The Independent

Djed Spence has signed a new long-term contract with Tottenham, just months after agreeing fresh terms last October. The versatile full-back has been rewarded for a fine breakthrough campaign at Spurs, which saw him make 35 appearances in the 2024-25 season, finally earning his full debut in December, two-and-a-half years after his initial arrival.

The 25-year-old’s journey at the club has been one of resurgence. After being labelled a "club signing" by former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte in 2022, Spence endured mixed loan spells at Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa. However, he successfully forced his way into the plans of then-manager Ange Postecoglou last summer, playing a significant role in the club’s Europa League triumph.

New head coach Thomas Frank has quickly placed his trust in Spence, starting him in Wednesday’s Super Cup loss to Paris St Germain. This latest contract extension solidifies his long-term future at the north London club, reflecting his improved standing within the squad.

Speaking in Udine before his new deal was finalised, Spence addressed the prospect of further transfer activity at Tottenham. With injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski leaving the club short on attacking midfield options, it is understood that Spurs have opened talks with Manchester City and Crystal Palace regarding potential moves for Savinho and Eberechi Eze respectively.

"I’m not sure who has been linked or who is going to come in, but I think yeah whoever comes in will definitely add strength to the squad and will be a good thing for us," Spence admitted. He also expressed his anticipation for the Champions League, which Spurs will return to next month. "Yeah, (Champions League), it’s a great competition, it’s the big stage and everyone wants to show what they can do on the biggest stage, so yeah, looking forward to it."

Just a few days to go until the start of the new Premier League season and club’s are looking to finalise any deals for new signings ahead of their campaigns beginning.

Manchester United have brought in a new forward line of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha and have their sights set on more incomings. Gianluigi Donnarumma was left out of PSG’s Super Cup squad against Tottenham and will leave the club this summer while Ruben Amorim is pushing the hierarchy to sign midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have agreed a fee with teenage defender Giovanni Leoni as they hope to bolster their defence. The club are also in talks with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi and are pursuing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. The Magpies do not wish to sell, but the Reds may be encouraged by Isak’s insistence that his Newcastle career is over, with it reported that he will not wish to reintegrate with the side, even if he stays beyond the deadline.

Elsewhere, Spurs are also preparing to boost their own forward line and want to sign Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The Eagles want a fee in excess of £60m and an official offer could soon go in though Palace’s Community Shield win over Liverpool may now make a deal harder to negotiate.

Tottenham have said they are “disgusted” after forward Mathys Tel received racial abuse on social media after Wednesday night’s Uefa Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Tel missed a spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out, which Tottenham lost 4-3 after they had surrendered a late 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 after 90 minutes.

The France Under-21s international, whose loan deal from Bayern Munich was made permanent in a £30m deal in June, was targeted with abuse after firing his effort wide.

Tottenham said in a statement: “We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat.

“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.

“We will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify. We stand with you, Mathys.”

Tottenham led 2-0 until the 85th minute at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, through goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero before late efforts from Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos hauled PSG level.

PA

Tottenham let slip a late two-goal lead before suffering shoot-out pain in Thomas Frank’s first match in charge to lose a thrilling Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Set-piece goals by Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero had Spurs halfway towards another trophy – only three months on from Frank’s predecessor Ange Postecoglou clinching Europa League success in May.

Champions League winners PSG, who only returned to pre-season last week following their Club World Cup exploits in July, produced a stirring response with Kang-in Lee pulling one back with five minutes left.

Substitute Goncalo Ramos forced spot-kicks when he headed home in the fourth-minute of stoppage-time to stun the north London club.

It was initially advantage Tottenham in the shoot-out when Vitinha missed PSG’s first kick but it was followed by Van de Ven and Mathys Tel failing to score their penalties as Luis Enrique’s men triumphed 4-3 on spot-kicks despite a fine display on Frank’s competitive debut.

This fixture marked Romero's first official match since being appointed Spurs captain, following Son Heung-min's departure, and he lined up in a back-three as Frank immediately stamped his authority.

Tottenham edged the opening stages before PSG attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia dragged wide to provide a reminder of his talent.

Chances remained limited until Richarlison let fly from 20 yards but PSG debutant Lucas Chevalier - preferred to Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma - tipped over.

Mohammed Kudus, on his first start since a summer switch from West Ham, almost tested Chevalier again only for Marquinhos to come across to make a crucial block.

A sliced Van de Ven clearance presented a chance for Ousmane Dembele moments later but he fired off target and then Tottenham grabbed their opening goal under new boss Frank.

It was from a set-piece as Guglielmo Vicario's diagonal to the back post was headed into the penalty area by Romero and, even though Palhinha had a close-range effort pushed onto the crossbar, Van de Ven slid home to spark big celebrations.

A second nearly followed but Kudus' stabbed effort hit the post to ensure it stayed 1-0 at half-time.

Three minutes into the second half and Frank watched Spurs grab a second.

Another set-piece did the trick as Porro picked out the unmarked Romero at the back post and his header into the ground slipped through the hands of Chevalier in a moment he would want to forget in the homeland of Donnarumma.

Kevin Danso sent another effort into the side-netting in the 52nd-minute before Luis Enrique went for broke.

Last-ditch defending by Romero thwarted one chance before Van de Ven slid in to deny the lively Desire Doue.

PSG had the ball in the net after 66 minutes but Bradley Barcola's strike was disallowed for offside in a move which saw Danso produce a heroic block to prevent Fabian Ruiz from scoring after Vicario had saved from Doue.

Tottenham continued to be pinned back and, not long after Djed Spence blocked an effort by Dembele, PSG reduced the deficit.

Substitute Lee arrowed an effort into the bottom corner with five minutes left to set up a nervy finale.

Eventually the pressure told as Achraf Hakimi slipped in Dembele, who crossed for Ramos to head home the leveller in the fourth minute of stoppage-time.

Spurs were left crestfallen but gained two early advantages in the shoot-out when captain Romero called correctly to ensure spot-kicks were taken in front of their fans and when Vitinha sent his effort wide.

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Liveupdated

PSG vs Tottenham live: Spurs begin Thomas Frank era with clash of European champions in Uefa Super Cup

Can Spurs upset the Champions League winners in Udine?

The Thomas Frank era begins in earnest for Tottenham Hotspur as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in a clash of European champions in the Uefa Super Cup.

A Europa League crown and long-awaited end to Tottenham’s trophy drought did not prove enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job, leaving former Brentford boss Frank to pick up from the Australian and seek greater consistency domestically this season. It’s been an interesting summer for Spurs with Son Heung-min’s departure requiring the appointment of a new club captain - Cristian Romero will lead the side for the first time officially in the role as they face a tricky test in this traditional season curtain-raiser.

Having romped to the Champions League in such style earlier this year, one might have presumed that PSG would be a happy camp on the eve of a new Ligue 1 season, but the ongoing spat with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma over his future - or lack thereof - at the club threatens to cause some instability for Luis Enrique. Most of the pieces that solved the puzzle of continental success remain, though, and will hope to add more silverware in Udine.

Follow all of the latest from the Super Cup with our live blog below:

Tottenham ready to beat Arsenal and sign Eberechi Eze after opportunity emerges

Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to seize a window of opportunity to beat Arsenal to the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, by putting together an acceptable package for Crystal Palace this week.

As reported in the Independent's 'Inside Football' newsletter on Friday, Spurs have ramped up interest in the 27-year-old after the injury to James Maddison, amid a widespread belief that the saga might finally come to a head by the start of the Premier League season. That would coincide with the expiration of Eze's release clause for this window.

Arsenal have long been interested in Eze, and are viewed as the Crystal Palace player's first preference, but the fact that no proper transfer bid has yet materialised means there is a chance for Spurs to move forward.

Tottenham ready to beat Arsenal and sign Eberechi Eze after opportunity emerges

The Palace hero, who struck the winner for the Eagles in the FA Cup final against Man City, has been strongly linked with Arsenal, but Spurs sense a chance to beat their rivals and land a major signing

Miguel Delaney13 August 2025 18:20

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has undergone surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season.

The 28-year-old was surrounded by teammates and looked upset as he was treated for the serious injury against Newcastle, with medical staff taking him off the pitch on a stretcher. New manager Thomas Frank said after the game that the injury was “brutal” and its severity has now been confirmed.

Maddison has described the injury as the “lowest low” he’s ever experienced.

Will Castle13 August 2025 18:10

PSG evolution offers Tottenham chance to reignite forgotten reputation in Super Cup

They were European finals that could both be described as historic without accusations of exaggeration. Paris Saint-Germain qualified for Wednesday’s Super Cup by ending their long quest to win the Champions League, becoming the first French club in more than three decades to conquer Europe and, in their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan, delivering one of the great final performances. It could rank with Barcelona’s evisceration of Manchester United in 2011 or AC Milan’s 4-0 humiliation of Barcelona’s Dream Team in 1994. It was a statement. It was unforgettable.

Whereas many outside N17 and the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase could be forgiven for trying to banish their memories of a May night in Bilbao. If the Champions League showpiece was an example of how football should be played, perhaps its Europa League counterpart was a demonstration of how it shouldn’t.

Spurs are entitled not to care about the carping. A club increasingly defined by not winning anything claimed a continental trophy, a place in the Champions League and, it soon transpired, a meeting with PSG in Udine.

PSG evolution offers Tottenham chance to reignite forgotten reputation in Super Cup

Thomas Frank guides Spurs in Udine with a chance to claim a trophy in his first match in charge against the European champions PSG

Richard Jolly13 August 2025 18:00

Will the Super Cup go to extra-time and penalties?

There is no extra time period if there is a draw in 90 minutes. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the match goes straight to penalties.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:45

Who are the current holders?

Real Madrid are the current Uefa Super Cup holders, having beaten Atlanta 2-0 in Warsaw in August 2024.

Madrid have won the trophy a record six times, with Barcelona and AC Milan winning it five times and Liverpool four.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:40

What is the Uefa Super Cup?

The Uefa Super Cup is a match that pits the winners of the Champions League against the winners of the Europa League to decide the ‘best’ team in Europe.

According to Uefa, the match was “devised by Dutch reporter Anton Witkamp” for this purpose, and has been contested by the winners of these two competitions since 2000. Before that, the Champions League winners used to face the winners of the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:35

Uefa Super Cup odds

PSG win 7/15

Tottenham win 6/1

The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:30

Predicted line-ups

PSG XI: Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Fabian, Zaire-Emery; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Johnson.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:25

Tottenham team news

Tottenham will be without playmaker James Maddison after suffering an ACL injury, which could see him sidelined for seven months.

Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are doubts although were included in the travelling squad, while Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin remain out.

Joao Palhinha could make competitive his debut following his loan arrival from Bayern Munich, alongside Mohammed Kudus.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:20

PSG team news

For PSG, last season ended just a month ago as they succumbed to defeat in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea. It means they only returned to pre-season on 6 August and have no new injury concerns.

However, they will be without star midfielder Joao Neves, who was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in that final defeat.

New goalkeeper signing Lucas Chevalier could start in between the sticks, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in a contract standoff with the Parisian giants.

Illia Zabarnyi completed his move from Bournemouth on Tuesday but may not be ready in time.

Will Castle13 August 2025 17:15

Cristian Romero has been appointed as the new captain of Tottenham Hotspur after Son Heung Min’s departure.

Son led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years with victory in the Europa League at the end of last season, but has now departed the club after a decade in London to join LAFC.

Centre-back Romero had been the subject of speculation over a possible move away early in the window yet has remained, and has been installed as Son’s replacement by Thomas Frank.

The former Brentford boss believes that the 27-year-old Argentina international has all the right qualities for the role.

"He was very honoured and very happy about it,” Frank said as he prepares to take charge of his first competitive Spurs fixture in the Uefa Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

“It’s a big thing and should be to lead this wonderful club out on the pitch, not just for this Super Cup, but also throughout the season. I think he has all the right qualities. He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he’s always pushing the team.

“I want a leadership group as well. Of course, one will wear the armband and be the captain, but I would like to have as many leaders as possible, four to five in the leadership group who can help, because it’s the same with me, I can’t do everything on my own and need a superb coaching staff around me. I will name that leadership group after the window to give me time to assess everything."

Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in the summer of 2021 and has been a first-choice starter when fit under a series of managers ever since.

He has operated as a deputy to Son over the last two seasons alongside midfielder James Maddison, who will miss the bulk of the upcoming season after suffering a serious knee injury.

Paris Saint-Germain take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Uefa Super Cup tonight in a clash between the Champions League and Europa League holders.

PSG will be playing their first competitive match since the Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea, with Luis Enrique’s side having little rest before a season in which they look to defend a remarkable treble.

Meanwhile, Spurs face a very difficult first competitive fixture in the reign of new head coach Thomas Frank, with the Dane beginning his tenure in earnest after the recent signing of Mohammed Kudus and the disappointment surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White.

While the Super Cup – equivalent to a European Community Shield – will be viewed as a glorified friendly by some, it offers a chance at another trophy for Spurs as well as the opportunity to start the season in the best possible manner.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

When is PSG vs Tottenham?

The Uefa Super Cup match will take place on Wednesday, 13 August, with kick-off set for 8pm BST (9pm local time).

The venue for the final is the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, which serves as the home of Serie A side Udinese. It has a capacity of just over 25,000.

How can I watch the Uefa Super Cup?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, while subscribers can also watch online via discovery+.

You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.

PSG vs Tottenham team news

For PSG, last season ended just a month ago as they succumbed to defeat in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea. It means they only returned to pre-season on 6 August and have no new injury concerns. However, they will be without star midfielder Joao Neves, who was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in that final defeat. New goalkeeper signing Lucas Chevalier could start in between the sticks, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in a contract standoff with the Parisian giants. Illia Zabarnyi completed his move from Bournemouth on Tuesday but may not be ready in time.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will be without playmaker James Maddison after suffering an ACL injury, which could see him sidelined for seven months. Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are doubts although were included in the travelling squad, while Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin remain out. Joao Palhinha could make competitive his debut following his loan arrival from Bayern Munich, alongside Mohammed Kudus.

PSG vs Tottenham predicted line-ups

PSG XI: Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Fabian, Zaire-Emery; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Johnson.

Uefa Super Cup odds

PSG win 7/15

Tottenham win 6/1

The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.

What is the Uefa Super Cup?

The Uefa Super Cup is a match that pits the winners of the Champions League against the winners of the Europa League to decide the ‘best’ team in Europe.

According to Uefa, the match was “devised by Dutch reporter Anton Witkamp” for this purpose, and has been contested by the winners of these two competitions since 2000. Before that, the Champions League winners used to face the winners of the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup.

Who are the current holders?

Real Madrid are the current Uefa Super Cup holders, having beaten Atlanta 2-0 in Warsaw in August 2024. Madrid have won the trophy a record six times, with Barcelona and AC Milan winning it five times and Liverpool four.

There is no extra time period if there is a draw in 90 minutes. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the match goes straight to penalties.

Yves Bissouma has been left out of Tottenham’s Super Cup squad against Paris Saint-Germain for disciplinary reasons.

Bissouma has been left at home after being late “several times” this summer.

It is an unhelpful distraction to Thomas Frank’s attempt to mark his debut with silverware.

Frank will take charge of his first competitive match as Spurs head coach on Wednesday at Stadio Friuli in Udine and could lift a trophy if they can upset Champions League winners Paris St Germain.

“I think for the team, for me, for everybody involved at Tottenham Hotspur, it’s a massive game,” Frank reflected.

“A great challenge and an even bigger opportunity. That’s how my brain works, I see opportunities instead of pressure or whatever. So for me, massive opportunity and we will definitely embrace it.

“My players, our players, they just won a big trophy six or seven weeks ago, so they had a fantastic experience of doing that and they want to win more.

“It was a great feeling, everything I heard about it, fantastic experience, so the players will be ready.”

Frank has Dominic Solanke available and will aim to mark his Tottenham bow with further cup glory after predecessor Ange Postecoglou masterminded Europa League success in May.

Even though PSG only returned to pre-season training last Wednesday following the Club World Cup, Spurs enter this fixture under-strength with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski long-term absentees and Destiny Udogie still sidelined.

It makes the omission of Bissouma all the more eye-catching and could spell the end of his time at the club given the Mali international, who started the Europa League final, is into the final 12 months of his contract.

Frank explained: “Bissouma has not travelled with the team because of disciplinary reasons.

“He has been late several times and the latest time was one too many.

“With everything you need to give your players a lot of love but also have demands and there also need to be consequences and this time there was a consequence for that.

“I will follow up when I come home. I will park it now because there is a relatively important game for tomorrow.”

Summer recruits Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus are expected to make their debuts against PSG but Frank will largely turn to the squad that ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought under Postecoglou.

Guglielmo Vicario was a key figure in their Europa League run and acknowledged how special it will be to play for a trophy in his home city of Udine.

“Personally, it will be an emotional day but as soon as we get close to kick-off emotions have to stay away and we have to be focused on what we have to deliver on the pitch,” Vicario promised. “It will be an amazing game and we need to be ready to win.

“We have set the tone and we want to repeat and to do it again. We have tasted the feeling and this feeling is amazing so we want to do it again and we have the opportunity tomorrow with another European final.”

Tottenham will announce their new captain on Wednesday after Son Heung-min left to join Los Angeles.

Ben Davies, Spurs’ longest-serving player after his 2015 arrival, added: “We lost Sonny and he was a big part of the dressing room and obviously a huge player for us.

“We are definitely going to feel his loss but ultimately the senior guys in this team have to be here to support everyone.”

Next article

Liveupdated

Transfer news live: Liverpool dealt Isak blow, Spurs target Eze, Man Utd learn Donnarumma fee

Follow all the latest transfer rumours, gossip and signings

Just a few days to go until the start of the new Premier League season and club’s are looking to finalise any deals for new signings ahead of their campaigns beginning.

Liverpool are still pursuing Alexander Isak having sold Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal for £46.3m, which should open up funds for a bid but Newcastle have, so far, been resolute in their desire to keep the Swedish striker. The Magpies do not wish to sell, even if Eddie Howe has admitted it is tricky to see a route back for the exiled forward, with it now seeming increasingly likely the 25-year-old will stay put on Tyneside.

Manchester United, meanhwhile, have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the Italian shot-stopper now looking certain to leave PSG off the back of a stellar 2024/25 campaign. He was entirely left out of their squad to face Tottenham in the Super Cup, with Luis Enrique opting for new signing Lucas Chevalier between the sticks. It comes after United unveiled their new signing Benjamin Sesko to supporters at Old Trafford on Saturday, completing their front line overhaul this summer with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha set to feature in a new-look front three for Ruben Amorim.

Spurs are also preparing to bolster their own forward line further by signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Palace want a fee in excess of £60m and an official offer could soon go in though Palace’s Community Shield win over Liverpool may now make a deal harder to negotiate. Thomas Frank’s side are in need of a creator following the long-term injury to James Maddison and are also in talks for Manchester City’s Savinho.

All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

Benjamin Sesko shirt number revealed

Benjamin Sesko will wear the number 30 at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Will Castle12 August 2025 08:10

Gianluigi Donnarumma to the Premier League?

Gianluigi Donnarumma will “100 per cent” leave PSG this summer after being left out of their Super Cup squad to face Spurs, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Man United are reportedly considering the Italian who would cost just £26m, with a year left on his contract in Paris.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are not in talks to sign Donnarumma and don’t intend to make him a target, with the Blues said to be happy with their goalkeeper selection.

Will Castle12 August 2025 08:01

Crystal Palace ramp up interest for Bilal El Khannouss

Crystal Palace have intensified their pursuit of Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss, The Independent understands.

Spurs and Newcastle are also interested in the Moroccan midfielder, who has three years left on his deal at the King Power.

Miguel Delaney12 August 2025 07:47

Tottenham back in talks for Eberechi Eze

Tottenham have reignited their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, according to Fabrizio Romano.

With the club in need of a creator following James Maddison’s injury, they have re-entered talks for the Crystal Palace star, rivalling Arsenal for his signature.

Spurs are also pursuing a separate deal for Man City’s Savinho.

Will Castle12 August 2025 07:46

Where it went wrong for Jack Grealish at Man City – and how Everton can fix him

They had achieved great success together before their paths diverged. The strategist might have envied the charisma of his ally but despite their different characters, men with a shared affection for Manchester City seemed in harmony with each other in the good times.

Then, suddenly, they were together again. Still, enough about Noel and Liam Gallagher. Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish bumped into each other at Oasis’s homecoming gig at Heaton Park.

This, however, was a briefer reunion. They, it transpired, neither need each other nor believe in one another, not anymore. The Gallaghers may bring in a nine-figure sum for their second coming.

Where it went wrong for Jack Grealish at Man City – and how Everton can fix him

The Toffees will offer regular first-team football in the player’s bid to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad

Richard Jolly12 August 2025 07:37

The damage Newcastle’s disastrous summer could do to their wider project

It was as early as the first days of June that Eddie Howe and his staff feared this summer was going to be “a big problem” for Newcastle United.

The reason then was not yet failed purchases, the departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell or even Alexander Isak. Or at least just Isak. Newcastle already knew about the Swede’s ambitions to leave for months. Now, the same fears were growing about Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon, with the added concern that any unrest could lead to more agitation in the dressing room. The mood was so foreboding that Howe’s staff even asked others in football about potential solutions.

It was a huge shift from the satisfaction felt mere weeks before, and the end of a season that was the club’s best in decades. The Carabao Cup closed that long wait for a trophy, bringing a sense of release around the club. The final-day qualification for a second Champions League campaign in three seasons then seemed to take that further; to embolden everyone, and afford the club the financial assurance to really press on. There was no longer a PSR need to sell stars like Isak.

Miguel Delaney previews Newcastle’s season:

The damage Newcastle’s disastrous summer could do to their wider project

Newcastle have become a laughing stock over how comically haphazard their summer transfer business has been

Will Castle12 August 2025 07:30

Richard Kone set for QPR move after fee agreed with Wycombe

Richard Kone has agreed to join Queens Park Rangers from Wycombe Wanderers in a deal worth at least £2.75m.

The two clubs are currently finalising add-ons, but the principles of an agreement have been struck in a coup for QPR to land the talented forward.

The 22-year-old also had interest from Leicester City, Preston North End and Toulouse, but has instead opted to join QPR, who have successfully sold their ambitious project amid a summer of hugely productive business at Loftus Road.

Richard Kone set for QPR move after fee agreed with Wycombe

The 22-year-old forward has opted to move to Loftus Road despite interest from Leicester City, Preston North End and Toulouse

Miguel Delaney12 August 2025 07:23

How Crystal Palace’s failed fight to stay in the Europa League unfolded

Crystal Palace have officially been demoted from the Europa League.

The Eagles thought they had secured their place in the continent’s second-tier tournament after defying all the odds to win the FA Cup - their first-ever major trophy - which resulted in them qualifying for the Europa League.

However, Uefa ordered the Eagles to play the Conference League, Europe’s third-tier competition, after breaching the tournament’s multi-club ownership rules, which do not allow teams under the same owner to compete in the same competition.

How Palace’s fight to stay in the Europa League unfolded

Everything you need to know about Crystal Palace’s European demotion

Will Castle12 August 2025 06:00

Crystal Palace to play in Conference League as appeal against Uefa demotion fails

Crystal Palace will play in the Conference League next season after their appeal against Uefa’s decision to demote them from the Europa League failed, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has confirmed.

Palace had qualified for the Europa League through their stunning FA Cup victory over Man City, a historic first major trophy in the club’s history and one they followed up on with yesterday by winning the Community Shield.

Crystal Palace to play in Conference League as appeal against Uefa demotion fails

Crystal Palace have failed in their appeal against their European demotion

Will Castle12 August 2025 04:00

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk criticises Crystal Palace fans who disturbed Wembley tribute to Diogo Jota

Virgil van Dijk criticised the small number of Crystal Palace fans who disturbed a silence in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before the Community Shield at Wembley.

The brothers died on 3 July in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, after a suspected tyre blowout. The tragedy occurred only 11 days after Jota, a 28-year-old father of three, had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso.

Virgil van Dijk criticises Palace fans who disturbed Wembley tribute to Diogo Jota

A small group could be heard chanting during the silence before kick-off at Wembley

Richard Jolly12 August 2025 02:00

“He understands Rome wasn't built in a day. We haven't said to him that we want to win the Premier League this year,” Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said on The Overlap with Gary Neville last week. He’d be wise to take on his own advice. Spurs head into another season with a new manager at the helm as Thomas Frank succeeds Ange Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium helm.

That’s not to say Postecoglou deserved a third season. It was a series that had run its course with a grand crescendo. Europa League success, while welcomed with open arms in north London, papered over a dire domestic campaign. Spurs, after all, lost 22 league games last season. It was the most by a team that was not relegated in a 38-game Premier League campaign.

Emotionally, for supporters, it was sad to see Postecoglou go. He was a father figure who routinely went to bat for the club. However, it was impossible to overlook the tactical shortcomings. Remove the rose-tinted glasses, and the stats outlined a team that lacked structure and was routinely carved open in transition. Ange’s gung-ho approach may have appealed to neutrals and rivals, who loved nothing more than watching Spurs crash and burn on a weekly basis.

The honeymoon period saw Spurs go unbeaten in the opening 10 matches of the Australian’s tenure, picking up 26 of a possible 30 points in the process. And 25 percent of the total points Postecoglou picked up during his reign came in those 10 games. Anyway, enough dwelling on the past, it’s time to look to the future, and for supporters to jump on “Thomas the Frank Engine”.

It's been a mixed pre-season for Frank and Spurs, and one compounded by a miserable 4-0 loss at Bayern. That said, Frank oversaw a “North London derby” win over Arsenal – Pape Sarr’s first half strike enough to secure the coveted Herbalgy Trophy in Hong Kong. Draws with Luton, Wycombe and Newcastle hardly inspired confidence.

Even so, supporters have welcomed a more regimented-looking Spurs side, with Frank implementing an aggressive, possession-based style of play. While Spurs would press heavily under Postecoglou, the team looks more in sync in a collective push to rob the ball of opponents rather than going forward all guns blazing, leaving gaping holes at the back as a result.

There has also been a greater onus on maximising the attacking qualities of full-backs Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie – when fit – and Pedro Porro. Under Postecoglou, the pair would invert into midfield to give the team a semblance of dominance in the middle of the park as they pushed higher up the park. Rather, Frank is relying on the offensive output of the trio as a means of hurting opponents, ensuring their strengths are capitalised upon.

To aid their impact, Frank is tasking his wingers with cutting inside from their respective flanks to open up space for the full-backs and create overloads down the right or left flank. Mohammed Kudus, Spurs’ marquee addition so far, has quickly won plenty of admirers, and understandably so. The Ghana international, who crossed the great divide from east to north London, ranked second for successful dribbles (92) in the Premier League last season, to provide the required directness that had been found wanting. For context, Spurs’ top dribblers last season were Dejan Kulusevski and Spence, with 38 apiece.

Considering Frank’s use of Bryan Mbeumo last season, the Cameroon international netted 20 Premier League goals, of which 17 were with his left foot, Frank is expected to task Kudus with a similar role. The Dane will certainly hope he can better his five-goal haul in 2024/25.

On the opposite flank, there will be a Son Heung-min-sized hole to fill, and Frank does have options in the squad. Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson, the latter of whom Frank wanted during his time at Brentford, all match the ‘cut-inside’ demands of the new Spurs boss, and in his favoured 4-2-3-1 setup, there will be ample protection for the flair players to work their magic in the final third.

The loan arrival of Joao Palhinha adds steel to a previously flimsy midfield, and the arrival of the Portuguese ball winner, who ranks third for tackles (300) since the start of the 2022/23 Premier League season despite leaving for Bayern last summer, will go a long way to ensuring the team aren’t caught out time and time again when opponents counter. Conversely, there are understandable concerns about the lack of creativity in the side.

Yes, Kudus is a great addition, while the permanent signings of Tel and Kevin Danso add strength, but three of Spurs’ top four most creative players last season have either departed the club or are presently sidelined. Kulusevski won’t feature again for the foreseeable future, having undergone surgery on his right patella in May, and James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in pre-season against Newcastle, hurting the same knee that forced him off in the second half of the 3-1 Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt earlier this year. It could be seven months before he returns.

Spurs either need to dip into the market for a replacement or rely on the likes of Lucas Bergvall or Sarr to shoulder the creative burden in a more advanced role than they are accustomed to. It’s not all doom and gloom for Spurs, however. Cristian Romero is expected to assume the captaincy with the club successfully warding off interest from Atletico Madrid for the Argentine, while fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven is likely to benefit from a change in system that’ll ease the burden on his chewing gum hamstrings.

Palhinha, while not a ball progressor some may hope for, is an astute capture in a previously problematic area. That Spurs don’t have a natural creator is a worry, though. The Super Cup meeting with PSG is looming and having been outclassed by Bayern, fans are concerned about similar, or worse, in Udine. It could prove a tough first season for Frank as he looks to build his own “Rome”.