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Ange Postecoglou Snubbed by Champions League Club After Turning Down Huge Offer

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Ange Postecoglou recently turned down a 'huge offer’ to replace Jose Mourinho as Fenerbahce head coach amid links with a Champions League side – but the club in question have opted to go for another head coach instead of the Australian.

Postecoglou, 60, has managed in Scotland with Celtic, Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos, Australia as Socceroos’ boss and most recently in England with Spurs.

The 60-year-old guided Tottenham to a fifth-place finish in the 2023/24 campaign but failed to build on the position the following season as the north London club finished 17th in 2024/25.

However, the Australian may have thought his blushes had been spared when he led Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years with victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

But just 16 days later, he was sacked and remains without a managerial role three months on.

Last week, it was reported by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu (via Sport Witness) that the 60-year-old had turned down an offer to replace Jose Mourinho as Fenerbahce boss following the Portuguese’s sacking.

It was claimed that Postecoglou held talks with the Istanbul club before turning down an offer due him still having ambitions of managing in a top-five European league.

Also last week, Ange’s name was reported discussed by Bayer Leverkusen after Erik ten Hag parted ways with the Bundesliga side after just two league matches in charge.

On September 3, journalist Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Ange Postecoglou, emerging as an option for both Bayer Leverkusen and Fenerbahçe looking for new head coach. Former Spurs manager discussed as a name at both clubs ahead of the decision.”

However, it has since emerged that former Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand is now the favourite to fill the vacancy left by Ten Hag.

On Monday (September 8), German outlet Kicker reported that Leverkusen have reached “an agreement in principle” for Hjulmand to become their next head coach.

The 53-year-old previously endured an unsuccessful spell in Germany in 2014/15 when he was manager of Mainz.

Hjulmand has since guided Denmark to relative success and helped the side reach the semi-final of Euro 2020 (held in 2021).

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Ange Postecoglou Rejects Huge Offer as Premier League Return Stance Clear

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Ange Postecoglou has reportedly rejected a significant offer to return to management three months after being sacked by Spurs.

Postecoglou was relieved of his duties in June, under two weeks after leading Spurs to the Europa League title.

Success in that competition earned qualification for the Champions League, but that wasn't enough for the popular Australian to keep his job.

Postecoglou revealed that he prioritised Europe over the Premier League in the final months of the season, with the north London club eventually finishing in 16th place.

Since his sacking, the 61-year-old has been linked with Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen as he awaits a return to football.

He has stayed out of the limelight since his Spurs departure, but did accept the John Duncan Award - for significant football accomplishments - from the League Managers Association on Thursday, alongside Chelsea's Enzo Maresca and Arsenal Women boss Renee Slegers.

In the meantime, he has turned down the opportunity to replace another former Spurs boss in Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce, according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu (via Sport Witness).

He claims that Postecoglou held talks with the Turkish Super Lig club, but eventually turned their offer down as he wants his next job to be in Europe's top five leagues.

That would indicate that the Australian remains interested in returning to the Premier League should the right opportunity arise.

Any interested club may have to act quickly, however, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Wednesday that Postecoglou's name had been discussed as a candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Leverkusen.

The 2023/24 Bundesliga champions sacked Ten Hag after just two league matches in charge on Monday, with the Dutchman releasing an explosive statement through his agency, SEG Football, in response.

The former Manchester United boss wrote: "To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.

"This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad ... a new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.

"Unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.

"Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware."

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Spurs Omit Six Players From Champions League Squad Including £30m Summer Signing

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Mathys Tel has been left out of Tottenham's 22-man squad for the opening stages of this season's Champions League alongside a number of high-profile names, including Yves Bissouma.

Thomas Frank has made some difficult decisions on this occasion, with summer signing Tel being the most notable absentee following his £30 million signing from Bayern Munich.

The 20-year-old striker, who spent last season on loan at Spurs, is still waiting for his first start under Frank, although he has appeared as a subsitute in games against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley and Bournemouth.

Another high-profile omission from the squad is Yves Bissouma, who has yet to make a competitive appearance under his new manager as he enters the final year of his contract.

Kota Takai, a summer signing from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale, has also been left out following a foot injury, while James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin are also on the sidelines, therefore have missed out.

Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons, meanwhile, have been included in Frank's 22-man squad alongside fellow summer signings Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs will face Villarreal in their Champions League opener before coming up against Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt. Slavia Praha, Bodo/Glimt, Copenhagen and AS Monaco.

Speaking after the draw was made, Frank said: "Overall, I thought it was an okay draw. Sometimes draws can look very bad on paper or really good, but it depends how we perform against them. They are the biggest games of the season, so they will be tough."

Tottenham’s Champions League squad in full

Goalkeepers: Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Brandon Austin

Defenders: Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur

Forwards: Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani

UEFA rules state that List A is made up of a maximum of 25 players, two of whom must be goalkeepers.

There are a minimum of eight places reserved exclusively for ‘locally trained players’ and no club may have more than four ‘association-trained players’ listed among those eight places.

A player may be registered on List B if he is born on, or after, 1 January 2004 and, has since had his 15th birthday, been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club from the same association for a period not longer than one year.

Players aged 16 may be submitted if they have been registered with the club for the previous two years without interruption.

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Odds Slashed on Dele Alli Joining English Club After Como Release

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Dele Alli is a free agent again after the former Spurs midfielder agreed to the termination of his contract at Serie A outfit Como.

The 29-year-old former England international, who signed an 18-month contract with Como in January following his departure from Everton, made just one appearance for Cesc Fabregas' side.

After coming on in the 81st minute against AC Milan in March – his first appearance since February 2023 – the midfielder was shown a red card in stoppage time as Como fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Alli never featured again under Fabregas and on Monday evening, the club released a statement to confirm his departure.

“Dele is keen to secure regular playing opportunities and, as he was not part of the club’s immediate plans, both parties felt it was the right decision to part ways ahead of the transfer window closing,” read the statement.

“The club thanks Dele for his time at Como and wishes him the very best for the future."

As a free agent who was released before the end of the Italian window, Dele is now free to sign for another European club.

Newly-promoted Championship side Birmingham City are currently the bookies' favourite to sign the midfielder at 5/1 with Betfair, while West Brom (7/1), Wrexham (8/1) and Sheffield United (10/1) follow.

Elsewhere, the 29-year-old is currently 33/1 to play alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “After his Como contract was terminated on transfer deadline day, Birmingham have emerged as the favourites to sign Dele Alli for the 2025/26 season.

"Chris Davies’ side are the 5/1 frontrunners to land the former England international, while West Brom follow at 7/1 and Wrexham 8/1."

He added: "With the 29-year-old’s career in limbo having made only one appearance for the Serie A side, Alli is 12/1 to join Rangers, with a move to Celtic 18/1. Meanwhile, a spell at David Beckham’s Inter Miami is priced at 33/1.”

Dele backed to become academy coach at former club

As noted by Como in their previously mentioned statement, Dele is keen to secure regular playing opportunities, but earlier this year, former Spurs striker Clive Allen explained why a role at Tottenham could be a good idea.

"Maybe that [a return to Tottenham] could be possible," he told Tottenham News. "Every football supporter will be wishing him well at Como. He’s had a big dip, which can happen.

"The fact that he’s bouncing back and getting back into the game, let’s hope he can do it. Maybe one day he can get back up to the level we know."

Allen added: "A role at Tottenham maybe. I’m not sure if he’s a coach or a possible manager, an academy coach to give knowledge to young people. He may look at educating young players around depression and avoiding certain situations.“

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Xavi Simons' Premier League move confirmed as 'medical completed' amid Chelsea and Tottenham interest

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RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons is reportedly closing in on a move to the Premier League amid interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

This summer, Simons, 22, had been constantly linked with a move away from Leipzig.

Earlier in the transfer window, it was reported that Premier League giants Chelsea had agreed terms with the Dutchman but had so far failed to offer a sum that suits Leipzig.

During the 24/25 season, Simons made a total of 33 appearances for Leipzig, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further eight.

On Friday morning, it was claimed that Chelsea's London rivals, Spurs, had agreed a fee with the Bundesliga side, believed to be €60 million.

Fabrizio Romano said: "EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons! Official bid accepted, green light after #THFC sent formal bid following player’s encouragement.

"Spurs want deal done today also on player side + medical in the next hours. Here we go, expected soon."

And now, Spurs look to have fully hijacked Chelsea's move with a medical said to have been completed.

Xavi Simons 'completes medical' ahead of Premier League move

Taking to social media, The Athletic's David Ornstein wrote: "Xavi Simons has completed medical before moving to Tottenham Hotspur from RB Leipzig. €60m deal agreed club-to-club + personal terms done for 22yo attacker to join #THFC pending final details being sorted between Dutch int'l and RB Leipzig."

Spurs have been on the lookout for an attacking midfielder after James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury during the club's pre-season tour in Asia.

Earlier in the month, Spurs were beaten in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who opted to join North London rivals Arsenal.

However, Thomas Frank's search for a new attacker looks to be coming to an end with Simons now inches away from being confirmed as a new Spurs player.

Spurs have had a perfect start to the 25/26 Premier League season and Frank's men will be back in action this weekend when they take on Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

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Arsenal fans think club aimed savage hidden dig at Spurs in Eberechi Eze unveiling

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Arsenal fans are adamant that the club aimed at dig at Spurs after beating them to the signing of Eberechi Eze.

The England international appeared to be heading to North London rivals Spurs from Crystal Palace after they reportedly agreed a deal, only for Arsenal to steal a march and secure Eze's services for a fee of £67.5 million.

A boyhood Arsenal supporter who was previously in their academy, Eze took the No.10 shirt and was unveiled prior to the 5-0 win over Leeds United in the Emirates.

Arsenal's announcement video featured Ian Wright as Eze's moved mirrored him joining the Gunners from Palace at the age of 27.

But fans also spotted that amongst all the Eze content uploaded on official channels, there was an interesting pose from the former QPR attacker.

Eze did a folding arms pose from a specific angle that was reminiscent of one Sol Campbell did after completing his highly controversial free transfer from Spurs to Arsenal back in 2001 after racking up 315 appearances across nine years.

Arsenal supporters think the club knew exactly what they were doing with the picture.

One on X observed: "I'm sure our photographers did it on purpose. Apart from Sol, I don't remember anyone taking a photo like that when signing, from that angle .

A second remarked: "No such thing as a coincidence."

A third commented: "Arsenal are dirty for doing this."

Eze has been 'on trial' at Arsenal for four years

Though he had been set to join Spurs, Eze simply had to choose Arsenal when he heard of their interest.

Having been released at the age of 13, Eze has a second opportunity at Arsenal - who has been holding out to return even when at Palace.

“I remember the day I got released, my mum said a prayer that this reverse would happen. For me, this is a realisation of a dream that we prayed for,” Eze said.

“I thought about coming back from the moment I understood what it meant to become a pro. I’ve always thought: ‘Arsenal is where it’s at, that’s what I want to achieve, what I want to get to.’

“I’ve been on trial for four years, if I’m being honest. Every time I came to Arsenal, I looked at the seat that I used to sit on when I used to come to games with my brothers, and I’ve said every single time: ‘This is it - it’s time, this is an opportunity.’ I’m not going to say I knew it was going to happen, but that’s the feeling.”

With Bukayo Saka out injured, Eze could make his debut for Arsenal against Premier League champions Liverpool in a huge top of the table clash at Anfield on Sunday,

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Xavi Simons 'chooses' which Premier League club he wants to join amid Chelsea and Spurs interest

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Xavi Simons has a 'preference' when it comes to his next transfer, according to reports, as Tottenham and Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for the attacking midfielder.

Tottenham's priority in the final days of the window is signing a No. 10 after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, and it appears Simons has been identified as a suitable target.

In fact, the club are preparing to hijack Chelsea's deal for Simons, according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg.

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Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to have reached an agreement on personal terms with the 22-year-old attacking midfielder and are 'very much in the race' to sign him from RB Leipzig, who are now waiting for official offers.

Leipzig want at least €65 million (£56m) for Simons, as per Ben Jacobs.

Simons, who is currently in London to finalise a move, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for much of the summer window.

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And amid rumours of Spurs' interest, Kieran Gill of the Mail claims Simons’ preference remains Chelsea after their London rivals were invited to consider their own swoop.

The Netherlands international, who joined Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in January following an 18-month loan spell at the Red Bull Arena, has informed the German club of his desire to leave after they missed out on Champions League football.

Simons has been persistently linked with a Premier League transfer in recent transfer windows, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all being credited with an interest.

Back in April, Simons opened up on his future amid interest from the Premier League.

“I’m still a young player, I have many dreams – and the club knows that,” he told Sky Germany. “But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games. Then we have the international matches, and after that we’ll sit down and see what happens.”

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Pep Guardiola could sanction ruthless Man City exit of new signing after Spurs horror show

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Pep Guardiola could be presented with the need to make a quick decision on the future of one of Manchester City's summer signings.

Man City stole in ahead of Newcastle United to bring England Under-21 international goalkeeper James Trafford back to the club from Burnley but his senior home debut for the club didn't go to plan.

The 22-year-old kept a clean sheet in City's 4-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers but was at fault for Joao Palhinha's goal in a 2-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Guardiola's goalkeeper position is up for grabs. Ederson is expected to leave the club, with Istanbul giants Galatasaray the likeliest destination for the 32-year-old.

City's reported interest in Paris Saint-Germain stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma is ongoing and there are reports this week that Trafford could yet be heading for Istanbul himself.

Politikam via Sport Witness reports that former Manchester United player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Trafford as his number one at Besiktas and could get his wish.

"It’s claimed contact has been made for the youngster and that his agent is said to have travelled to Istanbul to commence transfer talks with Besiktas president Serdal Adali," writes Sport Witness.

"The Black Eagles have been busy this summer with the Norwegian coach strengthening his midfield and attack, but now he wants to make the goalkeeper position one of his priorities.

"The Super Lig side are reportedly looking to loan Trafford, although there is no indication a purchase option is being negotiated."

Trafford first joined Man City from Carlisle United ten years ago and spent time on loan with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before Burnley parted with £15 million plus add-ons to sign him permanently.

Trafford starred for England as they retained the Under-21 European Championship title this summer and was apparently on the cusp of a move to Newcastle before City offered a surprise return.

Burnley conceded just 16 goals in 46 Championship games on their way to automatic promotion under Scott Parker last season. Both the Clarets and Leeds United reached the Premier League by racking up exactly 100 points in 2024-25.

City agreed a £27 million deal to sign the young goalkeeper, who signed a five-year deal in July.

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Arsenal set to hijack second Spurs transfer as David Ornstein drops major update in £52m pursuit

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Arsenal are set to hijack a second Tottenham transfer following the signing of Eberechi Eze as David Ornstein has dropped a major update.

Arsenal have splashed the cash this summer, having snapped up the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.

Gyokeres, who issued a message to his critics after his brace against Leeds United last weekend, cost the Gunners £64 million while they shelled out £60 million to acquire Zubimendi.

And the club are working on further reinforcements ahead of next month's transfer deadline, having unveiled Eze against Leeds.

According to Ornstein, Arsenal are 'working on a deal' to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.

The deal, however, is subject to player exits as they look to balance their books, having signed seven new players this summer.

Hincapie, who can play as a centre-back or a left-back, is under contract at Leverkusen until 2029, but has informed the club of his desire to leave this summer.

The 23-year-old has a release clause of €60 million (£52 million), although, per the report, efforts are being made to lower that fee to a more realistic market value.

Hincapie's preference is to join Arsenal, who are ready to push for him should departures at the Emirates materialise.

Ornstein's report comes just hours after Fabrizio Romano claimed Spurs had made an approach for the Ecuadorian.

They proposed a loan deal with an obligation to trigger his release clause next summer and started discussing personal teams.

But it appears Arsenal are set to pip their cross-city rivals to the signing of Hincapie - just like they did with Eze.

If Arsenal can get the deal over the line, Hincapie, who has featured prominently on the club's recruitment lists for some time, would be the second defender to arrive this summer following the transfer of Cristhian Mosquera, who joined from Valencia for £17 million.

Who could Arsenal sell this summer?

As mentioned, Arsenal have signed seven new players this summer.

An eighth signing could be on the way if the club can successfully offload players ahead of the September 1 deadline.

Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are among the players who could be let go.

Porto are pursuing a move for Kiwior, while Fulham are interested in signing Nelson after he enjoyed a loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.

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Jamie O'Hara rips into 'embarrassing' Arsenal after seeing what they did for new signing Eberechi Eze

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Jamie O'Hara has hit out at Arsenal after the Premier League side unveiled new signing Eberechi Eze ahead of their match against Leeds United.

Shortly before Arsenal produced a dominant win over newly-promoted side Leeds United at the Emirates, Gunners fans were treated to the official unveiling of new signing Eberechi Eze.

Despite reportedly agreeing with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, the Crystal Palace decided instead to sign for boyhood club Arsenal in what is viewed as a major statement signing for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal will pay an initial fee of £60million for the the 27-year-old, with a further £7.5m potentially being added on if certain bonuses are met.

As he walked out onto the Emirates pitch for the first time as an Arsenal player, fans in the stadium made their feelings about the new signing clear, but former Tottenham player O'Hara wasn't happy with the unveiling.

Although Eze's debut likely to come during next week's title clash with Liverpool, his unveiling at the Emirates showed him that fans are seriously excited to have him at the club.

Shortly before his unveiling at the Emirates, Arsenal announced the signing with a video featuring Eze and club legend Ian Wright on social media.

But it appears that O'Hara was not impressed with the video, as he criticised it while watching it live on talkSPORT, saying: “What have I just watched there? Seriously, what am I watching? It’s embarrassing, mate, Wrighty should know better as well."

To which co-host Jason Cundy replied: "No one does cringe like Arsenal. It's the way, it's the modern world. Social media now, it's where it all goes off.

"By the way, what a signing, don't be getting bitter!"

Prompting O'Hara to state: "He’s a good player. He ain’t Messi. Do you know what I mean? Come on, he’s a decent player. They’re bigging him up like they’ve signed Erling Haaland.”

With Crystal Palace set to receive a reported £67.5m for their star player, Eze's move to the Gunners takes Arsenal's total spending this summer to around £250million.

Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two at the Emirates on Saturday, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi are just some of the other players who have joined Arsenal in recent weeks.

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