Sport Witness

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.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have both been name-checked by a Brazil international this week. Right-back Paulo Henrique, currently with Vasco da Gama, joked that he’s been trying to recruit two Premier League players for his club.

Speaking to Globo Esporte after Brazil’s 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, the 29-year-old revealed that both Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle and Richarlison from Tottenham are Vasco fans. And that he’s been playfully working to convince them to join him at São Januário.

“The group welcomed me really well. There were some guys I already knew, who I’d played against in Rio,” Paulo Henrique said.

“And there’s also Bruno Guimarães and Richarlison, who are Vasco fans. I’m trying to take both of them to Vasco!” he said.

Paulo Henrique, who scored in his first start for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti, returns to Vasco with his profile on the rise. His strong performance against Japan and relaxed demeanour in front of the media have earned him positive attention back home.

The right-back is now expected to consolidate his place as one of the leading domestic options for future call-ups. In the meanwhile, fans will no doubt enjoy his light-hearted recruitment pitch to the Newcastle and Tottenham stars.

Richarlison has become the latest focus of criticism in Brazil after UOL commentator Mauro Cezar Pereira questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s choices for the national team.

The journalist disagrees with the Italian’s decision to keep calling up the Tottenham striker while leaving out Real Madrid’s Endrick.

Speaking on UOL News Esporte, Mauro Cezar argued that Endrick’s limited minutes in Spain should not stop him from being included in Brazil’s squad.

He compared the 19-year-old’s physical profile to Ronaldo Nazário and accused Ancelotti of relying too heavily on familiar names. Tottenham’s Richarlison, he said, is the clearest example.

“I can’t understand why he doesn’t call up Endrick, even if he’s not playing for Real Madrid. That’s Xabi Alonso’s problem. Endrick must be called up,” Mauro Cezar said.

“And Richarlison, what’s he doing in the national team? With all due respect, he’s a great guy with a nice story. But that miss from Estevão’s assist showed poor positioning. The ball was perfect.”

He later described the coach’s stance as “a serious mistake”, adding that “Richarlison isn’t better than him” and that the teenager should already be among Ancelotti’s 26 names.

The comments have sparked debate across Brazilian media. Many fans believe Richarlison’s work rate and attitude remain valuable, but his recent form in front of goal has been frustrating. As a result, some pundits now question how long he can keep his place for Brazil.

For Tottenham, the noise around his national team status adds another layer to his season. The forward continues to fight for consistency and confidence in the Premier League, hoping his performances in England will speak louder than the criticism back home.

Tottenham are one of the sides interest in River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero. The Argentine side believe an “offer they can’t refuse” could be on the way.

El Intransigente cover the situation today, reporting that Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have their eyes on the 21-year-old.

They explain that while River Plate are going through something of a sticky patch, there has been one bright spot. That is the performances of Rivero. He has ‘begun to shine above the rest’ in the current squad.

That’s seemingly not gone unnoticed in Europe, where there are two sides interested. They are Atletico Madrid and Tottenham, according to Spanish journalist Pascual Ruiz Arnal.

“Atlético de Madrid is one of the European teams keeping an eye on Lautaro Rivero. Tottenham are also interested,” he is quoted as saying.

El Intransigente say that is ‘undoubtedly a bombshell’ for River Plate. They are seemingly wary of bids coming in for the young defender sooner rather than later. In fact, according to journalist Hernán Castillo, there is a fear that an ‘un-rejectable’ offer could be on the way.

River Plate have the youngster tied to a deal until 2028 with a €100m release clause. But it’s claimed a ‘significant’ offer from Tottenham would see them sway.

“River already knows that an offer they can’t refuse could come at any moment,” Castillo is quoted as saying on Love Stream. That’s opened the door to a move in the January transfer window. Whether that’s Tottenham or Atletico, or someone else, remains to be seen.

Lucas Bergvall has featured regularly for Tottenham Hotspur this season. He’s played 547 minutes from 10 matches, scoring a goal and registering three assists.

The midfielder’s performances for Tottenham helped him return to the Sweden squad for September and October’s fixtures.

Last month, Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson left the 19-year-old on the bench and there’d been pressure to use him. The Tottenham player started the national team’s defeats to Switzerland last week and Kosovo on Monday.

Bergvall was on the pitch for 45 minutes in Sweden’s 1-0 loss yesterday. Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga replaced him after the break against Kosovo.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s decision to substitute the Tottenham youngster came as a surprise in Sweden. After the match, Sportbladet had a chat with him to discuss a few topics.

Bergvall was specifically asked whether his substitution was due to any injury concern. Responding to that, he said: “No, I was completely healthy.”

The Spurs man says he was disappointed but understands why the national team coach didn’t give an explanation.

“Yes, of course [disappointed]. I feel fit, but you have to respect it. No [didn’t receive an explanation], but it’s difficult to take it at half-time,” Bergvall explained.

Another report from Sportbladet explains the manager didn’t confirm Sweden’s starting XI until two hours before the kick-off against Kosovo. This is probably because the team for Switzerland was leaked on lunchtime of the match-day.

Bergvall suggests it’s ‘unusual for players’ but Jon Dahl Tomasson’s decision didn’t impact him.

“It may have happened at some point [during my career] but I don’t know why it happened now,” he added.

“It doesn’t have that big of an impact on me, but I can’t speak for everyone else.”

Pedro Porro joined Tottenham Hotspur from Sporting in January 2023 and has been their first choice right-back since then.

The Spain international has contributed 11 goals and 22 assists for Spurs of which four goals and nine assists were from last season.

His displays for Tottenham have helped him cement a place in the national team. The 26-year-old is with the national team and has been speaking to Europa Press. Infobae have relayed his comments.

“I’m very happy and settled at Tottenham”

The fullback explained his approach to the game by saying “I have more of winger’s soul”. Therefore, he’s under a lot of pressure defensively. He discussed balancing his defensive and offensive responsibilities as a right-back.

“Nowadays, you have to be important in both roles,” he said.

“I like reading comments, and several years ago I was very involved defensively, trying to be a little more involved and see what I can do because then in attack, I have that self-confidence that’s also required of a full-back when they reach the deep areas.

“In defence, you have to be consistent, and in attack, you also have that support for your teammates when they need it.”

The defender was part of Spurs’ squad that finished 17th in the league last season. They also won the Europa League final, paving way for a berth in the Champions League.

Tottenham appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager this season. They are third in the table, two points behind leaders Arsenal. Porro says the Dane is “doing a magnificent job.”

Although the Spaniard is happy with Tottenham’s start, he’s disappointed losing the UEFA Super Cup to Paris Saint-Germain.

“The truth is, I’m very happy and very settled at Tottenham. The start of the season has been very good,” Porro explained.

“It’s a shame we lost the Super Cup final on penalties against PSG. After going 2-0 up, you have to win that title, but for me, they’re one of the best clubs in the world. If you’re not focused for the full 90 minutes, that’s what happens.”