CaughtOffside

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a major blow with Destiny Udogie ruled out for eight weeks after sustaining a thigh injury during their 2-2 draw against Wolves.

The setback is the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued Ange Postecoglou’s squad this season.

The 22-year-old left-back, who had only recently returned from a hamstring injury, was forced off after 50 minutes at Molineux.

Fresh blow for Tottenham: Destiny Udogie out for 2 months

Manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed after the match that the injury was due to the heavy workload placed on a depleted squad (quotes via Football London):

“Yeah, I think it was a hamstring. Again like I said, we’ve been relying on a core group of players because we just haven’t had the ability to rotate so at some point it was going to catch up with us. Unfortunately, it caught up with Destiny.”

According to journalist Tom Barclay of The Sun, Udogie’s latest injury will sideline him for approximately eight weeks, though surgery will not be required. This is a relief for the defender, who had previously undergone surgery last season for a left quad injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign and the Euros.

Tottenham’s growing injury list

Udogie’s absence adds to a growing list of injuries in Tottenham’s defensive ranks. Key players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are all sidelined. Additionally, Radu Dragusin has reportedly been playing through pain after tweaking his ankle vs Nottingham.

The defensive crisis could not come at a worse time, with Spurs set to face crucial fixtures, including the League Cup semi-finals against Liverpool and the North London derby against Arsenal.

Postecoglou is likely to urge the club to act quickly in the January transfer window to bring in reinforcements. The manager will also consider recalling players like Ashley Phillips from their loan spells to provide immediate cover.

Tottenham’s depth and resilience will be tested in the coming weeks, and their response in the January transfer market could play a big role in determining the trajectory of their season.

Tottenham are set to part ways with Timo Werner at the end of the season as the Premier League club do not plan on turning his loan deal into a permanent move.

The German star joined Spurs during the January transfer window and there was an option for the London outfit to keep the winger at the club permanently this summer for a fee of £15m. Tottenham opted to extend the 28-year-old’s loan deal by another season during the summer and that agreement would contain a buy clause worth only £8.5m.

Crystal Palace defender is admired by Tottenham

Despite this very low asking price, Spurs do not plan on turning Werner’s loan deal into a permanent transfer, reports BILD, meaning the former Chelsea star will return to RB Leipzig at the end of the current season.

This is a big blow for the German club and the player as they would have been hoping for an easy deal to take place next summer.

Ange Postecoglou clearly has no plans for the winger beyond the current campaign and instead will look to bring in someone else for the role, should the Australian remain in charge of the London outfit for the 2025/26 campaign.

Timo Werner is not part of future plans at Tottenham

Werner initially looked like he could be a useful tool to Tottenham as the German star’s energy suited Postecoglou’s intense attacking style of play.

However, the 28-year-old has failed to impress during the last year at Spurs, producing just three goals and six assists across 37 matches for the Lilywhites. The RB Leipzig loanee has failed to establish himself in Postecoglou’s best 11 and a recent match with Rangers left the Spurs boss fuming with Werner for his display.

This decision is not a surprise given the season the German winger is having and it leaves questions over where his career is heading next.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon is once again being linked with an exit as reports suggest the player is eager to end his Spurs “nightmare” during the January transfer window.

With just six months remaining on his contract, Reguilon will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs starting in January.

However, Tottenham are reportedly keen to cash in on the Spanish full-back rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

Sergio Reguilon wants Spurs nightmare to end

A host of clubs are monitoring Reguilon’s situation, with La Liga sides Sevilla and Getafe reportedly leading the race and ready to start negotiations. Sevilla, where the defender enjoyed a successful loan spell in the 2019/20 season, appear interested in bringing him back, while Getafe are said to be preparing a potential free transfer offer. Real Valladolid have also been linked as a contender for his signature.

According to Cadena Ser, the Spaniard is actively seeking a move to a club where he can rejuvenate his career, and Tottenham are expected to facilitate his exit to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

Sergio Reguilon needs a move away from Tottenham to revive his career

Reguilon joined Tottenham in September 2020 on a five-year deal worth £27.5 million after impressing during his loan spell at Sevilla. The Spaniard made a bright start to life in North London, delivering an assist on his debut in a League Cup clash against Chelsea.

However, his time at Spurs has been marked by inconsistency and injury struggles, leading to multiple loan spells at Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford in recent seasons.

Despite glimpses of his quality, he has struggled to solidify his place in the Tottenham squad, making just 68 appearances for the club, with two goals and eight assists to his name.

A January move would offer the 28-year-old the chance to restart his career and find regular playing time, while also allowing Tottenham to shift their focus to players better aligned with manager Ange Postecoglou’s tactical vision.

However, they might need to sign reinforcement if Reguilon is sold, given the current injury crisis at the club. Reguilon was handed playing time against Wolves after Destiny Udogie picked up an injury during the game. With Ben Davies also out injured, it leaves the club Reguilon as the only natural left-back option.

Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell is attracting the attention of Europe’s leading clubs.

Mitchell’s contract with Crystal Palace expires in June 2025 and the club is trying to tie him down to an extension. Sources have informed CaughtOffside that Mitchell is not keen on committing his long-term future to the club amid interest from multiple European clubs.

Atlético de Madrid are among the clubs who are seriously considering a move for Mitchell. Diego Simeone believes that the addition of an experienced left-back to the team will add dynamism and solidity to the side.

Meanwhile, AC Milan and Barcelona are looking to strengthen their left-back department and they are keeping close tabs on the Crystal Palace star.

These European clubs see the expiration of Mitchell’s contract in 2025 and the fact that he has not yet renewed his deal as a strategic opportunity. It remains to be seen whether they can snap him up in the near future.

Barcelona have been following his performances and the Spanish outfit is considering a move for Mitchell. They have held talks with the 25-year-old defender.

Arsenal and Tottenham keen on Tyrick Mitchell

At the same time, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also considering a move for him, and have held talks with him.

Arsenal need defensive reinforcements, and signing a quality left-back could prove to be a wise decision. Mitchell could prove to be an upgrade on Oleksandr Zinchenko if they can get the deal done.

Similarly, Tottenham should look to bring in a quality left-back as well. Ben Davies will be out of contract at the end of the season and Destiny Udogie has not been at his best this season. They need more quality and depth in that area and the Crystal Palace star could be the ideal acquisition.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura.

The North London club have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old Japanese international in the past as well. According to Give Me Sport, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is weighing up a potential move for the Bundesliga defender because of the injury crisis at the back.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are currently sidelined with injuries and Radu Dragusin is the only fit and available central defender at the club.

Tottenham have conceded 15 goals in the last six outings and they need to tighten up at the back if they are serious about finishing high up in the table. Signing a quality central defender should be a top priority for them and Itakura could help solve their problems. He has done well in the Bundesliga and he could be an important addition for Tottenham if he manages to adapt to English football as well. Itakura is reportedly tempted to move to English football.

The player has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League and he will certainly hope that the two clubs can sort out an agreement this time around. Previously, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Spurs manager has been following the Japanese defender for years.

He is unlikely to be an expensive acquisition and Tottenham will be hoping to sign him for a reasonable amount of money.

Tottenham need to secure European qualification

Spurs were expected to secure Champions League qualification this season and the club hierarchy backed Postecoglou with impressive signings at the start of the season. However, the Australian has not been able to get the best out of his side so far.

Persistent injury problems have hurt Tottenham and they need to improve their squad in January. Adding more depth in the key areas of the pitch would be ideal and a central defender could make a big difference for them.

Tottenham have an impressive attacking unit and if they can tighten up at the back, there is no reason why they cannot put together a winning run.

Ange Postecoglou appears to have been on the end of some criticism of late, with Tottenham’s 6-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool doing the Australian no favours whatsoever.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, the chance of bringing new faces in to help propel Tottenham up the Premier League is likely to be too good to turn down for Ange Postecoglou.

Whether or not the North Londoners have a successful window, they’ve been offered the chance to sign Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell on a free transfer next summer according to TBR Football, as competition for Destiny Udogie.

Ange Postecoglou could sign Palace ace in January

The Lilywhites are already looking to sign Nicolo Fagioli from Juventus, and will battle Newcastle for Milan Skriniar, however, landing the 25-year-old Mitchell on a free could prove to be a huge coup.

That’s notwithstanding the fact that Oliver Glasner might not be best pleased with the scenario surrounding his player.

The Eagles finally appear to have turned a corner this season.

Although they lost their two most recent matches – both against Arsenal, one in the league and one in the Carabao Cup – one loss in the previous nine in all competitions (WhoScored) represents real progress.

Tyrick Mitchell could be handed to Ange Postegoglou on a plate

Prior to that run, the Eagles had only won two from 10 and, therefore, Steve Parish deserves a lot of credit for sticking with Glasner when other club owners might have just thrown in the towel.

The issue, perhaps, moving forward is that the Palace first-team could find themselves light in certain areas if the likes of Tyrick Mitchell are allowed to move on.

That won’t appeal to Glasner who is clearly trying to develop something special at Selhurst Park.

It will take time to achieve the same but allowing decent players to leave – and for free, to a direct rival – isn’t conducive to success in the short or longer term.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly competing for the Nike Air Jordan deal.

According to TBR Football, the two London clubs are hoping to boost their revenues and the Air Jordan deal would be a major coup for them.

The deal would see them earn £18 million per season and it would be worth around £162 million to them in total.

Tottenham have a contract with Nike until 2033 and it remains to be seen whether they can secure the agreement over the Air Jordan deal.

Both clubs need to improve their revenues

Similarly, Chelsea are looking to improve their revenues as well. With the PSR regulations in place, clubs will need to improve their income in order to bring in quality players. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can win the sponsorship race.

Chelsea have spent a substantial amount of money on new signings since the change of ownership. They will need to balance the books so that they do not face any punishments for overspending. Improving their revenue should be one of their priorities right now, and the Nike deal would be a huge boost for them.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has done well to improve the club commercially over the years and he is a shrewd negotiator. The North London club’s fans will certainly hope that Levy can get an agreement across the line in the coming months.

Tottenham need to improve their squad in the coming months if they want to challenge the Premier League elite. They will need to bring in quality players, and therefore they must look to increase their revenues so that they can afford top talents.

It will be interesting to see which of the two London clubs manage to secure the agreement in the coming months.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Feyenoord defender David Hancko.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Slovakian international defender could move in 2025, and he has attracted the attention of the top Premier League clubs. He has been linked with Manchester United in the past.

European heavyweights such as Juventus and Atletico Madrid are keen on the defender as well. However, any move might have to wait until the end of the season. The 27-year-old is unlikely to be sold midway through the season in January.

Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have been linked with the move away from Chelsea, and they have been quite underwhelming with their performance. Chelsea will need to replace them adequately and signing the Feyenoord defender could prove to be a wise decision. At 27, he is at the peak of his powers, and he will look to test himself at the highest level. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be quite exciting for him, and he will look to establish himself as a key player for the Blues.

Tottenham keen on David Hancko

Similarly, Tottenham have struggled with injury problems at the back. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are sidelined with knocks and Radu Dragusin is the only fit central defender at the club right now. Signing another quality central defender would be a wise decision.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham or Chelsea come forward with an offer to sign the player in the coming months. The defender is reportedly valued at €50 million and the English club certainly have the financial resources to pay up.

Tottenham Hotspur would appear to be open to selling Richarlison though they’ve not given the Brazilian’s former club, Fluminense, any encouragement at this stage.

The 27-year-old has only made one appearance for the North Londoners this season, and has missed 19 games through injury according to transfermarkt.

Fluminense want Tottenham ace Richarlison to return

Though he’s been unable to get going in 2024/25 – with one injury expert suggesting further time out for the Tottenham ace before he can even think about setting foot on the pitch again – that hasn’t stopped the rumours that Richarlison is willing to leave the Lilywhites in the new year.

That he appears open to a move is clearly why Fluminense president, Mario Bittencourt, believes there’s a chance for their former player to return.

“Tottenham responded that they are open to the offer, but that they are not currently interested in getting rid of the player, but they are willing to listen,” he was quoted as saying by Globo Esporte.

“We are also talking to the player to see if he is interested in returning. What is certain is that we have expressed formal interest in Richarlison.

“We know how difficult it will be to bring him, but we believe that he may want to be close to the Brazilian national team, to return home, to the club where he stood out.

“I have a close relationship with him. We have drawn up an initial document with the English club, without an offer yet, but asking if they would like to negotiate.”

With the likes of Dominic Solanke now arguably ahead of him in the pecking order, the Brazilian may consider this the right time to move back home to Brazil.

The January transfer window opens in a fortnight’s time, and if Richarlison can prove his fitness before the end of January, there’s a good chance a deal gets done.

Manchester United and Tottenham are both expected to hold talks over the potential transfer of Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, CaughtOffside understands.

The 28-year-old Brazilian shot-stopper has impressed with his recent performances, with sources informing CaughtOffside that a host of clubs around Europe have been scouting him.

Galatasaray are also among Victor’s potential suitors, but as things stand it looks like the strongest interest is coming from Man Utd and Spurs, who could both open talks over a deal soon.

Man United make CONTACT with world class striker!

Botafogo would likely ask for around €9-10million to let Victor go, so there could be the potential for a bargain here for a number of clubs looking to strengthen in depth in the goalkeeping department.

Although Victor isn’t the biggest name and this link might come as a surprise to some fans, it seems clear he is a player with plenty to offer and that he’s surely now ready to make the step up to playing at a higher level.

John Victor transfer: What to expect from the Botafogo goalkeeper

It’s perhaps hard to imagine Victor would be coming in to replace Andre Onana as first choice at Old Trafford, but Ruben Amorim would surely do well to have some strong competition for the Cameroonian shot-stopper.

Onana has improved a lot this season, but he’s perhaps still not won everybody over, and so the presence of Victor could be important to keep him on his toes and give Amorim the option to make a change if he wants.

Tottenham, meanwhile, currently have Guglielmo Vicario out injured, so would do well to bring in someone better than Fraser Forster to serve as their backup ‘keeper in the mean time.

Victor could also be an important signing for Galatasaray in case their current first choice ‘keeper Fernando Muslera retires at the end of the season.