Sport Witness

Stephane Dalmat has revealed he turned Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United down, before later joining Spurs. That later transfer move isn’t one he’s thrilled about years afterwards either.

Girondins 4 Ever cover comments from the Frenchman today after a recent interview in which he discussed his career.

Dalmat had a wide-ranging career, starting with Châteauroux in France before joining Lens, Marseille, PSG and then Inter Milan. By 2003, he was at Tottenham on loan for a year before returning to Italy in 2004.

More loan moves followed before he had a spell at Racing in Spain. He then returned to France and played for Bordeaux, Stade Rennais and Nimes before retiring in 2012.

He only ended up in England for a year, but could have made the transfer much earlier, as Tottenham and Newcastle both had agreements in place for him.

“It’s the agents, who want to make money on transfers,” he said.

“My agents, at the time, between the transfers from Châteauroux to Lens, from Lens to Marseille, Marseille to Paris, Paris to Inter, everything they picked up… Not one of them told me it was better to do something else, career-wise… That I should settle down.

“It was mainly Éric Di Meco and Jean-Philippe Durand, who were sporting directors at the time, who told me to leave. They reached an agreement with Tottenham and Newcastle. I had Éric Di Meco call me and tell me that there was an agreement with these two clubs.

“I told him that there was no way I was going abroad. It was either I stay in Marseille, or they find me another French club, and there aren’t fifty: Monaco, Lyon, Paris… The deal was made for €70 at PSG, even though I wanted to stay in Marseille.”

His time in England did not prove to be a particularly successful one either. He managed just three goals and two assists in 28 games for Tottenham, numbers which did not convince them to make his move permanent.

Perhaps things would have been different at Newcastle, although Dalmat does not believe that would have been the case.

“I didn’t go to a youth academy, so I wasn’t trained. I was immediately presented with a fait accompli,” he added.

“I had a lot of transfers in the space of four years. When you change clubs often, you don’t have stability, so… When I left Inter, I was in a bit of a hole.

“I played for other clubs, Toulouse, Tottenham, Bordeaux… I didn’t have continuity, and I didn’t have the right people or entourage at the time to advise me properly and tell me to take my time, not to move too fast, especially when I was at Lens.

“I would have liked to have been told ‘stay at Lens for a second season to confirm your skills’, rather than making a big move to Marseille. But then, who turns down Marseille when they’re 19? Marseille was something else.”

While Lucas Bergvall continues to rise at Tottenham Hotspur, his brother Theo Bergvall is also undergoing a strong rise.

Fotboll Direkt cover him today, with Djurgårdens IF determined to extend his contract at the Swedish club.

They cover comments from their sports director Bosse Andersson, who says the 21-year-old is impressing everyone at the Swedish club.

“His development is impressive, and we want to sign a longer contract,” he said.

“So, with his strong development, we have initiated future discussions with his advisors. He has been at Djurgården for three years now and has really shown what a strong psyche he has.

“He has taken steps and shows what a modern defender he is and that in the future he will play at a good international level.”

Fotboll Direkt continue adding the Theo Bergvall praise, insisting he now increasingly looks like ‘one of the best right-backs’ in the Allsvenskan. He’s gone from being on the periphery of the squad to starring in it.

That’s been noticed, particularly by Andersson and Djurgården. They’re now working to get his current deal, which expires in 2026, extended. It remains to be seen if they can do it, with club’s already interested.

The Bergvall name is very much on the rise. Tottenham had to battle Europe’s best for Lucas and now his brother appears to be making a name for himself as well. Perhaps Tottenham might even consider a move for themselves and set up a family reunion in London.

That’s just us speculating, of course, but stranger things have certainly happened before now.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing increased competition for River Plate youngster Lautaro Rivero. The City Group, owners of Manchester City, are now in the mix for him.

That’s according to El Intransigente, who say River Plate are becoming convinced that their young star is on the way out.

They say the 21-year-old is continuing to attract interest from Europe. Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have already made ‘initial enquiries’ and now Manchester City’s owners are in the mix. That’s set off alarm bells at River Plate.

The Argentine side know that keep Rivero has become a ‘nearly impossible task’. That’s despite him having a $100m release clause in his contract. The City Group have already begun preliminary contacts, while Tottenham and Atletico have made initial enquiries as well.

River’s intentions are to fight any offers that come their way, but the belief is that those offers will arrive sooner rather than later.

Indeed, River Noticias report everything indicates Tottenham and Atletico will make official offers at some point. Neither of them would exceed $20m at this point. River absolutely would not sell for that price.

They put that $100m clause in his contract to protect themselves from situations such as this and will use it to their advantage.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria has given insight into how he signed Pierre-Emile Højbjerg from Tottenham Hotspur.

Longoria was a guest on Business of Sport podcast, and Le10 Sport have relayed his comments.

Marseille initially signed the 30-year-old on loan from Tottenham in July 2024 and made his stay permanent the following May. The Denmark international knows the Ligue 1 club’s sporting director, Medhi Benatia, as they played together at Bayern Munich.

Højbjerg had several options to leave Tottenham in 2024. Later that year, Benatia said the Dane Højbjerg was determined to join the French club.

Longoria has now explained they used Champions League football as the main factor to attract the player. This as essential for them to convince Højbjerg to choose them when leaving Tottenham.

Tottenham exit sees Champions League every season

“How does OM position itself for a player like Højbjerg? I think that when you reach maturity in your career, you want to play in the Champions League every year. That’s the number one priority for a player like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg,” he said.

“So, we’re selling a project based on patience, a love of football, being in a different environment. The desire to play in the Champions League every season.

“When you reach maturity in your career, you’re not just looking for a career plan. You’re thinking about how to maintain stability at the highest level, how to feel emotionally, how to feel important in a project.”

The president believes the ex-Tottenham man knowing the language and his connection with Benatia helped him settle in quickly.

“Pierre, for example, has natural leadership skills. I think that automatically fit with the atmosphere, especially since he speaks French and played with Benatia, at Bayern. It was like a perfect fit,” Longoria explained.

Last season, Højbjerg played 32 matches and he’s made nine appearances under Roberto De Zerbi this season.

Eric Dier is set to miss AS Monaco’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on October 22nd.

That’s according to L’Equipe, who report the 31-year-old picked up an injury in training.

The England international will be out of action for two to four weeks, so can’t face Tottenham.

Another French newspaper, Ouest-France, also report Dier’s injury setback while training with Monaco.

They claim the midfielder, who can also operate in defence, injured his right hamstring on Thursday. This will force him to miss the weekend league clash against Angers.

Ouest-France aren’t certain yet as to how long Dier will be sidelined for. They have found out from sources he’s expected to miss next Wednesday’s Champions League match against Spurs.

Dier spent close to a decade at Tottenham before leaving them for Bayern Munich in January 2024. His latest setback is a blow for Monaco, who currently have several players in the treatment room.

This is also a disappointment for Dier as he won’t be able to face his former club.

Back in June, we covered claims from Italy explaining that Tottenham Hotspur had strong interest in Napoli’s Amir Rrahmani.

The centre-back is still with the Serie A winners, where he has a contract until 2027.

CalcioNapoli24 now give an insight into Tottenham’s failed efforts, and the Italian club’s plans for the 31-year-old.

It’s claimed Spurs were ‘ready to do anything’ to secure his services and made two attempts in the summer. As well as the Europa League winners, unnamed clubs from Saudi Arabia and top clubs from Italy and Germany were keen.

The Kosovo international is said to have rejected all offers he received in favour of staying at Napoli. Therefore, Antonio Conte’s side now want to reward him with an extension.

CalcioNapoli24 state the new contract will be until 2029 and if Rrahmani fulfils it, he could retire with the Naples club.

The two parties haven’t finalised the agreement yet. According to the report, they are sorting out the last details. Tottenham aren’t in need of a 31-year-old central defender, so perhaps insisting Spurs tried is PR ahead of a renewal.

Tottenham continue to monitor Vasco da Gama’s rising star Rayan, and the teenager’s maturity off the pitch is proving as impressive as his performances on it.

The 19-year-old forward, one of Brazil’s brightest prospects, has made it clear to Globo Esporte that his dream is to play in Europe… but only when he feels ready to “arrive and stay”.

Rayan has been seeking advice from manager Fernando Diniz and especially teammate Philippe Coutinho, who made the same leap from Vasco to Europe as a teenager.

“Some players go to Europe early but end up coming back,” he said. “So I ask Coutinho for help. I want to make my name in Europe and then make my name here at Vasco again. He tells me what I need to do, just like Diniz does.”

The young forward also understands the importance of preparation beyond football. “You have to work on and off the pitch. With a psychologist, a nutritionist, and arrive ready to stay,” he added.

For now, the Tottenham target’s focus remains on Vasco. Rayan renewed his contract in mid-2025 despite receiving approaches from Europe. However, he is eager for the future.

“With the moment I’m living and with Diniz’s support, I know I can reach the national team and play in Europe,” he said. “God is making a very special path for me.”

Rayan’s improvement under Fernando Diniz has been one of the keys to his success. The forward says the coach has completely transformed his defensive awareness and intensity.

“I’ve improved a lot in my defensive game,” he explained. “Before, we defended in a medium or low block. With him, I improved the high press. He demands a lot. Mark first, then play. I always try to run as fast as possible to the other side because he pushes me hard there.”

The bond between Rayan and Diniz has gone beyond tactics. The teenager describes his manager as a “father figure” who changed his mentality from day one.

“In my first training session, he told me to get the ball and carry it all the way into the goal,” Rayan recalled. “I did it, and then did it again in a match. After that, he said I had great potential and a chance with the national team. He told me I wasn’t a player to score just once. I should be scoring two or three each game. That opened my mind.”

Each new match shows how much he has evolved. His discipline, confidence, and finishing have turned him into one of South America’s top young attackers.

Tottenham’s scouts reportedly are among those who have seen that growth first-hand. And when the time comes for his move to Europe, Rayan looks determined to be ready.

Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic has been backed for a role at the World Cup, and an even bigger future beyond that.

Sportske Novosti cover the Tottenham youngster today, particularly journalists Damir Dobrinić and Tvrtko Puljić.

They’ve been reviewing the Croatia U21s performances. They beat Ukraine 1-0 in Velika Gorica as part of European Championship qualifying.

Vuskovic was a key part of that once again. He’s continued a strong start to the season, establishing himself as a key player at Hamburg.

The Tottenham youngster has been earning rave reviews left, right and centre, with Hamburg, Tottenham and Croatia all very excited about his development.

Puljić is one those enthused by him. He believes the Spurs defender could even be headed to the World Cup next summer.

“Em is the youngest, he is also the captain. There is already no dispute about him that he should be on the list for the World Cup,” he said.

“Vušković is improving in every game, every month, at every gathering, and we will get true value from him for the next ten years.”

“What’s really pleasing about him is his head. He’s an incredible worker and thinks about football in a healthy way,” added Dalić.

Tottenham youngster has big year ahead

Dobrinić, meanwhile, believes it would not be surprising to see the Tottenham youngster in the Croatia first team soon. Perhaps even for the World Cup next summer.

He feels the youngster may be on a path to repeat what Josko Gvardiol did earlier in his career. He was a surprise inclusion for Euro 2021, and then quickly established himself thereafter.

“It would not surprise me, in the variant that Gvardiol will play at left back, if Vušković plays in a stopper pair with Šutalo,” he concluded.

“Anything is possible, HSV is playing very well. If Vušković makes another step or two, which he is constantly working on, it is not impossible that he will be a starter at the World Cup.”

Bryan Gil left Tottenham Hotspur and completed a permanent move to Girona on deadline day.

The forward has been speaking to Cadena Ser‘s Què t’hi Jugues explaining why it was vital for him to leave Tottenham in the summer.

Gil joined Tottenham from Sevilla in 2021 when Nuno Espírito Santo was in charge. He found it difficult to get regular minutes under Nuno and his successor Antonio Conte.

Tottenham sent him on a short loan spell to Valencia in January 2022 and then to Sevilla a year later. Upon his return to the north London club, the 24-year-old struggled to have a prominent role even under Ange Postecoglou.

To put it in context, the Spain international played 1,301 minutes from 43 matches for the Europa League winners.

In July 2024, Spurs let him join Girona on loan. He impressed for them until his season was cut short in March due to an injury. Last month, Gil said he only wanted to return to the La Liga club and had to wait until the end to secure a move.

Gil has explained he had to leave Tottenham permanently in order to have stability.

“In England I lacked opportunities, I was there for four years, and I could only start in six or seven games. After so many loans it was so important to be at a club like Girona that bets on me and have this stability,” he said.

“I am in top form and getting into the rhythm of the game, at Girona there is a team with a desire to grow, very young and very hardworking and Míchel’s idea of ​​the game is what made me decide to come here.”

Gil has played 142 minutes from five matches for Girona this season.

On Tuesday, Spanish journalist Pascual Ruiz Arnal reported on Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid interest in River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero.

The 21-year-old came up through the ranks of the Argentine club’s academy. In January 2024, they sent him on an 18-month loan to Central Córdoba. He played 30 matches for them and returned to his parent club last summer.

Rivero has played 10 matches for River Plate this year and made his debut for Argentina earlier this week.

El Intransigente say the centre-back is ‘already causing a sensation’ in Europe, and focus on Tottenham and Atlético interest.

Journalist Maximiliano Benozzi reports Diego Simeone is following the defender and seems to be leading the La Liga side’s pursuit.

Another journalist, Sebastián Srur, who covers River Plate regularly, provides the latest on Tottenham.

He claims Spurs’ scouts travelled to Argentine to watch the player live in action and ‘were impressed’. Srur adds the north London club are looking for a centre-back but makes no mention whether they will make advances to sign Rivero.

Rivero’s contract is until December 2028 and it includes a €100m clause. Journalist Renzo Pantich claims the South American club’s initial plan is to refer his clause to the interested parties.

“River remains inflexible in its stance on Lautaro Rivero: he would only leave the club if his €100m release clause was paid,” he said.

That’s clearly a bargaining position.