Transfermarkt

Spurs could obliterate record - the most valuable teams ever relegated from the Premier League

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Spurs could obliterate record - the most valuable teams ever relegated from the Premier League - Transfermarkt
Description

A new manager once again failed to immediately change the fortunes for Tottenham this weekend, as Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge of Spurs ended in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Captain Cristian Romero's tears on the pitch perfectly encapsulated the North London club's season in a single moment. Following West Ham's 4-0 win over Wolves on Friday evening, it means Tottenham now sit in the relegation zone in 18th with just six games to play in the season. They haven't won a league game this calendar year.

Despite finishing 17th last term, it would come as an almighty shock if Spurs were to be relegated to the Championship, given the resources they have and the money they have spent to assemble their squad. They also progressed to the Champions League last 16 this term. If they were to face the drop, which is looking increasingly likely, how would they compare among the most valuable squads ever relegated from the Premier League? Let's find out.

The most valuable squads relegated from the Premier League

If Tottenham were to go down, they would not only rank as the most valuable squad to ever be relegated, but they would practically face the drop with a squad worth double the amount of any other relegated side. Spurs have a current squad value of €803 million, despite facing the biggest squad downgrade in March's Premier League market value update. This dwarves the current record, which was set by Leicester in the 2022/23 season, in which they went down with a squad worth €444m. In third is Southampton in that same season - the Saints had a squad value of €397m at the time. Fourth goes to Bournemouth back in the 2019/20 season where the Cherries had a squad value of €343m.

Source

De Zerbi loses first game - Winless Tottenham slide into relegation abyss with Sunderland loss

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
De Zerbi loses first game - Winless Tottenham slide into relegation abyss with Sunderland loss - Transfermarkt
Description

©TM/IMAGO

Roberto De Zerbi may have already been acutely aware of the size of the task in front of him after arriving as Tottenham's third head coach this season. But in his first game in charge, a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday exposed a host of issues for the Italian to resolve, with the knowledge that time is running out to find a solution. Nordi Mukiele's first-half effort, which took a heavy deflection, gave the Black Cats a win that all but guarantees their Premier League safety. The same cannot be said for Spurs, who remain in dire straights.

Club Comparison

Sunderland AFC

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League

Premier League

€381.95m

Market Value

€802.50m

First Tier

League Level

First Tier

€212.69m

Expenditures 25/26

€265.60m

Régis Le Bris

Managers

Roberto De Zerbi

Full Club Comparison

The north London side are in deep trouble and the most worrying aspect of their relegation fight is that it's difficult to pinpoint where their win is coming from. They haven't won in 14 league games, a run that stretches back to December 30, 2025 when they beat Crystal Palace. Since Matchday 19, they have taken just five points from a possible 42, which puts them bottom of the Premier League form table. It is mystifying how a team with a squad market value of €802.5 million and transfer spend of €265.8 million this season finds themselves in such a desperate position.

Meanwhile, their relegation rivals are starting to find some momentum. West Ham thumped rock-bottom Wolves 4-0 on Friday night, moving themselves out of the drop zone and into 17th place. Nottingham Forest battled back to salvage a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa and that point crucially moves them two clear of Spurs with six games to go. They are picking up points, showing signs of resistance, while Spurs continue to slide down the table. Leeds have been dragged into the battle in recent weeks and face Manchester United on Monday night.

It's fair to say De Zerbi has not yet had sufficient time to work with his squad on the training pitch and therefore no conclusion can be drawn as to how effective his coaching has been. But there was an evident lack of belief within his team when they conceded at the Stadium of Light. Even with experienced players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke and Conor Gallagher, they rarely looked motivated or determined to find an equaliser. Even the penalty decision that went in their favour was overturned following a VAR pitchside review, and correctly so too.

A repeat would surely consign Spurs to the Championship and that is no longer regarded as an unrealistic outcome this season. If he is to keep them up, winning against his former club Brighton is surely a requirement at this stage, rather than just a boost to their survival hopes.

Source

Belgium's next top midfielder - why Bayern and Spurs are desperate to sign Nathan De Cat

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Belgium's next top midfielder - why Bayern and Spurs are desperate to sign Nathan De Cat - Transfermarkt
Description

©IMAGO

When it comes to developing young players in European football, few leagues can rival the Belgian Jupiler Pro League's expertise. Whether it be Igor Thiago, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere or many more, there's no denying that the league knows a thing or two about turning young talents into future world stars. And at Anderlecht, the small nation may have a new playmaking talent who will go on to be very popular in the summer transfer window.

While “Les Mauve et Blanc” may be having a rather unremarkable league season, as Jérémy Taravel’s side languish in sixth place in the league table, fans have been treated to some outstanding performances from young midfielder Nathan de Cat throughout the league campaign. After making his debut for the first team last season, De Cat quickly nailed down a starting spot this term and hasn’t looked back.

Across all competitions, De Cat has bagged three goals and five assists from midfield in 39 appearances across all competitions. That, consequently, has seen his market value shoot up to €25 million. That is an increase of €22.5m since the start of this season and the highest rise in market value for any player in world football, outside of Europe’s top five leagues. So, how good is De Cat and is he destined for a big move this summer?

"He can play all three positions in midfield,” notes Bart Tamysn, Transfermarkt’s Area Manager for Belgium, when asked about De Cat’s progress this season. “Most of the time he's a box-to-box player, but he can also play as a defensive midfielder and the last few games he even played as an attacking midfielder and scored, gave assists. Basically, he's got the whole package."

However, while De Cat has clearly thrived in the Belgian top-flight, his tender age of just 17 can’t be overlooked. And, as Tamysn points out, that likely means he isn’t quite ready to make an immediate move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer. "If there's just one thing he needs to improve on, then it's his physical ability,” added Tamysn. “Even without Anderlecht playing European football, just weekend games, every four or five games, he needs to be substituted because he's just so fatigued. Against Club Brugge, after just 38 minutes of play, he was already standing there bent over his knees. That's why he's still not the most valuable player in Belgium, because we still see improvement he needs to make."

Despite De Cat’s obvious room for growth, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive regarding his future at Anderlecht. The midfield’s current contract expires in 2027, and with no new deal looking likely as negotiations continue to drag on between the player and the club, it seems more than likely that the young midfielder will likely be sold this summer. Since the start of 2026, no fewer than eight clubs have been linked with a move for De Cat, but the three front-runners seem to be RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich. According to Tamysn, Bayern may have an advantage due to the fact that Vincent Kompany knows the young midfielder “by heart” and “every little detail about him” due to frequent visits to Anderlecht to talk to the young star. However, a move to a smaller club may make more sense in the immediate term for the Belgium international.

Rumour N. De Cat Central Midfield

RSC Anderlecht ? Leipzig Jupiler Pro League Bundesliga

Rumour N. De Cat Central Midfield

RSC Anderlecht 49 % Bayern Munich Jupiler Pro League Bundesliga

Rumour N. De Cat Central Midfield

RSC Anderlecht ? Tottenham Jupiler Pro League Premier League

"He can go to a top five league, probably a top club from the top five leagues, but he will be loaned out,” suggested the Belgian football expert. “A similar case as we saw with Luka Vušković at Tottenham, who has now been loaned out for the second season in a row. I’d rather see a path like Luka Vušković, with some loans before he's physically ready to compete for the top clubs, where you also have to compete at European levels."

Although De Cat may not be ready for the biggest stage yet, he’ll still demand a large transfer fee to reflect his blossoming market value. And, according to Tamysn, he’ll almost certainly break Anderlecht’s transfer record, which was set in 2020 when Doku was sold to Stade Rennais for €26m. "If we're talking about a transfer fee, then we're thinking in the region of €25-30m,” said Tamysn. “If it's a bidding war, then it will go above €30m. If it's just one club that puts pressure on it, then it will be more around €25m. The top transfer fee for Anderlecht was Doku to Standard, and they’ll probably want to break it with him."

Source

Tottenham appoint Roberto De Zerbi - Why handing five-year deal to fiery Italian is risky

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham appoint Roberto De Zerbi - Why handing five-year deal to fiery Italian is risky - Transfermarkt
Description

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new permanent manager. On Sunday, it was announced that Spurs had parted ways with Igor Tudor with the Croatian lasting just 44 days in charge as interim boss, after replacing Thomas Frank. And Spurs have moved quickly to appoint De Zerbi with the club firmly engulfed in a relegation battle, sitting just one point above the bottom three with just seven Premier League games remaining.

It was initially understood that De Zerbi was unwilling to take the reins in the summer but he’s been persuaded to take charge immediately and he's been handed a five-year contract until 2031. The notoriously fiery Italian boss has been out of work since February after departing Marseille following a devastating Champions League exit and humiliation to PSG in Ligue 1. De Zerbi is Tottenham’s third manager of the year and the fanbase is visibly split on his impending appointment.

Roberto De Zerbi’s managerial record

It’s understood that Spurs chiefs promised De Zerbi significant support in the transfer window and time to transform the club, in order to convince him to take immediate charge. It’s widely reported that there's no exit relegation clause in the 46-year-olds contract and he will be one of the best paid coaches in England, which has raised eyebrows as he’s never spent three years at a single club. De Zerbi has a deserved reputation for being confrontational and he’s fallen out with various hierarchies.

Source

Most goals in a Bundesliga season - Harry Kane chasing down Robert Lewandowski record

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Most goals in a Bundesliga season - Harry Kane chasing down Robert Lewandowski record - Transfermarkt
Description

Harry Kane scored his 31st Bundesliga goal of the season in a 4-0 win against Union Berlin last weekend. The Englishman has been a revelation since moving to Bayern Munich, scoring 133 goals and providing 31 assists in just 136 matches for the German Giants since his move from Tottenham in 2023. Records seem to tumble wherever Kane goes, but he now has a very special milestone well within his sights.

As mentioned, Kane now already has 31 Bundesliga goals for the season. It means he now has seven games to go, to not only beat his own goalscoring record season in the German top-flight (36 goals in 2023/24) but the historic record for the entire division. He has someway to go, but if he can keep up his current goalscoring rate of 1.19 goals-per-game, he will be very close to writing his name into the history books. Let's take a look at the best Bundesliga goalscoring seasons on record.

Most goals scored in a single Bundesliga season

Leading the way is legendary striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward scored an astonishing 41 goals in just 29 matches for Bayern Munich in the 2020/21 season. In doing that, he overtook now second-placed on the list: Gerd Müller, who scored 40 goals in 34 matches in the 1971/72 campaign for Bayern. Müller also takes third having scored 38 in the 1969/70 season. Kane's initial season in Germany then takes fourth spot, with the Englishman scoring 36 in the 2023/24 season.

Source

Tottenham haunted by Morgan Gibbs-White failed deal as Premier League relegation beckons

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham haunted by Morgan Gibbs-White failed deal as Premier League relegation beckons - Transfermarkt
Description

©IMAGO

Nearly 50 years have passed since Tottenham Hotspur last dropped out of the top flight of English football during the 1976-77 season. That year, they finished 22nd with 33 points from 42 games (when a win equalled two points, not three). The north London outfit have never been relegated in the Premier League era, but the threat of that happening is a very realistic possibility. And their humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, a match many felt they couldn't lose if they were to stay up, only underlined their issues.

Club Comparison

Tottenham Hotspur

Nottingham Forest

Premier League

Premier League

€802.50m

Market Value

€568.00m

First Tier

League Level

First Tier

€265.60m

Expenditures 25/26

€241.83m

Igor Tudor

Managers

Vítor Pereira

Full Club Comparison

When Igor Jesus headed home from inside the six-yard box on the stroke of half-time, the silence was deafening. Players were not fulfilling their tasks defensively and they paid the price. Then, in the second half, Neco Williams was completely unmarked at the far post when he was found via a deep cross, and only a strong hand from Guglielmo Vicario denied the full-back from making it 2-0. The anxiety in the ground was palpable at this point, with the sinking feeling that Spurs genuinely could go down if they didn't score the next goal.

The ghost of Gibbs-White

The crowd did their best to lift the team, but the absence of identity in the team was evident. Igor Tudor's system left huge gaps in the midfield to be exposed and Morgan Gibbs-White - afforded the freedom of London - passed into the back of the net to double the lead. Given how both teams had started the second half, the goal was sadly inevitable - and worse yet, it came from the player who nearly joined them in the summer.

In July, Spurs had reportedly triggered his €69 million release clause, only for Gibbs-White to be convinced to stay at the City Ground by owner Evangelos Marinakis. How crucial will that decision prove to be in May when the season is over? Taiwo Awoniyi compounded the misery by adding a third late on, guaranteeing Spurs still don't have a Premier League win in 2026.

How close have Spurs been to Premier League relegation before?

The closest they have come to plummeting to the second tier was back in the 1997/98 season. After a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea on April 11, Spurs were languishing in 17th, only one point clear of Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers in the relegation zone. Unlike now, they had a star player to come back from injury and turn their fortunes around. When Darren Anderton returned from injury, the winger helped Spurs embark on a five-game unbeaten run and they survived the drop.

But this team doesn't have a Jurgen Klinsmann, Harry Kane or Heung-min Son to lift them out of adversity. They don't have even have an Ossie Ardilles-type character to lead them. Head coach Tudor hasn't won any of his five Premier League games in charge and surely won't get a chance to manage a sixth, with fans calling for him to be sacked.

Transfer and discipline issues

Speculation continues to link Micky van de Ven with a move to Barcelona in the summer, while Cristian Romero's outbursts on social media against the board and subsequent four-match suspension for his second red card of the season have been unhelpful distractions. Expensive summer signings such as Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus haven't delivered often enough, with the latter ruled out through injury. Conor Gallagher hasn't enjoyed the impact many expected when he arrived from Atletico Madrid in January.

Few could've blamed them for having one eye on events in Birmingham on Sunday, with relegation rivals West Ham travelling to Aston Villa and playing at exactly the same time. John McGinn's 15th-minute strike snatched away any hope of West Ham taking points away from Villa Park before Ollie Watkins made it 2-0 in the second half. But Tottenham didn't do their bit, losing by the same scoreline. How can the fans find any optimism in these times when they haven't been in such a position in the 21st Century?

Will Spurs actually go down?

With a squad value of €802.5 million and a €265 million gross spend in the summer, it seemed almost impossible at the start of the season under Thomas Frank that Spurs would find themselves in this position again, having finished 17th under Ange Postecoglou in 2024/25. At least then, the Europa League triumph gave them something to celebrate after ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.

But with seven games to go and Forest climbing above them in the Premier League table, it's no longer an outside possibility. They have taken five points from their last 36 available in the league. Make no mistake, that is relegation form. They still have to play Sunderland, Brighton, Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and finally Everton before knowing their fate. In the same fixtures last season, they faced five of those teams and only beat one of them - a 4-0 win over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - losing the other four fixtures.

Seven games to save themselves, but it would take a remarkable turnaround and perhaps a third manager this season to change their fortunes. It's down to these players to ensure they don't have the ignominy of being part of arguably the most incredible relegation story since the league was founded 34 years ago.

Source

Tottenham's disastrous run - The longest losing streaks amongst Premier League 'Big Six'

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham's disastrous run - The longest losing streaks amongst Premier League 'Big Six' - Transfermarkt
Description

There’s been absolutely zero encouraging signs during Igor Tudor’s ill-fated tenure as Tottenham Hotspur boss - it’s been an unmitigated disaster. The 47-year-old was installed as interim boss after Thomas Frank’s dismissal with the clear task of halting Spurs’ freefall but it has arguably got even worse. Atlético Madrid raced to a four-goal lead in the first half of the Champions League last-16 tie in midweek with Spurs effectively out as they trail 5-2 ahead of the return leg next week.

Tudor received significant criticism for his ruthless decision to hook Antonín Kinský after just 17 minutes with growing calls for the Croatian to be sacked. It’s been reported by reputable outlets that the Tottenham players have no faith in Tudor and his position feels increasingly untenable after just four games. The former Juventus boss has lost every game, conceding 14 goals and scoring just five. Tottenham’s current losing run of six consecutive games is the longest in their illustrious history but how does that rank amongst the Premier League ‘Big Six’ clubs.

The longest losing runs amongst Premier League clubs

We’ve analysed the results of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham since 2000 to ascertain the record. And Tottenham’s current run of six consecutive defeats is the joint longest losing streak this century from the ‘Big Six’ club. Chelsea and Manchester City have also lost six consecutive games this century across all competitions but Tottenham will hold the outright unwanted record, if they lost, as expected, against Liverpool this weekend.

Chelsea lost six consecutive Premier League games between March and April 2023 under the guidance of Frank Lampard. City’s six game losing run was during March and April of the 2006 season under Stuart Pearce and that was before the Abu Dhabi Group’s investment when they weren’t truly a big club. Man City and Tottenham have also embarked on five game losing runs, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United’s longest is four games.

Source

Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 15.03.2026

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Liverpool FC - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 15.03.2026 - Transfermarkt
Description

Liverpool FC - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 15.03.2026

Liverpool FC welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 17:30 for Matchday 30 of the Premier League season. The Reds currently occupy sixth position with 48 points from 29 matches, while Spurs find themselves in a precarious 16th place with just 29 points. Liverpool's home advantage at Anfield will be crucial as they seek to bounce back from recent setbacks, while Tottenham desperately need points to climb away from the relegation zone.

Our betting prediction for Liverpool FC vs Tottenham Hotspur

Our betting tip strongly favours a home victory for Liverpool FC at odds of 1.36 with 1win. Despite their recent inconsistencies, the Reds possess superior quality and enjoy a significant psychological advantage over their struggling opponents. The substantial gap in league positions and current form makes this primary prediction compelling for punters seeking value.

Our second betting prediction focuses on both teams to score, with "Yes" available at 1.78 with Paripesa. Liverpool have scored 48 goals this season while conceding 39, averaging 1.66 goals scored and 1.34 conceded per match. Tottenham have managed 39 goals while shipping 46, suggesting defensive vulnerabilities that Liverpool can exploit. However, Spurs have shown they can find the net even in defeat, making both teams to score an attractive proposition.

Liverpool FC form analysis

Liverpool have endured a frustrating campaign by their lofty standards, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 29 fixtures. The Merseyside club have registered 14 victories, six draws, and nine defeats, producing a goal difference of +9 from 48 scored and 39 conceded. Their most recent Premier League outing resulted in disappointment, suffering a 1-2 defeat away to Wolverhampton Wanderers that highlighted ongoing inconsistencies in their performances.

The Reds' home record at Anfield provides some encouragement, having secured eight wins, three draws, and three defeats from 14 matches on home soil. This represents a solid foundation, though below the fortress-like standards typically associated with Anfield. Their recent form across the last five Premier League encounters shows three victories and two defeats, indicating a team capable of excellence but lacking the consistency required for sustained success.

Under the guidance of manager Slot, Liverpool have struggled to recapture the intensity and tactical cohesion that characterised their most successful periods. The Dutch coach's tactical approach emphasises possession-based football and high pressing, though implementation has proven challenging given the squad's current limitations. Their latest fixture saw them suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray in European competition, extending concerns about their ability to perform in crucial moments.

The attacking output of 48 goals demonstrates Liverpool retain significant firepower, though defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed throughout the campaign. Their home advantage against a struggling Tottenham side presents an opportunity to rediscover winning momentum and potentially climb towards European qualification positions.

Tottenham Hotspur struggling for consistency

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in an alarming 16th position with just 29 points from 29 Premier League matches, having won seven, drawn eight, and lost 14 encounters. Their negative goal difference of -7, scoring 39 while conceding 46, reflects the defensive frailties that have plagued their campaign. The North London club's most recent league fixture ended in humiliation, losing 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace in a result that epitomised their current struggles.

Spurs' away record shows five wins, four draws, and five defeats from 14 matches, suggesting they can occasionally perform on their travels despite overall inconsistencies. However, their recent form paints a deeply concerning picture, having failed to register a single victory in their last five Premier League encounters, suffering five consecutive defeats. This woeful run has left them dangerously close to the relegation zone and fighting for Premier League survival.

Tudor's appointment as manager was intended to provide tactical stability and defensive organisation, though results have failed to materialise. The Croatian coach's pragmatic approach typically emphasises defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities, yet Tottenham have struggled to implement these principles effectively. Their latest outing saw them demolished 5-2 away to Atlético Madrid in European competition, highlighting the scale of their current difficulties.

The attacking return of 39 goals across 29 matches demonstrates limited creativity and finishing quality, while the 46 goals conceded reveals systematic defensive problems. Their inability to secure victories in recent fixtures has created mounting pressure on both players and management, making this trip to Anfield a crucial test of their resilience and character.

Last direct encounters

The most recent meeting between these historic rivals resulted in a 2-1 away victory for Liverpool, demonstrating their ability to secure positive results against Tottenham even in challenging circumstances. This triumph continued Liverpool's recent dominance in this fixture, having established psychological superiority over their London opponents.

H2H stats

Examining the head-to-head record from the last five encounters across all competitions reveals Liverpool's clear superiority, having secured four victories compared to Tottenham's solitary win, with no draws recorded. This statistical dominance provides additional confidence for backing the Reds in this encounter, particularly given their home advantage at Anfield.

Recent form analysis across the last five fixtures in all competitions shows a stark contrast between the two sides. Liverpool have managed three wins alongside two defeats, demonstrating their capacity for strong performances despite occasional setbacks. Conversely, Tottenham have endured a nightmare sequence of five consecutive defeats without registering a single victory or draw, highlighting their current crisis of confidence and form.

Liverpool's latest result was a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray, while Tottenham suffered a comprehensive 5-2 thrashing away to Atlético Madrid. These contrasting performances illustrate the gulf in quality and mental resilience between the two clubs approaching this crucial Premier League encounter.

Based on our extensive experience working with leading bookmakers and analysing betting markets across the industry's best betting sites, we recommend focusing on Liverpool's home victory at 1.36 with 1win as the primary selection. Many betting sites with welcome bonus offers provide excellent opportunities for new customers, with welcome bonus sites typically offering freebet credits upon initial deposits that can enhance potential returns on these selections.

Conclusion

Our match prediction strongly favours Liverpool securing all three points against a desperately struggling Tottenham side. The 19-point gap between the teams in the league table accurately reflects their respective quality levels and current form trajectories. Liverpool's superior home record, combined with Tottenham's woeful run of five consecutive defeats, creates compelling reasons to back the hosts. Additionally, both teams' attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities suggest goals at both ends, making the both teams to score market an attractive supplementary option for this Anfield encounter.

Source

Lowest ever league positions for Champions League knockout teams - where do Spurs rank?

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Lowest ever league positions for Champions League knockout teams - where do Spurs rank? - Transfermarkt
Description

Tottenham suffered their fifth straight Premier League home defeat last Thursday to Crystal Palace. They are now without a league win since late December and find themselves in the thick of a relegation battle. However, attention now turns to Europe, where, incredibly, their fortunes have significantly favoured. Spurs finished fourth in the Champions League league phase table, highlighting the strength of the Premier League right now, as well as the 'Jekyll and Hyde' nature of their own campaign.

They face Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid in the round of 16, but ahead of their first leg tie at the Wanda Metropolitano, Tottenham are as low as 16th in the Premier League. The LaLiga side are firm favourites to progress - many feel Spurs' focus should primarily lie on staying in the English top-flight. But when we go back down the years and look at the lowest domestic-positioned teams that have made it to the knockout stage of the Champions League since 1992/93, where do Igor Tudor's team rank?

Lowest ever league positions for Champions League knockout teams

Just one side have been in a lower league position when in a Champions League knockout tie than Tottenham this term. Back in the 2016/17 season, fresh off the back of their 5000/1 shock Premier League title, Leicester faced Sevilla in the round of 16 when they were 17th in the English top-flight. They actually won the tie and were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Atlético that season. Then we have Tottenham this term - it's possible they could be as low as 18th and break the record by the time the second leg comes around, should other results go against them this weekend.

Back in the 2003/04 campaign, Celta Vigo were 16th in LaLiga when they were in the round of 16 of the Champions League. There have then been two teams that were in 14th position of their domestic league whilst in a knockout game: Schalke in 2018/19 and Lyon in 2019/20 - the latter would make it to the semi-finals that season. Newcastle this season (12th place) also feature in the top 10, as do Chelsea (12th place in the 2015/16 season).

Source

Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool want former Villa star, Spence linked with Spurs summer exit

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool want former Villa star, Spence linked with Spurs summer exit - Transfermarkt
Description

©IMAGO

The January transfer window is now little more than a dot in the rearview mirror and as such European football has got back to the business of winning games and challenging for as much silverware and success as possible between now and the end of the season. However, as all football fans know, the rumour mill never truly sleeps and while the summer transfer window may be many months away, there are still plenty of top stories to dig into in the meantime.

Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we've collated some of the biggest current transfer stories - you can access the full rumour below.

Today's biggest transfer stories

Rumour M. Diaby Right Winger

Al-Ittihad ? Liverpool Saudi Pro League Premier League

Liverpool will look to upgrade a number of attacking positions this summer and that has reportedly led them to a former Premier League star. New reports suggest that the Anfield club are looking to sign Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad at the end of the season.

Rumour D. Spence Left-Back

Tottenham ? Juventus Premier League Serie A

A number of Tottenham's biggest stars will be sold whether they get relegated or not. One such player could be Djed Spence, who has this week been linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus and could depart in a big summer move.

Rumour S. McTominay Central Midfield

Napoli 25 % Man Utd Serie A Premier League

Source