CaughtOffside

According to a report from talkSPORT, Tottenham star Xavi Simons made the personal decision to scrap the allowed time off and remain at the training ground, demonstrating a level of commitment that has quickly endeared him to the supporters.

The squad were surprisingly granted five days off following last week’s demoralising 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, a result that ultimately cost manager Thomas Frank his job.

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However, while some teammates took the opportunity to recharge in sunnier climates, Simons was reportedly putting in grueling extra hours at Hotspur Way.

His focus? Ensuring he is in peak physical and tactical condition for this Sunday’s high-stakes North London derby against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Xavi Simons skips day off to prepare for North London Derby

Simons’ dedication comes at a key moment as interim head coach Igor Tudor takes the reins.

Tudor, the former Juventus boss appointed earlier this week, is known for demanding high intensity and tactical discipline, traits Simons is clearly eager to display.

With Tottenham sitting in 16th place and just five points above the relegation zone, Simons appears determined to lead by example.

Unlocking Simons’ true potential will be massive for Spurs

Unlocking the full potential of Xavi Simons is one of Igor Tudor’s most important task.

Despite the club’s struggles, Simons has been a rare bright spot this season, recently topping Premier League passing statistics for defence-splitting passes in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

While he has not been able to replicate his form from RB Leipzig as yet, he remains one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe.

There is reason why top clubs like Liverpool were interested in signing him in the summer, while Chelsea also tried to sign him before Spurs eventually hijacked the deal.

Club / Team Appearances Goals Assists RB Leipzig 78 22 24 PSV Eindhoven 48 22 11 Tottenham Hotspur 31 2 5 Paris Saint-Germain U19 29 16 14 Paris Saint-Germain UEFA U19 12 5 6 Paris Saint-Germain 11 0 1

Xavi Simons stats across various clubs via Transfermarkt

The Dutch playmaker has the vision and creative flair to dismantle any defense, but under Thomas Frank, he often appeared isolated in a stuttering system.

If Tudor can build a framework that allows Simons to thrive as the central creative heartbeat, Spurs may have the x-factor needed to derail Arsenal’s title charge and climb away from the drop zone.

For the fans, seeing their star man grinding away while others rest is the perfect fuel for a derby-day atmosphere.

Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie as their primary target to bolster the left flank, according to reports from CalcioMercato.

The Italian giants are reportedly preparing for a summer shake-up that could see current wing-back Andrea Cambiaso depart the Allianz Stadium.

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Cambiaso, who is under contract until 2029, has had an inconsistent first half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite a flashes of brilliance, including a goal in the recent 3-2 Derby d’Italia loss to Inter Milan, the Ligurian defender has struggled for consistency.

With a valuation of approximately €40 million, Juventus are reportedly open to a sale if an appropriate offer arrives, with several Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Bayern Munich previously linked to the 25-year-old.

Juventus want Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie

If Cambiaso leaves, Juventus management has already identified the “chosen one” to take his place.

Destiny Udogie is no stranger to Serie A, having risen through the ranks at Hellas Verona before becoming a breakout star at Udinese.

His blend of technical finesse and a “great physical structure” makes him an ideal fit for the Bianconeri’s tactical evolution.

At 23, Udogie fits the profile of the young, dynamic talent Juventus is looking to build around.

The club is reportedly “ready to sink the blow” and launch a formal pursuit should Cambiaso’s departure materialize this summer.

Destiny Udogie has been an excellent signing for Tottenham

Since moving to North London, Udogie has established himself as a key figure in Tottenham’s squad.

He also played a key role in Spurs’ UEFA Europa League win in 2025, demonstrating remarkable versatility.

Under the current setup at Spurs, he has matured defensively while maintaining the explosive forward runs that characterised his time in Italy.

However, with a contract running until 2030, Tottenham holds all the leverage.

While Juventus view him as the perfect homecoming candidate, pryng the “powerhouse” away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would likely require a fee significantly higher than the €18m Spurs initially paid for his services.

Big summer ahead for Tottenham

Spurs could see several star players leave this summer after what has been an awful domestic season.

Cristian Romero is one of them. Romero has been left frustrated with the club’s situation and is linked with a summer exit.

Several clubs including Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid are said to be keen on signing him.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are also interested in signing the 20-year-old Swedish international midfielder. They are long-term admirers of the player, and they have been tracking his progress for quite some time.

Meanwhile, Chelsea tried to sign Bergvall in January.

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Lucas Bergvall is an asset for Spurs

Bergvall has performed well for Tottenham since joining, and he is highly rated at the club. They will not want to sanction his departure, especially to a Premier League rival.

It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Aston Villa make a move for him at the end of the season. Liverpool has registered an interest in signing the player, and the club hierarchy is monitoring his progress.

Tottenham rate the player highly, and they believe he’s one of the best young talents in European football right now. They are looking to build for the future, and they simply cannot afford to lose an elite prospect like him. It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool or Aston Villa test their resolve with an offer at the end of the season.

Can Spurs hold on to Bergvall?

Tottenham are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. They could lose key players in the summer, especially if they finish in the bottom half of the league table. It will be interesting to see if the 20-year-old midfielder is attracted to the idea of joining a bigger club in the summer.

Liverpool could use more technical ability in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old could be an excellent education. He will add creativity and goals in the middle of the park. They are one of the biggest clubs in the country, and the opportunity to play for them could be hard to turn down for the youngster.

Tottenham may reportedly have to look elsewhere now as it looks like Everton are adamant that they won’t sell Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer.

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The 27-year-old had been a target for Spurs, but it seems they’re now set to start looking for alternatives due to Everton’s stance, according to Football Insider.

Dewsbury-Hall only joined Everton from Chelsea last summer, and has started well at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

It makes sense that the Toffees aren’t keen to let him go, but Tottenham might also have been seen as a tempting step up for him, as well as a chance to return to London.

Still, it looks like THFC will have no luck in pursuing Dewsbury-Hall, with Everton remaining firm in their stance.

Why Everton need to keep Tottenham transfer target Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

According to Football Insider’s report, one reason Everton are particularly keen to keep KDH is because of uncertainly over Jack Grealish’s future.

The England international is currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, and it could be expensive to make his move permanent.

If EFC end up losing Grealish at the end of this season, then it just makes it all the more important that they keep hold of another key attacking midfield player in Dewsbury-Hall.

That’s unfortunate news for Tottenham, though, and it will be interesting to see who they end up looking at as an alternative.

Spurs need a good summer after two really disappointing seasons in a row, with the north London club also surely set to hire a new manager as it’s hard to see current interim manager Igor Tudor landing the job permanently.

Tottenham have received a significant boost during a turbulent period for the club, with Swedish starlet Lucas Bergvall now expected to return to action much sooner than previously feared.

According to the latest reports from Fotboll Direkt, the 20-year-old midfielder’s rehabilitation is progressing ahead of schedule, providing a rare glimmer of hope for newly appointed interim manager Igor Tudor.

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Bergvall’s season hit a major roadblock in late January during Tottenham’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Update on Lucas Bergvall’s Injury

The midfielder,who was wanted by Chelsea in January, was forced off in the second half following a heavy challenge, later diagnosed as a significant ankle injury.

Initial assessments from the medical staff were grim, with early forecasts suggesting a layoff of two to three months.

Such a timeline would have effectively ended his regular-season contributions and ruled him out of critical international fixtures.

However, the report now indicates that the player has recently been released from the protective plastic boot used to stabilise his foot, signaling a major step forward in his recovery.

When is Lucas Bergvall expected back?

The revised forecast points toward a comeback in approximately six weeks, provided his healing continues without further setbacks.

This accelerated timeline is particularly vital for the Swedish national team; there is now “minimal hope” that Bergvall could feature in the upcoming World Cup playoff against Ukraine on March 26.

For Spurs, his return cannot come soon enough. The club has been ravaged by an unprecedented injury crisis, with as many as 11 senior players currently sidelined, including James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

With Tottenham currently fighting to climb the table and Igor Tudor tasked with steadying the ship, having a player of Bergvall’s technical quality return for the final stretch of the season could be the difference-maker.

Arsenal are hoping to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, and he is on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur as well. However, a report from Football Insider claims that Arsenal currently “hold the edge” over Tottenham in the race to sign the German International.

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Arsenal could use Leon Goretzka

Signing a player of his quality on a free transfer would be a masterstroke from Arsenal. They could use more quality in the team, and the 31-year-old will only help them improve further. The box-to-box midfielder will add physicality, defensive steel and drive in the middle of the park. He has proven himself in Germany over the years, and he has the qualities to succeed in England as well.

Apart from his qualities as a footballer, his leadership skills and winning experience could prove invaluable. Arsenal are looking to build a team capable of regularly winning major trophies. They need serial winners like him. Goretzka has won 15 trophies with Bayern Munich since 2018. He has won major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, and could be the ideal mentor for the Arsenal dressing room.

Spurs keen on Goretzka

Meanwhile, Tottenham need more quality in the middle of the park as well. It will be interesting to see if they can beat Arsenal to the signature of the German International. Arsenal are currently pushing the hardest to get the deal done.

They will certainly have an advantage in the race because they are likely to secure Champions League qualification for the next season. On the other hand, Tottenham are fighting for survival. The player might not be too keen on joining a club where he might not win major trophies.

Tottenham have made it clear that Lucas Bergvall remains a central part of their long-term vision, despite growing interest from Premier League rivals.

According to The Athletic, Spurs rejected approaches during the January transfer window, with Aston Villa and Chelsea both enquiring about the Swedish midfielder’s availability.

The message from North London was unequivocal, Bergvall is not for sale.

While the young midfielder has found regular starts harder to come by in recent months and is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Tottenham’s hierarchy view him as a cornerstone for the future.

With a contract running until 2031, the club are under no pressure to entertain offers.

Tottenham have no intention to let Bergvall leave

Tottenham see Bergvall as part of their long term project.

Bergvall arrived at Spurs amid considerable excitement, having been regarded as one of Scandinavia’s brightest midfield prospects.

His technical ability and composure in possession marked him out early, and Tottenham moved swiftly to secure his signature amid interest from several European clubs.

With competition for places high at Spurs, Bergvall has struggled to retain his place in the starting line up this season.

Premier League clubs hold interest in the young midfielder

Both Aston Villa and Chelsea saw an opportunity in January. Villa’s recruitment strategy under Unai Emery has focused on adding youthful dynamism to complement their European ambitions, while Chelsea continue to invest heavily in emerging talent as part of their long-term squad-building model.

However, Tottenham’s response was swift and firm.

Bergvall’s recent ankle injury has complicated matters, temporarily halting his momentum at a time when he was seeking to reassert himself in the rotation.

Nevertheless, the club’s medical and coaching staff are said to be confident about his recovery and long-term trajectory.

Spurs’ decision to tie him down to a deal until 2031 demonstrates the scale of their commitment.

Tottenham Hotspur issued a firm hands-off warning to London rivals Chelsea during the January transfer window, rejecting an approach for Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall.

According to a report from The Athletic, the Blues, alongside Aston Villa, made direct contact with Spurs to test their resolve regarding the 20-year-old midfielder.

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Despite Bergvall’s reduced minutes in the squad this season, Tottenham officials reportedly made it clear that there was “no plan” to consider his exit, viewing him as a non-negotiable part of the club’s long-term future.

Tottenham rejected Chelsea’s approach for Lucas Bergvall

The interest from Stamford Bridge reportedly stemmed from Bergvall’s reduced role under former head coach Thomas Frank.

The Dane, who was recently relieved of his duties, often deployed the natural central midfielder in wider areas or utilised him as a rotation option following the arrival of Conor Gallagher.

Sensing a potential opening, Chelsea explored the possibility of a permanent deal to bolster their own youthful midfield project.

However, Spurs rebuffed these advances immediately. The hierarchy in North London remains convinced of Bergvall’s “generational” potential, especially given his contract runs until 2031.

With Igor Tudor now taking the reins as interim boss, the club is hopeful that a more consistent role in his preferred central position will settle any external noise.

Bergvall’s time at Tottenham since snubbing Barcelona

Bergvall’s journey at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a whirlwind since he famously turned down a move to Barcelona in 2024.

At the time, the Catalan giants were considered favorites, but the lure of the Premier League saw the ‘unstoppable‘ Swede choose N17.

His debut season was nothing short of spectacular; he was named the club’s Player of the Year and played a key role in Spurs’ Europa League win over Manchester United.

Igor Tudor’s first interview following his confirmation as the new short-term manager of Tottenham Hotspur has already won over a disillusioned fan base.

The Croatian tactician, appointed on Saturday to steer Spurs through the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, wasted no time in establishing a new, aggressive mental framework for a squad currently languishing in 16th place.

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Igor Tudor says ‘we want to win’ in first interview as Tottenham manager

Stepping into the high-pressure environment of North London, Tudor delivered a clear, uncompromising message that resonated with supporters tired of defensive fragility.

“We want to win,” Tudor stated during his unveiling (quotes via The Spurs Watch). “You can’t go out there aiming for a draw. We take the field to win; you don’t prepare matches to draw. My focus is clear: to bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.”

??Igor Tudor:

"We want to win, you can’t go out there aiming for a draw. We take the field to win; you don’t prepare matches to draw." pic.twitter.com/YVWouUPDR4

— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) February 14, 2026

Tudor, who has signed an interim deal until the end of the season, is tasked with halting a dismal run that has seen Spurs win only two of their last 17 league games.

His debut will be a baptism of fire: a North London derby against league leaders Arsenal next Sunday.

Stark contrast from Thomas Frank’s defeatist comments

Tudor’s front-foot rhetoric stands in sharp contrast to the tone set by his predecessor, Thomas Frank.

The Danish manager, sacked on Wednesday after just eight months in charge, frequently drew the ire of fans for what was perceived as a defeatist outlook.

During his unveiling, Frank famously told the media, “We are going to lose games,” a sentiment intended to manage expectations but one that ultimately alienated a crowd used to the “To Dare Is To Do” motto.

He said: “I promise you one thing, one thing is 100% sure, we will lose football matches.”

Frank’s weak comments along with the mention of Arsenal set the tone of his disastrous tenure at Spurs.

He failed to win over the fans from the get go and mistakes like drinking from an Arsenal branded coffee-cup did not help.

While Frank’s pragmatism worked at Brentford, his inability to inspire a “big club” mentality at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium led to the lowest points-per-game ratio (1.12) of any Spurs manager in the Premier League era.

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Christian Pulisic from AC Milan.

According to a report from Fichajes, the club has already made initial contact to sign the 27-year-old, and the Italian outfit would be open to sanctioning his departure due to his contract situation. The player has entered the final 18 months of his deal, and Milan is prepared to cash in.

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Christian Pulisic would be a superb signing

Pulisic has been excellent since joining Milan, and he has 10 goals to his name this season. He could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Tottenham as well. They need more creativity and goals in the final third, and the 27-year-old would be ideal for them. He knows the Premier League, having played with Chelsea in England. He could make an immediate impact and transform Tottenham’s attack.

Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United are also interested in the United States international, but Tottenham are in pole position after intensifying their efforts to complete the deal.

It will be interesting to see where the 27-year-old ends up.

Can Spurs convince Pulisic?

He will hope to compete at the highest level and fight for major trophies. Tottenham must convince him that they can provide him with the platform to fulfil his ambitions.

Pulisic previously won the UEFA Champions League while at Chelsea. There is no doubt that he has the quality to help Tottenham win trophies as well. If the north London outfit can sign him for a reasonable amount of money, it could prove to be an excellent bit of business for them.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United need more quality on the flanks as well. It will be interesting to see if they can swoop in and jeopardise Tottenham’s chances of signing the player.