GIVEMESPORT

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is convinced that loanee forward Mathys Tel will sign on a permanent deal in the summer from Bayern Munich - but Fabrizio Romano has thrown a potential spanner in the works via his GIVEMESPORT transfer newsletter by stating that the young Frenchman's move could 'depend' on how his loan spell pans out.

Spurs beat competition from local rivals Arsenal and Premier League giants Manchester United to the signing of the prodigy on transfer deadline day, including a buy option for Tel which stands at around £46million. Making his debut for Tottenham against Liverpool on Thursday evening, the Frenchman impressed despite Tottenham's defeat on Merseyside - and fans would think to be looking forward to a huge capture in the summer.

Romano: Tel Tottenham Stay 'Not Guaranteed'

The Frenchman has been tipped to stay but nothing is promised

However, Romano thinks differently. Tel's clause includes a buy option only, without an obligation - and even though Tottenham will likely wish to activate that in the summer to add to their forward ranks, it's uncertain whether the Frenchman will oblige.

Tel has had a glittering start to his professional career, and despite being frozen out by Vincent Kompany in the Bundesliga, he could look for pastures new if Tottenham don't become an attractive enough proposition in the summer - in which Romano has revealed there are 'no guarantees' over his future in north London.

Writing exclusively in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano stated that although Tottenham have a good chance of signing Tel, nothing is a formality for Postecoglou and Daniel Levy, saying:

"It depends. The buy option clause can only be activated if the player approves too, I'm sure Spurs have good chances but of course it depends on how these months will go... it's not something guaranteed, but possible yes."

Tel has 16 goals in 83 outings for Bayern, with the majority of those being substitute appearances as a result of being behind Harry Kane, Leroy Sane and more in the pecking order in Bavaria.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mathys Tel has 23 goals in 40 youth caps for France.

But, with a clear run of games under his belt in the English capital, he could find a new home at Tottenham if he can start scoring straight from the off.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 07-02-25.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is under intense pressure to save his Hotspur Way job and could find himself on the brink if he is unable to steer his side to an FA Cup victory over Aston Villa in the aftermath of missing out on booking a place in a Wembley final, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

The Greek-Australian tactician succeeded in securing fresh firepower in the final hours of the winter transfer window, with Mathys Tel joining from Bayern Munich on an initial loan which includes an option to buy for £45million, but a worrying run of form continued with a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday.

Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk deprived Tottenham of the chance to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final next month, while the second leg thumping at Anfield means the north Londoners will head to Aston Villa on Sunday having suffered seven losses from their last 13 matches in all competitions.

FA Cup Loss Could be Critical for Postecoglou

Uncertainty over whether Greek-Australian tactician will stay in job

Postecoglou's position will come under the microscope if Tottenham are knocked out of two cup competitions in a matter of days, according to GMS sources, while the manner of the defeat to Liverpool has led to there being uncertainty over whether he will be given the opportunity to see out the rest of the season.

The 59-year-old has been adamant that he will lead Spurs to silverware this term, thanks to his record at previous clubs showing that he is successful in his second campaign in charge, but his hopes of ending the north Londoners' lengthy wait to add to the trophy cabinet are dwindling following the Carabao Cup semi-final hammering on Merseyside.

GMS sources have been informed that influential figures at Tottenham remain fully behind Postecoglou, with Levy's willingness to dip into the transfer market in the final hours of the winter window highlighting his support, but being beaten by Aston Villa could leave his future at the helm in jeopardy.

Tel was not the only late addition to Spurs' squad, with central defender Kevin Danso's move to Wolverhampton Wanderers being hijacked thanks to negotiating a loan deal which includes an obligation to become permanent, while goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky sealed a switch from Slavia Prague last month.

Missing out on a Carabao Cup final meeting with Newcastle has sparked fresh scrutiny over what went wrong for Tottenham and how they can recover ahead of their trip to the Midlands to face Aston Villa, while GMS sources have learned that another convincing defeat would result in Postecoglou's position coming under threat.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ange Postecoglou has won 39 of his 79 matches at the Tottenham Hotspur helm, but he has also suffered 29 defeats along the way

Postecoglou Wanting to Work Closely with Tel

Frenchman completed deadline day move to north London

GMS sources have been told that Postecoglou wants to be handed enough time to get the best out of deadline day recruit Tel after personally stressing how crucial the Frenchman is to his long-term plans and Tottenham's wider commitment to developing elite up-and-coming talent.

The former Celtic chief made a phone call to the 19-year-old to convince him to make the eleventh-hour switch from Bayern Munich, having initially snubbed the chance to embark on a fresh challenge with the north Londoners, and is desperate to continue being backed by Levy and other key decision-makers.

Postecoglou hoped the acquisition of Tel would prove to be a defining moment after being forced to contend with an injury crisis for large spells of the campaign, GMS sources understand, while he has stressed the fact that key men being unavailable has left him with an uphill battle to achieve the initial aims for the season.

Spurs' all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane convinced his Bayern Munich teammate to head to the capital when the opportunity arose, GMS sources recently revealed, and he could be in line to make his first start since the switch in the FA Cup fourth round tie with Aston Villa due to Richarlison picking up an injury in midweek.

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A humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anfield delivered another painful low point in Spurs’ season, but boss Ange Postecoglou has every reason to highlight the stark difference in squad depth between his side and Liverpool. Injuries have left him facing an uphill battle to keep the club on course to achieve its goals.

Yet, just days after the tactician outlined his long-term vision to Mathys Tel, questions are already swirling over whether he will see out the season - let alone be in charge of the loanee beyond the summer.

Tel Desperate for Deadline Day Move to be Success

Teenager joined north Londoners on initial loan deal this week

Tottenham have been insisting they remain fully behind their manager, and chairman Daniel Levy did make late moves in the winter transfer window to strengthen the squad, offering hope for an improved run of form. But an FA Cup tie with Aston Villa is up next and if Spurs lose that one, Postecoglou’s role really would be under the microscope.

The 'record-breaking' Tel is totally focused on making a success of his move, but major moments in the season will help determine what the chances will be of keeping the Frenchman in north London beyond the end of the campaign.

Tottenham worked hard to sign him from Bayern Munich on deadline day, eventually striking a £10million loan deal with an option to keep him beyond the temporary period. But it needs to work for all parties.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mathys Tel arrived at Tottenham Hotspur having been restricted to just 253 minutes of Bundesliga action this season

We reported how Harry Kane had encouraged Tel to make the switch, citing it as a great chance to get first-team football in an elite environment, but Postecoglou had been integral to that deal happening.

We understand the boss made it clear in talks with the 19-year-old that he does not want this to be a short-term signing, and he believes the club’s overall package - both on and off the pitch - could convince him to stay beyond this season.

Tel came off the substitutes bench in the 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Liverpool and will hope to be part of much better matchdays over the coming months.

Tel Already Poised to be Handed Striker Berth

Frenchman could profit from Richarlison suffering fresh injury

The plan is for Tel to be a key figure in Tottenham's attack, with plenty of game time, playing both as a striker and out wide. Largely, he was expected to be filling a role that Timo Werner has struggled to make his own but, already, he is going to be needed more intensely for goal power after Richarlison limped out of the Liverpool game and faces another injury problem.

Tel’s pace and ability in the final third are seen as a significant upgrade on what Werner has offered and, perhaps, will be better than Richarlison too, while Dominic Solanke recovers from injury.

We have reported how Spurs have no plans to trigger Werner’s £8.5million option to make his loan permanent, reinforcing the idea that Tel is seen as a long-term solution. But, for this option to work out, Tel needs to be convinced of a bright future.

Bayern Munich see no downside in this loan move. At worst, the player will return to them with Premier League experience. However, Postecoglou hoped the signing of Tel could prove to be a defining moment and, after personally stressing how crucial he is to his plans and the club’s wider commitment to elite young player development, he wants the plan to come off.

For now, he could really do with a big goal from his new signing to lift the gloom when Tottenham travel to Villa Park on Sunday.

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West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are concerned that they may have missed their golden opportunity to lure Jonathan David to the London Stadium or Hotspur Way and he could be set to head elsewhere when his Lille contract expires in the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Hammers head coach Graham Potter sealed a reunion with Evan Ferguson in the final hours of the winter transfer window, thanks to agreeing a loan deal which will see the east Londoners cover the entirety of his wages and pay a significant fee to Premier League counterparts Brighton & Hove Albion.

Spurs chief Ange Postecoglou was also busy ahead of the February 3 deadline, with Mathys Tel joining from Bundesliga table-toppers Bayern Munich in an initial temporary switch that can be made permanent for £45million, but the Greek-Australian tactician and West Ham were unable to land David midway through the campaign.

Hammers and Spurs Could Miss Out on David

London rivals concerned frontman will head elsewhere in summer

West Ham and Tottenham are fearful that they will be unable to recruit David as a free agent ahead of next season, according to GMS sources, as there is a growing belief that he has already made progress ahead of potentially embarking on a fresh challenge with an alternative suitor.

The Lille striker has been able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas admirers since the turn of the year, thanks to entering the final six months of a deal which allows him to pocket in the region of £32,000-per-week, leading to the Hammers and Spurs being among the sides to have shown interest.

GMS sources have been informed that West Ham and Tottenham were among Premier League sides to have been offered David's services at the start of the winter transfer window but, in a major twist, insiders are uncertain that he will head to either of the London sides as he was no longer being touted around as the deadline neared.

The Hammers and Spurs have been alerted after the Canada international - who was the subject of a rejected £10million bid in recent weeks - was no longer being pushed in their direction as the winter transfer window edged towards closing, and it has led to concerns that they are not at the front of the queue.

Snubbing the opportunity to agree fresh terms at Lille resulted in the Premier League being David's expected destination ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, GMS sources have learned, but West Ham and Tottenham are worried that they will regret their decision not to pounce when they had the opportunity.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Jonathan David has been averaging a goal every 94 minutes in the Champions League this season

Heavyweights Also Wanting David's Signature

Canada international's head may have been turned by fellow suitors

GMS sources have been told that at least one leading club on the continent has been showing interest in David since the turn of the year, and there is intrigue over whether his head may have been turned after West Ham and Tottenham were initially given the chance to profit from his contract situation.

The 25-year-old centre forward, who has been described as "world-class" by former Canada international Iain Hume, is thought to be close to making a final decision over his future after it has become clear that he is not looking to remain in his current surroundings beyond the end of the season.

David is not the only Ligue 1 big-name with uncertainty hanging over where he will be plying his trade next term as Rayan Cherki was also touted around the Premier League last month, GMS sources understand, only for Lyon to take him off the market in the dying stages of the winter transfer window.

GMS sources recently revealed that Potter was handed the opportunity to make the Lille marksman his first signing in the West Ham hot-seat, just a matter of months after the east Londoners turned down the chance to pounce in the summer, but a mid-season move failed to come to fruition.

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Jamie O’Hara says he is ‘not convinced’ by Tottenham Hotspur winter signing Kevin Danso after the Austrian made his debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Liverpool.

Spurs fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat against the Premier League leaders on Thursday night, as goals from Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk sealed a big victory for the hosts.

Danso, who joined Tottenham on loan from Lens late in the January window, was thrown straight into action amid Spurs’ injury crisis, with centre-backs Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin all unavailable.

The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes and had a tough debut, making three clearances, three blocked shots, two tackles, winning four of six duels and registering an 83% pass accuracy.

Kevin Danso Makes Tottenham Debut

‘Shocking night for Spurs at Anfield’

O’Hara, speaking on talkSPORT, described it as a ‘shocking night’ for Tottenham at Anfield and criticised Spurs players who ‘haven’t been up to standard’:

“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.”

Tottenham faced Liverpool without most of their first-choice backline, while attackers James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson were also among the absentees.

Danso, who started alongside Ben Davies at centre-back, made his return to English football after a loan spell with Southampton in the 2019/20 season, where he made 10 appearances.

The 26-year-old spent three-and-a-half seasons at Lens before joining Spurs last month on loan with an obligation to buy for £21m.

Following their heavy defeat to Liverpool, Tottenham will next face Aston Villa away in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

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While they've had promising moments over the last couple of decades, Tottenham Hotspur have never quite managed to break through and become a top football club in England. Whether it was Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho or now Ange Postecoglou in charge, the north London team have always failed to get over the hump and get their hands on silverware.

They've developed a reputation for being, well, 'Spursy' a term that indicates their repeated instances of crumbling under the bright lights. That was on full display recently, as they let a 1-0 aggregate lead slip against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final. After picking up a narrow victory in the first leg, Spurs were thrashed 4-0 in the return fixture and Arne Slot's men advanced to the final, while Tottenham's wait for silverware continues.

Things are looking particularly rough this season, with Postecoglou's side struggling in the league and sitting all the way down in 14th after 24 games. The squad needs some serious work and after analysing the entire team, GiveMeSport have ranked every Tottenham player in a series of categories from 'Must Keep' to 'Get Rid'.

Must Keep

Vicario, Solanke, Van de Ven, Romero

It's not been pretty for Spurs recently, but things could have been a lot worse without these stars. There are four players who the club must keep at all costs and they are Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. After years with Hugo Lloris in goal, Spurs faced a tough task replacing the Frenchman, but they hit it out of the park with Vicario. The shot-stopper is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League right now.

Van de Ven has been an outstanding defender when he's fit. He's one of the fastest players in England and despite his issues with injuries, he's certainly someone Tottenham should keep their hands on. Dominic Solanke was signed last summer as the club looked to add firepower. He might not have been a major success yet, but 11 goals in his first 28 games is a solid foundation to build upon.

Finally, Romero may have a tendency to act a little erratic every once in a while, but there's no denying that he makes Spurs better and his presence in the backline is massive for the club. Postecoglou would have a hard job finding someone better than the Argentine.

Useful to Have

Spence, Johnson, Kulusevski, Porro, Udogie, Kinsky, Davies

For a team to be successful, they need a variety of players. Of course, the superstars are nice, but they also need role players who are capable of doing a job. Spurs have several of these on the books right now. After a tricky start at the club, Djed Spence has developed into a very useful player to have around for Tottenham. He's operating as a solid backup defender, who is capable of performing when called upon.

Other useful figures at Postecoglou's disposal right now are Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevki, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Antonin Kinsky and Ben Davies. The former also got off to a rocky beginning in north London, but has since demonstrated his ability to make a difference when it matters. Kulusevki, Porro and Udogie have all been fine servants for Spurs since arriving and the club would be wise to keep hold of them. Davies is just an excellent backup option in defence and his ability to operate in a number of different positions is massive. Similarly, Kinsky has come in and been an excellent deputy in goal while Guglielmo Vicario is out injured.

Talented Youngster

Gray, Sarr, Bergvall, Moore, Odobert

The present might look a little rough, but the future at Tottenham is considerably brighter with some of the talented youngsters they currently have on the books. Archie Gray is a stand-out following his move from Leeds United. Pape Matar Sarr is another exciting prospect who looks set to have a strong career ahead of him.

They aren't alone, though. Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert all look very promising and Tottenham would be wise to hold onto them while they develop. They might have some real gems on their hands with this batch of young talent.

Jury is Still Out

Dragusin, Maddison, Tel, Danso

Radu Dragusin joined Tottenham last season and the jury is still out about whether he's the right fit for Tottenham going forward. The 23-year-old defender has shown signs of brilliance, but it's a small sample size. Another player who the jury is still out on is James Maddison. When healthy, he's one of Spurs' best and most creative players, but he's struggled with injuries since moving to north London. If he can figure out a way to stay healthy, though, he'll be a must keep.

GiveMeSport Key Statistic: James Maddison has only played a full 90-minute match three times in 31 appearances this season

Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were both late loan acquisitions at the club and with just one appearance in a Tottenham shirt for both, it's far too soon to make any judgements.

Listen to Offers

Son, Richarlison, Bissouma, Bentancur, Forster

Then there are players that Tottenham don't necessarily need to get rid of, but they should certainly entertain any offers that may come their way for them. The first is Son Heung-min. The South Korean has been an icon for Spurs over the years and is undoubtedly one of their greatest ever Premier League players. He's started slowing down, though, and with his production noticeably lower than it has been in the past, it might be time to cash in before things get worse.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Only Hugo Lloris (447) has played more Premier League games for Tottenham than Son Heung-min (440)

Richarlison has a role to play at Tottenham, but he hasn't been the success that many hoped he'd be when he joined from Everton. There's still a spot in the side for him, but if a team came in with an attractive offer, Spurs should listen. Antonin Kinsky recently joined the club and with that, Fraser Forster's place looks even less necessary. His presence isn't a problem, but if someone made an offer, Postecoglou's side should consider it.

The last two, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, are in a similar position. Both came to Tottenham with high profiles and had failed to deliver what was expected. Jamie Carragher even recently labelled them a 'disgrace'. They're solid players, but if Spurs can find someone willing to offer a nice amount for either of them, they'd be wise to listen.

Get Rid

Reguilon, Austin, Werner

While things aren't going well at Tottenham right now, there are only three players that they should outright get rid of at any cost and they are Sergio Reguilon, Brandon Austin and Timo Werner. The former has barely played under Postecoglou and has offered very little in the limited minutes he has received.

There are several goalkeepers more capable than Austin at the club, so keeping him on the books doesn't make a lot of sense. Werner joined on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2024, before extending the deal to cover the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign. Things haven't gone well, though. The former Chelsea man has been very disappointing and the club opted against making his move a permanent one.

At this point, he isn't worth keeping around and they might as well send him back to Germany.

Liverpool pummeled Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Anfield to advance to the EFL Cup final on Thursday evening – with an aggregate score of 4-1.

After a dominant opening half an hour, the Reds had the ball in the back of the net but had it ruled out for offside without the help of VAR. Liverpool were dominant in the opening exchanges of the game and Tottenham didn't have enough firepower up front to cause them problems.

Just minutes after having a goal disallowed for offside, Liverpool made it 1-0. Mohamed Salah put an excellent ball into the box with the outside of his boot and his cross found Cody Gakpo who was near the back post and fired it home. The Dutchman got a very clean connection on the strike but Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky may be disappointed with himself when he looks back at it as he gets two hands to it.

Right before half-time, Kinsky made up for his suspect goalkeeping when he made an excellent save to deny an awkward shot from Salah. The Egyptian volleyed his shot into the ground and the bounce looked to be heading over Kinsky and into the back of the net but the young goalkeeper made a terrific save to keep his side in the tie. Amongst this action, Richarlison was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Mathys Tel who came on for his Spurs debut.

The first half came to a close with Liverpool 1-0 up which set up a box office second half with the tie at 1-1 on aggregate.

Just four minutes into the second period, Kinsky brought down Darwin Nunez and the hosts were awarded a penalty. Salah took the ball down impeccably and played the ball through to Nunez who tried to round the goalkeeper but was brought down for a blatant penalty. The Egyptian stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it perfectly into the top corner.

The Reds almost strengthened their lead in the 63rd minute when a left-footed shot from Gakpo was saved by Kinsky and cannoned off the post. At this point, the home side were fully in control of the game and every time they went forward they looked like scoring.

Liverpool put the nail in the coffin of the match thanks to a tidy finish from Dominik Szoboszlai. Alexis Mac Allister who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes found Conor Bradley who was excellent throughout the match and the Northern Ireland international just laid it off for the Hungarian who finished it into the bottom corner.

If it wasn't already game over, Liverpool made it 4-0 in the 80th minute thanks to a great-headed goal from Virgil van Dijk. The corner was swung in by Mac Allister and the Dutchman, who was unmarked headed it into the back of the net.

Van Dijk's goal was the last action of the match and Liverpool now find themselves in the EFL Cup against Newcastle United.

Match Highlights

Liverpool Player Ratings

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher - 6.5/10

Didn't have much to do throughout the match in possession or in terms of saves.

RB: Conor Bradley - 8.5/10

Superb defensively and very energetic up and down the right flank for the entirety of the match. His darting runs saw him get an assist for Liverpool's third goal.

CB: Ibrahima Konate - 7.5/10

The Frenchman wasn't really challenged throughout the match and he had a calm and controlled performance.

CB: Virgil van Dijk - 8/10

Controlled both defensively and in possession for the whole match and managed to get himself on the scoresheet with a brilliant header.

LB: Andrew Robertson - 7.5/10

Energetic down the left flank all evening and created several good chances for his side.

CM: Ryan Gravenberch - 8/10

Composed and controlled. The Dutchman didn't put a foot wrong in midfield and was a much-needed calm head in possession.

CM: Curtis Jones - 7.5/10

Made a lot of excellent tackles in midfield when he needed to and was very tidy on the ball.

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai - 8.5/10

The Hungarian was an attacking threat all evening and was awarded for his forward runs with a nicely taken goal.

RW: Mohamed Salah - 8.5/10

Got a goal and an assist to his name which is standard practice at this point. The Egyptian also created several great chances which probably should have been finished off.

ST: Darwin Nunez - 7.5/10

Was a nuisance for the Spurs defenders to deal with throughout the match. The Uruguayan managed to win a penalty for his side also.

LW: Cody Gakpo - 8.5/10

Scored a very good goal and also hit the woodwork. Gakpo was a nightmare to defend against all evening.

SUB: Diogo Jota - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.

SUB: Alexis Mac Allister - 7.5/10

Made a huge impact on the game in a short period of time. The Argentine started the move for Liverpool's third goal and assisted van Dijk for their fourth.

SUB: Harvey Elliott - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.

SUB: Luis Diaz - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.

SUB: Jarell Quansah - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.​​​​​​​

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings

GK: Antonin Kinsky - 4.5/10

The young goalkeeper gave away a penalty and was suspect for Liverpool's opening goal. It was a night to forget for the Czech.

RB: Archie Gray - 6/10

The youngster had a tough night defensively and was moved around the pitch several times.

CB: Kevin Danso - 6/10

Had a nervy start but settled into the game okay and put in a decent performance.

CB: Ben Davies - 5.5/10

Poor in possession at times and struggled with Nunez's presence and energy.

LB: Djed Spence - 7/10

Carried an attacking threat throughout the match with his direct running and was solid defensively.

CM: Yves Bissouma - 5/10

Bissouma gave the ball away in the lead-up to Liverpool's goal and was brought off after 57 minutes due to his poor performance.

CM: Pape Sarr - 5.5/10

Sloppy in possession and struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. Just like one of his midfield partners Bissouma, Sarr was also taken off after 57 minutes.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur - 6.5/10

Good at breaking up the play during spells of pressure but didn't really contribute much to the match.

RW: Dejan Kulusevski - 5.5/10

Really struggled against Robertson and was somewhat ineffective going forward.

ST: Richarlison - 6/10

Forced off just before half-time with an injury. The Brazilian didn't do much during the time he spent on the pitch.

LW: Heung-Min Son - 6/10

Hit the woodwork but aside from that didn't have a shot on goal or much involvement in the match.

SUB: Mathys Tel - 6/10

Made a few nice runs during his time on the pitch but wasn't found by his teammates – sometimes to his apparent frustration.

SUB: Lucas Bergvall - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.

SUB: Pedro Porro - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.​​​​​​​

SUB: Mikey Moore - N/A

Didn't do much during his time on the pitch.

Man of the Match

Cody Gakpo

The Dutchman was Liverpool's biggest attacking threat. He was a nightmare to defend against for the Spurs defenders all evening and also got a very well-taken goal to his name. Gakpo could've also had another goal to his name if it wasn't for an excellent save from Kinsky and help from the woodwork.

As well as his direct play in terms of his running and dribbling being terrific, Gakpo was also very good at linking up with Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez which just furthered his threat down the left flank throughout the match.

Tottenham Hotspur hold a first-option agreement on Harry Kane, giving them priority to re-sign the England international if Bayern Munich decide to sell, according to The Telegraph journalist Matt Law.

Spurs reportedly inserted the clause in their £100m deal to sell their all-time record goalscorer to the Bundesliga giants in August 2023.

The opportunity to re-sign Kane would only apply if Bayern agreed to part ways with the 31-year-old and he wanted to return to Tottenham, where he spent 13 years before moving to Germany.

There is reportedly no fixed fee in Spurs’ first-option agreement, meaning they would have to trigger his release clause or negotiate a fee with Bayern.

Harry Kane’s Release Clause Revealed

Bayern ‘considering’ selling the 31-year-old

German outlet Bild has revealed this week that Kane could have left Bayern in the winter transfer window for a £67m release clause, which will become active again in 12 months and drop to £54m.

While Premier League clubs are reportedly aware of his exit fee, Kane appears settled at Bayern and has no thoughts of leaving, with his club on course to reclaim the Bundesliga title after a trophyless 2023/24 season.

However, Bayern may have other plans – according to Bild, the club have already started considering Kane’s eventual sale and held discussions over potential replacements.

The Bundesliga side have reportedly contemplated moves for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, both of whom are targets for Premier League clubs next summer.

Kane is enjoying a prolific second season in Germany, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances, while netting six more in the Champions League.

The 31-year-old is under contract at Bayern until June 2027 and is reportedly the club’s highest-paid player, earning around £400,000 per week.

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Tottenham Hotspur fans were over the moon when Mathys Tel signed for their club from Bayern Munich late on deadline day, in a rare piece of good news after what has been a dismal season in the Premier League - but presenter Jeff Stelling has questioned whether the prodigy is what they need with such an array of attacking talent already at the club.

Whilst Tottenham have struggled in the top-flight this season, goals have not been their issue. In fact, the Lilywhites stand as the joint-third highest scorers in the division alongside Manchester City, behind only Liverpool and Arsenal in that regard - and so it's defensively where they are toiling.

Stelling: Mathys Tel 'Not What Tottenham Need'

The striker has been in good form for the club

And with that in mind, despite signing Kevin Danso, Stelling has questioned whether Tel is the right signing for the north London club at this stage in the season. He said on talkSPORT:

"Tottenham are getting the highly-rated Bayern forward Mathys Tel on a loan deal, with an option to buy at the end of the season.

"Is that really what they need? Is he the sort of top player who can take them to the next level? Is he ready-made? Simon Jordan believes the London club can't attract the level of player that their fans expect."

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mathys Tel has 16 goals in 83 games for Bayern Munich.

"He said initially that he didn't want to go to Spurs. Is Tel the profile of a player that Spurs need - a teenager who has barely played for Bayern Munich? Where does he get into the side, does he get ahead of [Dejan] Kulusevski? I don't think so. Does he get in ahead of Son [Heung-min]?

"In the wide areas they have got Kulusevski, Son, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner. I'm not sure how much we'll see of him. I might be wrong, but like most people, I don't know enough about him. All I know is that he couldn't get into the Bayern side."

Tottenham's defensive prayers weren't completely answered with Danso's arrival, especially when you consider that Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin are all out of action for the time being.

And, although qualification Europa League football looks a long way off, Spurs will be hoping for future success in that department by planning ahead for next season.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 04-02-25.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are threatening to go head-to-head for the signing of Hayden Hackney in the summer as the Middlesbrough star has remained on the radar of recruitment chiefs at Old Trafford and Hotspur Way despite the transfer window closing less than 24 hours ago, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Patrick Dorgu proved to be the Red Devils' most expensive arrival ahead of the winter deadline, thanks to completing a £30million switch to join Ruben Amorim's side from Lecce, while Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou also secured reinforcements in the form of Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.

But Manchester United, who are poised to be left short of midfield options ahead of next season due to Christian Eriksen entering the final months of his £150,000-per-week contract, and Tottenham have already started making plans to strengthen their respective squads when the next opportunity arises.

Red Devils and Spurs Still Monitoring Hackney

Amorim and Postecoglou tempted to make move for midfielder

Manchester United and Tottenham could make a summer move for Hackney after being unable to tempt Middlesbrough into sanctioning his departure during the winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, and they stand a chance of winning the race for his signature by lodging a bid in the region of £20million.

The defensive midfielder has entered the final two-and-a-half-years of a contract which allows him to pocket £6,500-per-week at the Riverside Stadium, and his consistent performances in the Championship have resulted in the Red Devils and Spurs deciding to continue keeping tabs on his situation before potentially pouncing.

GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United and Tottenham are tempted to up the ante in their pursuit of Hackney, who got his name on the scoresheet and grabbed an assist during Middlesbrough's deadline day defeat to Sunderland, when they go in search of reinforcements in the middle of the park at the end of the season.

Amorim and Postecoglou will become increasingly confident of being able to recruit the 22-year-old, who has been described as 'super' by ex-Boro boss Chris Wilder, if his current employers miss out on sealing promotion to the Premier League after finding themselves adrift of the play-off places on goal difference.

Middlesbrough made an early decision to fend off any proposals for Hackney during the winter transfer window due to fears of his exit potentially derailing their attempts to return to the top flight, GMS sources have learned, but Manchester United and Tottenham are still contemplating whether to test their resolve further down the line.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Hayden Hackney has been handed 2,354 minutes of Championship action at Middlesbrough this season

Clamour for Hackney Expected to Keep Rising

Middlesbrough preparing for battle to keep 22-year-old on board

GMS sources have been told that Middlesbrough are expecting the clamour for Hackney's services to grow between now and the summer, meaning Manchester United and Tottenham are in danger of facing extensive competition for an agreement if they choose to formalise their interest with a bid later this year.

Boro boss Michael Carrick had spells with the Red Devils and Spurs during his playing career, with him winning the Premier League on five occasions and lifting the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford, and he could face a battle to keep the seven-cap England under-21 international out of his former employers' clutches.

Hackney is widely regarded as a Championship star who is capable of handling life in the top flight, and GMS sources understand that Manchester United and Tottenham's decision to continue keeping tabs on his situation has led to Middlesbrough fearing that they will face a fight to keep him on board when the transfer window reopens.

GMS sources previously revealed that Spurs are prepared to play the waiting game and continue monitoring his performances after they also looked at landing the ex-Scunthorpe United man in 2024, but Postecoglou could be forced to go head-to-head with Red Devils head coach Amorim for an agreement.

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