The Spurs Web

One Spurs academy graduate has been linked with a move away from the club this summer after falling down the pecking order, but the latest news on the player suggests he is actually close to signing a new contract to extend his stay in North London.

Oliver Skipp heading for a new contract

That’s according to sources at Football Insider, who claim Oliver Skipp is on the verge of bagging himself a new deal despite interest in his services from elsewhere.

The report states that “advanced talks” are now in progress for Skipp to get a new contract and now looks likely to remain at Tottenham.

Leicester City are cited as one of the clubs that has been tracking the Spurs man this summer, and it is said Skipp’s future was in doubt previously, as Tottenham were thought to be open to letting him go.

Apparently, Tottenham were looking to sign a homegrown replacement for Skipp to maintain their numbers in the squad.

Now, though, Skipp is in line for that new contract and it is believed an agreement could be reached this week.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Skipp is a wanted man

Skipp made just 24 appearances for Spurs last season, amounting to 861 minutes of football. That’s an average of only 35 minutes per game, and it has been suggested the player had grown tired of his role in the squad (Football.London).

According to TEAMTALK, Spurs had wanted to sell Skipp rather than let him leave on loan. But, that stance appears to have been reversed entirely now with the Lilywhites looking to hold onto the 23-year-old.

Spurs Web Opinion

On the one hand, it makes perfect sense to keep Skipp on a new contract, as we need those homegrown players this season and eventually, if we do look to sell him next summer we will retain a good value on him.

On the other hand, we’ve got plenty of academy players who could take a squad place right now, so we don’t really have to keep Skipp.

Bryan Gil has seemingly hinted that the coaching staff at Tottenham did not trust him enough to give him any minutes following his loan move to Girona this week.

Bryan Gil joins Girona on loan

The writing always seemed on the wall for Gil this summer after the winger struggled to get much of a look in under Ange Postecoglou last season.

When the 23-year-old did not travel with the Spurs squad on their pre-season tour to Asia, it became clear that he would be on his way out of the door.

The move was finalised on Monday, with the Spain youth international sealing a season-long loan move to Girona, who will be in next season’s Champions League.

According to reports, the La Liga side have paid a loan fee of over £1m to sign the winger, who will embark on his third loan spell since signing for Spurs, having previously spent some time at Valencia and Sevilla.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Bryan Gil hints he was not trusted at Tottenham

The Tottenham man has now made it clear that he was desperate to play football, remarking that he was not trusted at Hotspur Way.

Gil told Mundo Deportivo on finalising the move: “I can’t be at a club where I don’t get minutes and I want to be somewhere where they really trust me.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Gil’s frustrations are understandable and he would be keen to get some football under his belt and prove that he can still be an asset at the highest level.

It was not long ago that the winger was seen as one of the most promising talents in Spanish football.

Spanish outlet Sport have suggested there is quite a bit of frustration at Camp Nou at having missed out on Lucas Bergvall, especially given the fact that the midfielder has hit the ground running at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs beat Barcelona to Bergvall

There was already plenty of excitement about Bergvall among Spurs fans and that has only grown in light of the 18-year-old’s impressive showing in pre-season so far.

It is not just the supporters who are excited, with journalist Dean Jones telling Ranks FC Ultras Podcast last week that many at Hotspur Way expect him to evolve into a future star.

It was well documented that Tottenham beat out competition from Barca to land the Swede in January, with the player himself admitting back in May that he decided to join Spurs over the Catalan side as he felt the former would be a much better fit for him (The Athletic).

Spanish press are bitter that Bergvall chose Spurs

Sport have now revealed that the Premier League side won the race for Bergvall simply because they were able to table a much more lucrative offer to him and his agent.

MORE SPURS STORIES

They point to the fact that the teenager has made a bright start to his time with Spurs and lament the fact that the Blaugrana missed out on him.

Reporting on the Tottenham man’s performances in pre-season, the publication writes “Bergvall made his [full] debut a week ago, playing in the second half of the 2-0 win over QPR, successfully completing 42 of the 48 passes he made.

“The Swede was involved in three of the chances the English team had in the second half. After a promising debut, a minor injury threatened his progress, but in the second pre-season match, this Saturday, he was again the protagonist in the second half against Vissel Kobe in the victory (2-3) of the English team. He was the one who assisted Pedro Porro’s goal.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The general consensus in footballing circles seems to be that Bergvall is potentially a generational talent. However, we have seen time and again that players who appear world-beaters at 18 can fail to develop into a finished product.

Spurs fans should thus not get too giddy about the Swede and need to give him the time he needs to adapt to football at the highest level.

Son Heung-min has revealed that Yang Min-Hyuk was quite shy in the pair’s first meeting and that he told the youngster to brush up on his English lessons.

Spurs get first glimpse of Yang Min-hyuk

Tottenham have secured a number of talented young players over the last 12 months and the latest to arrive through the door was Yang, who has been turning a lot of heads with his performances in the K-League.

The 18-year-old has had an outstanding debut season for Gangwon FC, netting eight goals and providing four assists in 25 league appearances (Transfermarkt).

The pacy winger will spend the rest of the year at his boyhood club and will link up with the Tottenham squad in January of 2025.

Spurs fans will be hoping that Yang, who is considered by many to be the best young talent to come out of Korea in recent years, will be able to emulate Son’s success at Tottenham.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Heung-min Son meets Yang Min-hyuk

The Lilywhites captain has now revealed what he said when he met the newcomer during the club’s pre-season tour.

Son told the club’s official website about the teenager: “He is amazing. He is doing a fantastic job in his first season in K-League. I saw him yesterday for the first time, he was being very shy.

“Obviously, he’s very young, he hasn’t finished his high school yet. How crazy is that? It feels like I’m getting old.

“I told him to practice a little bit his English as well so he has time to practice. Yeah, looking forward, amazing talent, so looking forward to seeing him in a Spurs kit.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Moving halfway across the world when you are 18 and adapting to a new culture can be a major challenge but having Son at Spurs would be of immense benefit for Yang as it will make the transition a lot easier.

According to The Athletic, Atletico Madrid are now holding ‘advanced discussions’ with Chelsea over a deal to sign Tottenham target Conor Gallagher.

What is happening with Conor Gallagher?

It now looks like Tottenham’s hopes of landing Conor Gallagher may have taken a significant blow as a number of outlets are reporting that Atletico are making progress in their efforts to tie up a deal for the midfielder.

The Athletic reveal that although there is no agreement between the two sides yet, the deal to take the 24-year-old to the Spanish capital is now ‘close’.

The report points out that should this transfer go through, it will come as a blow to Spurs, with Gallagher being a ‘long-term target’ for Ange Postecoglou’s men.

Conor Gallagher may have the final say

This information has also been backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Atletico are now close to striking a deal worth around €35m-€40m including add-ons for the England international.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The journalist adds that while the La Liga side view the transfer as a priority, the decision will ultimately come down to the player.

So, the big question remains – does Gallagher want to join Atletico Madrid and leave the Premier League?

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham should quite easily be able to hijack the deal at the aforementioned price if they wish and one suspects that Gallagher would also prefer to remain in London.

If Spurs do not act and allow him to go to Atleti, that would suggest that they are not too convinced about the Chelsea man and prefer other alternatives.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to submit their opening offer for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher as they step up their chase of the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid want Connor Gallagher

On Tuesday, we relayed a report from Fabrizio Romano in which the journalist asserted that Atletico Madrid had made some advances towards a deal for Gallagher.

He explained that the La Liga side had opened talks with Chelsea and that an offer of around €35m-€40m along with add-ons would be enough to clinch a deal.

However, there appear to have been further Gallagher advancements over the past 24 hours, according to some sources.

Spurs willing to offer more than Atletico

TEAMtalk have now also backed the information about Atletico’s advances for Gallagher, but they say that the Spanish club’s £30m bid has been turned down by the Blues.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is explained that the 24-year-old is no closer to agreeing a new deal with Chelsea and that Tottenham are now ready to make an offer of their own.

Ange Postecoglou’s men are allegedly willing to offer £35m for the England international, which while falling short of Chelsea’s £40m asking price, is more than what Atletico are willing to pay.

Spurs Web Opinion

Given that Gallagher looks as unlikely to sign a new deal now as he did at the start of the summer, he does not appear to have a future at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham should not have any issues outbidding Atletico but Chelsea might be reluctant to sell the midfielder to a direct rival.

Destiny Udogie has been out of action for the last couple of months after undergoing surgery, but Ange Postecoglou has some positive news about when the young full-back is expected to return to the pitch.

Destiny could face Bayern Munich

The Italian decided to have surgery on his left quadriceps in April, meaning he missed the end of Tottenham‘s campaign and was unable to take part in Euro 2024 with his country.

Udogie has missed all of Spurs’ friendlies so far in pre-season, but was included in Postecoglou‘s tour squad for the trip to Japan and South Korea, though, suggesting a return would be close.

Now, Postecoglou has been speaking to SpursPlay after the win over K-League all-stars to discuss the situation surrounding Udogie’s rehabilitation, and suggested the player will be available very soon.

He said: “Hopefully Destiny comes back into it in the next few days, so that’s positive.”

That puts Udogie in line for a return against Bayern Munich when the two sides meet on Saturday, August 3. At the very least, he should be ready for the second friendly against the Germans a week later.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Udogie will complete the backline

Spurs have been using Jamie Donley at left-back so far through pre-season, with Ben Davies also operating in his former position at times.

With Udogie on his way back, and the return of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven after their extended break also coming up, the Tottenham backline will be back to its best.

Spurs Web Opinion

I think we really missed Udogie in those final stages of the season, as he provides a lot of balance with Pedro Porro on the right-hand side.

He’s one of our most exciting and creative players, and I can’t wait to see him back in action.

Robbie Keane has said that he wants to see Tottenham Hotspur tie up deals for both Pedro Neto and Eberechi Eze, while also continuing to look for a top-class number nine.

Tottenham need more signings this summer

While Spurs have done some smart business so far this season, it is fair to say that the majority of the fan base is getting a little nervous and impatient at the lack of big-name arrivals so far.

However, one signing that has excited the fans is that of Archie Gray, who is thought of by many as one of the best young talents in English football at the moment.

Keane admitted that he is a big fan of the Leeds academy graduate and that is excited to see how Ange Postecoglou uses him.

The Tottenham legend told The Boy Hotspur Substack: “I’d like to see Tottenham up there with the leaders but they certainly need a few more players. I know Archie Gray very well, having coached him at Leeds, and I think he’s a great signing for Spurs. His potential is very, very high and he’s a lovely lad.

“Tottenham is a really good fit for him, and I think he’s got a great chance to go all the way. He played a lot at right-back for Leeds last season, but he is definitely a midfield player so I’m interested to see where Ange Postecoglou plays him.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Robbie Keane wants Spurs to sign Eze and Neto

Keane also implored his former club to secure the services of both Neto and Eze, describing the latter as a ‘real Tottenham player’.

He continued: “Tottenham have also been linked with Pedro Neto, who I would sign straight away, and Eberechi Eze, who I said they should sign four years ago. I think he’s a real Tottenham player. They are both really exciting players and I think the fans would be very happy if they got both of them.”

Finally, the Irishman confessed that he also wants Spurs to bring a top-class number nine through the door to keep Richarlison on his toes.

He added: “If you look around world football at the moment, you don’t see a lot of out-and-out No. 9s like Erling Haaland, or someone like Fernando Torres. I think Spurs still need a player like that.

“I hope Richarlison comes back fit and ready to go, but I think they need another one to keep their attacking players on their toes. Of course, it depends who is out there, and to get one they might have to start spending big money, given how the market is.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is difficult to see how Tottenham can afford both Eze and Neto this summer, given that neither Wolves nor Palace appear likely to let go of their assets for less than £50m.

Spending £40m-£50m (or even more) on Ivan Toney also does not seem like a realistic option unless Spurs manage to offload Richarlison for big money.

Tottenham Hotspur recorded yet another win in pre-season this afternoon, playing out an exciting and end-to-end 4-3 match against Team K-League.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the match:

Heung-min Son is looking sharp

Back in front of his home fans, Heung-min Son seemed determined to put on a show for the 63,000-plus K-League fans this afternoon. His first goal was an absolute Sonny trademark, cutting inside after some nice work from Jamie Donley before curling an effort right into the top corner.

His second goal saw him tip-toe his way infield off the left once more, this time playing a one-two with Dejan Kulusevski before nutmegging a defender and slotting the ball home. And he did all that without looking like he was out of third gear! It’s so nice to see Son back out on the left.

Jamie Donley is the surprise package

While Djed Spence has been turning heads on the right side of defence this pre-season, Jamie Donley is arguably an even more surprising package of the summer over on the left. The forward has been used as a makeshift left-back in Destiny Udogie’s absence, but the youngster is seeming less and less makeshift by the game.

If not for Son’s brace, Donley would have been the best player on the pitch for Spurs, with his inverted runs from left-back causing all kinds of problems for Team K-League. His natural creative talents in tight spaces make him perfect for that kind of role, and if he can improve his defending he could be a very real option for Postecoglou this season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Yang Min-hyuk catches the eye

In a strange turn of events, Spurs fans were also keeping a close eye on one of the Team K-League players this afternoon – namely new signing Yang Min-hyuk. The 18-year-old started on the left side of a front three for the home team, much like his fellow countryman, Heung-min Son.

It would be fair to say that Yang was Team K-League’s best and most dangerous player in the first 45, going close to opening the scoring a couple of times. There was also a nice moment where some neat footwork and a nice turn bamboozled Emerson Royal. An exciting cameo for the teenager!

The battle for number nine

With Richarlison still out injured and Tottenham seemingly no closer to signing a new striker, it begs the question – who is going to start for Spurs in the first match of the season? Dejan Kulusevski has looked impressive in a false nine role this pre-season, adding yet another goal and assist to his tally this afternoon.

On the other hand, 19-year-old Will Lankshear is a more traditional number nine and also has a couple of goals to his name in pre-season. His performance today will surely at least give Postecoglou something to think about when it comes to choosing his Premier League squad for the first half of the season.

The return of Radu Dragusin

Radu Dragusin made his return to action this afternoon with a 20-minute cameo, following his standout European Championships run with Romania last month. Spurs are lacking centre-backs in pre-season at the moment with Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven still on holiday, so it will be a welcome return.

He looked very much off the pace and lacking in match sharpness though, even miskicking the ball in his own box to present a late chance to Team K-League. All to be expected for his first minutes of the summer.

Tottenham made it four wins from four pre-season matches this afternoon as they put four past Team K League, with Heung-min Son scoring a brace back in his home country.

Tottenham player ratings vs Team K-League

Guglielmo Vicario – 6 – Barely had anything to do beyond taking a couple of goal kicks and diving when a few shots flew wide or over. Another 45 minutes under his belt.

Pedro Porro – 7 – Probably had more shots than any player on the pitch. Kept getting into positions around the edge of the box but most of his efforts went just over the bar. Some really nice balls over the top and link-up play though.

Emerson Royal – 7 – Maybe he isn’t close to a Milan move after all? His best pre-season game this summer. Lots of good front-foot defending, hit the bar with a header, and even went for a bicycle kick at one point. A typically barmy Emerson Royal performance.

Ben Davies – 6 – Struggles in a back two in this formation because the centre-backs are often left so isolated and he doesn’t have the pace to deal with that. K-League’s two goals both came from the left.

Jamie Donley – 8.5 – Apart from Son, he was the best player on the pitch. Some of his work in the central areas was nothing short of sensational. He has really got to grips with the inverted side of his left-back role, even if the defensive side still needs work. Created chances all day long for Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Pape Matar Sarr – 6 – Looked a little clumsy at times again today, as he has all pre-season really. I think competition from Bergvall and Gray could be great for him this season. His work off the ball is always immense, but he needs to improve with the ball at his feet.

Lucas Bergvall – 7 – The most impressive midfielder in the first half for Spurs. Still very raw and tries to overplay at times, but he oozes creativity on the ball. Went close to his first Spurs goal when he crashed out against the crossbar. Another really bright cameo from Bergvall.

Archie Gray – 6.5 – Played more of a deep-lying midfield role today and, because the first half was dominated by Spurs, it was a rather understated performance. Some nice tidy passes in there though.

Dejan Kulusevski – 8 – Another pre-season game, another Dejan Kulusevski goal and assist. He is consistently coming up with these moments of creative spark in and around the box in central areas this summer. Looks like he could feature there more than right-wing this season.

Brennan Johnson – 6 – Strangely, Johnson barely had a kick today. Usually, we see endless runs in behind from him, but it was a pretty quiet day for Spurs down the right side of attack.

Heung-min Son – 9 – Looked so sharp today, but simultaneously seemed like he never needed to get out of third gear. A trademark cut inside and curl into the top corner for his first goal, followed by a lovely one-two and a nutmeg to score his second. Even between his goals, he looked so dangerous!

Yang Min-hyuk – 7.5 – It would not be biased to say the 18-year-old was Team K-League’s best player in the first half. Looked really dangerous on the break and turned Emerson inside out with one turn. Went close to opening the scoring with a drive over the bar, and almost assisted a goal too. Very bright!

Second-half Substitutes:

Brandon Austin – 6 – Came on at half-time. Won’t be happy with his save that gave Team K-League a rebound tap-in. Made up for it with a nice one-on-one stop later on though.

Oliver Skipp – 6 – Came on at half-time to fill in at centre-back again. It all got a little chaotic defensively in the second 45 with all the makeshift changes. Skipp was on the wrong end of a horror challenge that appeared to injure his knee. Would have been a red card with VAR.

James Maddison – 7.5 – A real creative spark in the second half. Maddison drifted into pockets for fun and picked out all kinds of dangerous passes in and around the box. Unfortunately, despite all his shots and a smack against the post, the ball just wouldn’t go in for him. Much more like his old self though.

Djed Spence – 7 – Showed a lot of energy down the right side in the second half. Should have perhaps scored at the end of the game but tried to pass the ball instead. Looks to be so much more comfortable in a Spurs shirt this summer, which could bode well for him ahead of the new season.

Mikey Moore – 7 – He may not have scored or assisted this time, but Mikey Moore was still involved. He seems to pick the best possible pass every time and uses the ball so well. He was perhaps unlucky not to get a start today.

Will Lankshear – 8 – He is doing his chances of earning a place in Postecoglou’s squad no harm. Not only did he score a tap-in to put Spurs 4-2 up, but he went close with a lovely left-footed effort shortly after. Even if Spurs don’t want to keep him this season, clubs will be queuing up with loan offers.

Yves Bissouma – 6 – Came on a little later in the second half and did some neat and tidy work from his number six position.

Alfie Devine – 6.5 – Seems to be flying under the radar after the emergence of Mikey Moore, but Devine looked really sharp yet again today.

Timo Werner – 7 – Popped up with a great assist from the left for Lankshear’s goal – a typical Werner driven cross. Put in plenty of other good crosses and cut-backs in the second half too.

George Abbott – 6 – Had a great chance to score his first Spurs goal but hit it high over the bar.

Radu Dragusin – 6 – Came on for his first 20 minutes of pre-season but struggled with the pace a little, which is to be expected.