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'I have good hopes he will play football again' - Dejan Kulusevski injury rehab still dragging on after a year as Sweden doctor issues update on Tottenham star

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'I have good hopes he will play football again' - Dejan Kulusevski injury rehab still dragging on after a year as Sweden doctor issues update on Tottenham star - Goal.com
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Following his official omission from Sweden's World Cup squad due to a devastating year-long injury, Kulusevski's focus has now fully shifted to the 2026-27 club season. The forward is determined to be ready to work under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, and despite the lengthy layoff, national team doctor Jonas Werner remains optimistic about the long-term career prospects for the former Juventus man.

“He won't give up hope,” Werner said, via Sportbladet. “He's getting plenty of help from the club and others who are helping him with his rehabilitation. I have good hopes that he will play football again.”

Kulusevski was officially ruled out of this summer’s World Cup in North America after failing to recover from a persistent patella injury. The forward has not seen competitive action since May 2025, an absence that was initially downplayed by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou but has since morphed into a year-long nightmare involving multiple surgeries.

Sweden manager Graham Potter admitted it was a “very, very difficult decision” to leave the Spurs man out of his final World Cup squad. Despite Kulusevski’s public efforts to prove his fitness in time for the tournament, the medical reality has forced the Blagult to move forward without one of their most creative sparks.

Dr. Werner has lifted the lid on why the 26-year-old is still struggling to return to top-level competition. Speaking via Sportbladet, the team doctor explained the complexities of the injury that has kept the winger in the treatment room for over 12 months.

“It has been a long story,” Werner explained. “Dejan has done everything to get ready to play World Cup football again. Now he was not ready. This is because he has not played football for over a year. And the medical assessments pointed in one direction. It is a combination of different things.”

The nature of the injury is particularly troublesome for a professional athlete. Werner detailed the physiological hurdles Kulusevski faces, noting that the specific area of damage does not heal like a standard muscle tear or bone break due to a lack of blood flow in the cartilage.

“They are difficult to treat,” Werner continued. “Cartilage has no blood supply and no nerves. They do not heal in the usual way. In addition, his injury is in a place where a lot of strain occurs for a football player. The kneecap slides back and forth over the femur. An enormous compressive force is developed. It is likely that his injury has not healed enough for him to cope with that strain yet.”

It remains to be seen whether Kulusevski will be fit to return in time for next season, as Tottenham start their first full campaign under De Zerbi.

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'I have good hopes he will play football again' - Dejan Kulusevski injury rehab still dragging on after a year as Sweden doctor issues update on Tottenham star

Submitted by daniel on
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'I have good hopes he will play football again' - Dejan Kulusevski injury rehab still dragging on after a year as Sweden doctor issues update on Tottenham star - Goal.com
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Following his official omission from Sweden's World Cup squad due to a devastating year-long injury, Kulusevski's focus has now fully shifted to the 2026-27 club season. The forward is determined to be ready to work under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, and despite the lengthy layoff, national team doctor Jonas Werner remains optimistic about the long-term career prospects for the former Juventus man.

“He won't give up hope,” Werner said, via Sportbladet. “He's getting plenty of help from the club and others who are helping him with his rehabilitation. I have good hopes that he will play football again.”

Kulusevski was officially ruled out of this summer’s World Cup in North America after failing to recover from a persistent patella injury. The forward has not seen competitive action since May 2025, an absence that was initially downplayed by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou but has since morphed into a year-long nightmare involving multiple surgeries.

Sweden manager Graham Potter admitted it was a “very, very difficult decision” to leave the Spurs man out of his final World Cup squad. Despite Kulusevski’s public efforts to prove his fitness in time for the tournament, the medical reality has forced the Blagult to move forward without one of their most creative sparks.

Dr. Werner has lifted the lid on why the 26-year-old is still struggling to return to top-level competition. Speaking via Sportbladet, the team doctor explained the complexities of the injury that has kept the winger in the treatment room for over 12 months.

“It has been a long story,” Werner explained. “Dejan has done everything to get ready to play World Cup football again. Now he was not ready. This is because he has not played football for over a year. And the medical assessments pointed in one direction. It is a combination of different things.”

The nature of the injury is particularly troublesome for a professional athlete. Werner detailed the physiological hurdles Kulusevski faces, noting that the specific area of damage does not heal like a standard muscle tear or bone break due to a lack of blood flow in the cartilage.

“They are difficult to treat,” Werner continued. “Cartilage has no blood supply and no nerves. They do not heal in the usual way. In addition, his injury is in a place where a lot of strain occurs for a football player. The kneecap slides back and forth over the femur. An enormous compressive force is developed. It is likely that his injury has not healed enough for him to cope with that strain yet.”

It remains to be seen whether Kulusevski will be fit to return in time for next season, as Tottenham start their first full campaign under De Zerbi.

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Joao Palhinha will accept pay cut to secure transfer to former side despite midfielder suggesting he wants Tottenham stay after Bayern loan ends

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Joao Palhinha will accept pay cut to secure transfer to former side despite midfielder suggesting he wants Tottenham stay after Bayern loan ends - Goal.com
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Palhinha has emerged as the primary target for Sporting's midfield renovation ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The 30-year-old, who has spent the current campaign on loan at Tottenham from Bayern, is viewed as the ideal replacement for captain Morten Hjulmand, who is expected to depart the Lisbon giants this summer. Negotiations are already underway to bring the former Alvalade favourite back home.

According to A Bola, the return of the Portugal international is a specific request from the club's leadership and coach Rui Borges. While the move is considered difficult due to the player's market value, the emotional pull of Sporting and the desire to be closer to his family in Portugal have made the midfielder push for the deal. To facilitate the move, Palhinha is said to be willing to reduce his current salary to the absolute limit.

The main obstacle in the deal remains Palhinha's substantial earnings. Currently contracted to Bayern Munich until June 2028, the midfielder commands a gross annual salary in the region of €9 million. These figures are generally considered impossible for any Portuguese club to match, which is why the player’s willingness to take a pay cut is viewed as a vital gesture.

Sporting are now looking for a way to convince the German giants to release the player. The Lions are exploring two main avenues: negotiating a transfer fee that fits their budget or securing a loan deal that includes a future purchase option. With the player's personal terms effectively sidelined by his desire to return, the focus has shifted entirely to the club-to-club talks with Bayern.

Palhinha's individual stock remains high despite Tottenham's gruelling and disastrous Premier League campaign. In a season where Spurs shockingly finished 17th and only secured their top-flight survival on the final day, the Portuguese midfielder was one of the few bright spots. He proved to be a pivotal figure in their desperate fight against relegation, fighting through a difficult environment to record seven goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Palininha has publicly stated he wants to stay at Spurs, but A Bola suggests he now has his heart set on a return to Portugal.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has already made his intentions clear regarding the future of Palhinha, confirming his desire to secure the midfielder permanently following his season-long loan from Bayern. The Italian tactician has urged Spurs to trigger the £26 million buy option included in the deal, viewing the Portuguese international as a foundational pillar for the club's rebuilding process next season.

Leaving no doubt about his admiration for the player's character and leadership during a demanding campaign, De Zerbi emphasised that Palhinha is exactly the type of "reliable" personality Tottenham needs moving forward. "One hundred per cent; we have to start with those types of people," De Zerbi stated when asked about keeping the midfielder beyond the summer. It remains to be seen if Tottenham challenge Sporting for his signature.

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Joao Palhinha will accept pay cut to secure transfer to former side despite midfielder suggesting he wants Tottenham stay after Bayern loan ends

Submitted by daniel on
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Joao Palhinha will accept pay cut to secure transfer to former side despite midfielder suggesting he wants Tottenham stay after Bayern loan ends - Goal.com
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Palhinha has emerged as the primary target for Sporting's midfield renovation ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The 30-year-old, who has spent the current campaign on loan at Tottenham from Bayern, is viewed as the ideal replacement for captain Morten Hjulmand, who is expected to depart the Lisbon giants this summer. Negotiations are already underway to bring the former Alvalade favourite back home.

According to A Bola, the return of the Portugal international is a specific request from the club's leadership and coach Rui Borges. While the move is considered difficult due to the player's market value, the emotional pull of Sporting and the desire to be closer to his family in Portugal have made the midfielder push for the deal. To facilitate the move, Palhinha is said to be willing to reduce his current salary to the absolute limit.

The main obstacle in the deal remains Palhinha's substantial earnings. Currently contracted to Bayern Munich until June 2028, the midfielder commands a gross annual salary in the region of €9 million. These figures are generally considered impossible for any Portuguese club to match, which is why the player’s willingness to take a pay cut is viewed as a vital gesture.

Sporting are now looking for a way to convince the German giants to release the player. The Lions are exploring two main avenues: negotiating a transfer fee that fits their budget or securing a loan deal that includes a future purchase option. With the player's personal terms effectively sidelined by his desire to return, the focus has shifted entirely to the club-to-club talks with Bayern.

Palhinha's individual stock remains high despite Tottenham's gruelling and disastrous Premier League campaign. In a season where Spurs shockingly finished 17th and only secured their top-flight survival on the final day, the Portuguese midfielder was one of the few bright spots. He proved to be a pivotal figure in their desperate fight against relegation, fighting through a difficult environment to record seven goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Palininha has publicly stated he wants to stay at Spurs, but A Bola suggests he now has his heart set on a return to Portugal.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has already made his intentions clear regarding the future of Palhinha, confirming his desire to secure the midfielder permanently following his season-long loan from Bayern. The Italian tactician has urged Spurs to trigger the £26 million buy option included in the deal, viewing the Portuguese international as a foundational pillar for the club's rebuilding process next season.

Leaving no doubt about his admiration for the player's character and leadership during a demanding campaign, De Zerbi emphasised that Palhinha is exactly the type of "reliable" personality Tottenham needs moving forward. "One hundred per cent; we have to start with those types of people," De Zerbi stated when asked about keeping the midfielder beyond the summer. It remains to be seen if Tottenham challenge Sporting for his signature.

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Joao Palhinha will accept pay cut to secure transfer to former side despite midfielder suggesting he wants Tottenham stay after Bayern loan ends

Submitted by daniel on
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Joao Palhinha will accept pay cut to secure transfer to former side despite midfielder suggesting he wants Tottenham stay after Bayern loan ends - Goal.com
Description

Palhinha has emerged as the primary target for Sporting's midfield renovation ahead of the 2026-2027 season. The 30-year-old, who has spent the current campaign on loan at Tottenham from Bayern, is viewed as the ideal replacement for captain Morten Hjulmand, who is expected to depart the Lisbon giants this summer. Negotiations are already underway to bring the former Alvalade favourite back home.

According to A Bola, the return of the Portugal international is a specific request from the club's leadership and coach Rui Borges. While the move is considered difficult due to the player's market value, the emotional pull of Sporting and the desire to be closer to his family in Portugal have made the midfielder push for the deal. To facilitate the move, Palhinha is said to be willing to reduce his current salary to the absolute limit.

The main obstacle in the deal remains Palhinha's substantial earnings. Currently contracted to Bayern Munich until June 2028, the midfielder commands a gross annual salary in the region of €9 million. These figures are generally considered impossible for any Portuguese club to match, which is why the player’s willingness to take a pay cut is viewed as a vital gesture.

Sporting are now looking for a way to convince the German giants to release the player. The Lions are exploring two main avenues: negotiating a transfer fee that fits their budget or securing a loan deal that includes a future purchase option. With the player's personal terms effectively sidelined by his desire to return, the focus has shifted entirely to the club-to-club talks with Bayern.

Palhinha's individual stock remains high despite Tottenham's gruelling and disastrous Premier League campaign. In a season where Spurs shockingly finished 17th and only secured their top-flight survival on the final day, the Portuguese midfielder was one of the few bright spots. He proved to be a pivotal figure in their desperate fight against relegation, fighting through a difficult environment to record seven goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Palininha has publicly stated he wants to stay at Spurs, but A Bola suggests he now has his heart set on a return to Portugal.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has already made his intentions clear regarding the future of Palhinha, confirming his desire to secure the midfielder permanently following his season-long loan from Bayern. The Italian tactician has urged Spurs to trigger the £26 million buy option included in the deal, viewing the Portuguese international as a foundational pillar for the club's rebuilding process next season.

Leaving no doubt about his admiration for the player's character and leadership during a demanding campaign, De Zerbi emphasised that Palhinha is exactly the type of "reliable" personality Tottenham needs moving forward. "One hundred per cent; we have to start with those types of people," De Zerbi stated when asked about keeping the midfielder beyond the summer. It remains to be seen if Tottenham challenge Sporting for his signature.

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Man City in contact to bring Pedro Porro back from Spurs

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Man City in contact to bring Pedro Porro back from Spurs - Goal.com
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According to AS, City have initiated contact regarding a summer transfer for Porro. The club are preparing for a massive transition, looking to appoint Maresca after ending an incredible 10-year era under Guardiola.

While City missed the Premier League title over the last two seasons, they secured a domestic double before the campaign's end, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Conversely, Spurs endured a chaotic campaign, miraculously avoiding relegation on the final day under Roberto De Zerbi.

Porro has been a rare bright spark for the north London side during a turbulent period. This season, he accumulated 3,923 minutes over 47 matches, contributing two goals and six assists across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

His standout performances included a goal and an assist during a 4-2 Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. Although Tottenham have a contract with the defender until the end of June 2028, they face a monumental task to convince him to stay. De Zerbi views him as an essential piece of his rebuilding project moving forward.

The Manchester giants are no strangers to Porro, having previously owned the player before selling him to Sporting CP. The right-back built a stellar reputation in Portugal. This success was heavily monitored by Hugo Viana, the current sporting director at City, who knows the player perfectly from their time together in Lisbon.

With ongoing issues on the right flank, the club have moved swiftly to position themselves advantageously. However, Spurs have set a firm starting price for their prized asset. Any potential suitor must pay an initial £50 million to prise him away from London this summer.

As the transfer window opens, City will likely intensify their pursuit of Porro to finalise a deal before the World Cup begins. Tottenham must now decide whether to cash in on the £50m valuation or force their star man to honour his lengthy contract. The coming weeks will be crucial as Maresca begins his squad overhaul in Manchester, while Spurs desperately attempt to retain their most reliable performer.

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Man City in contact to bring Pedro Porro back from Spurs

Submitted by daniel on
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Man City in contact to bring Pedro Porro back from Spurs - Goal.com
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According to AS, City have initiated contact regarding a summer transfer for Porro. The club are preparing for a massive transition, looking to appoint Maresca after ending an incredible 10-year era under Guardiola.

While City missed the Premier League title over the last two seasons, they secured a domestic double before the campaign's end, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Conversely, Spurs endured a chaotic campaign, miraculously avoiding relegation on the final day under Roberto De Zerbi.

Porro has been a rare bright spark for the north London side during a turbulent period. This season, he accumulated 3,923 minutes over 47 matches, contributing two goals and six assists across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

His standout performances included a goal and an assist during a 4-2 Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. Although Tottenham have a contract with the defender until the end of June 2028, they face a monumental task to convince him to stay. De Zerbi views him as an essential piece of his rebuilding project moving forward.

The Manchester giants are no strangers to Porro, having previously owned the player before selling him to Sporting CP. The right-back built a stellar reputation in Portugal. This success was heavily monitored by Hugo Viana, the current sporting director at City, who knows the player perfectly from their time together in Lisbon.

With ongoing issues on the right flank, the club have moved swiftly to position themselves advantageously. However, Spurs have set a firm starting price for their prized asset. Any potential suitor must pay an initial £50 million to prise him away from London this summer.

As the transfer window opens, City will likely intensify their pursuit of Porro to finalise a deal before the World Cup begins. Tottenham must now decide whether to cash in on the £50m valuation or force their star man to honour his lengthy contract. The coming weeks will be crucial as Maresca begins his squad overhaul in Manchester, while Spurs desperately attempt to retain their most reliable performer.

Source

Mathys Tel's Tottenham move could come back to haunt Bayern chief as club consider sack despite success under Vincent Kompany

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Mathys Tel's Tottenham move could come back to haunt Bayern chief as club consider sack despite success under Vincent Kompany - Goal.com
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The honeymoon period of Bayern’s double-winning campaign under Kompany has been followed by new reports of significant unrest within the club's hierarchy. While the team has excelled on the pitch, the situation behind the scenes is described as volatile, with sporting director Eberl now finding his position under intense scrutiny from the supervisory board.

In an interview with Spiegel that sent shockwaves through the club just hours before the DFB-Pokal final, honorary president Uli Hoeness openly questioned whether Eberl’s contract would be extended beyond 2027. Hoeness confirmed that the board still harbours doubts about the former Borussia Monchengladbach executive, placing the chances of a renewal at just "60 to 40" per cent at this stage.

At the center of the dissatisfaction regarding Eberl's tenure is the handling of key personnel exits, most notably the move of Tel to Tottenham Hotspur. Internal critics in Bavaria reportedly feel that Eberl failed to extract maximum value for the French starlet, as well as Kingsley Coman, leading to a sense of frustration among the club's decision-makers regarding the financial returns on high-profile departures.

While Abendzeitung reports that the day-to-day relationship between Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund remains professional, another report from Kicker paints a darker picture. The magazine has claimed for months that the record champions are "no longer a unit" and that the leadership structure has been fractured by internal dissension over recruitment and sales strategies.

The public nature of Hoeness's critique has not gone down well with everyone at the club. According to reports, his comments, where he laid bare the board's hesitance to commit to Eberl long-term, were not well received by his colleagues on the supervisory board. This suggests that the power struggle at Bayern is not just between the board and the directors, but within the oversight committee itself.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the sporting department, there appears to be more stability at the very top. While Eberl fights for his future, the position of CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen is considered secure. According to reports from AZ, a contract extension for Dreesen is viewed as a "formality," highlighting a clear divide in the board's confidence between the club's financial administration and its sporting management.

Tel initially joined Tottenham on loan in February 2025 until the end of the season, before the Spurs secured his services on a permanent basis that summer in a deal worth £30 million, tying him to the club until 2031. Throughout the 2025-2026 campaign, the young forward made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists, as he and his teammates narrowly avoided a disastrous relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.

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Mathys Tel's Tottenham move could come back to haunt Bayern chief as club consider sack despite success under Vincent Kompany

Submitted by daniel on
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Mathys Tel's Tottenham move could come back to haunt Bayern chief as club consider sack despite success under Vincent Kompany - Goal.com
Description

The honeymoon period of Bayern’s double-winning campaign under Kompany has been followed by new reports of significant unrest within the club's hierarchy. While the team has excelled on the pitch, the situation behind the scenes is described as volatile, with sporting director Eberl now finding his position under intense scrutiny from the supervisory board.

In an interview with Spiegel that sent shockwaves through the club just hours before the DFB-Pokal final, honorary president Uli Hoeness openly questioned whether Eberl’s contract would be extended beyond 2027. Hoeness confirmed that the board still harbours doubts about the former Borussia Monchengladbach executive, placing the chances of a renewal at just "60 to 40" per cent at this stage.

At the center of the dissatisfaction regarding Eberl's tenure is the handling of key personnel exits, most notably the move of Tel to Tottenham Hotspur. Internal critics in Bavaria reportedly feel that Eberl failed to extract maximum value for the French starlet, as well as Kingsley Coman, leading to a sense of frustration among the club's decision-makers regarding the financial returns on high-profile departures.

While Abendzeitung reports that the day-to-day relationship between Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund remains professional, another report from Kicker paints a darker picture. The magazine has claimed for months that the record champions are "no longer a unit" and that the leadership structure has been fractured by internal dissension over recruitment and sales strategies.

The public nature of Hoeness's critique has not gone down well with everyone at the club. According to reports, his comments, where he laid bare the board's hesitance to commit to Eberl long-term, were not well received by his colleagues on the supervisory board. This suggests that the power struggle at Bayern is not just between the board and the directors, but within the oversight committee itself.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the sporting department, there appears to be more stability at the very top. While Eberl fights for his future, the position of CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen is considered secure. According to reports from AZ, a contract extension for Dreesen is viewed as a "formality," highlighting a clear divide in the board's confidence between the club's financial administration and its sporting management.

Tel initially joined Tottenham on loan in February 2025 until the end of the season, before the Spurs secured his services on a permanent basis that summer in a deal worth £30 million, tying him to the club until 2031. Throughout the 2025-2026 campaign, the young forward made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists, as he and his teammates narrowly avoided a disastrous relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.

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Lewis family rules out Tottenham sale in open letter to supporters after 'bitterly disappointing' season

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Lewis family rules out Tottenham sale in open letter to supporters after 'bitterly disappointing' season - Goal.com
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In a direct address to a frustrated fanbase, the Lewis family acknowledged the immense failures of the recent past. After finishing in 17th place for two consecutive seasons, the owners admitted that the club's current standing is a far cry from its historic stature. The 2025-26 campaign was particularly turbulent, with a narrow escape from relegation secured only on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton.

“To the fans, as owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you,” the statement read. “Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club. We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration. You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again.”

Despite mounting pressure from supporters and frequent protests directed at majority owners ENIC, the Lewis family has moved to stifle any talk of a takeover. They emphasized that their focus remains on a long-term rebuild rather than an exit strategy. The family's statement was clear regarding their future involvement, aiming to reassure fans that financial backing will be provided to transform the squad and infrastructure.

"We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months," the family declared. "This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more – and we are fully committed to this. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us. That means football comes first. The Board and Executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition."

The structural changes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have already begun in earnest. After nearly 25 years as the primary decision-maker, Daniel Levy was invited to step down as chairman in September following an extensive review commissioned by the owners. This move signalled a shift in power, with the Lewis family now taking a more active role in overseeing the club's executive functions and strategic direction.

They added: “Our approach to running the club is, and has been, to trust the experts to do that, while backing them to be successful. The problems we found were deeper than we realized and were allowed to build over the last few years. We know that has eroded trust and we have to win that back. As owners, we take ultimate responsibility for the situation in which the club finds itself. We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs.”

While chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has faced criticism during his first year, he retains the full support of the ownership. The club is surrounding him with new technical staff, including performance director Dan Lewindon and incoming director of football operations Rafi Moersen from City Football Group. These appointments are part of a wider effort to fix a "broken" football department that has struggled to manage a growing injury crisis.

The Lewis family concluded their message with a promise of transparency: “We care deeply about Spurs. The rebuilding the club needs, and you deserve, has begun. The change required is deep. It will take time and commitment, but change is happening. We know that actions will speak louder than words.”

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