Inside Futbol

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Former Celtic hitman Oh Hyeon-gyu is impressing at Besiktas, and Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are keen on the South Korean.

The Namyangju-born attacking talent started his senior career in South Korean football, impressing at Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

His performances caught Celtic’s eyes and the Glasgow giants signed him more than three years as part of their Asian drive under Ange Postecoglou.

After Oh joined the Bhoys, he admitted that Tottenham Hotspur legend Heung Min-Son inspired him.

One ex-Celtic hitman cast doubt over his qualities when he was at Celtic, where he scored 12 goals in 47 games across all competitions, but never made the level of impact many hoped for.

In the summer of 2024, Belgian Pro League giants Genk snapped him up from the Bhoys; he scored 22 times in 73 games for them.

Oh performed well at the Belgian club and he made another move in the January transfer window this year, as Super Lig side Besiktas paid a sizeable €14m to acquire the striker.

Scored against Alanyaspor (H) Basaksehir (A) Goztepe (H) Kasimpasa (H) Antalyaspor (H) – two Rizespor (H) Oh Hyeon-gyu’s Besiktas goals

Celtic included a sell-on clause when selling him to Genk and they pocketed around €2m to €3m when Oh made a move to the Black Eagles.

The 24-year-old South Korean has been on fire for the Super Lig giants, as he has scored seven goals and provided two assists in only ten games.

His contract runs until the summer of 2029 at the Turkish outfit, but his performances are attracting major European clubs for his signature.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, ‘it has been learned’ Oh is being closely monitored by Tottenham and Manchester United ahead of the upcoming window, with it suggested he has ‘exploded’ in Turkey.

The former Celtic hitman’s agility and quality in the penalty box, alongside his ability to finish, are attracting the Premier League clubs.

Spurs though may not be a Premier League side next term if they do not rapidly improve.

Tottenham lost at the weekend against Sunderland and Roberto De Zerbi’s side’s mentality was questioned by an ex-Premier League star.

If Oh does make a move to the Premier League in the summer then it remains to be seen if Celtic will regret having let him go.

The Bhoys signed three attackers in the January transfer window in the shape of Junior Adamu, Tomas Cvancara and Joel Mvuka, but none of the trio have pulled up any trees, being called ‘abysmal’ by one former Celtic man.

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Former Celtic hitman Oh Hyeon-gyu is impressing at Besiktas, and Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are keen on the South Korean.

The Namyangju-born attacking talent started his senior career in South Korean football, impressing at Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

His performances caught Celtic’s eyes and the Glasgow giants signed him more than three years as part of their Asian drive under Ange Postecoglou.

After Oh joined the Bhoys, he admitted that Tottenham Hotspur legend Heung Min-Son inspired him.

One ex-Celtic hitman cast doubt over his qualities when he was at Celtic, where he scored 12 goals in 47 games across all competitions, but never made the level of impact many hoped for.

In the summer of 2024, Belgian Pro League giants Genk snapped him up from the Bhoys; he scored 22 times in 73 games for them.

Oh performed well at the Belgian club and he made another move in the January transfer window this year, as Super Lig side Besiktas paid a sizeable €14m to acquire the striker.

Scored against Alanyaspor (H) Basaksehir (A) Goztepe (H) Kasimpasa (H) Antalyaspor (H) – two Rizespor (H) Oh Hyeon-gyu’s Besiktas goals

Celtic included a sell-on clause when selling him to Genk and they pocketed around €2m to €3m when Oh made a move to the Black Eagles.

The 24-year-old South Korean has been on fire for the Super Lig giants, as he has scored seven goals and provided two assists in only ten games.

His contract runs until the summer of 2029 at the Turkish outfit, but his performances are attracting major European clubs for his signature.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, ‘it has been learned’ Oh is being closely monitored by Tottenham and Manchester United ahead of the upcoming window, with it suggested he has ‘exploded’ in Turkey.

The former Celtic hitman’s agility and quality in the penalty box, alongside his ability to finish, are attracting the Premier League clubs.

Spurs though may not be a Premier League side next term if they do not rapidly improve.

Tottenham lost at the weekend against Sunderland and Roberto De Zerbi’s side’s mentality was questioned by an ex-Premier League star.

If Oh does make a move to the Premier League in the summer then it remains to be seen if Celtic will regret having let him go.

The Bhoys signed three attackers in the January transfer window in the shape of Junior Adamu, Tomas Cvancara and Joel Mvuka, but none of the trio have pulled up any trees, being called ‘abysmal’ by one former Celtic man.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Danny Murphy has suggested that the tears shed by Cristian Romero during the club’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland were born out of a fear of missing the World Cup rather than his concern for the plight of Spurs.

Tottenham occupy 18th position in the Premier League table and sit two points behind West Ham United, who appear to have momentum and real togetherness, having suffered a dismal run of form in 2026 that has seen them pick up only a solitary point from a possible 24.

One former winger has already dubbed the current squad ‘fragile’ following their latest collapse, while concerns have also been raised regarding the mental implications of the relegation fight currently facing the team.

The Lilywhites were condemned to their 16th league defeat of the season following a 1-0 loss to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, a fixture in which Romero was forced off with an injury during the closing stages.

Murphy suggests that the emotional reaction from the defender was driven by self-interest regarding his international career rather than the immediate result of the match.

He argued that a player can instinctively sense when an injury is severe enough to cause a lengthy absence, leading him to conclude that the Argentine was mourning the potential loss of his place at the World Cup.

While the former Spurs star clarified that he is not questioning the commitment of the player to the club, he maintains that the tears were a response to personal heartbreak rather than Tottenham’s loss.

Tottenham star South American country Cristian Romero Argentina Richarlison Brazil Rodrigo Bentancur Uruguay Alejo Veliz Argentina South American players at Tottenham

Murphy said on talkSPORT (7:15): “I think his tears were probably because he thinks he’ll miss the World Cup.

“I know that sounds a bit cynical.

“Why are you crying if you have just got a knock?

“It did look a naughty one. I think he thinks he’s done his knee.

“You know as a player when you have got a bad one and I think the tears were ‘I am going to miss the World Cup’.

“I am not saying he does not care about Tottenham, but what I mean is that that was not, ‘oh, I am leaving the pitch and we are losing’.”

Tottenham could face a precarious future and presenters such as Adrian Durham believe that the threat of dropping into the Championship is now very real, an outcome that figures like Richard Keys have also come round to accepting.

The north London club have spent only one campaign outside the top flight since 1950, a period which saw them secure promotion back from Division Two by finishing third in the 1977/78 season.

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Former top flight winger Pat Nevin believes questions will be asked about whether Tottenham Hotspur should have started Mathys Tel away at Sunderland.

Tottenham went down to yet another league defeat on Sunday afternoon as Sunderland edged them 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Spurs are now clearly in the Premier League’s bottom three, sitting two points behind 17th placed West Ham United, who appear to have momentum and real togetherness.

All eyes were on Roberto De Zerbi’s first team as Tottenham boss and he decided to go with an attack of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani.

With Tottenham chasing the game in the second half, De Zerbi rung the changes and Tel was brought on just after the hour mark, replacing Richarlison.

Nevin feels that the Frenchman looked lively and asked real questions of the Sunderland defence when he was on the pitch.

The former winger thinks that given how Tel did, there will be questions over why De Zerbi did not start him at the Stadium of Light.

Remaining games Brighton (H) Wolves (A) Aston Villa (A) Leeds United (H) Chelsea (A) Everton (H) Tottenham’s remaining league games

He said on BBC Radio 5 live (12th April, 15:54): “He’s actually started quite well, Tel.

“Really lively, asking a different type of question.

“I suppose one of the questions will be ‘Tel has come on, he’s looked lively, he’s created the odd half chance, maybe he should have been on from the start’.”

Nevin though is keen to stress that the loss should not be marked against De Zerbi, who needs longer to get a grip on his team and feels he will have learned through the Sunderland result.

“He’s learned a little bit more about the capabilities of all those players.

“You’ve got to give him the first game at least to see how the team react to him.”

De Zerbi, who said in the run-up to the game he was keen to see Conor Gallagher get back to his Chelsea form, started the midfielder but then brought him off with five minutes left for Xavi Simons.

Tottenham must now prepare for a visit from De Zerbi’s former club Brighton as they scramble for points.

Brighton have their own reasons to want to beat Spurs though as they could still qualify for Europe with a good end to the campaign; the Seagulls have won five of their last six Premier League matches.

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Fixture: Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 14:00 UK time

Roberto De Zerbi has picked his Tottenham lineup vs Sunderland for this afternoon’s Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.

Spurs have turned to De Zerbi in a bid to avoid being relegated from the Premier League this season and today’s game is his first in charge of the north London side.

He has been clear that he does not want to change too much, with an awareness of the limited amount of games Tottenham have to save themselves.

De Zerbi does think he has inherited a team packed full of quality, but the Italian will need to hit the ground running.

To that end, the Tottenham boss has admitted he wants to see passion and spirit from his side at Sunderland today.

Spurs may be able to use an element of surprise, with Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris clear he does not quite know what to expect.

The earlier meeting between the two teams this season, at Tottenham, resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Sunderland’s form has been mixed of late, but they do head into the clash on the back of a big derby win over Newcastle United.

Antonin Kinsky is in goal in the Tottenham lineup vs Sunderland today, while at the back De Zerbi goes with Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

Midfield, a key area that Tottenham will be looking to control today in the north east, sees De Zerbi select Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher, while Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani lead the attack.

De Zerbi may well need to shake up his Tottenham lineup vs Sunderland at some point and his options off the bench to do that include Mathys Tel and Xavi Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Sunderland

Kinsky, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Gray, Bergvall, Gallagher, Richarlison, Solanke, Kolo Muani

Substitutes: Austin, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Simons, Bissouma, Tel, Spence, Sarr

New Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has told Conor Gallagher that he wants to see him get back to his Chelsea form, while delighting in the amount of quality he has in the squad.

Spurs are currently in a relegation battle with West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United and have dropped inside the bottom three.

Tottenham recently managed to convince De Zerbi to take over, after showing Igor Tudor the door, and now the man who was sacked by Marseille earlier this season must turn things around.

De Zerbi managed to catch the eye during his time as Brighton boss, though the Seagulls dealt with his departure smoothly and have kept performance levels high.

Spurs have only seven games left to play until the end of the season and will travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday, as they continue their battle for Premier League survival.

De Zerbi believes he has inherited a squad packed full of quality and revealed that he sees stars such as Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven as key men.

The Italian manager also talked up the young talents he has at his disposal in the shape of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mathys Tel and Xavi Simons.

Competition Appearances Premier League 145 La Liga 51 Championship 45 FA Cup 12 EFL Cup 10 Conor Gallagher’s top competitions by appearances

The Italian made special mention of a player Tottenham signed in the winter transfer window in the shape of Gallagher and wants to see him get back to the form he displayed at Chelsea.

De Zerbi said at a press conference (12:05): “In the last period I watch a lot of games, especially of Tottenham and yes, one thing is to watch the game at home and a different thing is to work with them on the pitch.

“We have very big players, young players [Lucas] Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, but anyway we have older players that are important like [Micky] van de Ven. Van de Ven is a crucial player for me, like [Cristian] Romero, like [Pedro] Porro, like [Dominic] Solanke.

“I want to see again the same Gallagher I loved in [his] Chelsea time.

“I think I am lucky because I have a big confidence in my players and their qualities, and for me, my target is to help them play well, to enjoy the ball, because their characteristics are very clear for me.”

Gallagher arrived at Spurs from Atletico Madrid in the 2026 January transfer window after spending just 17 months in Spain, due to lack of game time under manager Diego Simeone.

The 26-year-old has only featured in nine games since his arrival and is yet to score a goal for the Lilywhites.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has admitted he is unsure what to expect from De Zerbi’s Spurs.

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Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has identified the key factor for the Black Cats as they prepare to face an unfamiliar Tottenham Hotspur side under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, stressing that real-time adaptation from his players will be decisive.

Le Bris and his side have enjoyed a standout campaign in the top flight since their promotion, collecting eleven wins and moving on to 43 points, leaving them with no concern of an immediate return to the Championship.

Tottenham, by contrast, are enduring a difficult season, sitting just a point above West Ham United, who occupy 18th place in the table.

Following the sacking of Thomas Frank in February, Igor Tudor was appointed but failed to deliver a win in his five league games in charge, leading to his dismissal last month.

The north London club’s third managerial appointment of the campaign has come in the form of De Zerbi, who last managed Brighton in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, guiding them to European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

However, Simon Jordan has insisted that it is not an elite appointment, while Richard Keys has also criticised the move and questioned the Italian’s credentials.

The 46-year-old is set to take charge of his first match as Spurs boss on Sunday against the Black Cats, who arrive buoyed by a derby-day high after beating Newcastle United 2-1 on their own turf in the Tyne and Wear derby.

Played/Managed Italy Romania Ukraine England France Countries Roberto De Zerbi has played or managed in

With the meeting set to be the Italian’s first game in charge of the Lilywhites, Le Bris highlighted the difficulty of preparation given there is virtually no material available to analyse under De Zerbi’s tenure so far.

He explained that while De Zerbi’s broader stylistic traits and individual player profiles remain familiar, the lack of new reference points makes it difficult to pinpoint clear patterns in and out of possession ahead of the fixture.

As a result, he emphasised that the contest is likely to hinge on his side’s capacity to adapt and respond in real time, rather than lean on extensive pre-match scouting material.

The Sunderland boss said at a press conference (14:02): “It’s not easy to prepare because we don’t have games to analyse from Tottenham, but we know the style of play, we know the players, so we can try to connect both and identify some patterns, out of possession and in possession, to help the players if it happens on the pitch.

“You will have some references to manage opportunities and problems, but probably the main ability of the squad will be the adaptation in real time, which I think is one of the most important in football.

“So you have your knowledge, you have your references in possession and out of possession, and if you are prepared, maybe you can identify patterns before, but in this case it won’t be possible

“So it’s about the ability to react and adapt, and I think it will be really interesting.”

Pape Matar Sarr, who picked up an injury while on international duty, was spotted training with the squad and is expected to feature in De Zerbi’s plans on Sunday.

Spurs are still searching for their first win of the calendar year, with the former Marseille coach under pressure to deliver quickly if they are to drive away from danger.

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Former Rangers striker Gordon Dalziel believes that Tottenham Hotspur loanee Mikey Moore is going to play a big part if the Glasgow side are going to win the Scottish Premiership title.

Joining from Tottenham on loan in the summer, Moore did not enjoy a particularly good start to his Rangers career under then boss Russell Martin.

Former striker Ross McCormack namechecked Moore among others, who were part of what he saw as shocking recruitment at Ibrox.

As then manager Martin persisted with his decision to pick Moore ahead of others, Andy Halliday even suggested that a pre-agreed amount of game time with Tottenham could be the cause.

However, there has been a remarkable turnaround since, with Danny Rohl being able to bring about the best out of the 18-year-old.

In 27 Scottish Premiership games, Moore has been able to find the back of the net six times from down the flanks.

Former Hibernian attacker Tam McManus has acknowledged the transformation, insisting that Moore has really grown in stature and confidence.

Booked against Minute Ludogorets 61st Celtic 63rd Hearts 90th Mikey Moore’s bookings this season

Dalziel, while describing the change, said on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (31.42): “Incredible turnaround.

“When he first came on the scene, you were thinking – “oh here we go, another wonder kid, up from a top English Premier League team. Won’t cut it’.

“He has been absolutely brilliant for Rangers, probably the most important player just now, a game changer, match-winner.

“He has been brilliant for Rangers so far.

“You can see the lad is now playing with that sort of freedom, confidence, the fans love him, everything about it.”

Dalziel noted that improved performances have led some to push Moore’s potential price tag even further upwards, while he does feel that if Rangers are to win the league then the Spurs man is going to have a big part to play in it.

“And he has certainly shown why they were going on about someone saying, ‘the young kid already is worth 10m quid.’ I am not saying that. That is what a coach was on about.

“But he has been really, really a top player for Rangers in recent what months, you would say.

“He is going to play a big, big part if Rangers are going to win this title.“

What Tottenham have planned for Moore remains to be seen and could largely depend on what division they are playing their football in next season.

Rangers do not have an option to buy Moore and will need to sit at the table with Tottenham if they wish to keep hold of him beyond the end of the campaign.

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Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, is confident of a return to Juventus and has already communicated his intentions to the Bianconeri and former team-mates in Italy.

After being linked with the French forward last winter and ultimately missing out to Juventus, Tottenham finally secured their target on a season-long loan in the summer.

The Lilywhites had to fend off strong competition to land Kolo Muani, with Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and even former club Juventus all circling for his signature.

The France international ended last season on loan with the Old Lady, who were impressed by his attacking qualities and keen to bring him back to Turin, but they failed to reach an agreement with Les Parisiens despite submitting a bid before the campaign began.

In January, the Lilywhites were approached by the Italian giants for the 27-year-old, but Tottenham stood firm amid an injury-hit squad, forcing the Old Lady to regroup and plot another move in the summer.

According to Italian daily Tuttosport, the World Cup finalist is confident of securing a return to Juventus and ‘has made this clear’ to the Italian club, along with informing his old team-mates.

Juventus have yet to secure Champions League qualification, currently sitting fifth in Serie A just outside the qualifying spots, though that appears to be no deterrent for Kolo Muani.

This season has not unfolded for Kolo Muani as planned in north London, despite earning praise from two former top-flight stars, one highlighting his high ceiling and another insisting he has the qualities to succeed at Tottenham.

Having only made his debut in October, the French attacker has featured 23 times in the league for the north London side, registering just one goal and one assist.

He has enjoyed far greater success in the Champions League, registering six goal contributions in nine outings, though Spurs’ campaign came to an end in the round of 16 following last month’s defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Kolo Muani has two years remaining on his PSG contract and the French giants will be keen to recoup as much value as possible for the 27-year-old, even if his stint in London may temper his market price.

Whether Tottenham will look to make a move to retain the forward in the summer window remains to be seen, but it appears his sights are firmly set on a return to Turin.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has explained his surprising decision to add just two fresh faces to the backroom staff at Spurs and not as many as he usually brings with him.

The north Londoners are currently wedged in a relegation battle as they sit 17th in the league table, only a point above 18th-positioned West Ham United.

Spurs have appointed ex-Brighton manager De Zerbi to keep them safe, as they are desperate to keep hold of their Premier League status.

One former Premier League star urged Tottenham to look beyond the Italian boss due to his temperament issues, but now it is all on De Zerbi to guide the north Londoners to safety.

Former Spurs star Jamie O’Hara has advised the 46-year-old to focus on organisation to get the team over the line.

De Zerbi has brought in Marcattilio Marcattilii, and Marcello Quinto as first team staff to help him for the rest of the campaign, instead of the six-to-seven-man team that he usually brings in with him.

The Italian boss has made it clear that he does not have much time to implement his ideas with a set of new coaching staff, as he insisted that he does not want to confuse the players with complicated instructions.

Game Competition Sunderland (A) Premier League Brighton (H) Premier League Wolves (A) Premier League Roberto De Zerbi’s first three games

The ex-Seagulls boss wants his players to play with courage, and he wants them to fight, stressing that he wants the Tottenham stars to fight for their pride.

“It is totally different, this situation, because we have no time to work like in Brighton time, or Marseille or any other place I have been [at]”, De Zerbi told a press conference (14:08) when he was asked about why he has brought in only two people on his coaching staff.

“I don’t want to put confusion inside of the players.

“They have to be with a clear plan of the game and not too much instruction and not too much to think – they have to run where the ball is.

“They have to play with courage, with personality, and they have to fight.

“My demand [from the players] is to show the right spirit.”

One Spurs legend hit back at the De Zerbi critics and wants to see the Italian take the north London team to the heights they hit under Mauricio Pochettino.