Sport Witness

Mathys Tel has had a topsy-turvy last few months at Tottenham.

He was signed permanently from Bayern Munich in the summer. Soon after, he was excluded from the Champions League squad.

Tel has scored two Premier League goals, including a key strike against Manchester United. With Randal Kolo Muani injured, he’s likely to get more game time at Tottenham.

That, however, hasn’t stopped the Italian media.

Gazzetta dello Sport cover AS Roma’s interest in the Frenchman today.

The Italian newspaper reports the 20-year-old is ‘unhappy in London’ and keen on leaving Tottenham in January.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has the youngster at the top of his shortlist. He sees Tel as someone who can be improved quite a bit and who has the right profile to improve Roma’s attack.

Tottenham thought to be open to loan deal

There’s belief that a loan deal could be possible since Tottenham paid €35m to sign him some months ago and don’t want a sale. The newspaper are somewhat optimistic that Thomas Frank’s side will sanction a temporary exit.

Of course, that optimism could be wildly misplaced.

The report fails to take context into account, though. Kolo Muani is now out injured and so is Dominic Solanke. Richarlison has not made a big impact this season either.

Tottenham need goals and Tel could supply them. So perhaps, Roma’s interest in the player is built on false assumptions fuelled by that relentless Italian optimism.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, and then Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next Wednesday.

Le Parisien reports there’s uncertainty over both Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes being involved against Tottenham.

The 28-year-old forward picked up a hamstring injury in September and spent more than a month on the sidelines. He made five appearances before suffering setback earlier this month.

Dembélé picked up a calf injury in PSG’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old Portugal international also suffered a knee injury in the same tie. The duo have been sidelined since then.

The report states it’s unclear whether the pair will be fit on time to face Tottenham.

At this moment in time, it’s claimed there’s a ‘slim chance’ of both the attacker and the fullback being ready for the Spurs clash.

Luis Henrique started Lucas Hernández in Mendes’ absence in PSG’s 3-2 win over Lyon before the international break. Hernández is likely to start if the Portuguese isn’t available against Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion are said to have Anderlecht’s Nathan De Cat on their agenda.

The UK press reported on the Premier League trio’s interest. As well as Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are in the picture to sign him.

Wednesday’s edition of Het Nieuwsblad looks at claims of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton interest.

The 17-year-old graduated from the Belgium club’s academy and was promoted to the first team earlier this year. He’s made 26 appearances so far and has cemented his place in the first team.

De Cat’s performances and potential have seen him draw attention from numerous clubs across Europe. After Bayern Munich and BVB interest was reported in Germany, Spurs, Unai Emery’s side and the Seagulls were mentioned in England.

The newspaper points out the UK press mentioned a price between €30-35m. There was also a talk of the defensive midfielder becoming one of the Jupiler Pro League’s top sales.

People close to De Cat, probably his entourage, have dismissed the English links as speculation and ‘headline-grabbing talk’. That should put Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton’s interest to bed for now.

Het Nieuwsblad claim Anderlecht can’t demand a high fee considering his contract expires in 2027.

Nile John, who came through the Tottenham Hotspur youth system before leaving in 2024, is getting strong attention in Portugal, according to a new report in A Bola by journalist Eduardo Pedrosa Marques.

The newspaper highlights how the English midfielder has rebuilt his form and confidence at Feirense, where local fans now describe him as a “truly exceptional” talent. The piece also recalls his background at Tottenham and his experience in European competitions before leaving north London.

John has become an influential figure for Feirense this season, in Portugal’s second tier. A Bola notes he is curcial in Ricardo Costa’s attacking structure, often dictating tempo and connecting transitions.

The report stresses his strong technical base developed at Tottenham, as well as his 14 appearances for England at youth level. That foundation, it says, helps explain why his adaptation to Portuguese football has been so smooth.

The midfielder is now in his second campaign in Portugal and has expanded his presence on the ball. The article points out that he operates mostly as a No. 8, offering mobility, energy and quick combinations.

Fans have embraced him, and the newspaper even mentions his ability to blend into local culture… including learning to cook Santa Maria da Feira’s traditional ‘fogaças’: a sweet bread, shaped like a small tower with four pointed “spikes” on top.

There is no mention of concrete approaches from other clubs, but A Bola suggest that continued good performances may open doors for a higher level in the near future.

For now, the focus remains on his steady growth and increasing impact in Portugal, where his next steps are attracting curiosity.

Real Sociedad may welcome Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Takefusa Kubo, as they need money to balance their books from time to time.

That’s according to journalist Marco Antoni Sande. He’s been part of a round table of sorts on Tottenham’s interest in Kubo on COPE Gipuzkoa.

A report in England this week linked Tottenham with a €60m move for the Japanese star. It’s not the first time they’ve been linked either. Spurs were credited with an interest back in August too. It was claimed at that point his €60m release clause was not a problem.

Their interest has not gone away, according to the latest reports, and now the matter is being discussed by Real Sociedad fans and journalists alike. According to Sande, a deal could make sense for the Basque club.

He reported that their latest accounts show a need to “sell a player now and then” if they are to maintain their “exquisite standard of living” and balance a high budget. It is that situation which has led to Kubo being linked with moves away. He’s very much seen as the saleable asset.

€60m from Tottenham should see “no debate”

Sociedad legend Bixio Gorriz, meanwhile, believes that a €60m bid from Tottenham would be too good turn down. Although, Sociedad would only receive half of that amount anyway.

“There’s no debate here, I mean, if Tottenham pays €60m, it’s a very good offer, and the shame is that we won’t get the full amount, but half,” he added.

Mauri Idiakez then detailed why that is the case. He explained that while Kubo has a €60m release clause, Real Madrid are due 50% of any profit. That was included in the original deal that saw him move to La Real.

Sociedad paid €7m at that point so half of the €53m profit they’d make will head back to Real Madrid. Of course, it all depends on whether Tottenham want to pay that. Reports have indicated since August that the figure is not an issue.

Mundo Deportivo Gipuzkoa add to that today. They report that Kubo is seen as ‘accessible though not necessarily inexpensive’. He’s cheaper, though, than the likes of Ivan Toney may prove to be.

Real Sociedad, for their part, won’t do a deal in January if it isn’t for the €60m. Even though they’ll only get half of that anyway.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr came off injured in Senegal’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Brazil at the Emirates at the weekend.

Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson replaced the midfielder in the 49th minute. That raised alarm bells at the north London club.

Wiw Sport cover the latest on the 23-year-old’s injury situation, and it isn’t positive for Tottenham.

Senegal are set to face Kenya in another friendly in Antalya later today. The report states the Tottenham player hasn’t travelled with the national team squad to Turkey.

Instead, the former FC Metz man will stay in London as he was ‘forced off injured’ against Brazil. He will return to Spurs to work on his recovery.

According to Senegal manager Pape Thiaw, there wasn’t enough time for Pape Matar Sarr to make himself available for today’s clash. Therefore, he has been allowed to stay in the English capital, where Tottenham could take a closer look at him.

“We left him in London. He took a knock [against Brazil]. So, we felt it would be difficult for him to recover in just two days,” he said.

“Since we were in his home city, we preferred to leave him at the disposal of his club so he could receive treatment there.”

Tottenham face Arsenal in the north London derby at the Emirates on November 23rd. It’s unclear whether Pape Matar Sarr will be fit on time for the clash against the Gunners.

The Senegalese has already played 16 matches for Thomas Frank’s side this season.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been speaking about his year with Spurs and his return to the Uruguay national team.

The 28-year-old addressed both his personal form and the targets ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His comments were given to AUF TV, as relayed by ESPN Uruguay.

Bentancur first reflected on what it means to be back with the national side after missing the previous call-ups. He said: “It is always beautiful and a source of pride to come to the national team and represent our country. The last time I had the chance to come was when we secured qualification for the World Cup, so we are very happy.”

He also described spending the October international break in Uruguay after Tottenham gave him a week off, adding that it allowed him to “recharge energy” and spend time with his family.

Tottenham player sounds content on and off pitch

When asked about Uruguay’s short-term plans before the World Cup, he admitted that the last edition had been disappointing. “Obviously the last World Cup was not what we all expected, but we also know it is football. Now we go with short-term objectives, winning match by match, reaching the highest level possible and, of course, dreaming of the World Cup,” the Spurs midfielder said.

Bentancur then highlighted what he misses most from home. “The family. Then the countryside, eating barbecue with my family or having some mate with my grandmother. My daughter loves Uruguay, she loves horses, and she asks every day about her grandfather to see when we are going back to ride horses,” he explained.

The Spurs man has enjoyed a strong 2025 at club level and continues to be a key figure in Tottenham’s midfield, with his international return now forming part of his build-up to next summer’s tournament.

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur used his latest interview with AUF TV, highlighted by ESPN Uruguay, to give a clear picture of where he stands after an eventful year.

His comments centred on three themes: Tottenham’s evolution under Thomas Frank, his physical and competitive form, and the achievements he values most in a year that included European success and World Cup qualification.

Life under Thomas Frank

The Spurs midfielder spoke with clarity about rhythm, consistency and a sense of stability that has shaped his season.

He began by assessing Tottenham’s progress since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou. Bentancur said: “We have a new coach, and I think we have improved a lot. We started the season very well, including the UEFA Super Cup. We played a great match against PSG. They equalised at the end and we lost on penalties… but I think we have taken a step forward, and the team is competing very well.”

His evaluation reflects a squad that feels more structured and more aggressive in decisive moments, with midfield balance identified as a key improvement.

Back in shape

He then shifted to his personal level of performance. The Uruguayan explained: “We are back in the Champions League, which is important. And I am enjoying it to the fullest. Physically I feel very good, I am playing almost all the matches. Now I have rhythm and I hope it continues like this.”

That rhythm has been visible across Tottenham’s domestic and European schedule. Bentancur has regained continuity after previous seasons of injuries and interruptions.

A year of milestones

The midfielder also listed the achievements that marked his year. “In football terms, winning the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham and qualifying for the World Cup. And on a personal level, having my family healthy, having all my family together and enjoying those small moments,” he said.

His mix of sporting success and personal stability sets the tone for his preparation ahead of 2026.

Randal Kolo Muani’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur could impact his chances of making it to the next World Cup with France.

That’s according to journalist Harold Marchetti, who analyses the striker’s poor start to the season for Le Parisien.

Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on September 1st.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus. He was keen on returning last summer, but the Serie A side failed to find an agreement with PSG. The 26-year-old had no future in Paris, allowing Spurs to sign him.

Didier Deschamps left the frontman out of his squad in September. Later that month, he picked up an injury after making his debut for Thomas Frank’s side. He was out for over a month and missed October’s international break.

Earlier this month, Deschamps included him in his list for November’s fixtures. Kolo Munai suffered an injury in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United. This forced him to withdraw from the squad.

Marchetti was asked to analyse Tel’s chances of representing Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup and that’s when he talked about the difficult situation at Tottenham.

“Not indispensable, but useful! Les Bleus’ top scorer in 2024, he has often stepped up when it mattered most. When he’s on form, he brings that extra bit of attacking spark that is so valuable,” he said.

“His difficult spell at PSG and his competition at Tottenham, particularly with Richarlison, show that his status remains fragile.

“But it’s precisely this aspect of being a ‘player who has to prove his worth in every match’ that makes him a valuable asset. [He’s] capable of breaking the deadlock and changing a match in a matter of moments.”

“In short, Les Bleus can easily do without him. When he is there and confident, he’s a real asset.

“And for a team that likes to keep its options open, a striker capable of surprising opponents is always an asset. As your well-meaning friend suggested, I too would not be surprised to see him on the list next May.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are in the picture for Club Brugge’s Aleksandar Stanković.

Inter Milan sold the 20-year-old to the Belgian club for €10m in July. He has cemented his place in Belgium and made 21 appearances so far.

Gazzetta dello Sport state the defensive midfielder’s ‘stellar performances’ have attracted Tottenham and Newcastle United interest.

The Serie A side will have a say on his future as they have a €23m buyback option next summer. The clause will rise to €25m in 2027.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s future beyond this season at the San Siro needs to be evaluated. The Serbia international could be an option to replace him next season.

The Nerazzurri are expected to benefit one way or the other. Gazzetta state: ‘Whatever happens, it will be a success for Inter: both in the event of a return and in the event of a permanent transfer. Worth its weight in gold.’

Tuttosport cover Spurs and the Magpies interest in the youngster and what Inter could do. They report the Italian club will consider exercising the buyback clause.

Should Stanković were to return, Tuttosport claim he’s unlikely to be an immediate starter at Inter. They could also bring him back to raise money as he’s attracting interest from several clubs.

It’s claimed there’s interest ‘particularly in the Premier League, [with] Tottenham and Newcastle above all’. If Inter decide to sell, it will be for much higher than €23-25m, to make profit.

Inter manager Cristian Chivu already managed him for the youth team. He has his eyes on the Serbian and could have a say on his future.