TEAMtalk

Tottenham have been told that it’ll take a “huge” fee for them to bring a European giant’s midfielder back to England, especially given potential Champions League progress.

Spurs have made a fantastic start to the season in all competitions. In the Premier League, they’ve won three out of four games and are third in the table.

On their return to the Champions League, they saw off Villarreal in a 1-0 victory.

Thomas Frank will be eager to ensure his side continues to push on. As a result, reports have suggested he has his sights set on former Tottenham target Conor Gallagher.

The midfielder’s minutes have dropped at Atletico Madrid of late, and Spurs seemingly feel they could get him, but insider Pete O’Rourke suggests it will take a lot.

He told Football Insider: “It would be a hard deal to do. It’s no surprise that there were some clubs sniffing around Gallagher in the summer.

“He’s been in and out of the Atletico Madrid side, not played as many minutes as he would like in La Liga, but he did start in the Champions League against Liverpool.

“He’s still got a role to play for Simeone’s side and he’s under contract until 2029, so if they were to even consider selling him, it would take a huge sum of money.

“That makes it a difficult deal to do in January due to the fee involved and obviously Atletico would need to bring in a replacement for him as well.

“If they progress into the latter stages of the Champions League, they won’t be wanting to lose anybody in the January window, so that’s another obstacle in the way for Spurs.”

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Why Gallagher fits Tottenham perfectly

Our resident Tottenham expert Rob McCarthy recently revealed why he feels three players would be perfect signings for Spurs, with Gallagher on that list.

He wrote: ‘The England midfielder is exactly the type of all-energy No.8 that Spurs are crying out for, especially all the while hugely talented teenager Lucas Bergvall continues to develop his game.

“What was hugely evident in the home loss to Bournemouth before the international break was how out-worked Frank’s engine room was, with the Cherries midfield running all over Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr.

“Indeed, Tottenham don’t really have a box-to-box midfielder capable of hitting double figures in terms of goals, something Gallagher came close to doing during his season on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

“His game has gone up a level since then, and he would be an incredibly shrewd signing at this stage of his career. In short, he’s just a Thomas Frank-style player.”

Tottenham round-up: Van de Ven danger?

TEAMtalk is aware that Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is the most likely centre-back signing at Real Madrid, however, they are also looking to turn Tottenham man Micky van de Ven’s head.

If he raises his profile, TEAMtalk sources suggest he could see a move to Real as viable for him.

Meanwhile, while Spurs are said to be closely monitoring a centre-back of their own, Ronald Araujo, Liverpool are willing to pay £43.3million for him.

And it’s believed Tottenham are ready to step up their efforts to sign Swiss forward Ruben Vargas.

While Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is the most likely next centre-back star at Real Madrid, TEAMtalk is aware the club are looking at a Tottenham man as a potential addition too.

Real Madrid have recently been linked with a fair few top centre-backs. The names most often cropping up are Liverpool’s Konate and Arsenal’s William Saliba.

However, TEAMtalk sources have told insider Dean Jones that a third Premier League star could be in the mix.

Jones says: “I was told Konate was the one they have considered most likely but clearly they have eyes on other players too. It is interesting that they are also now being linked with Micky van de Ven because I have heard that this might be a situation to watch across this season.

“At this stage I don’t believe there is any contact involved or anything like that, but Madrid want to turn people’s heads and if Van de Ven looks to raise his profile from Spurs then it is feasible he would see Madrid as a potential place to move to.

“I think he has been a player of interest to them for quite a while so we will have to wait and see if they make the jump to a more active pursuit.”

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Liverpool moving to replace Konate

The move for Konate would be on a free transfer, with the defender – out of contract in 2026 – refusing contracts from Liverpool in order to move to Real when he becomes available.

The Reds are aware of the risk of that, as reports have suggested Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo has been identified as a replacement for the centre-back.

It is reported that Liverpool feel he fits their system.

However, TEAMtalk is aware that Marc Guehi – who the Reds were close to signing in the summer until Crystal Palace were unable to replace him – remains the top centre-back target at Anfield.

Real Madrid round-up: Vlahovic dreaming of Real

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic looked likely to leave the club in the summer, but they were unable to find a suitable option for him.

Now, though, he is said to see Real Madrid as his dream destination, and it’s reported the Spanish outfit view him as an ‘unbeatable’ market opportunity given he’s out of contract at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Nico Paz, who Real have a buyback clause for, has been named a “football genius” with it suggested he will show something “even more stellar” soon.

And problems are arising at Real for Vinicius Junior, amid a rift between him and Alonso, the forward suffering from Kylian Mbappe’s form, and the presence of other players who can replace the Brazilian.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that a star attacking midfielder that Daniel Levy made a bid to sign in the summer is a generational talent, as Real Madrid lie in wait to secure his services, while Spurs manager Thomas Frank has been warned against signing his dream target in January.

Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani were among the major signings that Daniel Levy made for Tottenham in the summer transfer window before stepping down as the chairman of the north London club.

After winning the Europa League last season and appointing Thomas Frank as the manager, Tottenham are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table and advance from the League Phase of the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign.

Nico Paz was also on Tottenham’s radar as a target in the summer, with trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting on X at 9:55pm on August 24 of a bid of €70million (£61m, $82.5m) for the Como attacking midfielder.

Como turned it down, with Paz also rejecting the chance to join Tottenham because of his desire to play for Real Madrid in the future.

Madrid sold Paz to Como in the summer of 2024 and have a buy-back clause of €10m (£8.7m, $11.8m) in 2026, according to Romano, with AS reporting on August 27 that Los Blancos have made a ‘promise’ to the 21-year-old to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu for next season and beyond.

Paz scored six goals and gave eight assists in 30 Serie A starts for Como last season.

The Argentina international has been on fire this campaign, with the playmaker scoring two goals and giving one assist in three league appearances and winning the Rising Star (Best U23) of the month award for August in Serie A.

Former Napoli CEO and Udinese technical director Pierpaolo Marino has raved about Paz and considers him a generational talent.

Marino told TMW when asked about Paz: “One of the best new developments in Serie A. He’s a player who embodies football genius.

“Given his age, he has incredible room for improvement, so let’s get ready to see something even more stellar.”

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Ademola Lookman slammed amid Tottenham interest

While the chances of Tottenham signing Paz appear to have gone, the north London club could still bring Ademola Lookman to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on September 1 that Tottenham asked Atalanta about Lookman on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Atalanta were willing to sell Lookman for £43.3million (€50m, $59m), but Spurs did not make a bid.

According to SportsBoom on September 10, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank remains keen on a January deal for Lookman.

Frank is said to be ‘quietly confident’ that Tottenham will sign the Nigeria international forward for £20m (€23m, $27m).

Lookman did not play against Lecce in Serie A last weekend and was left out of the squad for the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric had refused to reintegrate Lookman into his squad until now. after the former Everton forward refused to train for two weeks in the summer and tried to force a move out of the Serie A club.

According to Quotidiano Sportivo, Lookman is back in training with Atalanta, but Marino has questioned his professionalism, despite the 27-year-old scoring 52 goals and giving 25 assists in 118 appearances for the Italian club so far in his career.

Marino told TMW: “The Percassi family and Atalanta’s handling of the matter has been exemplary.

“No one would want to have such a complicated and difficult case in their hands.

“Lookman has shown himself to be one of those ‘stubborn’ players who think with their wallets and cynicism rather than their heads.

“For me, the matter will end with Lookman’s loss.

“I honestly don’t know if he’ll be a recoverable player, but that’s certainly not Atalanta’s fault.

“He had already shown signs of his approach to professionalism in his relationship with Gasperini.”

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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has outlined why Harry Gray should stay at the club and not join Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham are competing with Liverpool for a Barcelona defender, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has analysed why Thomas Frank is the perfect manager for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to step up their efforts to sign a top LaLiga attacker either in January or next summer, with TEAMtalk analysing whether the signing is the right one for Thomas Frank.

The north London club enjoyed a strong end to the summer window after landing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and Randal Koli Muani on loan from PSG, but they are already fixing their gaze on who they can bring in come January.

Despite a strong window overall, Tottenham were probably light on two more signings they needed to make, with another central defender and a naturally left-sided winger now on the agenda for the new year.

In terms of the attacking part of that equation, Manchester City’s Savinho remains a top target for January – but he isn’t the only target.

In recent days, there has been growing traction over a move for Sevilla star Ruben Vargas, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming that Spurs are primed to swoop for the highly-rated Swiss forward.

The report states that Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are in the mix to sign Vargas, who is capable of playing on either flank but has played the majority of his career on the left.

Vargas has three assists in three outings for Sevilla so far this season and it’s expected that the LaLiga outfit will listen to offers for his services in the new year.

It’s also claimed that the project at Spurs is more appealing to Vargas than the one at Palace and Villa, giving the north London side a stronger chance of sealing the transfer.

There is no mention of what sort of fee Sevilla are looking for, although with four years left on his contract, Vargas will not come cheap.

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Vargas a good Tottenham fit but Savinho is better

While Vargas would be a decent signing for Tottenham, he has largely operated either on the right flank or centrally in Sevilla games so far this season.

At 27 years of age, he is more experienced in terms of fully knowing his game inside out, while he put in the hard yards in German football before his switch to LaLiga.

In 161 games for Augsburg, he notched 32 goals and 13 assists and has appeared on the left flank in 120 career games.

Vargas has tremendous dribbling ability and has been likened to former Liverpool playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri due to his pace and low centre of gravity.

After Switzerland’s famous win over Italy at Euro 2024, Vargas was dubbed a ‘special’ talent by former BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin. However, his signing would represent a bit of a gamble compared to moving for the more expensive Savinho.

The City man at least has experience of Premier League football and Tottenham are expected to monitor his game time in the build-up to the January window as they explore another move.

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A forward that Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank wants to sign in the January transfer window has been brutally snubbed by his manager for their Champions League game this week, according to a report, as TEAMtalk analyses why it is good news for the north London club.

Tottenham have made a strong start to the new season, with manager Frank leading the north London club to three wins in four Premier League matches. Spurs, who won the Europa League last season and will play in the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign, are just three points behind leaders and defending Premier League champions Liverpool in third place.

While Spurs made the major signings of Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani in the summer transfer window, they remain keen on adding more quality players in January in their quest to have a successful campaign.

Ademola Lookman is a player that Tottenham were keen on signing on deadline day, with TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, reporting on September 1 that they had asked for details about the Atalanta forward.

Atalanta were willing to sell Lookman for £43.3million (€50m, $59m), but Tottenham never made a formal offer.

Tottenham, though, are still interested in the former Everton forward, with a report last week claiming that Spurs manager Thomas Frank is ‘a big admirer’ of Lookman and is ‘quietly confident’ that the north London club will be able to get a deal done for £20m (€23m, $27m) in the January transfer window.

Lookman wanted to leave Atalanta in the summer of 2025 and abandoned training for two weeks.

The forward is still at the Serie A club after no club paid the asking price of €50m (£43.3m, $59m).

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric left Lookman out of the squad against the Serie A match against Lecce last weekend, and he has said that the 27-year-old Nigeria international will not feature against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris in the Champions League on Wednesday.

TMW quotes Juric as saying: “Lookman in Paris? I don’t think so.

“The situation is unpleasant and not a good one. He gave so much to Atalanta, and Atalanta gave so much to him.

“We need players who are ready, who want to grow and stick with it. We’ll see in the future.”

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Tottenham get Ademola Lookman boost

In the build-up to the game against Lecce, Juric opened up on the situation involving Lookman and sent a warning to him.

Juric said: “A truly unpleasant and difficult situation. As a coach, I felt that we needed other things: Spirit, humility, passion for the shirt.

“We need to do better and also take responsibility. You need a sense of belonging.

“I have a very good relationship with Lookman. But, I shouldn’t have to beg him to play. It works the other way around.

“We are Atalanta and he represents the city. We need what Atalanta represents: Hard work, humility, these are different values.

“I shouldn’t have to plead to anyone. We’re all convinced that Atalanta needs strong values on a personal level.”

Lookman has been one of Atalanta’s best players over the years, with his 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances demonstrating his own personal growth as a footballer as well as the impact that he has made on the Italian club.

While it remains to be seen if Atalanta will eventually re-integrate Lookman into their squad in the coming weeks, Tottenham have received a huge boost in their quest to sign him in January.

If Lookman continues to be ignored or not used from the start, if and when Juric eventually brings him back into the fold, then a bid from Spurs could sway both the forward and Atalanta.

Lookman would become a depreciating asset for Atalanta the more he does not play, and the 2023/24 Europa League winners would not want that from a business point of view.

Latest Tottenham news: Star injured, Barcelona door opens

Tottenham will be without a key player for their Champions League game against Villarreal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday.

Barcelona are willing to sell a playmaker that Tottenham wanted to sign in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham are keen on signing a Brighton and Hove Albion star in the January transfer window, but two other major clubs are also interested in him.

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Thomas Frank faces a major Tottenham Hotspur selection headache ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League opener against Villarreal, while one top first-team star will definitely be sidelined for that match.

Spurs warmed up for their return to European football’s elite knockout competition with an impressive 3-0 win at London rivals West Ham on Saturday, a game in which big-money summer signing Xavi Simons made his debut for the club.

However, the Netherlands international was outshone by another Tottenham attacking star as Lucas Bergvall took centre stage at the London Stadium.

The Swede scored his first Premier League goal with a fine header and also assisted the third for Micky van de Ven as he excelled in a central attacking midfield role.

Simons started the match on the left wing, a position Spurs failed to strengthen over the summer after Son Heung-min’s exit, despite being signed as a replacement for the injured James Maddison in the No.10 role.

Frank now has a big decision to make over whether one game is enough for Simons on the left to move him inside or keep things as they were at West Ham.

It’s fair to say that Bergvall has made a big impression n his boss though, with Frank admitting after the Hammers win: “I really like his energy, his enthusiasm.

“He’s part of driving the team. There’s so much more to come from him because he also sometimes needs to… he’s young, so, okay, when do I play a little bit slower? When do I play a little bit quicker? When do I get to these positions?

“But now with the energy, the pressing and running in behind, a fantastic goal, very impressed with him.”

Whether or not Frank is impressed enough to stick Simons out of the left again remains to be seen, especially when the former RB Leipzig man is much more experienced at Champions League level.

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Solanke fails to recover for Villarreal clash

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke has lost his race to be fit for the clash against the LaLiga side and faces a further wait for a return to action.

The England frontman took no part in training on Monday as he still recovers from an ankle problem he suffered against Manchester City.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game, Frank said: “Dom is taking steps in the right direction.

“So that is positive. As you saw out there, he is not ready to be involved tomorrow.”

There had been hopes that Solanke would be fit for the start of the club’s return to Champions League action after Frank confirmed that the striker should avoid surgery on the problem.

In Solanke’s absence, Richarlison is likely to get the nod at No.9, with Randal Kolo Munai poised to make his debut off the bench after failing to feature at West Ham.

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Barcelona have warmed to the surprise departure of Dani Olmo just 13 months after he joined the club, with two reports providing the latest on his situation as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City plan talks.

Olmo’s superb performances at RB Leipzig earned him a €60million (then £50m) move to Barcelona in August last year. It was a full circle moment for the attacking midfielder, who spent time in the Barcelona academy before leaving for Dinamo Zagreb at 16 years old.

Olmo had a frustrating start to life back in Catalonia, as Barca’s financial problems meant they failed to register him in time for their first two league matches of last season.

Barca ultimately rectified the issue though, and Olmo went on to notch 12 goals and seven assists in 39 games during his debut campaign.

Olmo has managed one goal contribution in four appearances so far this term, though he is yet to score. The Spain ace hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes in LaLiga due to competition for places in both the No 10 role and left wing.

Central attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez is emerging as a key player for manager Hansi Flick, which is a problem for Olmo. Raphinha and Marcus Rashford can both play on the left flank, too.

And with Lopez underlining his obvious qualities with a double in Sunday night’s 6-0 hammering of Valencia, Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Barca have ‘opened the door’ to Olmo’s shock sale in summer 2026.

The Blaugrana are sounding out potential suitors for the playmaker, who has 145 goal contributions throughout his career, due to concerns over Olmo’s injury record and the fact they need to sell top players to raise funds.

A separate report from the same source names England as the 27-year-old’s most likely destination, due to the huge wealth of Premier League clubs.

Barca will ‘seriously consider’ parting ways with Olmo at the end of the season if a suitable offer arrives from England.

Olmo’s exact price tag is unclear at this stage, but they likely want to make most of their original £50m investment back.

Tottenham and Man City are the two main clubs who could pounce on Olmo.

It was revealed in August that Spurs are keen to sign Olmo even after the arrival of another central attacking midfielder.

Spurs had to settle for Xavi Simons after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, and Olmo could be the next creative addition to Thomas Frank’s squad.

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Tottenham, Man City both eyeing Dani Olmo

Reports suggest Spurs have already drawn up a £60m offer for Olmo, which would delight Barca.

City are also keeping tabs on the player’s situation, with Pep Guardiola a huge admirer of him.

City previously identified Olmo as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, which shows just how highly they rate him.

Of course, Olmo’s injury record last season will be a slight concern to Spurs and City supporters.

But if Olmo can stay fit at his next club and start on a weekly basis, he could end up being an elite Champions League performer.

Barca lead Arsenal in defender chase; Spurs loan watch

Meanwhile, Barca have prepared an opening offer as they look to beat Arsenal to a Brazilian gem.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk has analysed how Spurs’ out-on-loan players are performing.

The list includes exciting winger Mikey Moore, who is on loan at Rangers, and Hamburg’s Luka Vuskovic.

Highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur youngsters Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic both had Saturdays to forget after being heavily criticised by the media and fans for their displays at Rangers and Hamburg respectively.

First up, Moore started the 2-0 home defeat to Hearts that piled more pressure on Ibrox chief Russell Martin but ended up being hauled off at half-time.

The Scottish giants have already dropped out of the Champions League and into the Europa League, and now find themselves 10th in the Scottish Premiership.

Moore, 18, started on the left-wing but was replaced by Oliver Antman, having lost possession more than any other player on the pitch. He also failed to complete a single dribble or cross in what was an afternoon to forget for the England Under-19 international.

And Rangers fans were quick to call for the Tottenham youngster to head back to north London as they took to X after the game.

One fan said: “One of the annoying things going under the radar is playing a Spurs kid ahead of our own youngsters. Mikey Moore is offering nothing. Needs sending back to Spurs and stick with Curtis.”

“Mikey Moore is an absolute enigma. Send him back to Spurs asap. Can’t hack Scottish football. Terrible,” claimed another.

Finally, another fan claimed: “We can’t be paying Mikey Moore that much, surely we can just put him into the B team until January when Spurs take him back.”

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Vuskovic struggles on disastrous Hamburg debut

Meanwhile, Vuskovic faced the daunting task of making his Bundesliga debut away at the Allianz Arena against the German champions Bayern Munich.

Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane scored twice in the game as Vuskovic started in the middle of a back three.

The Spurs loanee had ‘communication issues’ with teammates, with Bild giving the 18-year-old 5/10 for his display and writing: “Was unlucky with Luis Diaz’s shot, which he deflected into his own net. He also had some communication issues with teammates. He won 63 percent of his duels, the best of all HSV players who started.”

Hamburg manager, Merlin Polzin, did admit Vuskovic is lacking preparation with his teammates, but backs him to be a success in Germany.

Polzin told Hamburger Abendblatt: “He lacks preparation with us and coordination with his teammates. We’ll continue to work on that.

“Luka has the quality. We fully support him and believe he can really help us.”

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Thomas Frank has spoken publicly for the first time over Rodrigo Bentancur’s future at the club as new contract talks continue to be discussed, while TEAMtalk analyses why the Uruguay star should be concerned if he does commit to stay in north London.

Spurs had a productive summer window as they splashed out more than £170m on fresh additions for Thomas Frank’s squad, although they also said goodbye to legendary forward Son Heung-min with just one year left on his contract.

And now another player who has just a year remaining on his current deal is the focus of attention, in the shape of Bentancur.

Tottenham are said to have opened preliminary talks with the 28-year-old back in February, but those discussions appeared to stall for some time.

However, fresh reports now claim that Tottenham are accelerating contract talks again, as they grow concerned over the former Juventus man potentially walking away for nothing in 2026.

Indeed, new boss Frank addressed such speculation by making clear his stance on the midfielder after a bright start to his tenure in north London.

Speaking prior to Saturday’s fine win at London rivals West Ham, Frank said of Bentancur: “I think first and foremost, I am very happy with Rodri. He has been a very good player for us, a top professional in every aspect.

“I am happy with him, he is happy with being here. I know that for a fact. Let us see what is going to happen in the future.”

Bentancur was dropped down to the bench for the victory at The London Stadium, although that was more to do with him being away on international duty during the week and Frank wanting fresh legs in his starting XI.

He will, however, be back in contention for the Champions League home opener against Villarreal on Tuesday evening.

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Why Tottenham should think of moving on from Bentancur

At his peak, before his ACL injury, Bentancur was Tottenham’s best central midfield player. A box-to-box menace capable of controlling games and not afraid to put in the hard yards.

However, it’s been a real struggle for Bentancur to get back to anywhere near those levels – only showing flashes of the player of old.

At 28, Spurs would likely be looking to commit to a new three or even four-year deal for a player who has not been a consistent performer since February 2023, when he suffered that serious knee injury against Leicester.

The loan signing of Joao Palhinha, which will almost certainly be made permanent, and the sheer potential of Archie Gray means the defensive midfield position that Bentancur has occupied at times is probably no longer an option.

Further forward, Frank wants pace, energy and high pressing, all of which are not particular traits that Bentancur possesses.

Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall had that in abundance at The London Stadium and are just 23 and 19 years of age respectively.

Come the middle of the season, Bentancur could easily find himself on the bench more often than not, unless he can take his game back to the levels of before the ACL issue.

With that in mind, it must be considered a gamble for Tottenham to tie Bentancur down to a new deal and likely make him one of the top earners at the club.

A good player – yes. But the future of Tottenham’s midfield is very bright and Bentancur might not end up being a part of it.

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