Sport Witness

John Heitinga’s agent Rob Jansen has revealed Tottenham Hotspur wanted his client to continue at the club.

The representative has been talking about his client’s short spell at Tottenham on podcast KieftJansenEgmondGijp and FCUpdate have relayed his comments.

Jansen joins journalist Michel Van Egmond and former Dutch players, Wim Kieft and René van der Gijp, to discuss football.

The quartet discussed Heitinga’s Tottenham exit in the latest episode.

Short Tottenham spell

Tottenham endured a difficult run under Thomas Frank, winning seven of their 26 league matches this season. The Danish coach tried to improve things by adding Heitinga to his backroom staff on January 15th.

Last month, the assistant manager’s agent said he wasn’t expecting Spurs to sack Frank. He was wrong as the north London club parted ways with their manager on February 11th.

Three days later, Spurs appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager until the end of this season and Heitinga followed through the exit door on Friday.

Spurs wanted Heitinga stay

Sport Witness recently covered the Dutch claims that Heitinga left the Premier League side after holding talks with Tudor.

Jansen now says otherwise, insisting Tottenham wanted his client to be part of the Croatian’s team. He explained why the Dutchman decided to leave the club.

“He was allowed to stay. They even asked him to stay. All other coaches, all Scandinavian, left. And after three weeks, they told him: ‘Please stay and see out your contract here.’ That’s quite an achievement for someone who worked there for three weeks,” he said.

“But he said: ‘Yes, but now Igor Tudor, a Croatian coach, is coming with a whole staff for three or four months’. That man is always hired for emergency jobs.

“That almost never works. Why they did that is a mystery to me. And then another coach will come in. So, you can leave twice. That new coach will also come in with 45 people. He said, ‘This is pointless, Rob. I have to leave now’.”

Why Tottenham overlooked the Dutchman

Kieft put it to Jansen he knew Frank’s situation at Tottenham when his client took the job. When responding to that, the agent admits Heitinga’s initial plan was to take over from Dane, but Spurs lacked confidence.

“But there was a chance he would take over; we had that in mind. Only: the club didn’t. After three weeks, they decided it was too soon. So, then you have an interim manager,” Jansen explained.

“What does the management do, or in this case, the owners, the Lewis family? They opt for some kind of security. They hire someone with a track record, someone known as a crisis manager at struggling clubs for a few months. That saves their image. Unless they dare to continue with Heitinga and a new staff, but they won’t.”

When the agent was asked if Heitinga received a compensation from Spurs, he added: “I’m always good at drawing up contracts in advance, as you know.”

Tottenham Hotspur let Luka Vušković join Hamburg SV on a season-long loan deal towards the end of last summer.

The Croatia international has played 1920 minutes from 24 matches and has been one of the standout players for the Bundesliga side this season.

As things stand, the centre-back will have to return to Tottenham after his loan spell in Germany.

Last week, Hamburg manager Merlin Polzin publicly expressed his desire to keep the 18-year-old.

Hamburg director on Tottenham man

Claus Costa, the German club’s sporting director, has been speaking to Sport1 to discuss the possibility of retaining the defender beyond this season.

Hamburg haven’t agreed a purchase option or obligation with Spurs as part of the loan deal. Therefore, the official says that as of now, there’s no chance of retaining him for long.

“Contractually, there’s no chance he’ll stay. It’s purely a loan, and we have no way to tie Luka to HSV long-term,” he said.

The Tottenham owned player has talked about his desire to extend his loan stay, to play with his brother, Mario. The latter is at Hamburg and is currently serving a doping ban until November.

Tottenham defender’s dream

Last month, Luka admitted he’ll make a decision on his future with Igor Tudor’s side at the end of this season.

On the possibility of the brothers playing together, Costa explained: “Of course, there’s this romantic notion that Luka will one day play alongside his brother Mario.

“Of course, we’re in contact with him [Mario]. He’s not allowed to train or play football for any club. But he’s in top physical condition, working hard with an absolute dedication and passion that is second to none.”

Former Spurs and Leicester City midfielder Steffen Freund was also part of Sport1’s panel. He’s confident Hamburg won’t be able to retain him because of the north London club.

“Tottenham will definitely bring him back. He’s playing so well; in today’s football, the system clearly takes its toll. I can’t imagine HSV has a chance of keeping him. That’s where the system comes in. He’s too good for HSV,” he added.

Guglielmo Vicario has been the No.1 for Tottenham Hotspur since joining them from Empoli in 2023.

Inter Milan have identified the goalkeeper as a target for the summer. Over the past few weeks, Sport Witness have relayed several sources from Italy on the Serie A side’s interest.

Earlier this month, we relayed news that he’s happy at Tottenham but still wants to leave after this season.

Sport Witness covered recent claims from Italy of Inter Milan’s desire to sign the 29-year-old on a loan deal with an option or conditional obligation to buy. However, this doesn’t please Igor Tudor’s side.

The same report also mentioned Juventus joining the race to take the stopper away from Tottenham.

Why Juve are keen on Tottenham player

A fresh report from Gazzetta dello Sport picks up on that and covers the latest on the Old Lady’s interest in Vicario.

Michele Di Gregorio is the first-choice goalkeeper for Juve manager Luciano Spalletti and hasn’t been convincing recently.

The newspaper states Di Gregorio’s ‘string of errors’ against Lazio, the Nerazzurri and Como in the last two weeks have convinced Juventus to look for a new stopper. Therefore, the ‘hunt for a new number one is on at Juventus’.

Vicario is a priority target for Juventus

AC Milan star Mike Maignan was initially considered as his contract expires in June. Juve

have several names on their list and the Spurs man ‘is in pole position’. In other words, he is their priority target.

Gazzetta claim the ‘main road leads to London’ and specifically Tottenham because of the Italy international.

He will have two years left on his contract and the newspaper believes Spurs won’t be able to demand more than €25-30m. That may be wishful thinking from Juve via Gazzetta. Vicario earns €4.5m per year at Spurs.

Both the fee and the salary would fit the Turin club, who will have to overcome tough competition from Inter Milan.

If Juventus fail to sign Vicario, Gazzetta report they could turn their attention towards Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi.

Tottenham Hotspur have their eye on Palmeiras striker Flaco López as he continues to impress for the Brazilian club.

That’s according to journalist Diego Firmino. He reports that Tottenham have the player on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to his information, Palmeiras are expecting an offer of €40-45m to arrive for the 25-year-old after the World Cup. It remains unclear whether the move will come from Tottenham or elsewhere.

They’re not the only side in the Premier League showing an interest according to Firmino. He adds that Fulham and West Ham are also aware of him.

Fulham and West Ham

That’s something Sport Witness have covered over the last year. In August, reports said Fulham were monitoring López as a possible successor to Rodrigo Muniz.

Their interest was pushed forward again December when West Ham were also brought into the mix. Neither side ended up moving in the January transfer window, despite both targeting strikers to bolster their squads.

Now, according to Firmino, Tottenham are also showing an interest. Any summer move will remain on hold until they secure their Premier League status.

Given that’s far from the case, and they have an interim manager in Igor Tudor, López is likely just a name on a list.

Atlético Madrid competition for Tottenham

The striker has impressed for Palmeiras since joining them in a €9.5m deal in 2022. He’s since managed 62 goals and 18 assists in 189 games for the club. That followed 22 goals and five assists in 599 for CA Lanus.

The Premier League trio are not the only side interested, as Firmino says Atlético Madrid are also monitoring the Argentinian.

They have a deep and active connection with Argentina, with seven players from the Albiceleste in their current squad and Diego Simeone on the touchline too.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them provide competition to Fulham, West Ham and Tottenham should they ever make concrete moves.

There’s not many at Tottenham Hotspur who will remember Jose Mourinho’s spell with fondness. But Troy Parrott certainly does.

That’s if his latest comments to Voetbal International are anything to go by. He has nothing but positive things to say about Mourinho’s time at Tottenham.

Sport Witness have already covered comments from the striker this week. He explained how he had come to choose Tottenham earlier in his career over the likes of Everton, Celtic and others.

Tottenham chance

Parrott joined Tottenham’s academy from Irish club Belvedere in 2017 at the age of 15. At the time he was likened to the likes of Robbie Keane and Harry Kane.

Instead, he would struggle to establish himself in the first team, going on to make just four senior appearances for Spurs across all competition before leaving permanently.

There was one manager who showed faith in him, though. That was Jose Mourinho.

He handed the youngster his Premier League debut in December 2019 during a 5-0 win over Burnley. He then handed him three further appearances of his total of four.

Mourinho backing

That means the Portuguese boss was a big part of the 24-year-old’s career. That’s something he’s happy to acknowledge.

“It was very special to work with one of the best trainers in the world,” he said.

“Mourinho spoke to me a lot, which made me feel a hundred times better. A manager with his status could easily focus only on the basic players. But he’s not like that.

“Mourinho also took time for young reserves. I noticed that he wanted to help me in my development. I look back on that with a very good feeling.”

Of course, Tottenham fans are unlikely to share the positive feeling about Mourinho’s time at their club.

They view it as very much a failed experiment that ended the club’s progressive era under Mauricio Pochettino without delivering the silverware it was designed to bring.

Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered claims from BILD about Tottenham’s interest in Leon Goretzka.

Igor Tudor’s side were said to be competing with Arsenal for the German, whose contract at Bayern Munich runs out in the summer.

The newspaper appeared certain that the midfielder has decided to depart Bavaria after a period of eight years.

His stance about a future club was unclear, but now information is emerging from Italy about his preferences and demands.

Tottenham can have big advantage

L’Interista report about the Germany international, making it clear that Inter Milan are also interested in Goretzka.

Their task will be far from easy. That is mainly because of the 31-year-old’s salary, as he demands €9m per season. Inter can’t afford that and only clubs in the USA and Saudi Arabia will pay that.

As of now, Goretzka is keen on staying in Europe. This can prove to be important for Tottenham, who are also mentioned as a suitor. There is also interest from Manchester United, AC Milan and Galatasaray, with the player awaiting a final decision about his next club.

The outlet are quite sure that the ex-Schalke player will leave Bayern Munich.

Tottenham might not need Goretzka

As of now, Tottenham are in need of technically proficient midfielders who can construct attacks. They went the wrong way in January and signed Conor Gallagher, despite his strengths lying in the final third.

Goretzka is quite the same. He has never been a technical outlet and his best has come as a receiver around the box.

That makes him a player that Tottenham can do without. Besides, he will command a massive wage. Spurs may be able to afford that but he will not fulfil the value, especially if he plays deeper. He is 29 and would also only be a short-term option.

That is why the London club should be careful about this move and let other clubs push ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs in the picture to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba in the summer.

That’s at least what Africa Foot are reporting. Their title says Tottenham are ‘in a fight’ with Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid for the centre-back.

Last year, Sport Witness covered claims of Newcastle United wanting to sign him at the start of this season. This is again mentioned in the latest report.

Tottenham in mix for Edmond Tapsoba

Fast forward to February and a fresh report from Africa Foot now covers Tottenham, Inter Milan and Atlético interest.

These three clubs are in the Champions League, with Igor Tudor’s side already making it to the next round.

Both the Nerazzurri and Diego Simeone’s side have to overcome FK Bodø/Glimt and Club Brugge respectively in play-offs to qualify for last 16.

It’s claimed these three clubs are monitoring the Burkina Faso’s international situation closely.

Bayer Leverkusen set price for centre-back

The Italian club have been following the defender for more than two years but haven’t made progress so far because Bayer Leverkusen’s asking price has deterred them.

Africa Foot claim Los Rojiblancos, for their part, see the 27-year-old as ‘complete and decisive defender’.

Tapsoba has a contract until 2028 and could change clubs after this season. The report states Bayer Leverkusen need at least €40m to sanction his sale. This is an indication the German club would be in favour of his exit in the next window.

Inter Milan’s reluctant to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s high demand leaves Spurs to fight with Atlético for Tapsoba’s signature.

Tudor has Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Drăgușin as centre-backs at his disposal. Ben Davies, who is contracted until June, can also operate in the heart of defence.

Both Romero and Drăgușin could leave Spurs after this season. Faced with this possibility, Tottenham may consider signing a new centre-back for next season.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered claims about Guglielmo Vicario’s decision to leave Tottenham.

Gazzetta dello Sport seemed sure that the goalkeeper will ask for a transfer and this will reduce the London club’s asking price.

Along with Inter Milan, Juventus’ interest was also rising and the newspaper expected the pair to battle it out for the 29-year-old.

The Nerazzurri saw the Tottenham player as a replacement for Yann Sommer, whose contract runs out in the summer. As for Juve, they have seen Michele Di Gregorio struggle in recent weeks. This is making them consider signing Vicario as an upgrade.

Now, it seems like Inter are leading the race for the player.

Inter in contact for Tottenham player

Today’s Corriere dello Sport place emphasis on Cristian Chivu’s side’s search for a new goalkeeper.

They’re certain that Vicario is the leading candidate and Inter are fully focused on the Italy international.

The Tottenham player has, in recent weeks, increased his desire to depart Spurs and return to Italy. This has alerted Inter and they are already in contact over a summer deal.

The newspaper think an agreement will take time but Inter have laid down a solid foundation to beat Juve.

Tottenham’s price tag of ‘around €25-30m’ is the only problem in a possible deal. That is largely because Chivu’s side don’t want to guarantee a high sum upfront and would prefer a loan with a conditional obligation or an option to buy.

Vicario previously close to Inter

Corriere dello Sport add more detail, making it clear that Vicario was close to joining Inter from Empoli in 2023. That is when the San Siro club sold Andre Onana to Manchester United and were seeking to replace him.

At that point, Tottenham were quicker to the deal, even if Inter were in constant contact.

Now, they don’t want to miss out on their second chance. The Azzurri player has grown in stature since his tenure at Empoli, improving on and off the ball.

He has struggled this season but so have Tottenham. It is increasingly clear that the problems and instability at the club have affected him and a new club can help him improve.

John Heitinga is facing criticism for his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur, a move that could affect how his career is viewed going forward.

Sport Nieuws cover the Dutchman today and question why he decided not to stick around at Tottenham.

Heitinga departed his role as Tottenham assistant manager on February 16th, just 33 days after joining the club. Tottenham brought him in to support Thomas Frank as pressure grew on the Dane.

He was unable to help Spurs turn thing around, though. And his departure came quickly after Frank departed last week.

Tottenham exit questioned

Various reports from the Netherlands have covered his departure since. Sport Witness have covered the story, with one report describing the exit as painful.

Comments from journalist Valentijn Driessen then followed yesterday. He explained that Heitinga felt disappointed by his exit from Tottenham, having reportedly expected to take charge on an interim basis.

Instead, Spurs appointed Igor Tudor until the end of the season. Sport Nieuws question why he made the move at all. They state that the 42-year-old ‘jeopardizes hero status’ with his ‘unusual choice’.

As far as they’re concerned, Heitinga has shown that he ‘hadn’t thought the situation through properly’ in the first place. They even feel that is was ‘wishful thinking’ for him to want the Tottenham job given his time at Ajax.

Tottenham a ‘strange move’

He struggled immensely at the Dutch giants and his ‘talent clearly didn’t lie in turning around a difficult period’ there. Why would Tottenham have thought differently?

In fact, the move to Tottenham was a ‘strange move’ for him. The outlet believes the move was doomed from the start and has only damaged Heitinga’s résumé.

His reputation has shifted from praise at West Ham and Liverpool to disappointment at Ajax and Tottenham. The latter have ‘clearly left their mark’.

Now, he needs to pick a club with a much calmer atmosphere. The problem is that top clubs won’t want to touch him. They’ll ‘think twice’ before signing Heitinga. As far as Sport Nieuws are concerned, he needs to prove himself again.

Tottenham Hotspur could ask for around €65m for Lucas Bergvall, with Liverpool and Chelsea linked to moves.

That’s according to Fotboll Direkt. The Swedish newspaper cover the Tottenham midfielder today. They also have comments from director of sports at Djurgårdens IF, Bosse Andersson on the midfielder.

Bergvall has been impressing since leaving the Swedish side for Tottenham in a €20m deal in July 2024. Spurs beat the likes of Barcelona to his signature at the time.

The deal for the 18-year-old was a record breaking one for Djurgården and the most expensive in Allsvenskan history as well.

Tottenham’s rising star

Many observers consider the 20-year-old one of Europe’s rising stars, and he has already proven worthy of that status at Tottenham. Indeed, his performances for them, despite their struggles, have led to interest in him.

Reports in England last week suggested that Liverpool and Chelsea both made enquiries for him, but Tottenham rebuffed them. Sport Witness then covered a report insisting that Tottenham have no intention of selling the youngster.

It seems there is a price on him, though. According to Fotboll Direkt, Bergvall has been valued at ‘well over 700 million kronor’. That’s the equivalent of €65.59m at the current exchange rate.

Of course, such a figure would be no issue for either Chelsea or Liverpool. The Blues have paid €65m for a player nine times, which the Reds have done it seven times to date. Indeed, three arrivals at Anfield last summer cost more than that.

For Tottenham, it would be a third highest sale after the deals selling Gareth Bale to Real Madrid and Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. They are likely to demand more if Bergvall keeps developing as he has too.

Lucrative Tottenham clauses

That’s all good news for Djurgårdens, who included various clauses in their deal with Spurs to push it as high as possible.

They’ve already earned around €15.94m of the €20m they initially agreed. And Andersson is not surprised by the even bigger sums now being thrown around.

“That’s not surprising,” he said.

“It is clear that he is a topic of conversation for coaches in big clubs. It is incredible to see what is happening to him and what a journey he is on that started in Djurgården.

“To go from the Allsvenskan to the Premier League as he has done and in the way he has done it – that is great. It is also noticeable that he is enjoying himself and having fun.”