Sport Witness

Borussia Mönchengladbach have already started thinking about Kota Takai’s long-term situation, even though the defender is only on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

That is according to German outlet Rheinische Post, who report that Gladbach see potential in the 21-year-old despite his costly mistake in the 3-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Japan international endured a difficult final 20 minutes, with poor positioning and a loose first touch leading to a goal. Shortly after, he was beaten again in a foot race.

Still, the overall assessment inside the club appears more measured. Takai had previously impressed in his first full 90 minutes against Stuttgart and has shown flashes of quality in the Bundesliga. As a result, Gladbach are not judging him solely on one bad afternoon.

Loan from Tottenham structured without risk

Takai joined from Tottenham in January on a straight loan. Financially, the move carries little risk for Gladbach. There is no immediate obligation to buy, and a permanent deal after the season is currently considered unlikely due to cost.

However, the German side are already exploring creative scenarios that could keep him at the club beyond this campaign. Details of those ideas have not been disclosed. What is clear is that Tottenham remain central to any decision.

For Spurs, the loan serves a clear purpose. Takai struggled for minutes after a long lay-off in England. Regular Bundesliga football offers him rhythm and exposure at a high level. At 21, he remains a development project rather than a finished product.

What’s next for him

Takai is expected to receive significant game time between now and May. That will give Tottenham a broader sample to assess his progress. It will also allow Gladbach to judge whether pursuing a more complex arrangement makes sense.

A permanent transfer this summer looks difficult at present. Nevertheless, early planning suggests Gladbach have not ruled out trying to extend the partnership. Much, of course, will depend on how Takai responds on the pitch in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are showing an interest in Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini and are closely monitoring his situation in Rome.

That’s according to Calciomercato.it. The Italian website cover the Roma midfielder today and Tottenham’s new interest in him.

Their report explains that Pellegrini’s future in Rome remains uncertain. His current deal expires in a few months, and his future is in the air.

He is ‘seriously tempted’ by the idea of leaving Serie A and finding his place in another league.

Tottenham showing ‘strong interest’

And now Tottenham are showing ‘strong interest’ in the 29-year-old. They could even be ready to launch a ‘decisive attack’ for him.

According to CM.it, their interest comes from Igor Tudor. He is a long‑time admirer of Pellegrini and would welcome the opportunity to coach him in the Premier League, although that hinges on his own future at Tottenham.

He’s only interim coach until the end of the season and it remains to be seen if he stays at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond that point. If he did, Pellegrini’s name will be on Tottenham’s list.

The midfielder, for his part, is waiting to see how the situation evolves. The opportunity to test himself in the Premier League is ‘certainly very tempting’.

Roma, for their part, are more than aware of the interest. The Italian side have begun contacting the player’s managers to explore the possibility of a last-minute renewal. They’re clearly concerned about losing Pellegrini and Tottenham’s sudden, new interest.

Tottenham future uncertain

Sport Witness would urge caution, though. This report very much feels like linking Tudor with a player and nothing more.

Tottenham do seem to have their eyes on free agents and midfielders this summer, though.

Just today Sport Witness covered a report again stating their interest in Leon Goretzka. That’s been ongoing for a while.

So, adding Pellegrini’s name to the list makes sense on that front. However, until the club resolves Tudor’s future or appoints a permanent figure in the dugout, this rumour deserves a big pinch of salt.

Bayern Munich are hopeful that Tottenham Hotspur will buy João Palhinha in the summer. But Leon Goretzka being available on a free transfer could scupper their plans.

That’s according to Sport BILD, who cover the situation today. The German newspaper reports that Thomas Frank’s recent dismissal has put Palhinha’s future into question.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern in the summer transfer window. That deal includes an option for them to make it permanent in the summer. It would cost them €30m to do so.

The question is whether they will. That’s a decision for their next permanent manager to make and it remains to be seen who that will be. Igor Tudor is currently the man in the dugout but only on an interim basis.

Frank exit creates Tottenham uncertainty

He replaced Thomas Frank, who was a big supporter of Palhinha and wanted him in the summer. And according to Sport BILD, his exit means a permanent deal is now in jeopardy.

There is also the issue of Goretzka. He’s leaving Bayern on a free transfer in the summer and prefers a move to the Premier League. Tottenham are one of the English sides interested in him.

The idea is a clear and obvious one. Tottenham would dodge paying €30m for Palhinha in preference of getting Goretzka on a free transfer. Spurs get the midfielder they want either way but saving money while doing so would be a major boost.

Goretzka interest not new

Tottenham’s interest in Goretzka is nothing new either. Sport Witness have covered numerous reports about that over the last year.

Those have picked up following his announcement that he’ll be leaving Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer. There was even, reportedly, a surprise bid at the end of the January transfer window.

The expectation is that he will be a firm target for Tottenham when the summer window opens. But now, it seems, that could also mean Palhinha is discarded in favour of him.

Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona are among several clubs in the picture to sign AFC Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi in the summer.

That’s according to Marca, who cover Tottenham and Barcelona interest in the centre-back.

The Argentina international has less than six months left on his contract and hasn’t signed an extension with Bournemouth.

This hasn’t impacted his game time as Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has utilised him regularly this season. To put it in context, Senesi has played 2,285 minutes from 27 matches in all competitions and 25 of them were in the Premier League.

Market opportunity for Spurs and Barcelona

The 28-year-old’s performances, contract situation and experience make him a market opportunity for Tottenham, Barcelona and other clubs

On February 9th, Sport Witness relayed news from Italy of Chelsea, Everton, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion’s interest in Senesi.

Last week, Sport Witness covered another Italian claim of Spurs joining the race to sign the Bournemouth player. Marca now pick up on that and cover the latest on the north London club, Barcelona and other clubs.

Tottenham keen on Bournemouth player

Radio Marca’s La Pizarra discussed the South American’s situation and the interest he has generated so far.

The ‘interest is strong and diverse’, and Spurs are mentioned immediately. The report now state the Europa League winners are the ‘most attentive team’ and would face tough competition to secure his services.

Barcelona are monitoring the Cherries defender, while Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also in the picture.

According to the report, both the Bundesliga side and the Turin club are planning to make offers, likely to sign him for free after this season.

Marca add ‘there are Premier League teams preparing offers’ to sign Senesi. However, it’s not made clear whether Tottenham are one of them as their details aren’t specified.

It’s quite possible Chelsea, Everton, Crystal Palace or Brighton could make offers for the Bournemouth man. The Premier League sides including Tottenham will have to tussle with Barcelona, Juventus and BVB to sign Senesi.

VfL Wolfsburg’s Christian Eriksen is unhappy with Thomas Frank’s exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Denmark international has been speaking to Viaplay about Spurs’ decision to part ways with Frank, and Tipsbladet have relayed his comments.

Last summer, Tottenham appointed Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s successor and endured a difficult spell under the Dane. Spurs have seven wins from 26 Premier League matches and are yet to register a win this year.

The north London club are 16th in the table and are five points above the relegation zone. Last week, Tottenham decided to part ways with Frank following a series of poor results and performances.

Eriksen disappointed Frank failed at Tottenham

The midfielder spent over six years with the Premier League side and left them for Inter Milan in January 2020. He had to leave Italy after suffering a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

Brentford opened their door for the Dane in January 2022, when Thomas Frank was their manager. Eriksen signed a six-month contract and left the Bees to join Manchester United on a free transfer later that year.

The Red Devils released him at the end of last season, allowing him to join the Bundesliga side for free in September 2025. He said the break after leaving Old Trafford off was like a “great vacation”.

Eriksen knows Frank from his time at Brentford and is confident he’ll bounce back.

“On behalf of Thomas, I am disappointed that it has turned out the way it has,” he said.

“I hope Thomas will be successful wherever he is. I had also hoped for Tottenham’s sake that they had been more successful. But of course, football moves so quickly, and when things don’t go well, the coach is out the door, and it didn’t exactly go Thomas’ way.”

Midfielder hurt to see Tottenham struggle

The Wolfsburg player is also disappointed to see Spurs sit 16th in the table.

When asked if it ‘hurts’ to see his former club down the table, Eriksen explained: “Yes, definitely. I hope the club bounces back and does better than it is doing now. It’s still a club I follow closely.”

Tottenham have appointed Igor Tudor as their manager until the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vušković has been on loan at Hamburg SV since the end of August 2025.

The 18-year-old has been a regular for the Bundesliga side, playing 21 matches and even scoring four goals. His brother, Mario, is also at Hamburg, and he is serving a doping ban until November.

Luka has expressed his desire to extend his stay at the German club on several occasions, to fulfil dream of playing with Mario. Last month, the Tottenham owned player said he will make a decision on his future after this season.

Tottenham loanee attracting interest

The Croatia international’s performances for Hamburg have seen top European clubs take notice.

Last month, Sport Witness relayed claims from Germany that the Spurs man was offered to Bayern Munich. There’s been other reports pushing him towards the Allianz Arena.

Earlier this month, his compatriot, Ivan Rakitić, has urged him to dump Tottenham for the Bavarian club in the summer. The current Hajduk Split sporting director even advised the German giants to push for a move.

Sport1 have interviewed Bayern Munich director Max Eberl to discuss several topics.

Last week, Dayot Upamecano signing a new contract until 2030. Eberl now insists their planning for the centre-back is now complete with the Frenchman’s renewal.

Eberl responds to Vušković links

As well as the Tottenham man, Inter Milan’s Yann Aurel Bisseck and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is also reportedly on Bayern Munich’s list.

Sport1 specifically namem these three players and asked Eberl whether Bayern Munich need to make room to sign one of them.

“We’ve reached the point where we’re not under pressure regarding squad planning. We can calmly decide what happens next. Of course, we’re still keeping an eye on the market. We certainly won’t rule out any option that would benefit Bayern,” he said.

The director said Upamecano’s renewal gives Bayern Munich the upperhand if they decide to sign another centre-back.

Eberl explained: “I’m someone who finalises his squad planning early. I managed to do that in Mönchengladbach, in Leipzig, and, incidentally, here at Bayern as well. Everything was done by mid-July, before the start of preseason training.

“When Kingsley Coman then asked for his release, which we ultimately granted, we had to fight for Nicolas Jackson until the very last day. That wasn’t ideal, but these things can happen. With the contract extension with Upa, we can now go into the summer transfer window with a clear plan.”

Lucas Bergvall featured regularly for Tottenham Hotspur until January.

On January 20th, the Sweden international picked up an ankle injury in Spurs’ Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. Jun’ai Byfield had replaced him in the 62nd minute in the European tie.

Three days later, Tottenham confirmed the midfielder had undergone surgery, after suffering a ‘high ankle sprain’ against the Bundesliga side. Spurs didn’t mention the timeframe for his recovery.

Bergvall doubtful for World Cup qualifier

Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Sweden that the 20-year-old could miss Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in March.

Sweden boss Graham Potter admitted it’s tough for Bergvall and his Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski, to recover on time for the key clash.

Recent claims have explained Bergvall would be out of action for two to three months. Fotboll Direkt relay that and then provide their own take on the 20-year-old’s rehabilitation.

Positive update on Tottenham player’s recovery

The Tottenham player wore a protective boot after going under the knife. According to the report, he is no longer wearing that now, and this is certainly a positive update.

Fotboll Direkt say ‘things are going in the right direction’ for the player in his recovery process.

The outlet state the current prognosis indicates he could be back on the pitch in around six weeks. This is only if his rehabilitation goes according to the plan and he suffers no further setbacks.

Sweden face Ukraine on March 26th. Taking the Tottenham midfielder’s recovery so far into account, it’s not ruled out for him to be fit on time for the World Cup qualifier. Fotboll Direkt say ‘a race against time awaits the midfielder.’

Earlier this month, Spurs parted ways with Thomas Frank after a series of poor results and performances. The north London club have failed to register a league win in this calendar year.

Tottenham have already confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor until the end of the season.

John Heitinga’s time at Tottenham Hotspur is already over. Just 33 days after arriving as part of Thomas Frank’s staff, the Dutchman is out.

Heitinga joined Spurs in mid-January as Frank’s assistant. However, once the club dismissed Frank on Friday, the writing was on the wall. Igor Tudor walked in as interim head coach until the end of the season. A few days later, Heitinga followed Frank out the door.

Now, a Dutch podcast has offered a brutal take on what really happened. Speaking on Rondje Buitenland, pundit Süleyman Öztürk did not hold back. He suggested Tudor simply had no use for the former Everton defender.

“I think Igor Tudor can’t do anything with Heitinga. That’s it. That’s the story, I think. We shouldn’t make it bigger than it is,” he said.

That was not the only sharp comment. Discussing Tudor’s arrival, Öztürk described the Croatian as a confrontational figure brought in to shake the dressing room.

“He’s been brought in to get Spurs through the next two months and keep them in the Premier League. If you put such a bully in front of this squad, someone who will tell them the truth… he’ll eat you up.”

Strong words. And they paint a clear picture of why Heitinga may not have fitted the new regime.

From ‘Europe’s biggest talent’ to gone in weeks

The same podcast mocked the hype that followed Heitinga from the Netherlands. Öztürk referenced how some media had labelled him “the biggest coaching talent in Europe”.

“It’s painful. You’ve been assistant for three weeks. The biggest European talent. And now? What do you do?”

Heitinga had been tasked with organising Tottenham’s defence under Frank. However, the Dutch pundits even questioned whether Frank truly wanted him, hinting he may have been imposed by the board.

Tudor, meanwhile, has reportedly arrived with his own staff. In modern football, that often means sweeping changes. Heitinga became collateral damage.

What happens next?

For Tottenham, the focus is survival. Tudor’s mission is short and sharp: steady the ship and reassess in the summer.

For Heitinga, the episode raises fresh questions. After a difficult spell as Ajax head coach, this was meant to be a Premier League reset. Instead, it lasted barely a month.

Still, as noted in the podcast, a solid contract may soften the blow. The Dutchman has previous experience in England with West Ham and Liverpool. Another opportunity will likely come. But this one ended in lightning fashion.

Arsenal and Barcelona made attempts to sign former Tottenham Hotspur forward Bryan Gil.

That’s according to Monday’s edition of AS, who cover why Arsenal and Barcelona failed to sign him in the past.

Tottenham signed Gil from Sevilla in July 2021 and let Erik Lamela move in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

Sevilla let the Spaniard spend the 2020/21 season on loan at SD Eibar. He managed four goals and four assists from 29 matches, and that would have partly convinced Tottenham to bet on the 25-year-old.

Spurs weren’t the only clubs who wanted to sign him, and the newspaper covers Arsenal and Barcelona.

Arsenal and Barcelona called Gil

Last summer, the attacker left Tottenham and completed a permanent move to Girona, who face Barcelona in the league today. Ahead of this clash, the newspaper looks at Mikel Arteta’s side and the La Liga winners’ previous interest in Gil.

At Eibar, he played under José Luis Mendilibar, and Gil’s performances had attracted the Gunners and the Catalan club’s interest.

AS state ‘Arsenal came calling’, without specifying exactly when the Emirates club made an approach. Barcelona looked at the Spurs flop during the winter 2022 market, months after he moved to Tottenham.

According to the report, Barcelona’s negotiations to bring the player to the Camp Nou didn’t get far. There is no mention of why the Blaugrana and Arsenal weren’t able to secure his services.

Barca’s failure to sign Gil saw them shift their focus to Adama Traoré, and the latter arrived on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gil’s struggles at Tottenham

The Spaniard clearly struggled during his time at Tottenham, who sent him on loan to Valencia and Sevilla in January 2022 and 2023 respectively. Last season, Spurs let him join Girona on loan, and his stay was made permanent in August 2025.

At Tottenham, Gil played 1,301 minutes from 43 matches in all competitions, failing to score and contributing three assists. He was honest about being unhappy at the north London club and therefore, made the “important” to leave them permanently.

Arsenal won’t be having many sleepless nights over this one.

Despite multiple injury problems, Destiny Udogie has grown as a player at Tottenham Hotspur.

This season, he’s played 20 times in all competitions. Udogie has operated as a proper full-back, which is different to how he was deployed under Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian used him as an inverted full-back, improving his technical ability quite a bit. During his time at Udinese, he was yet to become consistent but at Tottenham there have been clear signs of maturity.

Even if the Italy international is currently injured, he can return to his homeland and interest is growing in him.

Juventus want the Tottenham player

Calciomercato IT today report on Juventus’ interest in the Italy international.

The outlet describe Udogie as the Bianconeri’s possible replacement for Andrea Cambiaso. The ex-Genoa player’s future in Turin is currently uncertain after a host of disappointing performances across the past few months.

He was previously linked with a move to Manchester City. It didn’t go through and since then, his levels have dipped quite a bit – even if he scored against Inter Milan at the weekend.

Cambiaso is believed to have multiple admirers in Italy and abroad. Juve are open to a sale and currently want around €40m to let him depart in the summer.

If that happens, they will pursue a move for the Tottenham player. Udogie is described as the ‘chosen one’ by the Old Lady, who see him as a difference maker for the present and the future.

Deal for Udogie unlikely to be easy

Tottenham paid only €18m to sign the defender from Udinese in 2022. Since then, he has played as many as 86 times in all competitions.

Besides, the left-back’s current contract in London expires in the summer of 2030. This will make any transfer difficult for any potential suittor. He is also only 23, which can also suggest that Spurs will not sell him for cheap by any means.

As a result, everything can come down to whether Udogie pushes for his transfer or not. If that doesn’t happen, Tottenham will have no desperate need to sell him.