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A prominent Tottenham insider on X has shared a much-needed positive update on James Maddison, suggesting the playmaker is finally on the verge of returning to first-team action.

The news comes as a vital lifeline for manager Roberto De Zerbi, whose side is currently sitting in the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.

With Tottenham’s top-flight status hanging by a thread, the return of their primary creative engine could be the difference between survival and a historic fall to the Championship.

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James Maddison expected to be back in two weeks

The update comes from the well-known insider account, which has been at the forefront of injury news at Hotspur Way this season.

According to insider, the England international is nearing the end of his grueling rehabilitation process.

“Expectation that Madders could be around two weeks from a return to first-team action.”

If this timeline holds, Maddison could potentially be in the squad for the final four games of the season.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham – 2nd May 2026

Tottenham vs Leeds – 12th May 2026

Chelsea vs Tottenham – 17th May 2026

Tottenham vs Everton – 24th May 2026

While De Zerbi has been careful not to rush players back, the desperate situation in the league table may force the Italian’s hand.

Nightmare injury during pre-season

Maddison’s absence has been the black cloud hanging over Tottenham’s entire 2025/26 campaign.

The 29-year-old has yet to play a single competitive minute this season after suffering a devastating injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United last August.

The incident, which occurred during the club’s tour of South Korea, was initially feared to be a minor knock but was later confirmed as a complex ligament tear.

Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a rare glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters, revealing that Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at the club next season even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs are relegated to the Championship.

The North London side currently sits in 18th place with just six games remaining to save their top-flight status.

Following a disastrous 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s debut last Sunday, the pressure has reached a boiling point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While a mass exodus of stars this summer is expected, Di Marzio believes the Swedish international is committed to the project.

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Di Marzio: Dejan Kulusevski “definitely” staying

Speaking to bettingsidor.se via Football London, Di Marzio emphasised that Kulusevski’s character makes him the ideal candidate to lead a potential rebuild.

Di Marzio said:

“I definitely think Kulusevski will stay at Tottenham, even if they get relegated. He is a good example for other players and Roberto De Zerbi likes him. He has the right mentality, so I think Kulusevski can be one of the most important players for their project, regardless if they are in the Premier League or the Championship.”

“De Zerbi will really try to keep him. He loves players like him who have a strong identity and personality. He will definitely try to keep him.”

Kulusevski’s time at Tottenham has been marred with injuries

The endorsement is particularly significant given that the 25-year-old has endured a “nightmare” season on the sidelines.

Kulusevski has not played a single minute of competitive football since May 2025 after suffering a severe right kneecap injury against Crystal Palace.

After a secondary minor operation in March 2026 to clean up the joint, the winger is finally nearing a return to fitness, though he is unlikely to feature before the end of the current campaign.

When fit, his quality is undeniable and easily one of Spurs’ best players. He contributed with 10 goals and 11 assists last season, helping Spurs to a historic Europa League trophy.

Overall, in 146 games for the club, he has scored 25 and assisted another 30, with his performances attracting praise from likes of Pep Guardiola as well.

If Kulusevski stays in the event of relegation, there is no doubt that he will play a massive role in the fight for return to the top tier next season.

Tottenham are facing an increasingly real threat of relegation this season and that’s inevitably started to lead to serious behind-the-scenes conversations about players who could be snapped up by bigger clubs this summer.

While there are clearly a lot of players in this squad that have under-performed, there is also some appreciation for a few of their younger talents who could still go on to improve a lot in the right conditions, so that creates the potential for one or two major summer transfer sagas in the months ahead.

One name being mentioned a lot is Pape Matar Sarr, with several of my sources in the industry telling me that Spurs are aware of growing interest in the 23-year-old from some of Europe’s elite clubs.

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Sources on Pape Matar Sarr transfer interest

“Spurs insist Sarr is not for sale, but privately they know that big clubs are going to come calling, and some may already have done so,” one source said.

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“Sarr’s value is growing and there’s a real possibility of him moving on this summer whether they go down or not. Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich are all big fans of the player, and offers of around £50m would probably be enough,” another added.

Sarr looked an elite prospect at former club Metz and he’s continued to develop well at Tottenham, where he has a contract until 2030.

The Senegal international is not currently understood to be pushing for a move away, with everyone at the club fully focused on getting out of the Premier League bottom three, but agents and intermediaries will likely be starting to at least have informal discussions soon.

Pape Matar Sarr to seal major transfer?

For now, that does not mean the likes of Real, PSG, or Bayern have started any negotiations, and it may even be that Sarr will not end up being the top target for any of those teams.

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But the interest is genuine and it likely means there’ll be other names in the mix before too long, though I don’t have those for you at the moment.

What’s clear, though, is that Spurs know they face a fight to keep a lot of this squad together, and while much of the speculation so far may be about the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, it’s also very likely that Sarr is someone they’ll also struggle to keep hold of this summer.

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he is a target for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

According to a report from talkSPORT, the Premier League clubs are keen on signing a 28-year-old on a bargain, and the player is hoping to sort out his future quickly.

There has been interest from clubs in Italy, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to come forward with an official proposal at the end of the season.

Manchester United are looking to add more quality and depth to the defensive unit despite agreeing on a new deal with Harry Maguire. They need to build for the future, and the 28-year-old could be a handy option. The South American has shown his quality in the Premier League, and he is at the peak of his career. This is the right time for him to take on a new challenge and move to Manchester United.

It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country. Manchester United are pushing for a top-three finish in the Premier League this season, and they are likely to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season. That would make them an attractive destination for players.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also interested in the Argentine defender. However, they are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and the defender is not keen on dropping down to the second division. For the move to go through, Tottenham will need to secure Premier League safety.

Whoever ends up signing the 28-year-old on a free transfer could have a major bargain on their hands.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has delivered a stinging assessment of Tottenham Hotspur following his side’s victory at the Stadium of Light, admitting he was “never worried” about the threat posed by the North London giants.

The result has further compounded the misery for Spurs, who saw their winless streak stretch to a staggering 14 matches in what was supposed to be a hopeful debut for new boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Despite the hype surrounding De Zerbi’s arrival, Sunderland appeared comfortable throughout the contest, exploiting a Tottenham side that looked devoid of confidence and tactical cohesion.

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What Régis Le Bris said about Tottenham

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Le Bris was brutally honest about the ease with which his side handled the visitors.

While most managers offer diplomatic praise for their opponents, the Frenchman suggested that Spurs simply didn’t have the tools to hurt them.

“The opponent wasn’t strong enough to beat us. So, I wasn’t too worried,” Le Bris stated.

“We knew that if we remained disciplined and hit them on the break, the opportunities would come.

They have good individual players, but as a collective, they are struggling to find a rhythm. Today, we felt in control from the first whistle.”

Le Bris’s comments highlight a growing sentiment in the Premier League that Tottenham have become an easier side to beat for mid-table opposition.

"The opponent wasn't strong enough to beat us. So, I wasn't too worried."

Regis Le Bris after Sunderland's win over Spurs? pic.twitter.com/qAbkOi2VuB

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) April 12, 2026

Spurs have been woeful this campaign

The defeat leaves Tottenham in the bottom three, marking a terrible fall from grace for a club that was once a top six club.

With only 29 points from 32 games, the reality of a first relegation since 1978 is becoming increasingly unavoidable.

The woeful nature of their campaign is evidenced by the fact that they have yet to win a single match in 2026.

Benjamin Nygren is in outstanding form for Celtic this season, and he is a target for Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old Swedish forward is on the radar of multiple clubs, and Tottenham believe that he could be a “strategic and cost-effective” option to improve their attacking unit.

It is no secret that they need more quality and depth in the attacking unit.

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Spurs could use Benjamin Nygren

The Swedish International has 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season. He will add creativity and goals to the team. He can operate as a centre forward as well as a wide forward. He could be the ideal replacement for Son Heung-min. Tottenham have missed a dynamic attacker like the South Korean since his departure.

The opportunity to join Tottenham will be exciting for the 26-year-old. However, it would require an “unstoppable” offer for Celtic to sell him. According to a report from SportsBoom, the Scottish club is preparing for a “record sale”.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham is prepared to break the Bank for him.

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Tottenham preparing £25m move to sign “little superstar” from German club

Premier League move could be ideal for Nygren

Clubs like Brighton and Bournemouth are also keeping tabs on his situation. The 26-year-old will be keen to take the next step in his career, and moving to the Premier League would be ideal. Tottenham have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line, and they will be an attractive destination for the player.

He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. He would get to play alongside players at Tottenham and work with a top-class manager like Roberto. De Zerbi.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign Andy Robertson at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old Scottish international has announced that he will leave Liverpool in the summer. His contract is up at the end of the season, and Liverpool has decided to let him leave for free.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have secured a verbal agreement with Liverpool defender, and he will join them on a free transfer if they can secure safety in the Premier League. They are currently fighting the relegation battle, and they are 18th in the league table. The Scottish International will not join them if they are relegated in the summer.

It seems that Robertson could be the first signing for Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham. They could use more quality and depth in the defensive unit. Adding an experienced player like him would be a wise decision. Signing someone like him for free could prove to be a masterstroke. He would not only help them improve defensively, but his leadership qualities and winning experience would also help them improve on and off the pitch.

The Liverpool star wants to play more often at this stage of his career, and moving to Tottenham could be ideal for him. He could replace Ben Davies next season.

Despite their struggles this season, Tottenham have a talented outfit, and they should be fighting for trophies. They have brought in a quality manager, and the Italian might be able to help them turn things around. It is no surprise that the Liverpool star has chosen to join them.

He has been replaced by Milos Kerkez at Liverpool, and he will look to get his career back on track next season.

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel is set for a dramatic career revival under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, just months after the young Frenchman was linked with a January exit.

The 20-year-old, who joined Spurs permanently from Bayern Munich for £30 million last summer, has endured a nightmare season.

Despite being a fan favorite, Tel was controversially omitted from the club’s Champions League squad for the majority of the league phase and saw his minutes severely limited under Frank’s pragmatic regime.

This resulted in speculations regarding a January exit, with Tel threatening to leave mid-season.

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De Zerbi: “I wanted Tel at Marseille”

Speaking in his first press conference since succeeding Igor Tudor, Roberto De Zerbi made it clear that Tel is a central part of his plans to drag Tottenham out of the relegation zone.

The Italian revealed a long-standing admiration for the forward, disclosing that he had previously tried to sign him during his tenure at Marseille.

“I think we have a lot of very good attackers and we have to help them,” De Zerbi told reporters. “Like I know Mathys Tel, I wanted him in Marseille when I was there.

“Xavi Simons is a big talent, Richarlison and Solanke you maybe know better than me, but we have to put them in the best condition we can.”

Tel was unhappy under Thomas Frank

With 3 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this term, Tel has struggled for rhythm, but remains a rare bright spark for a side currently sitting in 18th place.

The manager’s comments provide closure to a turbulent period for Tel, who recently made the stunning claim that Thomas Frank “didn’t like him.”

Speaking in March, Tel admitted he “disagreed with Thomas on my role within the team” and felt “confused” by his constant exclusion.

He said (via ESPN UK): “I disagreed with Thomas on my role within the team, and he didn’t like me for it. He didn’t look to try and fix things.

“I was confused why I was on the bench a lot, I felt I could help the team more than I was.”

West Ham ignited their survival hopes on Friday night with a commanding 4-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

The Hammers’ dominant display at the London Stadium has seen them leapfrog Tottenham into 17th place, officially placing Spurs into the Premier League relegation zone for the first time in over a decade.

Braces from Konstantinos Mavropanos and Valentin Castellanos ensured the Hammers moved to 31 points, two clear of Tottenham, who now sit in 18th position with just seven games remaining to save their season.

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Roberto De Zerbi to begin new era in the bottom three

The timing could not be more problematic for new Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian tactician, who has signed a five-year deal to replace Igor Tudor, officially begins his tenure on Sunday with his side staring down the dire chances of a first relegation since 1978.

De Zerbi takes charge of a side that has not won a Premier League match in 13 games.

While the former Brighton boss has spoken of his long-term ambition to bring title-challenging football back, his first task in hand is to win on his debut fixture away at Sunderland.

The pressure is immense; anything less than a victory at the Stadium of Light will leave Spurs rooted in the drop zone as the season enters its final month.

Massive task ahead for De Zerbi

De Zerbi has already signaled his intent to revive the high-octane football, but implementing his philosophy during a period of severe crisis is going to be difficult.

Spurs have struggled for goals and defensive stability all season, and the psychological blow of falling into the bottom three will test the resolve of the players.

With Sunderland sitting comfortably in mid-table, De Zerbi’s men face a side with nothing to lose.

For Tottenham, however, every point is now a matter of survival. The mission is clear: find a way to register a win in 2026, something the club has yet to do, or prepare for the unthinkable prospect of Championship football.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are interested in signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate.

According to journalist Hernan Castillo, the two Premier League clubs are making constant enquiries for the 19-year-old wide player, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done in the summer.

Ian Subiabre set for summer move

“River is going to have a strong market in the middle of the year. They will spend, but they will also bring in money because it is very difficult for them to keep Subiabre. Very difficult. He has too much interest already.

“I know that Tottenham, Chelsea, Villarreal, Lazio are making constant enquiries. And now Tottenham are very strong.

“I know that for Subiabre, besides the people who represent him, there has already been an €8m (£6.9m) offer that River rejected. And Tottenham are thinking about €12m or €14m (£10.4m-£12.2m).”

Tottenham and Chelsea could use Subiabre

If Tottenham can sign him for a fee of around €14 million, it would represent a major bargain for them. The 19-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he could easily justify the investment. Tottenham need more quality on the flanks, and Subiabre will add unpredictability and technical ability in the final third. He has three goals and three assists in 35 matches for River Plate.

Similarly, Chelsea needs a player of his quality. Subiabre could compete with Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens next season.

The opportunity to move to England will be exciting for the South American attacker. It would be a huge step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at a high level. Regular football in England could help him improve further.

Chelsea and Tottenham have the financial muscle to get the deal over the line, and it remains to be seen which club can convince the player. He should look to join a club with a clear pathway to the first team and a defined role in the side. He needs to play regularly in order to continue his development. Sitting on the bench at a big club would be detrimental to his development.