ToTheLaneAndBack - Tottenham Fan Site

Tottenham’s inconsistency continues as they sit eighth in the Premier League, preparing to host Fulham at home. With injuries mounting, including Guglielmo Vicario as the latest casualty, squad depth is becoming essential if Spurs hope to compete for a top-four finish.

John Wenham, host of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, believes Tottenham may need to secure a loan deal to sign Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen, as a permanent move seems unlikely.

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham, Juventus, and Liverpool have all expressed interest in Joachim Andersen. The Danish center-back joined Fulham from Crystal Palace this past summer for £30 million, signing a five-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Still in the prime of his career, a move to a top club could prove advantageous for Andersen as he looks to elevate his game on a bigger stage.

Tottenham Eye Loan Move for Joachim Andersen

The Danish international, earning £90,000 gross per week, has showcased his quality across 40 games in his stint with Fulham. Renowned for his height and excellent positioning, Andersen would be a strong addition to Tottenham’s squad. While Fulham were previously rumoured to accept a £30 million bid for the defender, his current injury status and potential availability only on loan may prompt Spurs to reassess their interest. Ultimately, Ange Postecoglou must weigh the urgency of strengthening his center-back options.

Wenham – speaking to Tottenham News – doesn’t think Marco Silva’s side would let the 28-year-old go so soon.

“Andersen is a good player, but he only joined Fulham this summer,”

“Therefore, I don’t see a permanent transfer happening. Tottenham were linked with him previously and didn’t make a move then.”

“I don’t see that transfer happening unless Tottenham agree a loan deal. I just can’t see a permanent transfer happening.”

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If Postecoglou sees the center-back role as an immediate priority, Andersen could provide a short-term solution until the season’s end. However, for a long-term strategy, Tottenham may need to explore alternative options.

Tottenham have suffered a big blow after Guglielmo Vicario was ruled out for months following ankle surgery

Tottenham Hotspur have had an underwhelming start to the season. They have produced a few incredible performances but have also suffered some shocking defeats.

Ange Postecoglou is doing everything in his powers to restore the club’s lost glory, but injuries have not helped him. The Greek-Australian tactician has had to make do without several players since the start of the season and that has cost his side dearly.

Spurs’ No.1 Guglielmo Vicario is the latest entrant in the treatment room. He suffered an ankle fracture in the 4-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend but showed great resilience to carry and complete the entire game. On Monday, the Italian underwent surgery on a broken ankle, ruling him out for months.

Losing your first-choice goalkeeper is a big blow and that would affect the team’s dynamics, but Postecoglou has played down the chances of getting a free agent goalkeeper in to replace the injured Vicario. The Tottenham coach suggested he was happy to play Fraser Forster when asked about the possibility of a new face coming in.

Football commentator and pundit Ian Darke has urged Spurs to sign a new goalkeeper rather than relying on Forster to replace Vicario. Forster is now the stand-by shot-stopper until Vicario heals fully, but Darke has advised the North London club to strengthen their goalkeeping unit when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Vicario has been a key part of the Lilywhites’ backline since he arrived at N17 from Empoli in June 2023. He is not just an excellent shot-stopper but is also crucial to the way Tottenham play out from the back under Big Ange. However, Spurs’ goalkeeping unit is more than just the Italy international, and we saw a glimpse of his backup Foster in midweek.

Forster started between the sticks in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with AS Roma in the Europa League. The veteran glovesman performed extremely well, making a string of key saves in both halves of the game.

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Big Ange has expressed full faith in the experienced Forster to do well until Vicario returns from injury. The former Southampton and Celtic star now has the chance to prove himself again and subsequently stop the Lilywhites from spending on a new shot-stopper—either now or in January.

That said, however, Spurs are one injury away from crisis if Forster sustains an issue which would leave our gaffer to rely on rookie goalkeepers. So, we agree with Darke’s views about signing a goalkeeper in January.

Postecoglou believes he will be missed after he leaves Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou remains a fan favourite and has the immense respect of the players in the dressing room, however, recent results in the Premier League and Europa League (barring the 4-0 success against Manchester City, obviously) have cast doubts over his continuity with many also believing that his inclination towards playing an exciting style of football is detrimental.

Postecoglou has seen to it that the team leaves it heart out on the field and is impressing the viewers with its style of football, although a lack of pragmatism has been questioned on the Australian’s part. He does seem to be unbothered by the criticism, however, and has stayed true to the brand of football which he resonates most with.

Nonetheless, the question about his style popped up once more in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Fulham fixture, in which the former Celtic boss was quoted saying the following words by The Times.

“I’ll continue to push this team to be a bit different, to play football in a different way and maybe when I’m long gone you’ll all pine for my entertainment, and you’ll have had your fill of pragmatism.”

Postecoglou’s responses in the media exude a sense of confidence in the team, which comes as a result of the players buying into his strategies and tactical system. At the start of the season also, the Australian maintained that his side will win a trophy in his second season in-charge, a trend that has prevailed in each of his previous ventures around the world.

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Spurs sacking Postecoglou for the recent results without seeing the final course of the season would be a ridiculous decision and like the man himself said, the club as well as the media will be left to rue his absence and script more stories of what may have been, exactly like it panned out when Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were let down in spite of their winning CVs.

Tottenham Hotspur are already plotting an ambitious squad revamp in 2025 as the board hopes to equip Ange Postecoglou with the best possible players to stand a chance at winning trophies. The team has visibly struggled in some departments more than others and it is expected that the board and the manager sit down shortly to discuss a mutual agenda for the transfer market.

According to Tottenham Hotspur News, the Lilywhites are pondering over the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Davide Fratessi next year. He has emerged as one of the Nerazzurri’s best players in recent months and his performances have not gone under the radar, especially in the offices at Hotspur Way, with Spurs prepared to offer £29 million for his transfer.

Bryan King, a former Tottenham scout, expects Inter Milan to not let go of the player on the cheap and so, Spurs would need to pay an amount significantly higher if they are indeed serious about landing Fratessi. It is expected that their target seeks an exponential increase in wage too, considering he could be joining one of the world’s more affluent leagues from the Serie A.

Though Tottenham are interested in Fratessi, it is unlikely that they will land him as several things would need to fall into place. While monetarily they may be able to give the player and the club what they want, from a sporting perspective, the north Londoners are a significant downgrade in comparison to Inter Milan, who are perennial contenders for the Serie A and regularly play in Europe too.

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Moreover, it remains to be seen if Tottenham actually need a midfielder given that they have some very good players in their engine room. A genuine requirement could only arise if James Maddison’s future takes a twist for the worse.

Dejan Kulusevski continued his decent form this season by picking up an assist during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Roma in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

The Sweden international’s club football tally for the season now stands at nine goal contributions in 19 appearances across all competitions.

After the game, the 24-year-old addressed the biggest elephant in the Tottenham room at the moment.

Dejan Kulusevski hints at in-house Guglielmo Vicario solution

Speaking to the media after his side’s 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League, Dejan Kulusevski expressed his belief in Tottenham’s third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin to be able to come into the starting line-up in the absence of Guglielmo Vicario.

“He’s [Fraser Forster] really good and he made some big saves today [Thursday]. It’s great to have him and I think he’s ready to play.

“And I also feel confident that we have Brandon Austin, who’s a very good goalkeeper.

“We miss Vicario because he’s a fantastic guy, but now it is time for Fraser to step up and help the team.”

Kulusevski on Vicario, Forster, and Austin, as quoted by TBR Football.

Tottenham have confirmed that Vicario will be unavailable for months, having undergone surgery on his broken ankle which he sustained during the game against Man City and still continued to play for over an hour.

For Tottenham’s youth sides, Austin has made 79 appearances in total, keeping 13 clean sheets. Spurs have also been linked with EFL Championship goalkeepers Anthony Patterson and James Trafford over January moves.

Austin needs to be given a chance

If Ange Postecoglou intends to find out whether both his backup goalies are up to the challenge, this is it. Forster has shown enough deficiency in his game for Austin to be given a chance.

At 25, the former United States U18 international ought to receive at least one shot between the sticks before Vicario’s return, otherwise, both he and Tottenham will need to evaluate their marriage come the end of this season. For now, both Forster and Austin have an opportunity to make their case. Whether they will do enough to be the solution remains to be seen.

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PSV Eindhoven’s Malik Tillman has quickly become one of the most exciting young prospects in European football this season.

Why this is the case was apparent for everyone in the midweek, as his brace-scoring heroics helped his side secure a late, late comeback win at home in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk, despite having been 2-0 down until the 85th minute.

The US international’s midweek performance was by no means a one-off, rather an encapsulation of his well-rounded performances that have been present throughout the season thus far and helped his team establish a five-point lead at the top of Eredivisie.

The 22-year-old has just a €300k-per-year contract at PSV, which runs for three more seasons after the current one, which has made the €25m-rated midfielder an even more sought-after prospect for the European heavyweights, one of which are Tottenham.

With the Lilywhites’ interest in Tillman, it is being speculated whether the club would need to make room for him by showing one of their players the exit door, and a non-insignificant amount of voices have been pointing to Pape Matar Sarr to be the one to get the axe.

Now, there indeed are players on Tottenham’s payroll for whose exit one can make a case, but Sarr is one player who, even if Tillman wasn’t in the picture, should not be considered for an exit.

A crucial thing to keep in mind here is Tillman’s versatility this season. Having started his senior career as a central midfielder, he has begun showing his abilities not just deeper in midfield but also on the flanks. He is showing an affinity towards the left flank, which he is able to dominate both as a left-winger and a left-sided central midfielder. His 12 goal contributions from 19 appearances across all competitions this season showcase his prowess in front of goal.

On the other hand, while no less exciting a prospect, Sarr has a more definite profile—someone who primarily occupies the defensive positions, and for Ange Postecoglou he has been playing either as a deep-lying midfielder or as an out-and-out number eight, with the modern-day nature of fluid football dynamics requiring him to often perform both these roles within the same game. His five goal contributions from 19 appearances this season also showcase his ability to contribute to the final third of the pitch despite playing deep in midfield.

Sarr primarily occupies central midfield roles, performing deep-lying and box-to-box duties, while Tillman has shown himself to not just be an adept attacking midfielder in the central areas but also out wide.

Apart from industry, Postecoglou likes versatility in his players because it allows him to get multiple roles out of them and get cover for more than one position. In particular, he likes an attacker who can play both centrally and out wide, which Tillman has been demonstrating he’s more than able to do. Sarr and Tillman are two profiles that could actually work together in a midfield, either side by side as complementary eights supported by a six sitting behind them or with Sarr pairing Tillman in a pivot, being the one staying behind more than the other.

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The Senegalese does not need to be sacrificed for the American, and the two in fact have the potential to become a threatening midfield duo under the Australian manager.

Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro has been heavily linked with a switch to Real Madrid

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of Tottenham Hotspur star Pedro Porro in the last couple of months.

Having established himself as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival last month, Pedro Porro is now linked with a move away from Spurs. European champions Real Madrid view the Tottenham star as one of the potential options to replace Dani Carvajal, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury.

Pedro Porro acknowledged Real Madrid’s interest in him after being asked questions about his future during the November international break.

However, John Wenham—the owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose—expects the Lilywhites to at least demand £88million for their full-back. He feels the North Londoners will not make it an easy deal for Real Madrid to pull off in 2025.

Tottenham initially paid a £5million loan fee to Sporting CP to sign Porro in January 2023, with an obligation to buy in the summer for £39million. The money looks well spent as the six-cap Spanish international has become one of the best full-backs in the Premier League and a mainstay in Big Ange’s side.

With the Don Benito-born talent contracted until 2028 (Transfermarkt), Tottenham have no hurry whatsoever to sell him. Therefore, if Madrid comes calling for his signature, Spurs are in a commanding position to demand a hefty fee—deemed to be around £88million by Wenham. Big Ange will no doubt be desperate to hold onto Porro, but if the Spanish giants are ready to splash a premium, it will be difficult to stop the player from leaving.

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Tottenham Hotspur have shown a real lack of consistency this season, leaving Ange Postecoglou and the fans extremely frustrated.

The Greek-Australian tactician saw his side drop two points late on in the game on Thursday evening in the Europa League against AS Roma. The late Mats Hummels equaliser did put a bit of a dent in Spurs’ Europa League campaign with the North London side now dropping out of the top eight.

Tottenham did come into the game with some significant injury issues following Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle surgery earlier in the week. But it is not just Vicario who was missing with Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore, Cristian Romero and Richarlison also injured.

As for Richarlison, his season has been ravaged by injury problems. The versatile forward finds himself on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem suffered in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa last month.

Ange Postecoglou confirmed earlier this month that the Brazilian will be out for a few weeks due to a ‘significant’ injury, but it appears as if he has suffered a bit of a setback. According to a report from the Brazilian publication Trivela, Richarlison’s injury is ‘more serious’ than what was expected and is unlikely to feature again for Big Ange’s side in 2024.

Things have been extremely tough for the 27-year-old this season, clocking 88 minutes of Premier League action thus far. Spurs had thought of easing Richarlison back into the mix after he returned from injury in October. They had hoped to see the South American gradually get back to full fitness and rediscover his form, but the latest injury setback has dashed the club’s hopes.

The aforementioned report adds the Lilywhites have no intention of rushing Richarlison back as they try to help him heal fully before bringing him back to the fore. The club’s medical department have to be cautious with the player and wait for the forward to return healthy to put an end to his persistent injury issues.

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Tottenham, after squandering a 2-1 lead in stoppage time with a late tap-in by Roma’s new signing Mats Hummels, now sit in 9th place in the Europa League table. Plagued by inconsistency and injuries, Spurs continue to struggle for stability, showing brilliance against formidable opponents only to falter against less challenging ones.

Reports have linked Spurs with an interest in Jack Grealish, but Daniel Levy is likely to have concerns about the financial demands of such a move. TV commentator Ian Darke acknowledged that the £100 million-rated Grealish would be a “good fit” for Tottenham. However, he believes James Maddison’s role in Ange Postecoglou’s squad significantly reduces the likelihood of this transfer happening.

Tottenham Eye Potential Move for Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish is widely regarded as a top-tier addition for most clubs in world football, given his success at Manchester City and his recent return to the England squad.

However, many doubt this move will gain much traction, especially considering Grealish has made only four Premier League starts this season. James Maddison’s impressive form at Tottenham further complicates the possibility. The 29-year-old has seen limited action under Pep Guardiola, partly due to a recent injury, but he did play the full 90 minutes in City’s dramatic Champions League draw with Feyenoord, where they let a three-goal lead slip at the Etihad Stadium.

Ian Drake speaking to Tottenhamhotspurnews, revealed

“They’ve got Maddison. Why would they want to sign Grealish?,”

“The only way that could ever happen was if there was a swap deal on the cards whereby Maddison was fancied by someone else more than Postecoglou. It seems like pure speculation.”

“But you could imagine Grealish as a good fit for Tottenham – however, it’s a flyer at the moment.”

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Leece left-back Patrick Dorgu is on the radar of Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have been exploring possibilities of bringing in a new left-back during the winter transfer window as Daniel Levy looks to build on the success that the Lilywhites enjoyed in the past summer window. As per reports, The chiefs at the Hotspur Way have identified Lecce prodigy Patrick Dorgu.

Serie A side Lecce have constantly been at risk of losing Patrick Dorgu and interest in him definitely seems to be rising. Widely regarded as a rising star in Serie A, the Denmark international has shown maturity beyond his years with his outstanding displays since breaking into the scene last term.

And by doing so, he has established himself as one of the league’s most promising young defenders. Dorgu’s talent and potential have gone unnoticed, with top clubs across Europe regularly scouting him to evaluate his progress.

In Dorgu, who recently scored in Lecce’s 1-0 win over Venezia to take his tally to three goals in the campaign, the Lilywhites can bring in a player who is not only solid defensively but also capable offensively. Spurs play a vertical brand of football under Ange Postecoglou, and he would love a left-back/wing-back with the physicality, running power, tenacity and technical ability of the Dane.

That being said, Tottenham are not the only interested Premier League club in the 20-year-old’s signature. According to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are leading the race for Dorgu’s signature ahead of the likes of Spurs and Crystal Palace.

Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli have enquired about the Danish talent, who is under contract at Lecce until June 2029 (Transfermarkt). So, the Italian side are firmly in control of Dorgu and can slap a big asking price on his head.

Chelsea leading the race for Dorgu would come as a blow to Tottenham, who haven’t been great defensively this season. For Spurs, it is important to ensure that they bring in a new left-back in the upcoming winter transfer window to cover and compete with Destiny Udogie, who has endured a dip in form after a bright debut season at N17.

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Signing a left-back—supposedly Dorgu—would ensure that Big Ange has needed depth in the left-back position for the second half of the campaign. However, with Lecce not keen to part ways with the Copenhagen-born talent and Chelsea appearing to be early favourites for his signature, Spurs perhaps would be wise to turn their attention elsewhere for Udogie’s cover.