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Tottenham snubbed Ademola Lookman in January, now he’s tearing up La Liga

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55-goal, 27 assist attacker was offered to Tottenham in January but Spurs turned it down - CaughtOffside
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While Tottenham find themselves right in the middle of a desperate fight for Premier League survival, a ghost from the January transfer window has returned to haunt them.

Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international who has become an overnight sensation at Atletico Madrid, was reportedly offered to Spurs multiple times last month, only for the North London club to reject the chance to sign him.

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Tottenham turned down the chance to sign Ademola Lookman

Spurs were strongly linked with a move for the former Atalanta star, holding a long interest in the attacker.

And they had a chance to sign him, not once but twice, with latest being in January when they were offered the opportunity to secure his signature.

But according to The Sun, Tottenham’s hierarchy turned down the 28-year-old winger despite a “crippling” injury crisis that decimated Thomas Frank’s squad throughout January.

Lookman eventually completed a £30 million deadline-day move from Atalanta to the Spanish capital, and his impact has been nothing short of explosive.

Lookman’s immediate impact at Atletico Madrid

The Super Eagles star has already netted four goals in his first six appearances for Diego Simeone’s side.

His standout moment came just a fortnight ago, when he terrorised the Barcelona defense in a 4-0 Copa del Rey demolition.

Lookman opened his account for the club with a clinical strike and turned provider for Julián Álvarez, leaving many at the Metropolitano wondering how a player of his caliber remained available until the final hours of the window.

Club Appearances Goals Assists Atalanta BC 137 55 27 Charlton Athletic 49 12 3 Everton FC 48 4 2 Leicester City 42 8 5 Fulham FC 35 4 4 RB Leipzig 24 5 4 Atlético de Madrid 7 4 2 Everton FC U21 2 2 –

Ademola Lookman stats across various clubs via Transfermarkt

Spurs decision to snub Lookman questioned

The decision to snub Lookman appears even more baffling given that Spurs lost nine first-team players to injury in January alone.

Director of Football Johan Lange recently defended the club’s quiet window, claiming they had to remain “disciplined” to avoid signing “quick fixes.”

Lange argued that with a bloated squad set to return from injury, any new arrival had to be a “premium player for now and the future.”

Ironically, Lookman, who turned 28 in October, seemingly didn’t fit that long-term profile, yet he has outperformed almost every fit attacker currently in the Spurs squad.

Instead of the Nigerian, Spurs opted for Conor Gallagher and teenage full-back Souza, leaving many fans questioning why a proven goalscorer wasn’t prioritised during a relegation battle.

While Tottenham’s forwards have struggled for consistency, Lookman’s instant hit status in Spain suggests he was exactly the type of spark Spurs needed.

For a club currently sitting 16th in the table, the decision to ignore a player who has already humbled Barcelona may well go down as the most expensive mistake of their season.

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Tottenham owners to smash wage structure in summer overhaul

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Report confirms how Tottenham owners plan to end years of transfer frustration - CaughtOffside
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It has been a disappointing season for Tottenham so far, and they are very close to the relegation zone.

They will look to bounce back strongly and finish the season on a high. According to a report from The Guardian, the owners are now looking to invest heavily in the summer window and are prepared to shatter the rigid wage structure at the club to bring in top-quality players.

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The Guardian report claims that Tottenham’s wage bill is the lowest among the big six clubs, and that the owners are prepared to change that to attract top-quality players. Tottenham fans have been calling for more ambition in the transport market for several years, and it seems that their prayers are finally going to be answered. However, they will need to secure safety in the Premier League first. If they are relegated at the end of the season, it would be catastrophic for them, financially.

They have brought in Igor Tudor to steady the ship and help the team bounce back strongly. It remains to be seen whether the former Juventus manager can make his mark. He has had a baptism of fire in the Premier League, so far. Tottenham were humiliated by Arsenal in his first game in charge of the north London club.

He has now demanded a strong reaction from his players for the upcoming matches, and it remains to be seen whether they can step up and deliver. There is no doubt that they have a quality team, and they should be doing a lot better.

There is likely to be a major overhaul of the team in the summer, but everything now depends on their ability to secure safety first.

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Tottenham want to sign Lens star Robin Risser

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Tottenham eye 21-year-old French sensation as they look to dump first-team flop - CaughtOffside
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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Lens keeper Robin Risser at the end of the season.

According to TEAMtalk, the 21-year-old’s performances for the French outfit have impressed the north London club, and they are looking to sign him as a replacement for Guglielmo Vicario.

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The Italian has been inconsistent since joining Tottenham, and the club hierarchy has decided to move on from him. They are looking to replace him, and the young French goalkeeper would be ideal for them.

Risser has done quite well this season, and there are rumours that he could be a part of the French World Cup as well. Tottenham have been monitoring him closely and are impressed by his displays. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done. Other clubs are monitoring his situation as well, and they should move quickly to get the deal done.

Having a reliable goalkeeper, could make a huge difference for Tottenham and it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds. The 21-year-old will certainly be attracted to the idea of joining Tottenham. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to play for a big club. Regular football in the Premier League could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential.

Tottenham have the financial muscle to convince the French outfit to sell the player. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with a lucrative offer in the summer. Meanwhile, they will look to get rid of the Italian goalkeeper, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are close to the relegation zone, and they must finish the season strongly to attract elite talent.

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Micky van de Ven calls out four Tottenham players in brutal interview

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‘Unacceptable’: Micky van de Ven calls out four Spurs players as Tottenham woes deepen - CaughtOffside
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Tottenham Hotspur’s star defender Micky van de Ven delivered a stinging reality check to his teammates before the humiliating 4-1 North London Derby defeat.

In a season that has spiraled into a nightmare, the Dutchman labeled the club’s current league position as “unacceptable” and named five key figures, including himself, who must shoulder the burden of saving Spurs from the drop.

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With the club sitting in 16th place and just two points above the relegation zone, the mood in the dressing room is reportedly at an all-time low.

Micky van de Ven wants Tottenham teammates to step up

Speaking to Sky Sports before the match against Arsenal, the Dutchman pointedly noted that the club’s younger players cannot be expected to carry the weight of a relegation battle.

Instead, he called out a core group of five experienced players, himself, the suspended Cristian Romero, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfield anchor Joao Palhinha, and striker Dominic Solanke to lead by example.

He said: “If you are a club like Tottenham Hotspur, you have this quality of place (training ground), and you are, what I say, as big as the most, it’s unacceptable that you’re standing at this place on the table, and the results need to be way, way better.

“Of course, we still have some quality players left. We have a really talented squad and some top players, but we also miss some key players for us, and it’s really important for the players who are fit right now to step up.

“You have some young players, obviously, in the group, and you can’t really ask them to be the guys that need to push us forward. So, then, normally, I have Cuti next to me, who is now unfortunately suspended, but you have [Guglielmo] Vic behind me, who has a lot of experience, Joao Palhinha, in the midfield, who has a lot of experience, [Dominic] Solanke, who has a lot of experience.”

Van de Ven accused of ignoring Igor Tudor’s orders vs Arsenal

While Van de Ven’s words were aimed at leadership, his own actions on the pitch have drawn heavy criticism.

Footage from the Arsenal defeat showed the defender completely ignoring tactical instructions from new interim boss Igor Tudor.

As Tudor frantically signaled for the line to push higher, Van de Ven remained static, a display of insubordination that mirrored a similar incident with former manager Thomas Frank earlier this season.

This public friction, combined with Spurs’ plummeting form, has pushed Van de Ven toward the exit door.

Valued at over €100 million, the 24-year-old is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Real Madrid, with the latter viewing him as the long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

If Van de Ven’s call to arms doesn’t spark an immediate reaction against Fulham next Sunday, he may well be leading his teammates through their final few months in a Tottenham shirt before a massive summer exodus.

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Arsenal star Gabriel mocks Tottenham with social media post after 4-1 win

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Arsenal star mocks Tottenham with social media post after North London derby win - CaughtOffside
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Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby not only strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League but also sparked some post-match theatrics.

Defender Gabriel Magalhães added fuel to the rivalry by taking to social media with a playful, yet pointed, jab at Spurs following the final whistle.

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On a night when Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a commanding performance, the celebrations extended beyond the pitch.

Arsenal completely dominated Spurs

Arsenal produced a clinical display to overpower Tottenham.

Braces from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres ensured the Gunners secured all three points, while Randal Kolo Muani’s first-half strike for Spurs ultimately proved little more than a footnote in a one-sided contest.

The result allowed Arsenal to reassert a five-point advantage over Manchester City at the summit, albeit having played one game more.

It also provided a timely response to their midweek draw against Wolves, restoring momentum at a critical juncture in the title race.

Gabriel mocked Tottenham on social media

Among the most eye-catching moments came after the match, when Gabriel shared a celebratory image from the Arsenal team bus on his Instagram account.

The Brazilian defender was pictured holding a four of hearts playing card, a nod to the scoreline, alongside the Player of the Match award.

With a relaxed grin, a Rio drink and a packet of M&Ms in frame, the post quickly circulated among fans.

The gesture was widely interpreted as playful banter. The victory will give Arsenal much needed confidence with Mikel Arteta’s side now getting ready to face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in their next match.

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Liverpool and Real Madrid are ready to battle it out for Tottenham star

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Liverpool face Real Madrid competition for £61 million Tottenham star - CaughtOffside
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Luka Vušković’s rapid rise in Germany has placed him firmly on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool and Real Madrid among those closely monitoring the Tottenham defender, according to Sports Boom.

The 18-year-old centre-back has impressed during his loan spell at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, attracting admiration after brilliant performances.

As interest intensifies, Tottenham are understood to value the Croatian prospect at up to £61 million, a figure that shows both his potential and their determination to retain control over his future.

Vušković has experience a meteoric rise in Bundesliga

Hamburger SV have benefited significantly from Vušković’s composure and physical maturity this season.

Despite his age, he has displayed the hallmarks of a modern centre-back, comfort in possession, strong aerial presence and tactical awareness in high defensive lines.

His performances in Germany have accelerated his development curve, exposing him to a competitive environment that demands both discipline and technical confidence.

Scouts from across Europe have reportedly attended matches to assess his progress firsthand.

Tottenham’s decision to facilitate his loan move appears to have paid dividends.

Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid

Liverpool are said to be evaluating defensive reinforcements as part of long-term succession planning, and Vušković’s profile matches with their strategy of investing in high-ceiling young talent.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also been linked, consistent with their recent recruitment trend of targeting elite prospects before they reach full market value.

Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are similarly reported to be tracking the teenager’s progress as he continues to impress.

Spurs remain in a strong negotiating position. Vušković is viewed internally as a cornerstone of the club’s defensive future, and the reported £61 million valuation signals reluctance to entertain bids.

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Tottenham and Newcastle linked with Darwin Nunez move

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Tottenham and Newcastle in talks to rescue £400k-a-week star from Saudi nightmare - CaughtOffside
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Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move back to the Premier League.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on the 26-year-old striker and have held talks with intermediaries about a potential move. The player currently earns £400,000 a week at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, and it remains to be seen whether any Premier League club is willing to pay that kind of money for him.

Barcelona are also monitoring Nunez.

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Darwin Nunez to return?

The Uruguayan International might have to accept a major pay cut in order to see a return to the Premier League. He has struggled for regular opportunities at Al-Hilal recently since the arrival of Karim Benzema. The player has been sidelined, and he is no longer an important member of the first team. Leaving the Saudi Arabian club would be ideal for him.

It remains to be seen whether he is ready to return to the Premier League.

Nunez could be a useful signing

Despite not being a prolific goalscorer, he impressed during his time at Liverpool with his work rate, physicality, technical attributes, and link-up play. He could prove to be a very useful acquisition for Tottenham or Newcastle. Both teams could use more depth in the attack, and Nunez is versatile enough to operate on the flanks as well as centrally.

He is at the peak of his career, and he knows the league well. He could settle in quickly and make an immediate impact. The opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League once again would be exciting for him.

The striker has scored 9 goals in 24 appearances for the Saudi Arabian outfit, and there is no doubt he could be a quality player in the right team. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

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Lorenzo Pellegrini transfer wanted by Tottenham's Igor Tudor

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Igor Tudor tells Tottenham to sign midfield maestro who could be available - CaughtOffside
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Tottenham’s interim manager Igor Tudor has reportedly urged the club to pursue a transfer move for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini.

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The Italy international’s future at Roma is in some doubt at the moment, and it seems Tudor is a big fan of his and pushing for him to be targeted by Spurs, according to Calciomercato.

It remains to be seen how much influence Tudor will have given that he’s perhaps unlikely to be in the job for that long at Tottenham, but there’s no doubt that Pellegrini is a fine player with the quality and experience to make an impact for a top Premier League club.

According to Calciomercato’s report, Pellegrini is now seriously tempted to try a new challenge abroad after an entire career spent in Italian football so far.

Lorenzo Pellegrini future up in the air as opportunity emerges for Tottenham

Roma are still keen to tie Pellegrini down to a new contract, according to Calciomercato, but it looks like he could be heading towards an exit from the Stadio Olimpico.

The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer if he doesn’t agree a new deal, so it’s a big opportunity for Spurs and others.

Tudor only recently took over from Thomas Frank, but he’s only there until the end of the season until a permanent appointment comes in.

Perhaps if the Croatian tactician can impress in the weeks and months ahead then he’ll have a stab at landing the job beyond this campaign, in which case it could be smart to give him someone like Pellegrini to work with.

Still, there are a lot of moving parts here that could make this deal complicated, so it’s a bit early to know for sure how the whole saga is going to pan out.

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Tottenham agree deal to sign George Jobling

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Tottenham capitalise on Chelsea decision to secure defender agreement - CaughtOffside
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England youth International George Jobling has been released from the Chelsea Academy this week, and Tottenham have now secured his signature.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the London club has secured the services of the England international, and he is expected to sign a professional contract with them when he turns 17. The teenage talent is highly rated at the youth level, and he has a bright future. He could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Tottenham.

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Chelsea have let George Jobling leave

It is unclear why Chelsea decided to let the player leave, but there is no doubt that Spurs will be delighted to sign the young defender. They are looking to build a team for the future, and Jobling could prove a useful acquisition for them in the long term. If they can help him develop and fulfil his potential, he could end up saving them millions in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, the young defender will be delighted to have joined one of the biggest clubs in the country. He will now focus on his development and force his way into Tottenham’s first team plans in the future. The defender will certainly look to prove that Chelsea has made a mistake in letting him leave.

Chelsea to greenlight sale as Man United & Tottenham eye move for 24-year-old

Spurs need senior players along with Jobling

Meanwhile, Tottenham should also look to bring in players who are first-team ready and can help them improve immediately.

It has been a disappointing season for them, and they are closer to the relegation zone than they are to Champions League qualification. It will be interesting to see if they can turn things around in the coming weeks. They have brought in Igor Tudor as their new manager, and he will be expected to turn things around.

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"Discussions" likely "going on" for Tottenham to hire popular choice for new manager

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Tottenham may reportedly already be in early discussions over hiring USA manager Mauricio Pochettino for a second spell at the club.

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The Argentine remains popular among Spurs supporters since his first stint with the north Londoners between 2014 and 2019, and he could be available after the 2026 World Cup in the summer.

Pochettino finished his five years at Tottenham with a stunning 73.72% win percentage, and made the club regulars in the Champions League.

Now Spurs find themselves struggling at the wrong end of the table, so bringing Pochettino back could be the best move to improve results, performances, and the overall mood at the club.

Tottenham already discussing Mauricio Pochettino return?

Igor Tudor has just come in as interim manager for Tottenham until the end of the season, but it’s perhaps hard to imagine him landing the job permanently.

It will be interesting to see if a few candidates could be in the frame to come in once Tudor’s time with THFC comes to an end, but former Everton chief Keith Wyness told Football Insider that he could imagine talks are already starting over Pochettino’s return.

“I think Igor Tudor is a short-term situation. I think it does point to the fact they want Pochettino back after the US exit the World Cup. And I think those discussions, I’m pretty sure, are going on,” Wyness said.

Pochettino stats Wins Draws Losses Win % Tottenham 216 45 32 73.72 PSG 55 15 14 65.48 Chelsea 26 11 14 50.98 USMNT 13 2 7 59.09

“And that’s what I think would calm things down at Spurs and allow the Lewis group to really back somebody, like Pochettino, with a proven track record and to get things done. So I think that’s the plan.”

Tottenham preparing to take on Arsenal

Tudor will hope to get off to a winning start with Tottenham this weekend as he prepares to face rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners would normally be heavy favourites in this fixture, but it’s fair to say Spurs might sense an opportunity to rub salt into their rivals’ wounds after some poor recent form.

Arsenal are on a poor run of just two wins from their last seven Premier League games, so this could be the best time for Tudor to be taking charge of Tottenham.

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