Sport Witness

USA defender Mark McKenzie has revealed Mauricio Pochettino is constantly urging him to copy Tottenham Hotspur star Cuti Romero.

AS cover comments from the defender today in which he admits they’re constantly talking about the Tottenham captain.

McKenzie is currently playing for Toulouse in Ligue 1. He is also a part of the USA squad and has been for the last five years after making his debut in 2020.

He’s yet to fully establish himself under Pochettino, missing the last international break in September entirely. He’s back, though, for this month’s fixtures against Ecuador and Australia.

That’s given him a chance to prove his worth to his coach, who needs plenty of centre-back options given he plays a system with a back three.

One player it seems he would like to have at his disposal is Romero. He’s a key player for Tottenham in the Premier League and on the international stage with World Cup holders Argentina.

Pochettino has never worked with him, leaving Tottenham before he arrived, but seemingly holds the defender in high regard. That’s if McKenzie’s comments are anything to go by.

“I think it’s about having a certain level of toughness, a certain level of aggression, when you’re on the pitch,” he said.

“At Tottenham, there’s a player like Cuti Romero. He’s a player Mauricio and I talk about constantly. It’s a balance between being a good guy off the pitch, very humble and calm, but as soon as he steps on the pitch, you feel his presence.

“He has a special aura. Any player who faces him will think it’s going to be a long day. So that’s an example of a player Mauricio and I sit down together and watch videos of.

“That’s the style he wants me to adopt. Once on the pitch, it’s about doing everything possible to benefit the team and get a win.”

RB Leipzig manager Ole Werner has admitted he was glad to see the transfer window close. This is despite Xavi Simons moving to Tottenham.

SportBILD cover comments from the Leipzig manager today. He admits Simons future had left the club feeling a little uneasy.

Throughout the summer transfer window, rumors linked the Dutchman with a move away from Leipzig. Chelsea, who were keen on him negotiated for much of the summer.

They never sunk the blow, though, instead spending their money elsewhere to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad. That left Simons looking for a different move late in the window.

Tottenham eventually provided that, moving at the very end of August and securing the Dutchman in a €65m deal. He’s a replacement for James Maddison, who is spending the season on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The move brought an end to months of speculation for the midfielder and Leipzig. They had expected Simons to move on this summer. This was despite signing him on a permanent basis at the end of January.

Werner was glad to see the uncertainty come to an end when Tottenham wrapped up their deal admitting it had created a sense of unease at the club.

“When a formative player leaves, then there is room for others to grow,” he said.

“He was a strong character in the team. The reorganization in the team has released energy for a departure.

“I was relieved when the transfer period was over. With Xavi it was relatively clear that he was leaving – just not when. That was a burden for the player, it kept the team and the environment busy.

“This contributes to a sense of unease. It was only when I knew what the group would look like in the final and the transfer phase was complete that I was able to plan concretely.”

Real Madrid played a role in convincing Como’s Nico Paz to reject Tottenham Hotspur last summer, according to Wednesday’s edition of AS.

Tottenham made concrete efforts to sign the 21-year-old in August. Claims from Italy even talked about Spurs tabling multiple offers ranging from €45m to €65m plus bonuses.

On August 26th, Como owner Mirwan Suwarso said he hadn’t rejected Tottenham’s bids, because no official ones had arrived.

Last month, Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi said Thomas Frank’s side never sent an official bid. He also expressed his delight about retaining Paz after Tottenham’s summer approach.

Although the Serie A club’s official said there wasn’t any formal offer, AS now mention a €70m bid from Tottenham.

The attacking midfielder came through the ranks of Real Madrid’s youth system. He was promoted to their first team in 2023 but failed to cement a place. The La Liga club sold him to Como for €6m in August 2024 and retain a €9m buyback option.

According to the newspaper, Real Madrid informed the Argentina international they’re counting on him for next season. AS add the transfer ‘promise’ saw him reject Tottenham.

Real Madrid’s goal for next summer is to bring the Argentine back. Their plan for Paz is to replace Dani Ceballos, and he wouldb’t be impacted if the Spaniard were to continue.

Paz snubbed the Europa League winners to secure a ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid. He’s in line to fulfil it next summer.

João Palhinha has spoken about his new chapter at Tottenham Hotspur, expressing happiness with the move and optimism about the project ahead.

The midfielder was speaking in a press conference with the Portugal national team. He’s quoted by local outlet A Bola, ahead of the matches against Ireland and Hungary.

Reflecting on his time at Bayern Munich, the 30-year-old admitted it had been a difficult period. “The moment with the national team depends a lot on what we live at our club. Last season wasn’t easy for me, especially when I got injured with the national team. I was out longer than expected. Afterwards, I didn’t get the opportunities I think I deserved,” he said.

Palhinha pointed out that the lack of minutes in Germany affected his international rhythm but stressed he is now in a positive phase. “Now I’m going through a happy moment in my life. A new club, a new project. A league that isn’t new to me and that I’m enjoying again. Football and life are very momentary. I just have to enjoy these moments,” he continued.

Longer Tottenham stay sounds likely

As relayed by MaisFutebol, he also spoke about his quick adaptation at Tottenham and the trust he has felt since arriving in North London. “I’ve simply been having the opportunities I didn’t have in the past. I feel total confidence from the people who wanted to bring me to Tottenham. In this case, the coach, who was the main person responsible for my return to England,” Palhinha explained.

“When we feel wanted somewhere, I think that’s where we should be. So I made this decision very easily, honestly. Not only because it’s the Premier League, but because I felt the desire from the other side to work with me. And that’s what’s helping me show again what I’m capable of,” he added.

The midfielder also reiterated his confidence about competing for a starting role with Portugal. He remains ready for any opportunity that comes his way.

As previously reported, the midfielder sealed a season-long loan from Bayern Munich that includes a €30m (£25.5m) purchase option. Tottenham are covering his full salary for the duration of the loan, estimated at around €8.5m (£7.2m) with potential bonuses pushing it closer to €10m (£8.5m).

His move was seen as part of Spurs’ push to strengthen their midfield with experienced Premier League talent, and it appears to be paying off.

Palhinha has featured in 11 games across all competitions for Tottenham this season, totalling 718 minutes, with two goals and one assist to his name.

Given his form and comments about enjoying this new phase, all signs point to him wanting to stay beyond the loan spell. That leaves the question of whether Tottenham will trigger the option to buy. So far, there’s no shortage of reasons to do so.

Tottenham Hotpsur’s Yves Bissouma is still waiting to make his first appearance of the season.

The Mali international was left out of Thomas Frank’s plans at the north London club. With a contract expiring in 2026, he was said to have been asked to look for a club last summer.

Bissouma didn’t leave Tottenham, but Frank hasn’t considered him right for selection so far.

Africa Foot contacted former Mali defender Cédric Kanté to get his views on Bissouma’s difficult situation at Spurs.

Tottenham sacked Ange Postecoglou despite him guiding them to the Europa League success in May. Thomas Frank was appointed as his successor and the midfielder has failed to convince the Dane.

Kanté supports the former Brentford manager’s handling of his compatriot.

“I think there was a break before the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine in August, when Bissouma arrived late for training several times,” he said.

“Thomas Frank disciplined him, which seemed normal to me at the time. It’s logical for the coach to enforce the squad’s disciplinary rules.”

Frank dropped the 27-year-old from Tottenham’s squad for the Champions League. The former RC Strasbourg defender says he was surprised by the manager’s decision.

“On the other hand, his absence from the squad list for the Champions League surprised me. And what’s more, he’s not playing in the league. That’s a lot, for a few late arrivals. And I’m naturally wondering if there’s something else going on. But I don’t have any information on that,” Kanté explained.

“He can still hope to turn things around”

Kanté remains hopeful the former Brighton & Hove Albion can turn things around at Tottenham. He’s aware it won’t be easy as summer signing João Palhinha has impressed for Spurs.

“I hope so, because he’s a very good player. He has qualities, and he’s shown them since playing in England. He’s reliable and useful for the team. I think he could be of service,” he added.

“But Palhinha is doing a very good job. The team is fourth in the Premier League, has started well in the Champions League, and Thomas Frank doesn’t really have any reason to change everything.

“However, Yves Bissouma, if he trains well, can still hope to turn things around and be part of the rotation again.”

Nottingham Forest could offer Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma an escape route in the winter market.

Africa Foot reported on September 30th that Ange Postecoglou has the 29-year-old on his target list. It was also said Nottingham Forest are seriously thinking about the Tottenham player.

That came after they reported Bissouma was looking towards the exit generally.

Postecoglou knows the player well from his two-year spell at Tottenham. The midfielder played 72 games under the manager. However, Bissouma has now lost prominence at Spurs.

The Mali international’s contract expires in 2026, and Thomas Frank hasn’t considered him at Tottenham this season. There’s a belief Nottingham Forest could sign him for a reasonable price in the next window.

Another report from Africa Foot includes an interview with former Mali international Cédric Kanté, and he discussed Bissouma’s situation at Tottenham.

When asked to give his take on the Nottingham Forest possibility, Kanté said his compatriot could be a good option.

“It seems interesting to me. Forest’s manager is Postecoglou, who knows Bissouma well and trusted him at Tottenham,” he said.

“Nottingham Forest is having a difficult start to the season, and I think he could be of service to this team. But the winter transfer window is still a long way off.

“If his situation at Tottenham doesn’t improve, he’ll have to find a club. Bissouma wants to stay in England, as he’s very familiar with the Premier League, but also to renew his work permit.”

Postecoglou is yet to register his first win with Nottingham Forest after seven matches. His stay at the club until January could be key for Bissouma’s potential arrival.

Tottenham were among the clubs represented at the Estádio do Dragão this weekend, as scouts from 18 different sides attended the goalless draw between Porto and Benfica.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, the London side were part of a long list that also included PSG, Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid.

The 0-0 scoreline may not have provided much excitement, but the match offered plenty for recruiters to analyse. Both teams fielded several young players with clear market appeal – the kind of profiles that have drawn Premier League attention in recent years.

For Porto, Gabri Veiga, Victor Froholdt and 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora all featured and have already attracted interest from abroad. On the Benfica side, Georgiy Sudakov, António Silva and Samuel Dahl were the most notable names.

Portuguese outlet ZeroZero described the game as “poor in goals, but rich in tactics”, with both José Mourinho and Francesco Farioli praised for their organisation. That level of structure, combined with the individual quality on display, made the fixture one of the most closely watched of the season so far.

For Tottenham, the trip was part of a broader pattern of scouting in Portugal, where young players continue to offer strong technical grounding and resale potential.

There’s no sign yet of a concrete move, but the presence of their staff at such a high-profile match suggests the club are keeping a close eye on future opportunities in the market.

Tottenham target Rayan continues to make headlines at Vasco da Gama, with his steady rise now earning him a place in the club’s history books.

As highlighted by O Gol, the 19-year-old striker scored twice in Vasco’s 4-3 win over Vitória, marking the first brace of his professional career and surpassing a record previously held by club and country legend Roberto Dinamite.

Rayan has now become the youngest player in Vasco’s history to reach 10 goals in the Brazilian league, achieving the feat at just 19 years and two months – four months younger than Dinamite was when he set the record, in 1973.

This latest achievement adds another milestone to what has already been a breakout campaign. Rayan now has 14 goals this season, including four in his last four matches, and a total of 17 in 87 senior appearances for the Rio de Janeiro side.

His improvement throughout 2025 has reinforced the view inside and outside Brazil that he is one of the most promising forwards in South America.

Tottenham have been reportedly leading the monitoring process, having already sent scouts to watch him and even contacted the Brazilian FA about his chances of a senior national team call-up under Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea and Brighton have also entered the race, according to recent reports in the Brazilian press, while Porto and Zenit Saint Petersburg have made concrete approaches. Barcelona remain attentive, having followed the teenager’s development for months.

Vasco, meanwhile, remain determined to keep their starlet at least until mid-2026. The forward signed a renewal in April with a €40m release clause, although Brazilian sources have suggested that a deal around €30m could be enough to tempt the club.

For now, though, Rayan’s focus is on continuing to score goals and lead Vasco’s attack, but each new milestone makes Tottenham’s pursuit more complicated – and surely more tempting.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the picture to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen in the winter market.

That’s according to Catalan newspaper Sport, who mention Tottenham when covering what could happen with the 33-year-old’s future.

The goalkeeper has been on sidelines with a back injury since July. He’s expected to regain full fitness at the end of November but hasn’t got a future at Barcelona.

Joan García has been Hansi Flick’s long term No.1 and that won’t change. García, who is currently recovering from an injury, is set to return in a month.

The Germany international would struggle for regular minutes at Barca. He’s caught the attention of Tottenham and others. It’s claimed ‘specifically, interest is high in the Premier League’, where Spurs are one of his suitors.

Sport report Thomas Frank’s side, along with Manchester United and Newcastle United, have contacted Barcelona about a January move. There’s also interest from AS Monaco, but Spurs may not have to worry as Ter Stegen snubbed them last summer.

The report adds most of the interested parties are looking at a loan with a purchase option in January.

Barcelona, for their part, will open the exit door. Sport say the player’s plan is to see out his contract until 2028.

Ter Stegen has been successful at Barcelona, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey six times each, and the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup once.

Tottenham Hotspur started their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Villarreal and a 2-2 draw against FK Bodø/Glimt. Spurs came from behind to settle for a point against the Norwegian club earlier this week.

Tottenham’s next European clash is against AS Monaco on October 22nd and Paul Pogba could make his debut when the latter face the north London club.

The midfielder hasn’t played for over two years after being suspended in September 2023 for failing a drug test. A month later, he received a four-year ban, and that was reduced to 18 months in October 2024.

Juventus released him in November 2024, and the Ligue 1 club signed the 32-year-old on a free transfer in June. He’s waiting to make his debut for Monaco. Manager Adi Hütter has provided an update and Saturday’s Ouest-France have relayed his comments.

The former Manchester United man won’t be in contention to face OGC Nice on Sunday. Hütter claims the Frenchman could return to face Angers on October 18th or against Tottenham in the Champions League the following week.

“He’s still doing some of the training. It takes time when you’ve been out for so long. Now he’s participating in the small games. The next two weeks will bring him closer to his return,” he said.

“I think he can be ready against Angers, without promising it. It could also be the following match [against Tottenham in the Champions League].”

If Pogba were to make his return against Tottenham, then the match will become one of the most covered in that Champions League week.