ToTheLaneAndBack - Tottenham Fan Site

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has been subject to links with a move away from White Hart Lane, with Spanish giants Real Madrid linked with a move away from N17. He was subject to links with the Spanish giants along the previous summer transfer window; however, Daniel Levy’s hefty asking price led Los Blancos to back away from any possible move.

While many thought that would be the end for any Madrid speculations, it has only increased since the La Liga giants have compounded their interest in landing the 26-year-old, with Real scouts bringing among attendance on a consistent basis to watch the Argentine World Cup winner.

Argentine press criticized for pushing Romero out of Spurs

And pushing those rumours, there were speculations that the Lilywhites had a £54 million release clause in his current contract at North London; however, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano was quick to dismiss those with a post on X despite reports from Argentina. And John Wenham, owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, has criticised the Argentine press for pushing the former Atalanta defender out of the N17.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Wenham acknowledged that the Lilywhites would never agree to such terms. He said:

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

“I’m not surprised at all by these reports. In Argentina, they value Romero really highly. Therefore, when they see he isn’t winning anything with Tottenham, they probably think why is he there?

“As a result, I think they’re doing their bit to try and push him toward those bigger clubs. However, there is absolutely zero chance he has a £54million release clause considering what we paid to sign him. Spurs wouldn’t have ever agreed to that.”

Romero has endured a difficult start to the season and was caught out multiple times where his mistakes led to goals, and despite all the speculations, the centre-back needs to keep his focus on Tottenham and help the team. At times it is difficult to keep concentration with all the swirling speculations, but that is where a player needs to demonstrate his abilities.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

If Real Madrid are to present a significant offer in the summer window, would you consider selling Romero? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou made a brave call to take off James Maddison at half-time against West Ham and it paid off

Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat West Ham United 4-1 at home in the Premier League on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min and an own-goal from goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

It was a much-needed reaction after Spurs’ disappointing defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion just before the international break. Three of their four goals notably came after Ange Postecoglou decided to take off James Maddison for Pape Matar Sarr at half time.

The England international was not effective in his role as a free No.8 in the first half, even if he did contribute to Spurs’ equaliser. As a result, Big Ange decided to replace him with Sarr, who brought energy and running power to combat West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez in the middle of the park.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Now, Tottenham ex-scout Mick Brown claims that Big Ange will not think twice about dropping Maddison from the starting XI after what happened against the Hammers. He says the Spurs gaffer will evaluate his first XI every game to decide whether or not the 27-year-old will start.

Maddison has been counted as one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League. Technically gifted, the Englishman is a joy to watch particularly on his full tilt. He has been a vital player for Spurs since joining from Leicester City in the summer of 2023.

With his creativity, vision and set-piece prowess, the 27-year-old made an immediate impact on Big Ange’s team. He has started all of Spurs’ opening eight Premier League games this season, despite not being effective in certain fixtures. Maddison struggled to contribute much off the ball in the first half against West Ham and Big Ange rightly took him off, bringing on Sarr to add balance in midfield.

The Tottenham boss showed on Saturday that he is not afraid to make big calls when required and is willing to drop star players from the team if they don’t perform the bare minimum expected of them.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

Plus, the transformation of Dejan Kulusevski as a central midfielder this season has been a treat to watch for the fans, and if the likes of Yves Bissouma and Sarr can provide steel and physicality in the engine room, the Swede has the qualities to compensate Maddison’s creativity and incisive passing very well. With more time and concentration, the Greek-born tactician thinks Kulusevski can get more assists and goals from his new midfield role.

All in all, don’t be surprised if our gaffer decides to cut Maddison from his starting XI in one of Spurs’ upcoming Premier League games if it benefits the team.

Tottenham recovered from an early scare to beat West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday

Despite an early setback against West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur showed character to bounce back and win the London derby bragging rights on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites rallied to win 4-1 against West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a much-needed, morale-boosting reaction after their upsetting loss to Brighton & Hove Albion just before the international break.

The result means Spurs have now won six of their last seven games across all competitions, and Ange Postecoglou would certainly be proud of his boys after how they turned a corner around following September’s North London derby defeat to Arsenal.

-> Tottenham player reflects on time in N17 and opens up on playing European football

Now, club-record signing Dominic Solanke has shared what Tottenham players were saying to each other after the big win over London rivals West Ham. Speaking after the victory, the 27-year-old said as quoted by The Independent:

Spurs were eager to make amends for their shock defeat to Brighton and they did so—after an initial setback. The manner in which the north London outfit went a goal, equalised and eventually ended up thrashing Julen Lopetegui’s side would have delighted Big Ange and the fans.

What Big Ange’s team have lacked this season is consistency. After a morale-boosting victory over the Hammers, the onus is now on Solanke and his teammates to build on it and keep churning out positive results. Big Ange has a clear plan of how he wants his team to play, and while his high-risk, high-reward football has its fair share of flaws, the system is quite entertaining and we can see the club is building something for success in the future.

-> Former Spurs scout suggests Tottenham target will leave his current employers

If the key players remain fit, avoid suspensions and add much-needed consistency in getting results, we could very well end our 14-year-long trophy drought this term.

Tottenham Hotspur had a relatively quiet summer transfer window, with Dominic Solanke being the sole significant senior signing. However, the club made a notable investment in young talent, securing four promising teenagers: Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Yang Min-hyeok, who will remain on loan in South Korea until January.

Spurs committed substantial resources to these signings, with Archie Gray earning £75,000 per week, reflecting their belief in the next generation of stars.

The Englishman has unquestionable potential

Archie Gray the product of Leeds United’s youth academy, has long been regarded as a player destined for success in the Premier League. His footballing background boasts an impressive legacy, resembling a Leeds United dynasty. Archie is the fourth member of the Gray family across three generations to represent the club. His great-uncle Eddie is a legend at Elland Road, while both his grandfather Frank and his father Andy also donned the Leeds jersey, showcasing a rich heritage in the sport.

Is the youngster being fairly valued

Given the talent at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal, many would have expected Archie Gray to be patient while waiting for his chances at Tottenham Hotspur. However, the England youth international has made a promising start to his career in North London. Gray has already featured in four Premier League matches, accumulating 33 minutes on the pitch, and has excelled in cup competitions, playing the full 90 minutes in Tottenham’s Europa League and EFL Cup matches against Qarabag, Ferencvaros, and Coventry City.

Strengths

Gray’s composure at such a young age is remarkable. He plays with an unwavering fearlessness in possession, consistently seeking to support his teammates by receiving passes even in tight and challenging situations. His confidence allows him to navigate these moments with quick feet and a deceptive turn of pace. A standout moment came when he outmanoeuvred Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge, forcing a turnover from Chelsea’s £115 million signing, which led to Leeds’ opening goal.

Playing as a centre-back, right-back, and central midfielder this season. In the Europa League match against Qarabag, he even started in central defence before transitioning to left-back. Manager Ange Postecoglou praised Gray’s ability to adjust to different roles, stating, “It’s incredible how he just adjusts and he’s able to bring his game to wherever we put him.

TTLAB’s Verdict

The youngster deserves the cut, as he’s one hell of a baller with immense potential. Gray still has a long way to go but the early signs are promising. Hopefully, he will develop into a world-beater for us in the years to come.

More Tottenham News

Ex-Arsenal star backs Tottenham to sign this Premier League player who scored magnificent free kick vs England

Tottenham to re-ignite pursuit of Premier League midfielder amid Arsenal interest

Napoli advised against signing 22-year-old Tottenham defender

Gray may have been born to play for Leeds, but he possesses the talent and temperament needed to thrive anywhere. As one of the most promising young talents in the game, he has the potential to make a significant impact at Tottenham and beyond. Fans can only hope for the best as he continues to develop, standing next only to United’s Leny Yoro, who currently earns £115,000 per week, in the new generation of footballing talent

Dominic Solanke needs “bit of time” to get to his best at Tottenham, feels former manager Glenn Hoddle

Dominic Solanke has made a fine impression since joining Tottenham Hotspur in a club-record deal from Bournemouth in August.

After Harry Kane’s big-money move to Bayern Munich last summer, Spurs searched for a player to fill in his void. Having failed in doing so in the past two transfer windows, the club chiefs finally managed to land one earlier in the summer. By all accounts, the club and our gaffer Ange Postecoglou felt Dominic Solanke was the right profile to lead the attack.

After a slow start to life at N17 due to an ankle injury, the England international has now started to gel with his teammates well and looks ideal for Ange Postecoglou’s system. Just two goals in six Premier League games doesn’t make a great reading for the centre-forward, but his off-the-ball work rate and the qualities he brings to the Spurs side are vital.

Tottenham came from a goal behind to beat West Ham United 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League last weekend. While Solanke didn’t score, he gave a good account of himself with some fantastic pressing, link-up play and running the channels.

-> Former scout claims how Arsenal signing youngster over Tottenham is a big deal

Former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle was impressed with the 27-year-old’s overall performance after the game, claiming it would only be a matter of time before he gets to his very best in a Spurs shirt.

Hoddle seems pretty confident that Solanke is the right man for Spurs and will get used to Big Ange’s style of play. However, the Spurs icon has called for patience from the fans, expecting the English striker to take a bit of time to fully adjust before he starts scoring goals left, right and centre.

The Lilywhites performed very well without a recognised No.9 last season and finished fifth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa League in the process. Nonetheless, there was certainly a need to bring in a pure goalscorer to address the Kane-shaped void, and Solanke was one of the best options available on the market.

-> Tottenham bolster youth ranks as podcast host claims Levy beat multiple clubs to sign U15 CB

Ange Postecoglou’s top priority is winning football matches, and his track record demonstrates his ability to achieve that through decisive actions. While Tottenham’s dominant 4-1 victory over West Ham showcased their attacking prowess, Tony Cascarino believes one Spurs player may feel dissatisfied with the manager following the game. Despite the commanding win, which could have been even more enjoyable on another day, the spotlight remains on the dynamics within the squad.

In the match against West Ham, Ange Postecoglou made a bold decision by substituting James Maddison at half-time. Since returning from injury, Maddison hasn’t quite hit his peak form. Tony Cascarino believes the midfielder won’t be pleased with the early withdrawal and suggests that Maddison could now face tougher competition for his place in Tottenham’s starting lineup. This move raises questions about his auto selection going forward.

Maddison’s place under threat

“I liked that he was prepared to make a big call and withdraw James Maddison at half-time. It would have sent a message to every player that their place is not assured after the Brighton debacle. Maddison was a big signing last year and I have no doubt he would have taken the timing of the substitution personally,”

“Winning 4-1 would not change anything for him. I was once hooked at the break playing for Ireland against Macedonia and I felt embarrassed and thought I had been made a scapegoat. All players would feel that way.

Tony Cascarino on his article for the times

James Maddison, who joined Tottenham from Leicester in 2023, has already made 40 appearances for the club, contributing to 19 goals. Despite these solid numbers, his recent performances haven’t reached the high standards expected of him. This inconsistency has been a recurring theme, and with Maddison earning £170,000 per week, there’s growing anticipation for him to rediscover his best form.

More Tottenham News

Ex-Arsenal star backs Tottenham to sign this Premier League player who scored magnificent free kick vs England

Tottenham to re-ignite pursuit of Premier League midfielder amid Arsenal interest

Napoli advised against signing 22-year-old Tottenham defender

When Maddison first arrived, he was a breath of fresh air and immediately elevated Tottenham’s performance. However, with other players currently stepping up, it’s clear that Postecoglou won’t tolerate sub-par displays. Maddison must raise his game, or he risks losing his spot in the starting XI and finding himself on the bench.

It’s a season of change at White Hart Lane as Amanda Staveley is in advanced talks to buy a sizeable stake at Tottenham Hotspur, and many believe that the Lilywhites could follow Manchester United’s suit to hand sporting control to the minority owner like Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford.

Staveley has previous experience with Newcastle United, where her expertise was pivotal in getting the Toons from trenches to being one of the most exciting sides outside the big six, and that has got Spurs faithful excited on possibilities.

Daniel Levy has been the centre of attraction at White Hart Lane as the majority of the footballing decisions go through him for a few years now, and it would come as a massive shock if he were to give up any power just when things have started to go right.

Tottenham could see a Manchester United-style power shift with Staveley investment

And finance expert Dan Plumley, speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, admits that the Lilywhites could arrange a similar type of deal like at United with Ratcliffe but also admits that people already on the board will continue to have the majority of the powers.

He said:

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

“This ultimately comes down to the individual doesn’t it. It’s not a kind of one-size-fits-all model. We’ve seen what’s happened at Manchester United and that has happened at other clubs but on a much smaller scale and it’s not been as high profile.

“If you’re dealing with some of the biggest Premier League clubs the exposure piece becomes more prevalent with what you’re doing and what the shareholders are doing.

“Giving up the football side of things was a huge move for Manchester United. I think ultimately it comes down to the individuals and the ownership group that currently has the majority share.

“You can have minority shareholders that have a really significant voice and are really front and centre of day-to-day operations, or you can have them in the background a little bit.

“It often becomes a negotiation piece and depending on the strategic objectives of the club that they’re buying into. But also the people that are in the boardroom that are making the big decisions at the minute are the ones who still have the most power.”

With the takeover scheduled to be concluded soon, we will see what role does take up behind the scenes. There have also been rumours about her personal preference to bring Eddie Howe from Newcastle United to replace Ange Postecoglou owing to her previous experience with the former Bournemouth head coach.

However, at the moment, any dismissal for the Greek-born coach is unlikely, and a lot will depend on Amanda Staveley’s role behind the scenes.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Do you think Daniel Levy will give up control of sporting decisions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

There is a wave of exciting talents coming through the ranks at White Hart Lane, each one more exciting than another, and complementing this with the transfer strategy that the Lilywhites have adapted at N17, which has seen the club influx highly regarded talents from across Europe as Daniel Levy prepares to have a pipeline of players that can feed the first team for a long time to come. And one of the highly regarded players that the North Londoners have signed keeping in mind the future potential is Luka Vušković.

Luka Vušković is a highly regarded central defensive talent who is making noise for all his potential, and the Lilywhites faithful would be excited about the prospect of having him at N17 for the time to come.

He is making a great impression in his time at Wasterlo in Belgium, where he is on a season-long loan and is expected to join Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 when he turns 18. The North Londoners have paid a hefty £12 million to snap his signatures from Croatian side Hajduk Split.

Tottenham’s European ambitions could determine Vušković future

The initial expectations are that Tottenham would send him on another loan, preferably in lower leagues in English football; however, John Wenham, the owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, believes that the club will take a look at him along the pre-season next summer before making a decision about his future.

He also insists that Vušković’s short-term future would end up depending on which tier of European football Tottenham plays next season.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Wenham said:

“I think they’ll definitely look at him in preseason before a decision is made. I’ve previously suggested that I thought Vušković would join a Championship club on loan. However, they looked at Lucas Bergvall and decided he was ready for the first team.

“It also depends on what European competition we’re playing next season. Should we end up in the Europa League, Spurs might decide to keep him around and establish him in the first team by using that competition.

“Should we qualify for the Champions League, they might send him out on loan. However, if he impresses in pre-season, who knows what could happen.”

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

Do you think Luka Vušković needs to be given an opportunity at N17 next year? Let us know our thoughts in the comments below.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a splendid summer transfer window where Daniel Levy not only took care of the incomings but did an admirable job to get the surplus at White Hart Lane books cleared. And the chiefs at Hotspur Way have already been exploring possibilities to lay the foundations for 2025 transfer intervals.

Spurs are said to be eyeing a move for backup left back as their overdependence on Destiny Udogie in the position hurt them deep in the final weeks of last season when the Italian international pulled out with an injury. Ange Postecoglou would be wary of such possibilities again and is looking to bring in someone who can not only be an understudy but could turn out to be a possible competition for Udogie in the left-back role.

Tottenham eyes teenage sensation Dorgu

The North Londoners have identified Lecce teenage sensation Patrick Dorgu as a possible target who can do the aforementioned job on the left defensive flank. He has been already making all the right noise with his performances in the Italian top tier and has been linked with multiple high-profile clubs.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

However, in a recent report by Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness, they are said to be leading the race to sign the 19-year-old Danish international, who has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane since last summer. While the transfer could not conclude then as Levy was unwilling to meet the €35 million price tag that Leece put on him, there are expectations that Spurs would pay up this time around.

Dorgu did sign a new contract with his current employers last week; however, that is said to be one to protect his value, and it shouldn’t stop Ange Postecoglou from getting the player on his roster.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Do you think Tottenham should pursue a move for Dorgu? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The Lilywhites have undergone a massive transformation since Ange Postecoglou took over the reins at White Hart Lane as they changed their transfer strategy to sign highly acclaimed young players with massive potential who can reap dividends in the long term. This change of approach has seen the club bring in an abundance of talent from within the country and beyond as Daniel Levy looks to set up a feeding pipeline that can hand the first team potential in-house players.

And the North Londoners are said to be looking at Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro as a future transfer for the 2002-born player likely to be on the cards at Hotspur Way, per Fichajes. He has been subject to links with a move to multiple Premier League sides as the likes of Liverpool as well as Manchester City look at possibilities to sign the wide forward.

Tottenham’s new-found transfer strategy could lead to Moro signing

Moro has been performing splendidly in the new campaign, and the stunning displays, particularly in the wide areas, have got elite sides interested in his services. If you look at his numbers, they aren’t really very eye-catching; however, it is his impact on the games that has got teams bagging on his signatures.

-> Tottenham insider blasts ‘silly’ Tottenham stars for unjust West Ham theatrics

The 21-year-old has a long-term contract with his current employers, and Real Valladolid are expected to demand a hefty €10 million for the 21-year-old offensive player.

For Tottenham, we have seen the club bring in the likes of Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Grey, all of whom made massive impact on games for their respective sides before the North Londoners decided to pursue their services, and it could be much similar with Moro as well.

-> Tottenham eye 20-year-old Italian midfielder likened to Wijnaldum

Do you think Spurs should invest in Raul Moro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.