Sport Witness

Tottenham Hotspur can add another name to their extensive injury list, with Mathys Tel now withdrawing from France’s U21 squad.

L’Equipe report that the Tottenham striker, who linked up with the U21s on Tuesday, has now withdrawn from the squad due to a thigh injury. Rayan Fofana has replaced him in the squad.

Tel tried to continue

According to the newspaper, Tel ‘did everything’ to be with the French squad despite the injury. He picked up the knock in Tottenham’s loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

That injury forced Tell off in the 67th minute. He was seen holding his groin before being replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.

Tuesday training leads to decision

He then joined up with France’s U21s on Monday, and the 20-year-old was still there on Tuesday morning.

That saw him working with a small group, including Manchester United’s Leny Yoro, doing running exercises. It was light training, with the idea to ease the Spurs attackers into the group.

However, France decided after the morning session that the Tottenham forward could not continue. He has now officially withdrawn and been replaced by Rayan Fofana.

That would suggest, the morning session threw up a more serious issue than was expected.

Frustrating timing

The injury comes at a frustrating time for Mathys Tel, who has been described as one of the bright sparks in an increasingly difficult period for Tottenham.

He also recorded his best performance of the season in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madri, providing an assist in that game in a strong attacking display.

Now he joins Tottenham’s extensive injury list.

Tottenham’s growing injury list

The Tottenham Hotspur injury list includes Guglielmo Vicario, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert. Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero have also been in concussion protocols.

The hope is that the three-week international break will allow some of those to return. Kudus and Bentancur have already been scheduled to return for the clash with Sunderland on April 12th.

Tel, will, presumably, undergo further tests this week before determining the length of his absence. Worst case scenario for Tottenham is that more issues are thrown up during the break, but given how many are unavailable for international duty that is somewhat limited.

Randal Kolo Muani’s time at Tottenham has been restricted to only glimpses of his quality. With the season yet to end, attempts are already ongoing to find him a new club.

Spurs landed the Frenchman on a dry loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain late in the summer. This came after Juventus made desperate attempts to bring him back to Turin.

The Old Lady didn’t stop in January either. Sport Witness covered claims of how they were pushing for a deal in the winter but things proved quite complex.

It now appears as though Kolo Muani is already thinking of his future after the Tottenham loan. His entourage is at work to potentially return to Juventus.

Kolo Muani likely regrets Spurs switch

Today’s Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the 27-year-old would have ‘gladly avoided’ the switch to Tottenham in the summer. This isn’t just because of the London club’s struggles with relegation but because he was very keen on moving to Juve.

Premier League 2025/26 Appearances23 Started15 Minutes per game54 Total minutes played1235 Goals1

Now, it is quite clear that he will not stay at the Premier League side. Paris Saint-Germain have made it clear to his entourage that he will be moved on in the summer, with a swap deal involving Juve’s Jonathan David currently being considered.

It is believed the financial puzzle is still being pieced together but Randal Kolo Muani is now desperate for a transfer to Turin. His entourage has expressed full availability for a return, with Luciano Spalletti keen on reuniting him with Dusan Vlahovic.

The Italian is also clear that he wouldn’t want David in his squad next season. That has been evident in his selections in the last two games. Arek Milik, who hasn’t played in over a year, was preferred over the Canadian in the recent draw against Sassuolo.

Talk can impact Tottenham commitment

Randal Kolo Muani isn’t the only player at Spurs whose future is already being talked about prominently. The fact that he already seems sick of the situation at Tottenham isn’t a great sign for the club.

At this point, they need players who are desperate to make a mark. Instead, they have a host of (key) players regularly talking to the press and their entourages leaking information for potential transfers.

One last push from them will go a long way for Tottenham, who have seven games left to save themselves. Whilst relegation would be a disaster for the club, it should also be a negative mark against the players involved.

Sweden manager Graham Potter says Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski will visit the national team camp in Spain.

The attacking midfielder missed the last three international breaks with Sweden and is not in the squad for the upcoming fixtures.

That’s because the Tottenham star has been on the sidelines since May 2025.

In fact, his last appearance was in Spurs’ league defeat to Crystal Palace towards the end of the 2024/25 season.

Premier League 2024/25 Appearances32 Started27 Minutes per game75 Total minutes played2391 Goals7

The 25-year-old suffered a setback and successfully underwent surgery. This saw him miss the north London club’s Europa League final win over Manchester United last season.

Initial expectations were for Kulusevski to return at the end of 2025 but that didn’t happen. He hasn’t recovered yet and hasn’t made an appearance for the Premier League since the original issue.

Sport Witness have provided a timeline of his recovery process.

On October 1st, Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was then the national team manager,explained the Spurs attacker is in a “different phase of his rehabilitation.” Later that month, Sweden sacked him and appointed Potter as his successor.

On November 20th, the former Chelseamanager hinted Kulusevski could return “around New Year”.

A month later, Potterwas convinced his player return for March’s international break, but the optimism disappeared in February. The coach admitted “it will be tough to come back in March.”

Last week, Potter shared negative news about his current situation.

“Dejan is making progress but not as quickly as we would have liked,” he said.

Tottenham player in Spain

Expressen report the former Juventus man’s ‘injury and rehab are a mystery’, without providing any further explanation.

The national team are in Valencia, for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine later this week. The Spurs man is also in Spain, and Potter confirms he will visit his compatriots.

“He is in Spain and I think he will drop in here with us during the week,” he said.

Aftonbladet have relayed additional quotes from the ex-West Ham United manager about Dejan Kulusevski.

“Dejan is in Spain so I think he will come here and meet us. It will be nice to see him. At the stage he is in his rehab, it is okay for him,” Potter explained.

“For others it is more difficult because they are at a stage in their rehab where it means it is more difficult to be on the pitch. But Dejan will come by and it will be fantastic.”

Expressen and Aftonbladet don’t make it clear why he made a trip to Spain in the first place. The likelihood is he’s trying to take in some warm weather, or at least warmer weather, training.

Sweden squad and fixtures for March

World Cup qualifier v Ukraine in Valencia on March 27th

Graham Potter’s full squad

Goalkeepers: Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Melker Ellborg, Noel Tornqvist

Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Isak Hien, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Carl Starfelt, Daniel Svensson, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Herman Johansson

Midfielders: Mattias Svanberg, Jesper Karlstrom, Yasin Ayari, Hugo Larsson, Lucas Bergvall, Besfort Zeneli, Gustav Lundgren, Williot Swedberg, Eric Smith, Elliot Stroud

Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham Hotspur wanted to bring him back to the Premier League when he was at Paris Saint-Germain. His comments will pique interest, given they come at a time he’s being linked to Spurs again.

The Argentine is now in charge of USA, who will host the World Cup with Mexico in the summer.

He has so far managed at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, PSG, Chelsea and now the US national team.

The 54-year-old spent a long time for a manager at the north London club, between July 2014 and November 2019.

Pochettino’s record with Tottenham is a world away from where they are now.

Matches: 293

Wins: 160

Draws: 60

Loses: 73

Goals scored: 559

Goals conceded: 322

Since leaving Tottenham, he was without a job for over a year until PSG appointed him in January 2021. The Premier League side wanted to bring their former manage back to the club in that year.

Tottenham contacted Pochettino

L’Equipe have now published a detailed interview with the former Chelsea boss, where he talks about Spurs’ approach.

In April 2021, Spurs parted ways with José Mourinho and appointed Ryan Mason as the interim boss for the rest of that season.

They wanted a new manager for the 2021/22 season and brought in Nuno Espírito Santo, only to replace him with Antonio Conte in November. The London club contacted Pochettino prior to Nuno’s arrival.

The newspaper specifically asked whether it’s true that Tottenham contacted him after his first six months at PSG.

“Not just Tottenham. Other very big clubs too,” he said.

When quizzed whether he wanted to leave PSG then, Pochettino explained: “When that six-month season ended, there was a bit of… Well, with this whole COVID situation, the club situation created instability. In every area.

“There was a period of change, uncomfortable situations, situations that… (He thinks about his words.) That didn’t give the impression that it was possible to work in a stable environment, like the one we have today. I enjoyed my experience at PSG. But I had other options, which I shared with the club, but they chose not to listen to any of them.”

Pochettino had spells with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in England, and when asked whether he misses English football, he added: “I miss the world of football in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture. For anyone with a competitive spirit who wants to measure themselves against others and test their limits, it’s the ideal place. Here, you have to give your best constantly.”

Why this is encouraging for Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino’s admission of missing English football may be a hint that he wants to return to England. Spurs, who are now 17th, could try again if they avoid relegation this season.

Earlier this month, he flirted with the Real Madrid job, as he travelled to Spain to watch his former club’s Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.

Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February, will only be in charge until the end of the season. Tottenham need a new permanent manager and could consider their former boss after the World Cup.

The tournament runs from June 11th to July 19th this summer. Even with Pochettino in charge it’s unlikely the US team will go all the way. However, they have a good chance of making it out of their group, given they face Paraguay, Australia and a yet qualified team from Pathway C.

First knockout rounds run from July 4th until July 7th, and should the US side get through that then the quarterfinals are from July 9th until July 11th.

The 2026/27 Premier League season starts on August 22nd. Hypothetically, that gives Mauricio Pochettino plenty of time to get back to Tottenham Hotspur and take preseason… just in case you were wondering.

Bayern Munich will join the battle for Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vušković if Kim Min-jae were to leave in the summer.

Last summer, Vušković arrived at the north London club, who agreed a deal with Hajduk Split in September 2023.

Tottenham allowed him to join Hamburg SV on loan, and the move has worked out well so far.

The centre-back has played 2,370 minutes from 26 matches, managing five goals and an assist so far this season. His stats per game in the Bundesliga give an idea of his rise this season.

Bundesliga 2025/26 Tackles0.8 Clearances9.1 Interceptions1.2 Ball recovery4.2 Dribbled past0.2 Ground dules won2.1 Aerial duels won5.5

His development with the Bundesliga side has convinced them to retain him beyond this season. Vušković also expressed his desire to continue with them, to play alongside his brother, Mario. The latter is at Hamburg SV and is serving a doping ban until November.

When Bayern Munich will join Vušković battle

At the same time, the Tottenham owned player has caught the attention of the Bavarian club and Barcelona. On February 17th, Bayern Munich director Max Eberl responded to the Vušković links.

Bild reporter Christian Falk talks about the 19-year-old for Bayern Insider podcast, relayed by FCB Inside.

The journalist claims a good offer for Min-jae will result in his sale and Bayern Munich can then join the race for the Spurs man.

“They would sell Kim if a good offer were to materialise. Then they could, for example, enter the Vušković bidding war. The topic of central defence at FC Bayern remains a hot one, but only if Kim is sold,” he said.

In other words, the South Korean exit can change Bayern Munich’s plan for the Croatia international.

Tottenham relegation can result in summer sale

On March 9th, Vušković’s agent Pini Zahavi said a decision on his future will be made at the end of the season.

Four days later, the player refused to discuss his plans if Tottenham were to drop to the Championship. They are 17th in the table, a point above 18th placed West Ham United.

Should they get relegated, the Croatian is unlikely to play in the second division and can push for a permanent transfer in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have made contact over a move for Sporting’s Maxi Araújo, a source has informed Sport Witness.

The left-back’s performances for the Lions have clearly not gone unnoticed in England.

Tottenham and Chelsea are among several clubs keeping a close watch on the Sporting player.

The Uruguay international is a product of Montevideo Wanderers and made his way into their first team in 2018. He moved to Club Puebla in January 2020 and three years later, joined another Mexican side, Toluca.

Maxi Araújo spent over 18 months with Toluca and left them for Sporting in August 2024. Ruben Amorim was in charge and utilised him mainly as a left wing-back and at times as a winger before moving to Manchester United in November 2024.

Rui Borges, Sporting manager since December 2024, has mainly used Araújo in his preferred role as a left-back. He’s played 62 matches under the current boss and 35 were on the left side of the defence, 22 were as a wing-back and the rest as a winger.

This season, the 26-year-old mainly operated as a left-back, managing six goals and four assists from 35 matches.

Tottenham and Chelsea among PL suitors

On Saturday, we covered claims from Portugal that Spurs, the Blues, Atlético Madrid and AC Milan sent their scouts to follow the versatile player with €80m release clause. Record reported Sporting want to offer him an extension

A source has since confirmed to Sport Witness that Tottenham and Chelsea are following him, and both clubs have made contact. As well as the Premier League duo, other English clubs have also made approaches. However, we haven’t been able to verify their details.

The same source revealed there’s been no talks with Sporting over a new deal. This should please the English clubs, if they were to make further advances in the summer window

It’s unclear whether Spurs, Chelsea and other English clubs will convert their approaches into concrete offers.

Transfermarkt value Maxi Araújo at €25m and that has been on an upward trend since June 2024, when it was €5.5m. This gives an indication of the South American’s rise since joining Sporting.

Why Spurs better option that Chelsea

Liam Rosenior now has Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato and Caleb Wiley as the three left-backs at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella, 27, has a contract until 2028 and has been first choice. That may not change if he’s at the club next season.

On the other hand, Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence are the two left-backs at Igor Tudor’s disposal at Tottenham.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could do battle in the summer for Beşiktaş captain Orkun Kökçü, whose resurgence in form has triggered serious interest from England and beyond.

Fanatik report that after a slow start to the season, the 25-year-old has put in a strong run of performances, drawing interest from Europe’s elite.

According to their information, Manchester United and Tottenham have been scouting him closely, including during Beşiktaş’s recent clash with Kasımpaşa, where he reportedly earned ‘high marks’.

Manchester United midfield refresh

United’s recruitment team have been actively monitoring dynamic midfield profiles ahead of the summer window.

Kökçü’s blend of press resistance, ball progression, and leadership fits the club’s push for a younger, more mobile midfield core.

Tottenham, meanwhile, could look to bolster their midfield this summer. That would certainly be the case if Joao Palhinha’s loan from Bayern Munich is not made permanent. A report today stating that it would not be.

Inter Milan interest

Manchester United and Tottenham are not the only sides showing an interest. Inter Milan are also pushing too.

According to Fanatik, the Serie A leaders are keen to add Kökçü as part of their long-term midfield succession planning. Their interest could cause an issue for the Premier League duo.

Beşiktaş set their price

Beşiktaş have made their stance clear. There will be no sale unless the offer is ‘astronomical’. €50m is the minimum price that they will consider for the 25-year-old.

He is currently valued at €25m by Transfermarkt and has never been valued more than €35m, which was in 2023. But Beşiktaş see the midfielder as central to their plans and will only negotiate is a major European side forces their hand.

It remains to be seen if Manchester United or Tottenham are willing to pay €50m. For now, they appear to just be scouting the midfielder. But he may be an intriguing names heading into the summer window.

Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield plans for the summer could still include Sporting Club de Portugal captain Morten Hjulmand, who was previously given a glowing recommendation from Thomas Frank.

And the good news if they decide to move for the €50m rated midfielder is that Juventus have now stepped away.

Juventus step away, and for surprising reasons

A Bola explain that Juventus had tracked Morten Hjulmand for months, especially following a standout performance in Turin in the Champions League.

He dominated the midfield in that game and impressed Juventus officials with his leadership.

But that leadership has become the problem. With Manuel Locatelli serving as captain and a central pillar in the squad, Juventus fear a conflict.

Combined with a disappointing season and other areas needing urgent investment, the Italians have effectively cross Hjulmand off their list.

England opens the door, Tottenham are watching

With Juventus out, Premier League interest has grown. Manchester City and Manchester United both have reports on the Sporting midfielder, as do Tottenham.

In fact, Thomas Frank urged the club to move for his compatriot during his time at the club. He described Morten Hjulmand as the perfect fit for the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands. That endorsement remains despite his departure earlier this year.

Tottenham have continued monitoring the midfielder closely, and sources in Portugal suggest the interest has not cooled.

€80m clause, €50m deal – Sporting expect to sell

Morten Hjulmand’s release clause is currently €80m, but Sporting have a gentleman’s agreement to sanction a summer exit for around €50m.

Approaches have already been made, and internally the club expect their captain as ‘lost’ for next season.

For Tottenha, that price represents a rare opportunity. Hjulmand is a Premier League ready midfielder, entering his prime and available at market value. Transfermarkt currently value him at €45m. His highest rating to date is €50m. So any deal in the summer is bang on the money.

With Juventus now out of the picture, Tottenham have a genuine opening. If they act on Frank’s recommendation, they could get themselves one of Europe’s most complete midfielders.

Tottenham Hotspur’s João Palhinha is unlikely to continue with the Premier League side beyond this season, according to claims from Germany.

Last August, Tottenham signed the midfielder from Bayern Munich on loan with a €30m purchase option.

The move to the north London club saw him return to the UK, a year after leaving Fulham for Bayern Munich.

Palhinha is a regular for Spurs and that didn’t change after Igor Tudor replaced Thomas Frank in February.

He played 2,499 minutes from 38 matches, managing five goals and three assists. This includes 19 league starts and below are his Premier League stats per game.

Tackles: 3.7

Clearances: 1.7

Interceptions: 0.9

Ball recovery: 2.7

Ground duels won: 5.0

Aerial duels won: 1.1

Errors leading to goal: 0

Last October, Sport Witness relayed news that Tottenham are increasingly likely to retain him.

On February 13th, we covered claims from Germany that Spurs could consider replacing him with Leon Goretzka, who will leave Bayern Munich as a free agent in June.

Palhinha would return to Bayern Munich

Bild podcast Bayern Insider now discusses the Portugal international’s future, relayed by Absolut Fussball.

The former Fulham man is a regular for Tudor’s Tottenham but is unlikely to continue with them.

That’s because Spurs have struggled in the league and are now 16th, a point above the relegation zone. Earlier this week, Atlético Madrid knocked them out of the Champions League.

Therefore, Bild insist he is ‘most likely’ to return to the Bundesliga side after this season. The possibility of him featuring again for Bayern Munich isn’t ruled out, but a sale remains the most probable scenario.

If the English club decide against exercising the clause, Vincent Kompany’s side have to find a new buyer. Their hope is to collect €30m in the summer and that could arrive from the Premier League, where other unnamed club[s] are interested.

Palhinha’s contract, value and agent info

He will have two years left on his Bayern Munich contract at the end of this season. Since moving to Tottenham, the player’s value, as per Transfermarkt, has dropped from €30m to €25m [December] to €18m in March.

Gonçalo Palhinha manages the midfielder as his only client.

Tottenham’s pursuit of Anderlecht Nathan de Cat has been handed a boost as the midfielder’s father has openly admitted there is no hurry to renew his contract at Anderlecht.

Spurs, though, need to secure Premier League football to get the 17-year-old according to Voetbal 24.

Contract stand-off gives Tottenham hope

Nathan de Cat is currently tied to Anderlecht until 2027, but there is no current expectation that he will renew. That leaves the Belgian club with a clear dilemma. Either they sell this summer or risk losing one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders for nothing next year.

For Tottenham, it’s the perfect storm. De Cat is a top talent with a shrinking contract and a club under pressure to cash in.

Premier League scouts circle

Interest in the 17-year-old is already fierce. Manchester United have been tracking him for months. Tottenham’s interest is also concrete, with multiple scouting missions logged. Brighton have already seen a €20m bid rejected.

Despite his age, Nathan de Cat is already a central figure in Anderlecht’s midfield. He’s been handed a rare level of responsibility for a teenager and it’s a major reason why Europe’s elite are circling.

His blend of maturity, technique, and game intelligence has made him one of the most coveted prospects in Belgium and Europe.

€30-35m price tag

Anderlecht are aiming high, hoping for a fee above the €30m. Their negotiating position is weakened by the contract situation, but Spurs are understood to be willing to pay €30-35m to secure the youngster and beat the competition.

They, though, have to secure Premier League survival first. De Cat will have no desire to play in the Championship next season. Their current situation, 16th in the table and just a point outside the bottom three, is a roadblock to any desire to sign De Cat.

With De Cat’s father publicly cooling contract talks, though, the opportunity is there. Now it’s up to Spurs to make sure their league position doesn’t close the door they’ve been waiting to walk through.