CaughtOffside

Ivan Toney’s name is back in the Premier League rumour mill as the January transfer window approaches, despite the English striker’s continued success in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Since making the switch to the Middle East, the 29-year-old has maintained an impressive scoring record and quickly become one of the best forwards in the Saudi Pro League.

Toney has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 12 appearances this season.

His form, coupled with attacking injury concerns at both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, has sparked renewed speculation over a possible return to England. Yet, while interest is mounting, the reality of a transfer appears far more complicated than it seems.

Ivan Toney is performing well in Saudi Arabia

The former Brentford star has quickly adapted to life in Saudi Arabia, delivering goals and leadership for his new club. However, that same form has reignited Premier League interest, with Tottenham and Chelsea both in the market for reinforcements up front.

Both clubs are dealing with injury issues among their attacking options, and Toney’s proven track record in the Premier League makes him an attractive solution.

Despite the speculation, those close to the player insist he is happy with his current situation and is not pushing for a return.

Toney’s contract with Al Ahli runs until June 2028. Sources also indicate that while Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who coached Toney during his time at Brentford, remains a big admirer of the striker, he is not among the club’s top transfer priorities at this stage.

Chelsea, too, are exploring short-term options but are wary of entering a complex negotiation for a player settled in Saudi Arabia.

Al Ahli have no desire to let Toney leave the club

A potential loan has been floated as a possible solution, but the likelihood of Al Ahli agreeing to such an arrangement midway through the season remains slim.

For Toney, the prospect of returning to European football is also tied to his England ambitions. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, a move back to the Premier League could boost his chances of earning a call to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

However, his current circumstances, including a lucrative contract and a comfortable lifestyle in the Middle East, present significant barriers to a January exit.

Micky van de Ven has found himself at the centre of the spotlight following a recent comment in which the Tottenham defender appeared to single out his team-mates after a disappointing result.

In the aftermath of the club’s defeat to Aston Villa, van de Ven, who wore the armband in the absence of the regular captain, bemoaned the loss and suggested that the performance fell short of the standards expected.

His remarks point to growing frustration within the Spurs camp as the team strive to find consistency and identity under new management.

Tottenham’s 2-1 setback at home to Aston Villa served as a flashpoint for van de Ven’s reaction.

Despite taking an early lead through Rodrigo Bentancur, the home side failed to close out the game and were undone by two long-distance strikes.

Van de Ven was critical of his Tottenham teammates

Van de Ven said, as reported by the official Tottenham website:

“It was a tough game, really tough. Aston Villa are a good side. We knew from the beginning it was going to be a tight game, but I don’t think they created big opportunities. They scored two goals outside of the box. I have to see it back if I can say there is something we could have done about it, but I think it was not necessary to lose today.

“We scored early and you want to build on that. We created opportunities but the longer the game goes on, you also need control. You can’t keep pushing forward the whole game. In the end, they scored out of nowhere. First goal, great strike, we can’t really do something about it. Second goal, I don’t know exactly from where he shoots, but I think it’s quite far, so out of the box into the long corner.

“We also had some great opportunities, but we didn’t play the best pass, so I think sometimes in the final third we need to be calmer and just play the best pass to make the biggest opportunity out of it. I don’t think we did that today.”

Spurs need more consistency

The Dutch centre-back, who has already cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s more complete defenders, is signaling his own standards and perhaps expressing impatience with a group that seems to be underperforming.

Despite making an impressive start to the season under new manager Thoma Frank, results like the defeat against Aston Villa and another recent defeat against Bournemouth raises questions about their ambition and quality.

When such a player speaks publicly about standards not being met, it resonates.

A former Tottenham Hotspur player, Frenchman Stephane Dalmat, has revealed that his switch to the London club felt less like a career choice and more like a move he was pushed into.

The French midfielder in question has stepped away from the game but now speaks out about his time at Spurs, admitting that he did not feel entirely comfortable joining the club in the first place.

He suggests that external pressures, be they from agents, club hierarchy or other influences, significantly shaped his decision to move, rather than a conviction of his own.

Stephane Dalmat blames agent on Spurs transfer

Dalmat told Girondins 4 Ever:

“It’s the agents who want to make money on transfers. My agents, at the time, between the transfers from Châteauroux to Lens, from Lens to Marseille, Marseille to Paris, Paris to Inter, everything they picked up… Not one of them told me it was better to do something else, career-wise… That I should settle down

“It was mainly Éric Di Meco and Jean-Philippe Durand, who were sporting directors at the time, who told me to leave. They reached an agreement with Tottenham and Newcastle. I had Éric Di Meco call me and tell me that there was an agreement with these two clubs.

“I told him that there was no way I was going abroad. It was either I stay in Marseille, or they find me another French club, and there aren’t fifty: Monaco, Lyon, Paris… The deal was made for €70 at PSG, even though I wanted to stay in Marseille.

“I didn’t go to a youth academy, so I wasn’t trained. I was immediately presented with a fait accompli. I had a lot of transfers in the space of four years. When you change clubs often, you don’t have stability, so… When I left Inter, I was in a bit of a hole.

“I played for other clubs, Toulouse, Tottenham, Bordeaux… I didn’t have continuity, and I didn’t have the right people or entourage at the time to advise me properly and tell me to take my time, not to move too fast, especially when I was at Lens. I would have liked to have been told ‘stay at Lens for a second season to confirm your skills’, rather than making a big move to Marseille. But then, who turns down Marseille when they’re 19? Marseille was something else.”

Dalmat’s time at Tottenham was a compromise

For the player, this means his time at Spurs was always overshadowed by a sense of compromise.

He explained that although he eventually accepted the move, it was never his ideal destination.

While agents are meant to represent a player’s interests, sometimes the momentum of a club’s recruitment strategy carries more weight.

The players may find themselves wearing a shirt they didn’t wholeheartedly choose.

Clubs need to ensure that the new arrivals are as committed mentally as they are physically.

Tottenham Hotspur’s January transfer plans are beginning to take shape, with reports suggesting that Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović could be the club’s marquee signing of the winter window.

According to Football Insider, the 25-year-old Serbian forward is “leaning towards” a move to north London as he nears the end of his contract in Turin.

With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, Juventus are expected to consider offers in January rather than risk losing him for free in the summer and Tottenham are positioning themselves at the front of the queue.

Since joining Juventus from Fiorentina in 2022 for around €80 million, the striker has enjoyed a mixed spell in Turin.

Juventus are ready to sell Dusan Vlahovic in January

With his contract now running down, Juve appear ready to cash in on the Serbia international, and the Premier League could be his next destination.

Tottenham’s interest comes at a crucial time. Manager Thomas Frank is eager to strengthen his forward line, especially with Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani both struggling for fitness in the early months of the season.

The club are determined to add depth and firepower as they continue their pursuit of a top-four finish and a deep Champions League run.

Vlahović, known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability and physical presence, is seen as an ideal fit for Frank’s playing style.

Tottenham can sign the striker in a bargain move

The potential availability of Vlahović for a cut-price fee only adds to Tottenham’s motivation.

Juventus, facing financial pressures and wary of losing the striker for nothing, could accept a significantly reduced offer in January.

That scenario would represent a major coup for Spurs, who have long been linked with Vlahović but were previously priced out of a deal.

If the move goes through, Vlahović could provide the cutting edge Tottenham need to push for silverware and consolidate their status as one of England’s top sides.

In a surprising decision that’s already stirring debate among fans and pundits, Tottenham have omitted summer signing Mathys Tel from their 2025–26 UEFA Champions League squad for the group stage phase.

The French forward arrived from Bayern Munich in a deal reportedly worth £30 million and was expected to feature prominently under new head coach Thomas Frank.

Instead, Tottenham’s squad submission revealed that Tel was among six players excluded, raising questions about the club’s planning.

The 20-year-old admitted it “definitely hurts” to not be included, especially after the club turned the loan into a permanent transfer in June with a long-term deal until 2031.

Is Mathys Tel left out because of discipline issues?

According to former Spurs scout Bryan King, the reason behind Spurs omitting Tel from their Champions League squad is because of the player’s discipline issues.

He told Tottenham Hotspurs News:

“The only thing I can think of was whether it was an attitude problem or a discipline problem.”

“Something wasn’t right from when Frank took over, and they came back in pre-season. Something didn’t impress Frank, whether it was his off-field behaviour or the way he trained or something along those lines.

“To pay £30m for a player and not put him in the Champions League squad, I would imagine it probably will have been something quite disturbing to be honest.“

Tottenham star needs to respond positively

The focus now shifts to domestic responsibilities, how will Tel respond, how will Spurs integrate him going forward, and can this snub act as a catalyst rather than a setback?

Tel is still young and needs time to develop but it should come as a warning sign for the player that even after investing so much money in his signing, Spurs decided to omit him from the squad for the Champions League.

Frank will be closely watching how the attacker reacts to this situation right now and whether he has the mental toughness to bring himself into contention again for the second part of the Champions League next year.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs interested in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

As per Fichajes, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are keen on the 25-year-old African attacker as well, and it is no surprise. He has been spectacular this season, scoring six goals in the league in seven matches. He could improve further in the right team.

Spurs could use Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo will add goals and creativity to the side, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for most teams. The Cherries are now valuing him at £80 million, and it will be interesting to see if any is willing to pay up.

Tottenham could use a dynamic attacker like him, and he could transform them in the attack. He is a left-sided attacker, but he is capable of operating on either flank as well as centrally. He would be an upgrade on Wilson Odobert if Tottenham managed to sign him.

Semenyo is a man in demand

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United need more quality on the flanks as well.

Arsenal have struggled to create opportunities from the wide areas, and the African could solve their problem. He is a boyhood Arsenal fan, and that could give them an edge in the race as well.

Similarly, Liverpool have not managed to replace Luis Diaz properly, and the 25-year-old could fill the void left by the Colombian. As for Manchester United, they have signed Matheus Cunha recently, but they could use more depth in the final third.

It will be interesting to see if any of the four clubs are willing to pay £80 million for him. It is a steep asking price for the player, but he has proven himself in the Premier League consistently. The transfer market is inflated for quality players, and it makes sense for Bournemouth to hold out for a premium.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus.

Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on the player as well, but he is thought to prefer a move to Spurs instead. Tottenham could use more depth in the attacking unit, and Vlahovic would be a useful addition. He has six goals in 11 games this season.

Vlahovic has proven himself in Italy, and he has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in the Premier League as well. The fact that he could prefer a move to Tottenham will serve as major encouragement for the North London club. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

Dusan Vlahovic prefers Tottenham

Keith Wyness told Football Insider: “Spurs are the team that I’m hearing he’s leaning towards, and I think that could be something that makes sense.

“If you look at what Spurs have got right now, there’s still that sort of striker position where they are lacking real experience. I think he might be the right sort of fit for them.

“There’s a long time to go yet, but I think in terms of January, it could possibly get done. Vlahovic is edging towards Spurs, and that’s where I’m thinking he may just fit.”

Vlahovic would struggle at Chelsea and Man United

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already signed two strikers this summer. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap will be ahead of the Serbian in the pecking order. It is no wonder he is leaning towards a move to Tottenham.

Similarly, Manchester United have recently signed Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian is likely to be the first-choice striker for them. It would be ideal for the Serbian to join Tottenham. Dominic Solanke is currently sidelined with an injury, and Richarlison has been linked with a move away from the club. He is likely to get more opportunities at the North London club.

Newcastle United have had an offer accepted for the highly talented defender Josh Kenchington.

Newcastle are paying a fee of around £350,000 to sign the 15-year-old central defender from Barnsley, as per Keith Downie. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were interested in the player as well, but Newcastle have beaten them in the race.

Josh Kenchington could be a long-term asset

Kenchington is highly rated across England, and he has a bright future. He could develop into a first-team player for Newcastle with the right guidance. They will be delighted to have secured his services. They are looking to build a team for the future, and signing the best young players in the country is a step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old will be delighted to have joined a big club as well. Newcastle have an ambitious project, and they are competing in the UEFA Champions League and winning trophies. Any young player will want to be a part of their project. It will be interesting to see if he can continue his development with regular football at the youth level with Newcastle now.

Report: 25-year-old Chelsea target now a part of Ross Wilson’s ‘to-do list’ at Newcastle

Man United and Spurs miss out on Kenchington

🚨 💴 Newcastle have agreed to pay £350,000 plus significant bonuses for wonder-kid Josh Kenchington.

✅ #NUFC second bid to Barnsley was accepted, after a £275,000 first offer was turned down.

⚫️ Compared to John Stones, Kenchington was playing under 18 football aged just 14.… pic.twitter.com/uQqro1mDMH

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 17, 2025

Manchester United and Tottenham will be disappointed to have missed out on the young defender. They have done well to bring multiple young players in the recent windows, and it is clear that they are looking to put together a formidable pool of young talent at the club.

The 15-year-old English defender would have been an excellent addition for them in the long run. Manchester United and Tottenham would have been attractive destinations for the young defender as well.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are yet to receive clearance from the Premier League, and the deal will only be completed after that. The 15-year-old will then join up with the Newcastle Academy.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in the Belgian International midfielder Nicolas Raskin.

The 24-year-old has been outstanding for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, and he has the qualities to do well in the Premier League as well.

He has been Rangers’ best player for a while, and he has shown his quality with his country as well. The move to the Premier League could be the ideal next step in his career. Crystal Palace are interested in Raskin as well.

Spurs could use Raskin

Tottenham are monitoring his progress, and they could look to make a move for him. They need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the hard-working midfielder could prove to be the ideal acquisition.

He will help Tottenham improve defensively, and he will add some much-needed work rate in the middle of the park as well.

Nicolas Raskin could fancy a move

Pete O’Rourke said on Football Insider: “I’m sure he’d be tempted by a move to the Premier League. There’s no doubt about that.

“I think for Raskin right now, it’s a clean slate for him again under a new manager.

“He’s impressing for Belgium on the international stage as well. So it’s no surprise he’s attracting interest.

“There was interest in the summer on him, but Rangers managed to keep hold of him.

“There is Premier League interest in him, there’s interest from other European leagues as well.

“I think there’ll be a big summer ahead for Rangers and if Raskin doesn’t see any improvement maybe with Rangers, then the player himself could be tempted by a move away.”

Tottenham certainly have the finances to get the deal across the line, and it will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest with an official proposal to get the deal done.

Convincing the midfielder to join the club will not be difficult. It would be a major opportunity in his career, and he would be tempted to join Spurs. They have an exciting project, and they are doing well in the Premier League. They are third in the league table, and they have recently won a European trophy. Raskin will probably hope that the move goes through.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their attacking unit by bringing Harry Kane back to the club.

The England International has been in phenomenal form that season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions. He helped Bayern Munich with the league title last season, and it will be interesting to see if he’s willing to return to the Premier League in the near future. The German champions will not sanction his departure in the middle of the season, and Tottenham will have to wait until the summer transfer window.

Harry Kane would transform Tottenham

According to a report from Fichajes, they are willing to spend €80 million in order to get the deal done. Kane would be a massive upgrade on their current options. Dominic Solanke and Richarlison have not been able to score goals consistently since joining the club.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can convince the England international to return to the club. He knows the club well, and he will be able to settle in quickly and make an instant impact. He could transform Tottenham into a formidable side.

They have recently won a European trophy, and they are doing quite well this season. Signing the right players could help them improve further and fight for major trophies.

Player Goals Assists Harry Kane 59 17 Dominic Solanke 16 8 Richarlison 8 3

Stats since 2024/25 season

Can Spurs sign Kane?

There is a clause in the striker’s contract which allows him to leave Bayern Munich in 2026 for a pre-decided fee. If Tottenham are willing to pay up, the German club could be powerless to stop him from leaving. They will hope that the striker will want to stay in the Bundesliga and fight for major trophies with them.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few months.