Sport Witness

Rafael van der Vaart appears to have forgotten he played for Tottenham Hotspur. That’s if his latest comments are anything to go by anyway.

He’s recently been speaking to Ajax Showtime. The interview is largely focused on his frustration with Ajax’s youth team and their apparent lack of fun.

The Dutchman is a regular viewer of his former team’s youth set up, taking time to watch the upcoming talents in the Netherlands as part of his new life as a pundit and analyst.

He retired all the way back in 2018 at the age of 35, admitting that persistent injury issues had stopped him from playing at his previous level.

It ended an 18-year career that saw him come through at Ajax and play for the first team, before spells at Hamburger, Real Madrid, Tottenham and later Real Betis, FC Midtjylland and Esbjerg. He also enjoyed 109 appearances for the Netherlands.

Tottenham fans will remember his two years at the club fondly. He enjoyed a productive two years with them, scoring 27 goals in 77 appearances and becoming a firm fan favourite. The former midfielder, though, appears to have completely forgotten about those happy times.

Ajax Showtime provide his comments today, with the line ‘he doesn’t even mention his time at Tottenham’ when it comes to discussing his career.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my career. And yet there are people who think I didn’t make the most of it,” he said.

“Twelve years at Ajax, stints at Real Madrid, 109 international matches and a World Cup final, scoring around two hundred goals. Then it would be very ungrateful to say: it just didn’t work out… Right?

“You shouldn’t oversimplify things. I’ve always been a fan. That’s how I analyse. That’s why I can get annoyed with Jong Ajax and the youth team. They don’t smile anymore. I come to watch De Toekomst, it’s raining, you’re standing there. Then it seems like we, the parents, are forcing those children onto the pitch.

“Ajax really needs to do something about that. It might be a terrible cliché, but it starts with joy. I made sure that the child within me never disappeared.”

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United may have just been handed a warning over Koln star Said El Mala. He won’t go anywhere without his brother, as Borussia Dortmund learned in 2024.

Sky Germany cover comments from him today, made in an interview with 11 Freunde. In that, explained why he turned down Dortmund a year ago.

El Mala is currently one of the hottest properties in German football, establishing himself as a rising star in the Bundesliga. He’s also been called up to the German national team by Julian Nagelsmann.

Several big clubs are already vying for him. A report yesterday insisted that Manchester United and Tottenham have made contact for a €30-40m deal.

If they are serious, then they need to bear in mind what previously happened to Dortmund. They were keen on El Mala last summer but ended up being turned down by the winger. Why? They didn’t realise his ‘close relationship’ with his brother Malek.

The pair have played at club alongside each other for years, initially transferring to TSV Meerbusch in the summer of 2021, and then to Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2023. Dortmund, though, only wanted Said.

“That was the end of it for me,” he explained in the interview with 11 Freunde. That was something Koln had been aware of, signing both. Malek is currently playing for the reserve team in the Regionalliga. The pair even live together in a shared apartment in the Ehrenfeld district of Cologne.

That’s something Manchester United and Tottenham need to be aware of. If they want to sign El Mala next summer, they may need to bring his brother along too.

Arsenal favourite Nicklas Bendtner has explained why he thinks Thomas Frank is struggling at Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank ended his long spell at Brentford to join Spurs in June. Tottenham have had an up and down time under the Dane’s orders, winning 10 of their 25 matches so far. This includes six league wins and three in the Champions League.

Bendtner, who spent 10 years at Arsenal between 2004 and 2014, spoke to Stolpe Ind about the Tottenham boss. Indkast have relayed his comments.

According to the Arsenal favourite, Spurs haven’t enjoyed a good run this season partly due to injuries and their summer signings failing to regularly impress.

He believes the Europa League winners tried to replicate the Brentford model at the north London club.

“I think the problem is the DNA that was laid out at the beginning. And the way we could see how the Brentford project was brought into Tottenham. The transfers that were made and were super exciting. Xavi Simons, for example. They’ve all fallen through,” he said.

“There is no one who delivers at a particularly high level. At the same time that we have injuries to these top three of their best players, I would say: Kulusevski, Maddison and Solanke. But the way they are losing is what looks really bad.”

Tottenham have two wins in their last eight matches and three in last 11. This includes only one win in the Premier League against Brentford. The ex-Arsenal man has questioned the north London club’s process to appoint Frank.

“I also think they must have had discussions about these things before hiring him,” Bendtner explained.

“Someone must have said: ‘We have this squad, and we can do this. I can help you with this, and I can’t promise you anything, but we have to go this way.’ And then they come out afterwards and stab him in the back. I think it seems poorly handled.”

Spurs are currently 11th in the table. Earlier this month, Danish pundit Niels Christian had warned Frank about his position at Tottenham.

The former Arsenal frontman has used Frank’s work at Brentford to send a message to Spurs.

“He has been instrumental in making Ivan Toney into Ivan Toney. Mbeumo into Mbeumo and our Danish players Jensen, Nørgaard and Damsgaard – implementing them in important roles on the Brentford team. He has done some great things over there,” he added.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Luka Vuskovic admits he can’t give any guarantees about his future, and a potential longer stay at HSV Hamburg.

Hamburger Abendblatt have the second part of an interview with the defender today. They put fan questions to the Tottenham youngster, with his future still hot on the agenda.

He joined the German side on loan in the summer and hasn’t looked back since. He’s quickly established himself as a key player for the club, impressing week in and week out and earning plenty of admirers in the process.

Tottenham are keeping a close eye on his development. So far there has been no indication they will take him back in January, despite having an option to do so if they suffer injuries.

What happens next summer, remains to be seen. The current loan deal only lasts for this season, and all indications are Tottenham will want him back, particularly if he continues his current development.

That might clash with what Vuskovic wants, though. He’s made it clear that he would like to remain where he is and potentially play with his brother at the German club. His brother is banned until November 2026 due to doping violations.

Tottenham defender clings to sibling dream

The Tottenham defender has already made it clear it would be a dream for him to play together. Now he’s doubled down on that but can’t promise that it will happen, or that he’ll return in future.

“Unfortunately, I can’t promise that, as I would like to end my career at Hajduk Split,” he said when asked if he will play for HSV at the end of his career.

“That’s my hometown club; that’s where it all started. But of course, I would love to play for HSV for several more years.

“As I mentioned, I really hope so. That would be a dream come true,” he added when asked about playing for HSV next season. That’s when his brother’s ban ends. That question is something he’s now being consistently asked.

“Almost every day,” he concluded.

“On the street, while shopping, walking, or in a restaurant. It’s definitely the most frequent question I get asked. But it’s a nice question that I’m always happy to answer.”

Earlier this month, claims from Italy stated Guglielmo Vicario will leave Tottenham Hotspur next summer. It was also explained he plans to return to Italy, where Inter Milan are keen on signing him.

Earlier this week, L’Interista reported the goalkeeper is in pole position to join the Serie A side. They also stated Inter are willing to offer a pay rise to attract him.

A fresh report from L’Interista again states the Tottenham player is the priority target for Inter and provides the latest.

The 29-year-old currently earns €2.9m per year and this won’t be an issue for the Italian club. His contract expires in 2028, and Transfermarkt currently value him at €30m.

It’s claimed Inter could offer €20m to sign the stopper. This may not please Spurs, who are said to be demanding at least €25m. There’s a €5m gap and a compromise would be needed to find an agreement.

L’Interista explains the Nerazzurri’s strategy to try and bridge the €5m gap. They believe the Italy international is in his ‘final phase’ at Spurs and Inter want to take advantage of his ‘English sickness’ to negotiate with Tottenham.

There’s no indication whether Tottenham will agree to lower their price even though the player is looking for an exit.

Meanwhile, Vicario continues to be first choice for Thomas Frank, making 23 starts this season.

Tottenham remain among the European clubs monitoring Rayan, as new reports from Brazil point to growing interest from Real Madrid.

Spurs officials have followed the 19-year-old closely this season. Meanwhile, Brazilian media suggest the Spanish giants could move in the next transfer window.

According to O Dia, Real Madrid are tracking Rayan and may prepare a bid of around €50m. The club are searching for alternatives after Endrick’s loan move to Lyon. There is also uncertainty over the teenager’s short-term role in Madrid. Internally, Real Madrid believe Rayan can adapt quickly to European football.

That valuation sits above the €40m figure mentioned in Brazil when Tottenham’s interest first surfaced. As reported by NT Vascaínos, Spurs assistant coach Matt Wells and scout Alex Fraser reviewed footage of Rayan’s recent match against Fluminense. Both came away impressed. Even so, Tottenham have yet to make a formal approach. Vasco remain in control.

The Brazilian club recently renewed Rayan’s contract until 2028. The deal includes an €80m release clause. Vasco expect European approaches but see the middle of next year as a more realistic moment for talks, rather than January.

Rayan’s status continues to grow. He has scored 20 goals and added one assist this season. His senior record stands at 23 goals and two assists in 96 appearances.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Inter Milan have also been named as interested clubs, increasing competition as Tottenham continue to monitor developments.

Back in October, Gazzetta dello Sport presented Tottenham as candidates to sign Juventus’ Jonathan David.

Despite having only joined the Bianconeri in the summer, there seemed to be a possibility of a January exit. Bayern Munich were also seen as suitors for the Canada international.

Even if David has scored two Champions League goals recently, his situation is causing drama in Italy. This can help Tottenham in a potential move.

Journalist Massimo Pavan has addressed reports David is being excluded by others in the squad. There’s been claims he isn’t invited for some team meals, and there’s little integration help.

Pavan has tried to calm things, quoted by TuttoJuve as saying: “How can anyone think that such things could happen at a club like Juventus?”

Despite that, the claims – which sound almost like school-style bullying – are causing drama.

Perhaps a quick sale was always the plan

Since David joined Juve on a free transfer in the summer, he hasn’t made a big impact. He is one of their biggest wage earners and all of it is weighing heavily on his shoulders and the club’s accounts.

A sale in January would help them earn a massive capital profit, given he arrived for free. Indeed, that may have been the intention all along.

With Tottenham struggling for goals, this could be something worth keeping an eye on.

Even during the 25-year-old’s time at Lille, Spurs were constantly mentioned as a potential destination.

Last season, he scored 25 goals and contributed 12 assists, in 49 matches for the French club. The season before it was 26 and 9 in 47 matches.

Maybe a rescue transfer could be on the agenda.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are the latest clubs to join the battle for 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala.

That’s according to this week’s edition of SportBild, who report Tottenham and Manchester United have both made approaches.

Last summer, Brighton & Hove Albion offered €20m and it was turned down. Last week it was reported Seagulls owner Tony Bloom got involved personally and that interest remains.

The winger has managed to attract interest from multiple European clubs in recent months.

On Monday, Bild reported Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are in the picture to sign the 19-year-old. It was also stated Köln are expected to wait until next summer to sell him for €50-60m or more.

The same report explained unnamed English clubs have expressed interest to sign El Mala for €30-40m. These two clubs could be Tottenham and Manchester United.

Said El Mala hype being pushed

Despite attracting interest from several clubs, SportBild now report Köln ‘received the first concrete inquiries from’ from Spurs and the Red Devils.

It’s claimed the Premier League duo have asked the German club of their willingness to negotiate for the player. The two English clubs have also indicated they are willing to offer around €30-40m.

SportBild states: ‘It’s also clear that if they’re offering FC Köln such sums so early on, they know the final transfer fee will be even higher.’ It’s likely to be above €50m if yesterday’s report is to be believed.

El Mala has already ruled out a winter move but could change clubs next summer. The report states his future is likely to be in the Premier League despite interest from the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich.

The winger has six goals and three assists from 14 league matches this season.

It feels like the German media are creating hype around El Mala to drive up his price.

Over the past few years, Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as one of the best defenders in Italian football. Unsurprisingly, he’s caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici.

FCInterNews cover the 26-year-old’s situation, explaining that he’s popular with multiple major clubs.

Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiyah tried to sign him in the summer. Simone Inzaghi was keen on reuniting with the centre-back in Saudi Arabia but all approaches were rejected.

Advances from Tottenham and Chelsea were also rejected.

Bastoni hasn’t seriously considered leaving Inter Milan. He feels ‘deeply attached’ to the Nerazzurri and it’s possible that talks about his renewal could take place in the next few months.

The report claims Paratici is ‘crazy’ about the defender but a move to Tottenham would prove difficult. Bastoni’s objective is to become a legend for Inter and he’s keen on a new deal.

This is FCInterNews’ way of hyping up their star player’s loyalty to the club. Barcelona interest has also been pushed recently, and there appears a desire to present Bastoni as rejecting half of Europe’s great and good.

On October 6th, Sport reported Tottenham Hotspur had contacted Barcelona over a move for Marc-André ter Stegen in the winter market.

Later that month, the same newspaper backed up the Europa League winners’ interest in the goalkeeper.

Fast forward to December and Sport mention Tottenham again when covering the latest on the 33-year-old.

The Germany international picked up a back injury in July and was sidelined for months. He made his first appearance of the season in Barca’s 2-0 Copa del Rey win over CD Guadalajara yesterday.

Hansi Flick’s side have made it clear to him that Joan García is their No.1. However, Ter Stegen isn’t considering leaving the Camp Nou next month. He has a contract until 2028 with an ‘important salary’, and his family is comfortable in Barcelona.

Beşiktaş, Bologna, and Ajax have all contacted Barcelona but are unlikely to be able to afford his wages. Ter Stegen isn’t keen on joining any of these clubs anyway. Manchester United had made a move via intermediaries but there’s nothing serious as of now.

It’s claimed the stopper’s situation could only change if Tottenham enter the bidding in January.

Guglielmo Vicario has made errors in his recent matches. Thomas Frank has defended the Italian, but Spurs have conceded 21 goals so far in the league. The German’s experience can help them solve some of their defensive problems.

Sport report that behind the scenes, the ‘tension is palpable, and the English club could make a move’ for a new stopper in January.

This is where Ter Stegen could come into the picture. Tottenham can sign him on loan with an option to buy. A move to London may suit the player and his family better than other options.