Sport Witness

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.

AS Monaco are facing a ‘mountain of injuries’ ahead of taking on Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League this week.

That’s according to Made in Monegasque, who cover the struggles manager Sébastien Pocognoli is facing ahead of the clash with Tottenham.

The Ligue 1 side host Thomas Frank’s side on match-day three on Wednesday. They head into the game looking for their first win in the competition this season. That’s after one defeat and a draw so far. That’s left them sitting 30th in the table early on.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have a win and a draw to their name. They sit ninth in the table, just two points behind the early leaders.

Pocognoli is also eyeing his first win as Monaco coach after a 1-1 draw in his debut with Angers. That task has been made more difficult thanks to an ‘impressive list’ of injuries.

He will be without Lukas Hradecky, Eric Dier, Christian Mawissa, Vanderson, Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara and Paul Pogba for the game. Striker Paris Brunner, meanwhile, has not been included in the Champions League squad so will also be missing.

It’s bad news for the new Monaco boss, who needs to work out what to do with Tottenham in town tomorrow.

Vasco da Gama have taken a major step to secure the future of Tottenham-linked gem Rayan.

According to ESPN Brazil, the Rio club have already presented a formal renewal offer to the 19-year-old striker. The proposal would extend his contract until December 2028, adding two extra years to his current deal.

The new offer includes both a salary increase and a higher release clause. Vasco want to protect the player from growing European interest, including Tottenham, while gaining more leverage for future negotiations.

Rayan’s existing contract runs until the end of 2026, but the club fear that waiting too long could reduce their control over his future. After his rapid rise this year, they see an extension as vital before the next transfer window opens.

Rayan’s progress has also triggered a major jump in valuation. As reported by ESPN, Vasco are now targeting around €30m for his transfer – up from the €18m requested in the previous window.

The increase of €12m in just a few months reflects how quickly his value has risen. If achieved, that fee would make Rayan the most expensive sale in Vasco’s history, overtaking Paulinho’s €18.5m move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2018.

Tottenham may need to work with Pini Zahavi

Behind the scenes, the situation has attracted powerful intermediaries. Pini Zahavi, one of football’s most influential agents, is following Rayan’s case closely. Working alongside Brazilian partner Humberto Paiva, Zahavi is helping manage the player’s pathway to Europe.

The duo have already played key roles in major transfers, including Neymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG. Their involvement signals that Rayan’s next step could reach the highest levels of the market.

Rayan’s new deal would give Vasco stronger bargaining power, especially considering FC Porto’s latest enquiries, as reported by ESPN. The Portuguese club rate him highly and appear to be in talks regarding his signing for 2026, possibly even for January.

Over the weekend, Porto’s name was widely mentioned across the Brazilian press as one of the clubs most attentive to Rayan’s situation.

However, so far, the only teams reported to have taken concrete steps are Tottenham and Barcelona, who have both sent scouts and made direct enquiries.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been linked, but without any confirmed movement or formal approach at this stage.

Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs to have set their sights on Tottenham Hotspur summer target Nico Paz, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Back in August, Tottenham made multiple attempts to snatch the 21-year-old from Como. Spurs reportedly offered €70m but he wasn’t keen on joining them.

Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi said he was thrilled Paz turned down Tottenham.

The attacking midfielder joined the Serie A side from Real Madrid in August 2024 and managed six goals and nine assists last season. He’s scored four times and registered four assists from seven matches this season.

Mundo report the Argentina international’s impressive performances for Como have seen other clubs take notice. From the Premier League, Arsenal and Chelsea are in the mix to sign him. Juventus and Inter Milan are also named as suitors.

The Premier League duo and others have to be wary of Real Madrid. The report states Los Blancos have a buyback option of €8m valid for next summer. They also retain a high sell-on clause.

Mundo state: ‘If Real Madrid doesn’t make this signing next summer, they could regret it greatly in the coming years. It remains to be seen how the pieces fit together with Franco Mastantuono, Arda Guler, [Jude] Bellingham, Brahim [Diaz] or Rodrygo, perhaps a sale is necessary.’

Arsenal, Chelsea and others can only hope Real Madrid don’t make advances to sign Paz.