Sport Witness

Xavi Simons spent two years at RB Leipzig before joining Tottenham Hotspur for €65m last summer.

Chelsea were keen but didn’t make advances to close the signing. This gave Tottenham an opportunity to swoop in towards the end of August.

The attacking midfielder scored 11 goals and contributed eight assists for Leipzig last season. He hasn’t replicated his Bundesliga form for Tottenham so far, with one assist from 10 matches.

Dutch journalist Johan Derksen has analysed why the Netherlands international is struggling at Tottenham on Groeten uit Grolloo podcast. Voetbal Zone have relayed his comments.

Prior to arriving at Spurs, the 22-year-old had spells at Leipzig, PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint-Germain. Derksen is of the belief Simons lacks the physical strength required to cope with the needs of the Premier League.

“He’s a great player who often used his tricks in the Netherlands. He also performed well in Germany, but in England, they are much stronger physically. If you look at the English league and switch to a different league, it’s completely different,” he said.

“You can see that he can’t keep up with the speed of action and is physically weaker. While Tijjani Reijnders doesn’t have that problem; he’s already one of the leading players at Manchester City.”

The analyst believes the Dutchman’s talent alone won’t be enough for him to shine for Thomas Frank’s side. He suggested what Simons need to do to improve his form.

“In the past, a lightweight with good technique could easily hold his own. Technique is no longer the only thing you need to contribute; you also need physical strength at the top level,” Derksen explained.

Earlier this month, Voetbal International journalist Süleyman Öztürk defended the Tottenham summer signing. He also insisted Simons needs time to adapt and adjust to his new surroundings.

Dutch pundits are notoriously harsh, especially with their compatriots.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vušković has indicated he’s wanted to play for Real Madrid from a young age.

The Croatia international mentioned Real Madrid during a lengthy interview with Sport Klub.

The centre-back arrived at Tottenham in July, after Spurs agreed a deal with Hajduk Split in September 2023.

Vušković had to fight with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for a place at Tottenham this season. He was well aware it difficult and therefore, ended up joining Hamburg SV on loan last summer.

The 18-year-old played six matches for the Bundesliga club and that was enough for him to showcase his qualities. The fine displays have helped the Tottenham man return to the national team squad in October.

His goals are to continue impressing for Hamburg this season in order to make it to the 2026 World Cup with Croatia. The Spurs owned player mentioned this when asked about his plans for the near and the distant future.

“One goal is to help HSV as much as possible and qualify for the World Cup with Croatia and be at the World Cup. Those are my main goals for now. What will happen after that, I don’t know. I hope everything will be great like it has been so far and that’s it,” he said.

The young defender was then asked if there’s a club, apart from Hajduk Split, he wanted to play for since he was a kid. This is when he talked about his Real Madrid wish.

“Well… Real Madrid is Real Madrid, but every club you play for is an honour and a privilege. I don’t have a particular club other than Hajduk,” Vušković explained.

,Luka Vušković says Tottenham Hotspur’s project convinced him to snub Manchester City.

Sport Klub have published a detailed interview with the 18-year-old, in which they discuss his move to Tottenham.

Prior to agreeing a deal with Spurs, Manchester City had interest in the centre-back.

The youngster graduated from Hajduk Split’s academy and was promoted to their senior team at 16 years of age. His potential and profile caught the attention of a few clubs.

In September 2023, the Europa League winners agreed a deal with Hajduk Split for him to arrive at Tottenham in 2025. The defender wasn’t part of Thomas Frank’s core plans this season, and Spurs sent him on loan to Hamburg SV last summer.

On agreeing to join Tottenham at 16, he said: “The feeling was really great, I was overjoyed.”

“My father called me, said that they were just waiting for my signature, that they really wanted me. They showed me the project. And I really liked it. I didn’t think much about it.”

Chose Tottenham over Manchester City

The Croatia international was directly asked about rejecting Manchester City. He would have met his compatriot, Joško Gvardiol, at the Etihad. When responding to that, he said Tottenham’s project was the deciding factor.

“I think Tottenham was a perfect fit because they presented a great project. Manchester City has many, many, many young players. I didn’t want to be just a number,” Vušković explained.

“At Tottenham, they presented me as one of the top projects. And that really meant a lot to me at that moment. That was the deciding factor, let’s say.”

Sport Klub immediately asked what if Manchester City return for him in the future.

“I honestly have no idea. I’m taking it one step at a time, feeling great right now, making good progress. And I hope it continues that way,” he added.

The defender’s contract at Tottenham is until 2030.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was the club’s best performer in their goalless draw against AS Monaco, according to a French newspaper.

Monaco’s performance was better than Tottenham but they failed to find the back of the net at Stade Louis II.

The Ligue 1 side had 21 shots, of which nine were on target. Spurs, on the other hand, had 10 shots and four were on target.

French newspaper L’Equipe have provided their player ratings after yesterday’s draw.

Thomas Frank started Richarlison to lead Tottenham’s attack and the Brazilian wasn’t convincing. The 28-year-old was rated just 3/10, which is the lowest among the two teams.

Spurs’ Mohamed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray all received 4/10. L’Equipe gave 5/10 to midfielder João Palhinha and right-back Pedro Porro while both Kevin Danso and Wilson Odobert were rated 6/10.

Micky van de Ven got 7/10, which is the second highest for a Tottenham player, behind Vicario, who was rated 8/10 for his man of the match performance.

L’Equipe rated Thomas Frank 4/10, and this brings the Premier League side’s average rating to 5.1/10.

With a win and two draws after three games, Tottenham are currently 15th in the Champions League table.

HSV Hamburg sporting director Stefan Kuntz has dismissed any notion of them keeping Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic beyond this season.

SportBILD have an interview with Kuntz today in which Vuskovic was among the topics discussed. Unfortunately for HSV, he had bad news on that front.

The young defender joined the German side on loan from Tottenham at the end of the transfer window. Spurs had initially wanted to keep him at the club so Thomas Frank could assess him this summer.

They decided to send him out on loan once again, and HSV won the race. They had been quietly competing for Vuskovic throughout the window, using the fact his brother also plays for them to their advantage.

HSV eventually got their man and have been delighted since. Vuskovic has quickly established himself as a star man in their defence, earning rave reviews in a handful of performances.

The dream scenario is that they can keep him beyond the end of the loan deal, but Kuntz is pouring cold water all over that idea.

“No, I think that’s impossible,” he said about the Tottenham loanee.

“Because next year, after his time at HSV, he’ll be even more expensive – should he even be sold – than before the current season.”

In better news, though, he wants HSV fans to not worry about Tottenham bringing the youngster back in January. They have a clause to do so if they suffer injuries, but Kuntz insists Tottenham are unlikely to use it.

“I generally don’t comment on contract details. But that’s not to be expected (smiles),” he added.

In the January transfer window, Tottenham were close to signing Fikayo Tomori. The move fell through at a late stage, leaving Spurs to sign Kevin Danso.

The Englishman’s failed move to Tottenham hasn’t worked out too badly for him. Calciomercato report he’s impressed at AC Milan – especially since the arrival of Max Allegri.

The 27-year-old has played nine times in all competitions this season. He’s become a key part of the side, with a contract renewal now imminent. Calciomercato state Tomori was ‘practically sold to Tottenham’, but his fortunes have changed.

Allegri has given his approval to extend the deal and informal discussions have taken place. Tomori is likely to renew for another season or two and developments are expected soon.

Tottenham interest in the defender has been mentioned since the failure, but he’s not appeared a priority. The sliding doors moment of a potential move to Spurs came and went for Tomori, and it appears to have worked out well for all involved.

Serious injuries, especially to the knee, can hamper the career of any footballer no matter how talented they are. That’s much more pronounced when it happens at the start of a career, especially when a player is yet to really establish himself as a professional at a high level.

For Lukáš Vorlický, that’s been the case and the 23-year-old believes that if it wasn’t for his injury nightmares he could be like Dejan Kulusevski and Amad Diallo, who he was with at Atalanta, and player for Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United by know.

Czech newspaper DNES have interviewed the Croatian midfielder. He moved from Atalanta to Slavia Praha in 2024 after his career had fallen. A terrible total of five knee surgeries in seven years in the Atalanta system left his career hanging by a thread.

He’s struggling to impose himself at Slavia Praha and there’s repeat fitness worries which all route themselves back to the knee issues.

Poor treatment means future issues likely

DNES asked Lukáš Vorlický if he believes that without his terrible luck he could be at Tottenham or Manchester United like his old teammates. In response, the forward said: “I don’t want this to sound cocky, but yes. People have been telling me since I was a child that I could grow up to be a great footballer. Even more so at Atalanta, because everyone at the club believed in me. But I was also always aware that I was a boy from Boskovice who used to go to the gravel pitch with his friends after school to kick a ball.”

The young footballer also had issues with treatment, which means his knee is likely to go again. Asked if he blamed the doctor, such a stance was dismissed: “Why? He’s only human. He operated on ten people that day, I got bad luck, it happens, I can’t change it. Who knows what would have happened if I had been healthy? I’m humanly happy. Would I have been the same if I had continued? I have no idea. I’m just sorry I didn’t play.”

Tottenham’s long-standing interest in Vasco da Gama sensation Rayan looks more justified every week.

The 19-year-old keeps delivering performances that make him impossible to ignore. On Monday night, in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Maracanã, he scored one goal, created another and led Vasco to a 2-0 win over Fluminense in a local derby.

It was his 16th goal of the season. Another clear reason why Premier League scouts keep returning to watch him.

The victory also showed how vital Rayan has become for a side that was once fighting to avoid the drop. His confidence has grown visibly in recent months. Meanwhile, his influence on matches continues to increase, as told by Globo Esporte.

The Tottenham target now combines the explosiveness from his academy days with sharper tactical understanding and calmness in decisive moments. In Brazil, coaches often describe his development as “explosive”. Even opponents admit he looks like one of the most complete young players in the league.

Manager pushes for Brazil call-up – Tottenham want that

After the game, Vasco manager Fernando Diniz praised the striker’s evolution and said he deserves a look from Brazil’s World Cup staff. “Rayan only confirms what I saw very early,” Diniz told reporters. “He has to be on the World Cup radar. He’s becoming more solid, more confident, and establishing himself as a great forward. The Rayan of tomorrow will be better than the Rayan of today. He’s very special.”

Diniz called him “a complete player”. Tall, fast, left-footed, strong in the air and dangerous from anywhere. Those words have reached Europe. Tottenham’s scouts, who have been watching Rayan for several months, are known to appreciate his intelligence and strength.

The London club were among the first in England to spot his rise, as we already reported. As a result, they sent representatives to Brazil earlier this season. His latest performance, in a packed derby, will only reinforce the belief that he could adapt quickly to Premier League football.

Tottenham have also been in contact, asking themselves about about a Brazil call as they know it’d aid a work permit. An offer worth around €30m is expected from Spurs.

Admiration from Coutinho and teammates

Inside the dressing room, Rayan’s teammates echo the same admiration. Philippe Coutinho, who has played for Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, showed deep respect for the youngster’s rise.

“He’s a jewel,” Coutinho said. “I’m very happy for what he’s living. He’s humble, works hard, keeps his feet on the ground, and deserves everything that’s happening. It’s a pleasure to play with him at the start of his career.”

That respect shows how far Rayan has come in just one year. What once looked like potential has now turned into consistency. His goals lifted Vasco up the table and made him a symbol of the club’s recovery. As a result, he is now one of the most important young players in Brazil.

Premier League-ready talent

For Tottenham, the timing of Rayan’s rise could hardly be better. The club have been searching the South American market for versatile forwards. They know Rayan can play through the middle, drift wide or drop deeper to link play. His intelligence and athletic profile make him a natural fit for English football.

Whether an official offer arrives in January or next summer remains uncertain. Still, few in Brazil doubt that his next move is approaching, especially considering reported interest from Aston Villa, Newcastle, Porto, Barcelona and now Arsenal.

With every game, Rayan looks more ready for the challenge ahead. As both Diniz and Coutinho have made clear, he’s more than a promising teenager. He already performs like a player destined for Europe.

Tottenham are preparing to take a close look at one of Sweden’s most exciting young prospects, with transfer interest building.

According to local outlet FotbollDirekt, 14-year-old striker Iacovos Chrysanthou from IF Brommapojkarna will join the Premier League side for a trial in November.

Tottenham scout Peter Kisfaludy confirmed the news to the outlet.

“It’s true. It’s all set and it will take place in November,” he said.

Chrysanthou is considered a standout talent in his age group. Coaches describe him as a natural goalscorer with strong technique and confidence.

He first made a name for himself at the Madrid Cup last year, where he scored seven goals. That tournament included elite academies such as PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea. His performances there helped him attract attention from clubs across Europe.

Tottenham scouts admire his dribbling, awareness and precise left foot. Those traits reportedly convinced the club to invite him for a week-long trial at Hotspur Way.

The case recalls previous links between Spurs and Brommapojkarna, with both Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall sharing the same academy background, if not the same paths.

Still, Tottenham will not have a clear run. FotbollDirekt claims that Eintracht Frankfurt and Benfica are also following the young forward. For now, Spurs seem determined to be first in line.

Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close watch on Vitor Roque’s form at Palmeiras, with both London clubs considering a move for the striker in the next transfer window, according to GOAL.

The 19-year-old Brazilian has rebuilt his career at Palmeiras after a frustrating spell in Europe. Following limited success at Barcelona and a brief loan at Real Betis, Roque returned home in early 2025 and has since become a key player under Abel Ferreira. His pace, strength, and pressing make him vital to Palmeiras’ attacking system.

Tottenham tried to hijack Barcelona’s deal for Roque back in 2024 before turning to Dominic Solanke. They have now resumed interest, while Chelsea are also monitoring his progress.

GOAL report that informal contacts have been made with the player’s representatives. However, Palmeiras have no plans to sell, and Roque himself prefers to stay in Brazil to secure a place in the national team ahead of the World Cup.

The striker has scored 17 goals in 46 appearances this season. Four more would see him match his 2023 record with Athletico Paranaense, when his breakout year led to the Barcelona transfer.

Palmeiras paid around €25m to bring him back, with the deal potentially reaching €30m through bonuses. According to the CIES Football Observatory, his current estimated value ranges between €66m and €77m.