club has wanted to match that fee so far.

Interested sides have been put off by the 26-year-old’s recent struggles and Chelsea will therefore have to sell him for a reduced price, potentially below the £20m (€24m / $24.9m) mark.

Maresca knows Dewsbury-Hall well after they worked together at Leicester City last season. However, Dewsbury-Hall has never been close to getting into Chelsea’s first-choice midfield.

Chelsea transfers: Disasi explainer; Liverpool interest

Meanwhile, sources have provided TEAMtalk with an inside look at how Aston Villa signed Axel Disasi from Chelsea.

Spurs had reached an agreement to pay Chelsea a £5m loan fee for the centre-half, but the player wanted to wait and see if Villa matched such terms.

TEAMtalk understands that Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto is a candidate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.

Liverpool recruitment chiefs have added Gusto to their shortlist after being impressed by his form since moving to Chelsea.

Chelsea are in a strong negotiating position as the Frenchman’s contract runs until summer 2030, which means it will cost Liverpool a huge fee to snare him.

Mathys Tel made his Tottenham debut on Thursday but things didn’t go as planned, as Spurs lost 4-0 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

The 19-year-old striker was chased b y Arsenal and Manchester United in January but Spurs ultimately won the race for his signature, after agreeing to pay Bayern Munich a €10m (£8.3m, $10.4m) loan fee.

Tel’s loan deal gives Tottenham the option to buy him for around £45m in the summer, but the forward can also say no to a permanent deal, despite already pre-agreeing a long-term contract with the North London side.

According to a surprise claim from journalist Christian Falk, Tel could look to leave Tottenham in the summer, with a move to Man Utd or a return to Bayern suggested.

“There were also talks with Manchester United [in January] who were interested in Mathys Tel’s signature. Tel was certainly open to the move, but United weren’t prepared to pay the loan fee Bayern Munich were demanding at the time,” Falk told CaughtOffside.

“So, you see, there was a huge difference to the offer Tottenham came to the table with. Whether Tel stays with Bayern beyond the summer or moves on, it’s entirely up to him. If he can make the step to United, he would like to do it. If he sees a chance at Bayern Munich, perhaps he would also stay, but I think it’s hard for him, as he didn’t make it under Vincent Kompany.

“So, I think if he is performing very well, he will stay in the Premier League. If he doesn’t, he has to go back to Bayern and start again.”

Mathys Tel was very interested in joining Man Utd – sources

TEAMtalk transfer insider Ben Jacobs confirmed earlier this week that Tel was ‘open’ to joining Man Utd when they showed interest in him close to the winter transfer deadline.

The Red Devils had to factor in the overall cost of any Tel deal and consider their own PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) situation. Eventually they left the race. It was the same story with Christopher Nkunku, who would have been costly on a loan, plus the player was reluctant to leave on a temporary deal at the time of their approach.

Ange Postecoglou ultimately held a direct call with Tel and that played an important role in the youngster deciding to get on the plane to North London.

The youngster played the full second half against Liverpool on Thursday but his impact on the game was limited, but in fairness the whole Spurs team were poor.

With Richarlison picking up a calf injury at Anfield, Tel and Dane Scarlett are Tottenham’s only fit striker options for their FA Cup game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Bayern loanee therefore has an opportunity to nail down his spot in the Tottenham starting XI, with the promise of game time being another key factor in him deciding to join Tottenham.

With Postecoglou under serious pressure and Spurs 14th in the Premier League table, there is pressure on Tel to start scoring goals quickly for the North London club.

DON’T MISS: SEVEN Tottenham players fighting for their futures amid frenzied Ange Postecoglou sack talk

After trying and failing to land a number of targets in the January transfer window, Tottenham are primed for a busy summer and TEAMtalk have taken a look at seven stars who are facing a fight to remain at the club – whether Ange Postecoglou is still in charge or not.

Spurs have endured a woeful Premier League campaign and now have only two trophies they can hunt for after their Carabao Cup nightmare on Merseyside on Thursday night.

The pressure has certainly intensified on Postecoglou after his side’s woeful Anfield display, a game where they showed zero ambition to try and extend their advantage and did not have a single shot on target for the first time under the Australian.

So many players under-performed in that match, although Postecoglou’s decision to play a midfield three of Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur was met by much consternation before the match and ended up being justified after as a complete lack of creativity left Tottenham unable to maintain any sort of control in the contest.

Two of those three names are among a list of seven (it could have been more) that are now fighting for their long-term futures in north London, although it must be noted that upcoming free agents like Ben Davies, Sergio Regulion, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Fraser Forster are not included while Timo Werner, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso are all on loan.

Assuming, and it’s now a big assumption, that Tottenham can actually end the season on a positive note and that Postecoglou manages to keep his job, then there will likely be a significant turnaround from a squad that has massively underdelivered – injuries or not.

To that end, we look at seven stars whose futures at Spurs must now be up for serious debate.

Yves Bissouma

As a Tottenham fan, this one is particularly galling to write up as Bissouma could and should have been the mainstay of Spurs’ engine room for years to come.

However, the former Brighton man – bar Postecoglou’s first 10 games in charge last season – has looked a complete shadow of the player who excelled down on the south coast at Brighton. Indeed, that fact was compounded by his latest mistake in possession that cost Tottenham their first goal in the 4-0 mauling at Liverpool and opened the floodgates for the eventual rout.

The frustrating part is that Bissouma was often the best player on the pitch when playing for the Seagulls in clashes against Tottenham and got fans from the white half of north London understandably excited when he arrived in a £30million deal in the summer of 2022.

However, 85 games and two goals later, Bissouma has never really been able to establish himself as a regular starter. Add in the fact that Gray will eventually get a shot at playing in the front of the back four, along with the agreement that is in place to sign Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso early in the summer, and Bissouma’s days could well be numbered.

Radu Dragusin

This may be harsh, given he won’t be able to do his fighting on the pitch, but Dragusin’s long-term future at the club must be in doubt given that TT sources have told us Tottenham will move for Marc Guehi again this summer.

Dragusin suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the Europa League win over Elfsborg, having been covering for injured duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven since December.

However, the fact that 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray often outshone him in the makeshift pairing is not a good sign for the Romania international in the long term. Indeed, Dragusin’s positional play was often questioned, along with his ability to function at a top level in Postecogliu’s high line.

Dragusin is not expected to be back in action until the latter part of 2025 but, by then, Spurs could have added Guehi to their ranks after failing with a £70m offer for the England man on deadline day, while January signing Kevin Danso could also have turned his loan switch into a permanent one.

There remains a strong possibility that Real Madrid still move for long-term target Romero this summer but even then, Dragusin could be behind Van de Ven, Guehi, Danso and even Gray in the centre-back pecking order.

At the end of the day, the best ability is availability and Dragusin will be watching on from the sidelines for six months minimum as potential new partnerships take place the heart of the Spurs backline.

Ashley Phillips

This one may be a little left-field but Phillips is highly thought of in some circles in north London and considered a player who could make the breakthrough at Tottenham eventually.

The former Blackburn Rovers star moved to Spurs in the summer of 2023 but has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the club, being loaned out to Plymouth last season and Stoke City this time around.

Phillips has made a strong impression with the Potters, playing 23 times in all competitions and there were some suggestions that Tottenham could have terminated his loan stay, given the defensive injury crisis at the club.

The fact they opted not to take that route, signed Danso and also failed with bids for Guehi and Burnley’s Maxime Esteve does not bode particularly well for Phillips when he returns this summer – whether Postecoglou is still in charge or not.

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Rodrigo Bentancur

This one is based purely on whether or not the Uruguay international can find that form again that made him such an integral member of the side before his ACL injury.

Bentancur was arguably in the form of his life prior to suffering the devastating injury blow against Leicester in February 2023, an issue that saw him sidelined for eight months.

There have been signs that the former Juventus man is slowly getting back to his best form but his lack of pace has often left him exposed in a Tottenham midfield that is so open due to Postecoglou’s attacking approach. Indeed, that was in full evidence again during the rout at Liverpool as the Spurs midfield was over-run.

The 27-year-old will be out of contract next summer and needs a strong finish to the current campaign to convince whoever is the manager next season that is worthy of a regular starting spot – as his talent clearly warrants.

Manor Solomon

The flying winger is currently tearing up the Championship with a Leeds United side who are five points clear at the summit.

How Tottenham could do with his attacking prowess right now, given their injuries in the wide positions to the likes of Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert.

Solomon has scored six goals and added seven assists for Leeds in 25 appearances in total and certainly looks a level above in the Championship.

For their part, the Elland Road outfit would love to sign him permanently but much depends on promotion for a player who remains under contract in north London until the summer of 2028.

Solomon actually started last season brightly for Spurs before suffering a meniscus injury that ended up sidelining him for the rest of the season. He may well feel that he has unfinished business at Tottenham, although it remains to be seen if he gets another chance to show his quality in north London.

Son Heung-min

Potentially controversial this one, given that the Tottenham skipper’s contract was only recently extended until the summer of 2026, but Son is not the same player he once was and the club are clearly looking at the future judging by their recent transfer activity.

If Wilson Odobert has been fit this season, it would have created a nice conundrum Postecoglou in terms of how many starts Son would have actually made.

That lightning pace and lethal finishing ability is no longer fully in evidence, while there is also the feeling that he is being overburdened with the captaincy of the club after seeing the likes of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris walk away in recent times.

Son remains an absolute legend in N17 and still has his moments, but they are far more fleeting than they used to be and it would not be a massive surprise if he starts to get phased out next season or even moved on in the summer – at the right price.

Richarlison

Perhaps the most obvious of all the names mentioned, although the Brazilian’s workrate and desire has never been questioned – unlike his ability to be a 20-goal-a-season No.9 in the English top flight.

The former Everton man was on a hiding to nothing as soon as he walked through the door to the tune of £60m, becoming a bench warmer for Kane, before being expected to try and replace the club’s all-time leading scorer when he quit in his hunt for silverware.

Richarlison has scored 18 goals in 79 games for Tottenham so far with nine assists. That works out at an average goal involvement every 2.9 games, which is nowhere near good enough for a first-choice striker at a club normally pushing for Champions League football – the current injury-hit campaign aside.

There has been plenty of talk about a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League for the 27-year-old, although in fairness to Richarlison he still believes he can still play at an elite level and that it’s too early in his career to move to the middle east.

If, as expected though, Spurs try and bring in another striker to compete with Dominic Solanke this summer – which could be currently loanee Mathys Tel, if things go well – then there is no doubt Daniel Levy and co. will try and part ways with Richarlison, who suffered yet another injury at Liverpool on Thursday night.

Arsenal have been tipped to complete a remarkable deal to bring Harry Kane back to the Premier League, despite his close links with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Kane is a modern-day Tottenham icon, having scored 280 goals in 435 games for the club between 2011 and 2023. The lethal striker is Tottenham’s record goalscorer, ahead of other legendary figures such as Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Smith, while he was also on course to beat Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record prior to his switch to Bayern Munich.

After becoming frustrated at Spurs’ lack of silverware, Kane left for Bayern in August 2023 in a deal which could eventually be worth £120million.

The England captain still has not won a senior trophy – Bayer Leverkusen lifted both the Bundesliga title and German Cup last season – though he is on course to break the curse this campaign as Bayern have a six-point lead at the top of the table.

While Kane has been in sensational form for Bayern so far, there has recently been talk about a transfer away from the Allianz Arena.

Indeed, German outlet Bild have reported that Kane’s release clause could fall to £54m.

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has now talked up the possibility of Kane crossing the North London divide and joining Mikel Arteta’s squad.

“Oh, he will be going to Arsenal then; Arsenal will buy him,” the pundit said with a smile when asked about Kane’s exit clause (via Sky Sports).

“£54m, why not? Sol Campbell did. If he is available, Arsenal need now… If Arsenal have not won the league, you have got to take a chance, buy someone who is proven. I would not be surprised.”

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Kane to choose between Arsenal and Spurs?

Kane would be a sensational addition to the Arsenal attack, given his standing as arguably the best striker in the world.

The German press have suggested that Kane will one day return to the Premier League to surpass Shearer’s record. However, it is hard to see him joining Arsenal as such a move would tarnish his reputation among Spurs fans.

Instead, it is more likely that the 31-year-old will return to Spurs. When selling Kane, chairman Daniel Levy made sure to include a clause which allows Spurs to match any other bids from rival clubs in the future.

Given Spurs are currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, re-signing Kane would give everyone involved with the club a major lift.

Arsenal transfers: Star’s U-turn; winger deal ‘closed’

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly set to miss out on the signing of Kane’s Bayern team-mate Jamal Musiala.

Arsenal has been mentioned as a potential destination for Musiala in case he opts against signing a new deal with Bayern.

But the attacking midfielder has performed a U-turn and is now ready to commit to the German giants, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere.

While Arsenal are braced for disappointment in that chase, they have a better chance of landing Nico Williams from Athletic Club.

Reports in the Spanish media claim the winger is ‘set to become’ an Arsenal player as the two clubs have ‘practically closed’ a deal over his move.

Williams has a €58m (£48.3m / $60.1m) release clause in his contract, a fee well within Arsenal’s reach.

Tottenham fans were in meltdown on social media after digesting the latest debacle as they watched their side throw away a 1-0 first-leg lead to lose 4-1 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals at Anfield, a result that left some immediately calling for Ange Postecoglou’s head.

Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk secured Liverpool’s place in the final, where they will look to defend their title against Newcastle at Wembley.

Tottenham players struggled to perform under pressure at Anfield, failing to cope with the intensity of the home side while there was no sign of the so-called ‘Ange-Ball’ as the visitors took a backward step from the off.

The absence of the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke clearly played a part, but there was no excuse for the way the team just completely capitulated under pressure and showed so little fight.

Postecoglou‘s selection was also heavily criticised, especially in midfield, where the trio of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr has shown multiple times this season that it does not work.

The Australian previously stated that he ‘always wins a trophy in his second season’ but that’s one down with two to go now, with a trip to Aston Villa in the FA Cup to come on Sunday.

Some Tottenham fans, however, did not want to see Postecoglou last the night after the shocking result and performance on Merseyside.

Writing on X, Christian Giske: ‘We can’t (unfortunately) sell the whole team except Spence, Bergvall and Gray. We can and should sack Ange TONIGHT. This is unbearable to continue. How did anyone believe in this Ange winning things nonsense??? He is totally clueless.’

Clint added: ‘Ange can’t have a job after tonight. It’s as simple as that. SACK HIM!’.

X user Hans Moelman also stated: ‘The game Ange was supposedly being kept in the job for and he’s delivered this weapons-grade garbage. Sack him.’

Stephen Vincent also added: ‘If we don’t sack him tonight or after we lose to Villa then we need to know what hes got on Levy. Utterly clueless. Stands there with his hands in his pockets shaking his head in disbelief at us conceding another goal, the same one we concede every week when we get sliced open.’

Postecoglou plans ‘not working’

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was equally critical of Postecoglou, but also questioned the club as a whole when it comes to performing in big games.

The Liverpool legend said: “Ange Postecoglou is a manager who is just trying to find something – and what he’s trying is not working.

“It was never in doubt before the game. It’s Tottenham. When did Tottenham ever win a big game? When did Tottenham ever go anywhere and surprise you and win against the odds?

“Whenever Tottenham go into a big game they never believe that they are going to win. Not one of those Tottenham fans tonight would have believed.

“When I look at those three Spurs midfield players, I thought they were a disgrace no matter who the manager is.”

Speaking after the game, Postecoglou told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Liverpool were too good for us tonight. We didn’t get into the game in the way we wanted to. We allowed them to get control of it.

“When they get into a rhythm, we didn’t give ourselves an opportunity to get a foothold in the game.

“We were way too passive in terms of our football with and without the ball. I think it is a lesson there for us. We cannot shy away from the football that we want to play.”

On saying he always wins a trophy in his second season: “We have given up a good opportunity tonight and we cannot shy away from that.

“We were in a good position to get to the final.

“Nobody needs to pick me up, I just need to pick up the players.”

Tottenham players and manager Ange Postecoglou were ripped to shreds by pundits and fans alike after a disastrous Carabao Cup semi-final exit at the hands of a rampant Liverpool, as their nightmare season continues.

Leading 1-0 from the first and giving supporters of the club hope that their first silverware in 17 years was a distinct possibility, Spurs never even put up a fight as they were completely outclassed by a Liverpool team that clearly wanted it more under Arne Slot.

Goals from Cody Gakpo, a Mo Salah penalty, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk consigned the north London outfit to a 4-1 aggregate defeat in a game where they failed to have a single shot on target for the first time ever under Postecoglou.

Richarlison also added to their injury woes as he limped off in the first half, but it was the manner of the defeat that left pundits and fans stunned and the players, along with Postecoglou, being taken to task.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the non-contest, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp said: “From Liverpool’s perspective, it was fantastic. The way they got after Tottenham, they suffocated Tottenham, they set such a high tempo, never let them get out, never let them feel comfortable.

“From Tottenham’s perspective, I cannot remember a team in my lifetime go down with less of a fight than they did today.

“Not having one shot on target in a semi-final second leg, when you’re trying to do something, trying to change the course of your history. I feel sorry for those young players.

“I think Djed Spence played 14 different positions tonight, I’ve never seen anything like it.

“These young players, you’re meant to protect them. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, they’re young men and they’re trying their best.

“But I’d look at the experienced players to lead today and make sure they set the right tempo today. They didn’t do that one bit.

“There have been some lows. Palace, Everton, Ipswich… but when you look at that scoreline, it’s just horrendous.”

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson echoed Redknapp’s comments and admitted the performance was especially ‘damaging’ for an already under-pressure Postecoglou.

Dawson said: “Really, really damaging, that performance. I knew it was going to be a tough task. Did I expect it to be like that? No, I thought there would be more of a fight from those players.

“First leg, you come here 1-0 up and it was going to be backs up against the wall.

“They go behind in the first half and they didn’t show any character in possession, out of possession, desire to keep the ball out the back of the net.

“To come here and get beaten 4-0 without a fight, without a shot on target, it’s damaging.”

Tottenham fans vent their fury

Spurs fans were not holding back in their evaluation on the performance and what that might now mean for Postecoglou, despite the ongoing injury crisis.

Writing on reddit, Swag_Daddy_K simply stated: ‘Outcoached. Outclassed. Outworked.’

User anonshgze added: ‘Ange masterclass losing on purpose so he doesn’t get sacked before a league cup final like Mourinho did.’

Another user, Guypar1997 wrote: ‘I’ve been a fan for 10 years, this is the first time I’ve closed my tv before the game was over. I have no words, just sad about the state of the club right now.’

Rigbins added: ‘I wouldn’t have minded losing tonight, considering the circumstances. To be as gutless as that is inexcusable’, while AestheteAndy stated: ‘Dreadful. Thought mateball was meant to be about passion and vibes in these moments, not utter flaccidity and cowardice. Pathetic performance.’

One player in particular came in for plenty of stick, with Bissouma heavily criticised for his role in gifting Liverpool their opening goal and setting them on their way to a rout, while skipper Son Heung-min was also not spared.

User hugeproblemo added: ‘We had a solid game plan and Biss blew it up when he gave the ball away as we were counter-attacking. Maybe this game ends differently if we go into the half 0-0.’

Zyaru also wrote: ‘I’d happily never, ever, EVER see Bissouma put on a Tottenham shirt again.’

RedditTaughtMe2 stated: ‘Son looked defeated. He looked like a man ready to hand in his resignation papers.’

Big_AngeBosstecoglou added: ‘Our senior players let us down tonight. Son, Bissouma, Davies, Bentancur… How can we expect this team to perform when the spine is so weak? Both mentally and physically.’