Goal.com

Middlesbrough have officially confirmed the signing of Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur, with the highly-rated defender putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Riverside. The 21-year-old, who originally joined Spurs from Blackburn Rovers in 2023 for a reported fee of £2 million, makes the move to Teesside in search of consistent first-team football after failing to break into the senior setup in North London.

Phillips expressed his excitement about the move, reflecting on his journey through the English leagues so far. 'I got some great experience at a young age with Blackburn. I then experienced what it's like to be a Premier League player at Tottenham,' Phillips told the club website. 'I think I've developed myself into a good player during my loans, but there's more to come from me. I'm very excited to be here. Hopefully we can achieve great things together this season.'

While Phillips never made a competitive appearance for Tottenham’s first team, he has become a seasoned campaigner in the second tier through several productive loan spells. Most notably, he spent two separate stints with Stoke City, where he made the vast majority of his professional appearances. In total, Phillips has racked up 119 career appearances, with 83 of those coming in a Potters shirt.

Prior to his stint at Stoke City, Phillips spent time on loan with Plymouth Argyle after joining them in January 2024. Having emerged through Blackburn Rovers' prestigious academy, the England youth international had long been on the radar of several top-flight clubs. However, Middlesbrough won the race for his signature after reaching an agreement with Tottenham – as reported by The Athletic on August 6 – in a deal comprising an initial £7 million fee plus up to £13 million in potential add-ons and performance-related bonuses. His decision to commit his long-term future to Boro highlights his belief that the Riverside Stadium is the ideal proving ground to fulfill his potential.

The arrival of Phillips marks the eighth signing of a remarkably busy summer window for Middlesbrough. Following the heartbreak of losing the Championship play-off final to Hull City in May, the club has acted decisively to strengthen every department of the squad. The summer recruitment drive includes goalkeeper Radek Vitek, strikers Kyle Joseph and Will Lankshear, winger Jeremy Sarmiento, alongside a midfield overhaul featuring Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten, and Myles Peart-Harris.

This significant investment highlights the ambition at the Riverside as Boro look to return to the top flight for the first time since 2017. The recruitment strategy has focused on a blend of youthful potential and technical quality, with Phillips fitting perfectly into that mould.

Middlesbrough have already enjoyed a positive start to their competitive schedule, having secured a 1-0 victory over Wrexham in the Carabao Cup last Saturday. That result provided a morale boost ahead of their league opener, and the addition of Phillips - who becomes the second Tottenham player to make a permanent switch to the Riverside this summer following academy graduate Will Lankshear's five-year deal - further strengthens the feel-good factor around the club.

Romero is renowned for his aggressive, front-foot defending, a combative style that perfectly aligns with Diego Simeone's traditional demands. The defender believes the transfer is an ideal fit for his long-term career ambitions.

"I am very happy, very delighted to arrive here, at this huge club," Romero said following his official unveiling. "I know I come with the same mentality as always, trying to write my name in the history of this beautiful club."

"I know the only way is by winning trophies, so I come with that mentality and I will give everything until the last day to achieve it. It's a club that, because of my style of play, fits me perfectly."

The defender arrives in Madrid fresh from helping Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final. He will seamlessly slot into a dressing room that already features several of his international team-mates. Romero admitted that those familiar faces, alongside the fiery Atletico fanbase, played a significant role in his decision to leave England.

"There are many national team-mates here, and I know it's a wonderful club," he explained. "When I played against them in the Champions League, the fans supporting them... a bit of everything made me make this decision to come here. I will give my absolute all, no doubt. In the end football can go well or bad, but I know I'll be 100 per cent committed to this crest, this shirt."

Atletico have officially completed the transfer of centre-back Romero from Spurs. The 28-year-old Argentina international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract that runs until 30 June 2031. The right-footed defender passed his medical at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre in Madrid. He then travelled to the club offices at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to formally complete the move. Romero was reportedly signed by Los Rojiblancos for a fee reaching €40 million.

Romero leaves Tottenham following five memorable seasons in London. He originally joined Spurs on loan for the 2021-22 season before making the move permanent and accumulating 156 total appearances, 13 goals, and seven assists for the club.

His crowning achievement in England arrived during the 2024-25 season, when he helped Spurs win the Europa League. The triumph marked Spurs' first European trophy in 31 years. Romero was recognised as both the Europa League's best player and the standout performer in the final, cementing his status as one of Europe's premier defenders.

Born in Cordoba, Argentina, Romero began his senior career at Club Atletico Belgrano in 2016. He later moved to Serie A with Genoa before signing for Juventus in 2019, subsequently enjoying impressive loan spells back at Genoa and then Atalanta.

During his time with Atalanta in the 2020-21 campaign, the defender was named Serie A's best defender. His elite performances in Italy paved the way for his move to England. Romero also boasts remarkable success with Argentina, earning 58 senior caps. He has never finished below second place in any international tournament, winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles, and the Finalissima, alongside a runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup.

With his contract signed through to June 2031, Romero is now set to integrate into the Atletico squad under Diego Simeone ahead of the new season. The Spanish club believe his vast international experience, physical profile, and defensive authority will significantly fortify their backline. Romero's arrival marks an exciting new era for the defender as he prepares to test himself in Liga following his success in Serie A and the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca’s preparations for the upcoming Community Shield clash against Arsenal took an unexpected hit as Savinho sat out the latest session. Man City are readying themselves for the traditional curtain-raiser at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, but they may have to do so without the 22-year-old. According to The Athletic's Sam Lee, the Brazilian sat out training due to illness.

While the winger was missing, other key figures were present at the City Football Academy. Jack Grealish was involved as he seeks to make his first appearance for the club in over a year following his injury struggles. He was joined by Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and January arrival Marc Guehi, all of whom are vying for a starting spot in the showdown against the Gunners this weekend.

The timing of Savinho's absence is particularly intriguing given the intense interest from north London. Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly on the verge of landing his primary attacking target, with Tottenham nearing a full agreement for the £60 million-rated star.

Spurs have been remarkably active in the transfer market as they look to climb back toward the top end of the table following back-to-back 17th-place Premier League finishes. Having already overhauled their squad with key midfield and defensive reinforcements, their focus has now firmly shifted toward bolstering the final third.

The recruitment strategy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been aggressive this summer. Spurs spent the first half of the window bringing in new bodies at the back as they signed Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke. They followed up that defensive overhaul with a massive statement in the middle of the park, shelling out a combined £185 million to secure the midfield duo of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

To facilitate further arrivals like Savinho, the club is preparing for several high-profile departures. Cristian Romero is on the cusp of a move to Atletico Madrid, while full-back Djed Spence is set to secure a switch to Inter. These exits are expected to provide the necessary financial headroom for Spurs to test City’s resolve, though the Etihad hierarchy may be reluctant to sell to a direct rival without a replacement in mind.

If a deal for Savinho proves too difficult to strike, Spurs have identified other elite options, including Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. The Dutch international is highly admired at Hotspur Way, though a deal for the former PSV man appears significantly more complicated. Journalist Ben Jacobs recently shed light on the situation, suggesting that Liverpool are reluctant to part with the versatile attacker unless they can secure multiple replacements first.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Tottenham have one last box to tick. Whether De Zerbi secures Savinho or pivots to Gakpo, Spurs are set on completing their attacking rebuild before the window closes.

Spence has arrived in Italy to finalise his blockbuster summer transfer to Inter. According to TuttoMercato, the Spurs defender landed in Milan late on Thursday night ahead of his scheduled medical with the Serie A giants on Friday. The two European clubs have reached a comprehensive agreement over a transfer fee worth an initial €31.5 million (£27m). The lucrative deal also includes various performance-related add-ons that could easily take the final package up to €35m (£30m).

Furthermore, Spurs have smartly retained a ten per cent sell-on clause for any future sale. Spence reportedly had absolutely no issues agreeing personal terms with the Italian heavyweights, signalling the end of his unpredictable four-year stint in north London.

The 26-year-old was greeted by local media personnel and passionate supporters as he walked through the airport terminal in Milan. The transfer comes off the back of a truly sensational summer for the versatile full-back. Spence enjoyed a breakout 2026 World Cup campaign with England, featuring heavily for his country as the Three Lions ultimately reached the third-place play-off against France.

His excellent performances on the global stage firmly convinced Inter to make their decisive move. The Italian side had been actively searching the market for a high-profile replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who previously departed for Real Madrid in early July.

Spence leaves Tottenham after making 85 senior appearances and proudly claiming a Europa League winners' medal. However, his long-term pathway in north London was severely blocked ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

With first-choice right-back Pedro Porro recently signing a lucrative new contract and Andy Robertson arriving to provide elite cover on the left flank, starting opportunities were set to be incredibly limited. As a result, new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi happily gave the green light for his permanent departure.

It marks the end of a deeply turbulent period for Tottenham. Spence played 44 times during a remarkably difficult last season for the English club, where they narrowly avoided Premier League relegation on the final day of the campaign.

Friday's mandatory medical tests now stand as the final hurdle before Spence is officially unveiled at San Siro. Once the formalities are successfully completed, he will immediately integrate into his new surroundings and aggressively prepare for the upcoming Serie A campaign.

This exciting permanent move actually marks his second professional spell in Italian football. The defender previously spent a productive six months on loan at Genoa back in 2024, providing him with highly valuable experience of the rigorous tactical demands in Italy's top flight.

Spence has arrived in Italy to finalise his blockbuster summer transfer to Inter. According to TuttoMercato, the Spurs defender landed in Milan late on Thursday night ahead of his scheduled medical with the Serie A giants on Friday. The two European clubs have reached a comprehensive agreement over a transfer fee worth an initial €31.5 million (£27m). The lucrative deal also includes various performance-related add-ons that could easily take the final package up to €35m (£30m).

Furthermore, Spurs have smartly retained a ten per cent sell-on clause for any future sale. Spence reportedly had absolutely no issues agreeing personal terms with the Italian heavyweights, signalling the end of his unpredictable four-year stint in north London.

The 26-year-old was greeted by local media personnel and passionate supporters as he walked through the airport terminal in Milan. The transfer comes off the back of a truly sensational summer for the versatile full-back. Spence enjoyed a breakout 2026 World Cup campaign with England, featuring heavily for his country as the Three Lions ultimately reached the third-place play-off against France.

His excellent performances on the global stage firmly convinced Inter to make their decisive move. The Italian side had been actively searching the market for a high-profile replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who previously departed for Real Madrid in early July.

Spence leaves Tottenham after making 85 senior appearances and proudly claiming a Europa League winners' medal. However, his long-term pathway in north London was severely blocked ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

With first-choice right-back Pedro Porro recently signing a lucrative new contract and Andy Robertson arriving to provide elite cover on the left flank, starting opportunities were set to be incredibly limited. As a result, new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi happily gave the green light for his permanent departure.

It marks the end of a deeply turbulent period for Tottenham. Spence played 44 times during a remarkably difficult last season for the English club, where they narrowly avoided Premier League relegation on the final day of the campaign.

Friday's mandatory medical tests now stand as the final hurdle before Spence is officially unveiled at San Siro. Once the formalities are successfully completed, he will immediately integrate into his new surroundings and aggressively prepare for the upcoming Serie A campaign.

This exciting permanent move actually marks his second professional spell in Italian football. The defender previously spent a productive six months on loan at Genoa back in 2024, providing him with highly valuable experience of the rigorous tactical demands in Italy's top flight.

Savinho missed Manchester City's training session on Thursday, with the Brazilian's name increasingly linked to a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

According to "The Sun", Spurs are keen to sign him, and sources at Manchester City confirm the player wants out and fancies the switch.

City insiders put the winger's absence down to illness.

The 22-year-old has made his intentions plain again this week, spelling out his desire to move to north London.

That leaves City with a tricky call over one of their attacking options while Tottenham keep pressing to get the deal done.

Savinho arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2024. His contract runs until 2031.

Simons, who missed the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands after suffering a severe tear to the ACL in his right knee, officially welcomed Xavi following the KNVB's decision to hand the reins to the former Barcelona manager. During his formative years in the Barcelona academy, Simons was frequently compared to his namesake due to his technical proficiency and vision.

Taking to his social media platforms, Simons shared a nostalgic photograph from his childhood at La Masia, standing alongside the man who would eventually become his coach at the international level. The message was simple yet profound, with Simons stating: "The name that inspired my name. Welcome to Holland, mister Xavi Hernández!"

The origins of how the young Dutchman came to share a name with a Spanish icon have long been a point of interest for fans. His mother previously revealed that the choice of name was a direct result of watching the legendary midfielder orchestrate play for the Catalan giants. After the birth of their son, the parents were still debating various names until they watched a Barcelona fixture where Xavi was dominant. The decision was made instantly, cementing a lifelong link to the Blaugrana philosophy that both men share. For Simons, having his namesake in charge provides an extra layer of motivation as he continues to establish himself as a cornerstone of the national team.

While the arrival of the 46-year-old Catalan marks a significant shift in direction, the KNVB has ensured that the new regime remains grounded in local expertise. Reports indicate that Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to be retained as part of the Netherlands backroom staff. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker proved his worth during the 2026 World Cup and will provide a vital bridge between the previous era under Ronald Koeman and Xavi’s fresh tactical approach.

In addition to Van Nistelrooy, the coaching setup will maintain further stability through the retention of goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks. By keeping these key figures in place, the Dutch FA hopes to blend Xavi's implementation of the "Total Football" philosophy with the existing structure of the national setup.

As the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in the late 1970s, the pressure will be immediate. The Spanish tactician’s long-term contract demonstrates a commitment to a total overhaul of the team’s identity, aiming to return to the proactive, possession-based style that defined the golden eras of Oranje football. The first major test for the new-look Netherlands side will come in the UEFA Nations League, where they are scheduled to face Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena in September. Following the Germany fixture, the Oranje will face Serbia and Greece in their group, providing a platform for the new manager to fine-tune his system before the European Championship qualifying cycle begins.

Diego Simeone has finally landed his man as Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal in principle with Tottenham to sign Romero, according to Sky Sports. The package for the Argentina international is understood to be in the region of £34.2 million plus additional performance-related add-ons. Furthermore, Spurs have protected their future interests by ensuring a 15 per cent sell-on clause is included in the final terms of the transfer agreement.

The Spanish giants have long admired the Argentina defender, and it had grown increasingly clear throughout the transfer window that Spurs would be open to selling their captain if a suitable offer materialized. Romero originally joined the North London side on a season-long loan from Atalanta in the summer of 2021, before Tottenham made the arrangement permanent the following year.

The central defender always favored a move to Atletico Madrid, despite attracting strong interest from major clubs across Europe. Inter Milan were keen on bringing the former Atalanta star back to Serie A, while Tottenham's North London rivals Arsenal were also creditably linked with a shock swoop for his services.

This departure comes despite Romero's Spurs deal being due to run until the summer of 2029, ending a spell in North London where the defender helped Tottenham secure silverware by winning the 2024-25 Europa League.

Romero's time in the Premier League will be remembered for both his elite technical quality and his disciplinary struggles. Despite being sent off twice last season during Spurs' Premier League relegation battle, the 28-year-old played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid the drop, making 32 appearances across all competitions while contributing six goals and four assists during a campaign that tested the resolve of everyone at the club.

Across his five seasons in North London, Romero made 124 appearances for Spurs and scored 12 goals, while earning four Premier League red cards along the way. That uncompromising, high-intensity style made him a fan favorite for many, even if it occasionally proved a source of frustration for others.

The relationship between the player and the supporters was not without its friction. Romero faced fierce backlash from fans after appearing ready to attend his boyhood club Belgrano’s Argentine Primera División Apertura final against River Plate, rather than being present for Tottenham’s crucial end-of-season clash against Everton.

However, the defender did eventually attend the final game of the season, in which Spurs secured Premier League survival. With his future now set in Madrid, the Argentine leaves behind a complicated legacy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Diego Simeone has finally landed his man as Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal in principle with Tottenham to sign Romero, according to Sky Sports. The package for the Argentina international is understood to be in the region of £34.2 million plus additional performance-related add-ons. Furthermore, Spurs have protected their future interests by ensuring a 15 per cent sell-on clause is included in the final terms of the transfer agreement.

The Spanish giants have long admired the Argentina defender, and it had grown increasingly clear throughout the transfer window that Spurs would be open to selling their captain if a suitable offer materialized. Romero originally joined the North London side on a season-long loan from Atalanta in the summer of 2021, before Tottenham made the arrangement permanent the following year.

The central defender always favored a move to Atletico Madrid, despite attracting strong interest from major clubs across Europe. Inter Milan were keen on bringing the former Atalanta star back to Serie A, while Tottenham's North London rivals Arsenal were also creditably linked with a shock swoop for his services.

This departure comes despite Romero's Spurs deal being due to run until the summer of 2029, ending a spell in North London where the defender helped Tottenham secure silverware by winning the 2024-25 Europa League.

Romero's time in the Premier League will be remembered for both his elite technical quality and his disciplinary struggles. Despite being sent off twice last season during Spurs' Premier League relegation battle, the 28-year-old played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid the drop, making 32 appearances across all competitions while contributing six goals and four assists during a campaign that tested the resolve of everyone at the club.

Across his five seasons in North London, Romero made 124 appearances for Spurs and scored 12 goals, while earning four Premier League red cards along the way. That uncompromising, high-intensity style made him a fan favorite for many, even if it occasionally proved a source of frustration for others.

The relationship between the player and the supporters was not without its friction. Romero faced fierce backlash from fans after appearing ready to attend his boyhood club Belgrano’s Argentine Primera División Apertura final against River Plate, rather than being present for Tottenham’s crucial end-of-season clash against Everton.

However, the defender did eventually attend the final game of the season, in which Spurs secured Premier League survival. With his future now set in Madrid, the Argentine leaves behind a complicated legacy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.