Sport Witness

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.”

Last month, Gazzetta dello Sport spoke of interest from Chelsea and Manchester United in Dusan Vlahovic. Tottenham have now also been dragged into the race for the striker.

This comes from Quotidiano Sportivo, who look at the Serbian’s situation.

The outlet note that despite Vlahovic having scored four times for Juve this season, his spot in the side isn’t certain.

There is no sign of a new deal for him, with his contract running out in 2026. Talks have stalled and now the 25-year-old’s agent is working hard to find a new club.

The report claims Tottenham and Chelsea have tested the waters for the striker. There’s hope a club from the Premier League signs the player, who earns €12m a year.

These wage demands are too big for Juve, but will not be a major problem for clubs in England.

The report indicates that Vlahovic could come in as a replacement for Randal Kolo Muani at Tottenham. The Frenchman is still interested in a move back to Juve, having spent the second half of last season in Turin.

Spurs don’t have an option to buy him permanently from Paris Saint-Germain. As a result, Vlahovic could arrive on a free transfer as a new striker option.

Yves Bissouma hasn’t made an appearance for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

According to L’Equipe, the Mali international has been sidelined with a knee injury for several weeks.

Mali manager Tom Saintfiet included the Tottenham player in his squad for October’s fixtures. He didn’t feature in their 2-0 win over Chad last week due to an injury.

On Sunday, the midfielder came off the bench in the 66th minute in the national team’s 4-1 World Cup qualifier win over Madagascar. He was forced off the pitch six minutes later due to an injury.

L’Equipe say the 29-year-old was kicked by an opposition player, seconds after coming on.

Bissouma tried to carry on but was unable to stand on his feet. He had to lie down before being stretchered off the pitch.

The report states it ‘seemed very serious’ as the Spurs man was holding his head with both hands.

L’Equipe indicate the Europa League winners would be unhappy with Saintfiet’s decision to hand minutes to Bissouma. They could ask whether his return was rushed or if Mali took a risk.

The scoreline was 3-0 when he was brought on. His setback could have been avoided had Saintfiet decided to leave Bissouma as an unused substitute.

HSV Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa has admitted they already want to extend Luka Vuskovic’s loan move from Tottenham.

Transfermarkt.de have an interview with the sporting director today in which he’s asked about the Tottenham loanee.

Vuskovic arrived on loan from Tottenham late in the window. Spurs had delayed making a decision on him after he returned from a loan spell in Belgium in the summer.

They eventually decided to loan him out for another season. Hamburg then moved quickly to snap him up for the year. Vuskovic has made an immediate impact, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the Bundesliga side’s defence.

They’ve quickly fallen in love with him, despite the clear warnings about doing that with a loanee.

Indeed, there has been some panic among the club’s fans this week after it was reported that Tottenham could recall Vuskovic in January. That, though, is dependent on Thomas Frank’s side being hit by several, long-term defensive injuries first.

“We’re helping Tottenham…”

Costa has already moved to allay those fears and now admits he is actually focused on trying to keep the defender from Tottenham for longer.

“The Luka Vuskovic issue has been with us throughout the summer,” he said.

“We always had the clear intention of signing him – and he committed to us relatively early on. We didn’t want to take Luka away from Tottenham and instead wanted to create a win-win-win situation.

“We’re helping Tottenham, Luka is helping us, and we’re all helping him. He’s playing very convincingly, has a great charisma, and gives us a lot. We’re happy to have him.

“It’s only October, so much can still happen between now and May; there are many variables. As of now, there’s no contractual option. Based on what we’ve seen so far, we’d like to keep him longer – definitely.

“We certainly wouldn’t mind. The question is how we’ll get there, what Tottenham’s plan is, and how Luka’s season is going. But that’s a crystal ball gazing exercise and impossible to assess as of today.”

Vasco da Gama forward Rayan is making history on the pitch. That’s why clubs such as Tottenham and Aston Villa continue to monitor him closely.

His rise is still going beyond transfer talk. According to a report by Globo Esporte, the 19-year-old has reached a new level of consistency. He’s now among the most productive young forwards in Brazil.

Rayan has scored 14 goals in all competitions this year, four of them in his last four matches. He’s become the leading U20 scorer in the country alongside Palmeiras’ Vitor Roque.

In the Brasileirão, Rayan has nine goals and is fighting for the U20 top-scorer spot. A mark that would put him in elite company.

The list of players who previously topped the under-20 scoring charts in Brazil includes names such as Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo, Marcos Leonardo and Estêvão. All of those went on to build high-profile careers overseas. It’s no surprise that Tottenham, Aston Villa and others are keen.

Manager Fernando Diniz has been full of praise for the young striker’s development, saying: “He’s a very different player, one of the few forwards in Brazil who is complete. Tall, fast, left-footed, strong in the air, and capable of playing across the front line.”

He also stressed that “he tracks back well, helps defensively, and can play as a winger, a false nine, a centre-forward, or on the opposite flank”. A positive overview on the youngster’s abilities.

Tottenham and Aston Villa interest is justified

This mix of talent, versatility and maturity explains why Tottenham and Aston Villa are both keeping close watch. Spurs have already sent scouts to Brazil and are seen as favourites to make a move. Villa are seeking a winger with goal-scoring ability and have identified Rayan as a strong fit.

The teenager is under contract until December 2026, and Vasco have made it clear that they would only open talks for offers around €30m (£25.7m), despite his €40m (£34.3m) release clause.

Yet the player’s continued evolution, both statistically and technically, means his value could rise again before January.

From a promising academy graduate to one of the most decisive under-20 forwards in South America, Rayan’s progression is now being written in goals, not rumours.

And Tottenham and Aston Villa are watching closely as he continues to join the ranks of Brazilian prodigies who made their mark before heading to Europe.

HSV Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa has admitted they already want to extend Luka Vuskovic’s loan move from Tottenham.

Transfermarkt.de have an interview with the sporting director today in which he’s asked about the Tottenham loanee.

Vuskovic arrived on loan from Tottenham late in the window. Spurs had delayed making a decision on him after he returned from a loan spell in Belgium in the summer.

They eventually decided to loan him out for another season. Hamburg then moved quickly to snap him up for the year. Vuskovic has made an immediate impact, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the Bundesliga side’s defence.

They’ve quickly fallen in love with him, despite the clear warnings about doing that with a loanee.

Indeed, there has been some panic among the club’s fans this week after it was reported that Tottenham could recall Vuskovic in January. That, though, is dependent on Thomas Frank’s side being hit by several, long-term defensive injuries first.

Costa has already moved to allay those fears and now admits he is actually focused on trying to keep the defender from Tottenham for longer.

“The Luka Vuskovic issue has been with us throughout the summer,” he said.

“We always had the clear intention of signing him – and he committed to us relatively early on. We didn’t want to take Luka away from Tottenham and instead wanted to create a win-win-win situation.

“We’re helping Tottenham, Luka is helping us, and we’re all helping him. He’s playing very convincingly, has a great charisma, and gives us a lot. We’re happy to have him.

“It’s only October, so much can still happen between now and May; there are many variables. As of now, there’s no contractual option. Based on what we’ve seen so far, we’d like to keep him longer – definitely.

“We certainly wouldn’t mind. The question is how we’ll get there, what Tottenham’s plan is, and how Luka’s season is going. But that’s a crystal ball gazing exercise and impossible to assess as of today.”