The Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur have only signed one player so far this summer, with Archie Gray joining the club from Leeds United. But, according to Paul O’Keefe, that transfer may well represent Ange Postecoglou’s wider plan at the club.

Youth is the way to go for Spurs

O’Keefe is regularly interacting with Spurs supporters on Twitter/X and offers his insights into the goings on behind the scenes at the club.

Recently, he was asked about the speculation that Tottenham are about to sign Wouter Burger from Stoke City, and South Korean winger Yang Min-Hyuk (The Mirror), and whether these moves align with the three signings O’Keefe previously mentioned the Lilywhites were looking to make this summer.

O’Keefe replied with a simple statement on Postecoglou‘s transfer strategy, claiming: “Ange wants to buy top young players to develop in the main.”

The definition of a young player is hard to pin down, but further in the thread, O’Keefe discusses Spurs’ pursuit of Pedro Neto, and suggests the 24-year-old winger “isn’t old.”

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A pattern emerges at Tottenham

Looking back at Tottenham’s transfer activity during Postecoglou’s tenure so far, the idea of younger talent being targeted certainly makes sense.

Last summer, Brennan Johnson and Micky van de Ven, both still only 23 years old, were brought in. Radu Dragusin was signed in January and is only 22 years old.

Meanwhile, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are the latest additions to the Spurs squad this summer, with the midfield pair both aged just 18.

Regardless, with the duo getting the number 14 and 15 shirts respectively, there’s every chance they will feature in the first-team rather prominently this season.

Spurs Web Opinion

I have no issue with us signing young players. Let’s say for example, if Eberechi Eze, aged 26, was to be the oldest player we sign this summer, and we still bring in a top striker like Jonathan David, aged 24, that would be a great window for Spurs.

The Saudi league shows no signs of slowing down in its pursuit of acquiring top talent from across the globe, and a Tottenham Hotspur icon is being seriously targeted by one club this summer.

Son has been watched closely

With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar already plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League, and many more big-name targets like Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson potentially on their way, it’s no surprise clubs in the country have their eyes on Heung-min Son.

According to Rudy Galetti, the Spurs skipper is one of the names Al Ahli are looking at to replace Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.

Al Ahli also have Ademola Lookman on their shortlist, but Galetti claims Son has been wanted by PIF (Public Investment Fund), the group behind the Saudi league, “for months now.”

Son is staying at Spurs

Al Ahli may have to look elsewhere when it comes to recruiting new attacking players this summer, as all signs point to Son not only staying at Spurs, but getting a new contract.

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A report from GiveMeSport suggested Son could be targeted by Saudi clubs this summer but insisted there is ‘no chance’ the player would be moving on.

Spurs are currently looking at triggering a one-year extension clause in Son’s contract that would keep him at the club until 2026 (Ben Jacobs).

It is thought Son will eventually get a new contract with bigger and better terms, once the initial extension is finalised (The Athletic).

Spurs Web Opinion

I really don’t know why the Saudi clubs are even bothering to think about signing Sonny.

He’s made it very clear himself that he doesn’t want to leave Spurs and is not tempted by the money the clubs there can offer him as he values playing in the Premier League too highly.

A big signing could be coming Tottenham’s way this summer, as one of their reported targets is destined to leave his current club, and he wants to ditch Serie A for a move to the Premier League.

Spurs and Chelsea in the driving seat for Chiesa

The chase for Federico Chiesa appears to be hotting up, and Tottenham look like serious contenders to snap up the Italy international as his future is seemingly set to take him away from Juventus.

The latest report comes from CalcioMercato, who claim Chiesa is ready to leave the Turin club. And, despite interest from AS Roma, it seems the player himself is intent on waiting for Premier League clubs to make their move.

It is said Spurs and Chelsea are interested, but the former are ready to “prepare an offer” that would best the Blues in the race.

The report states Juve will want around €25m (£21m) for Chiesa, while talk in Italy suggests that could drop to closer to €20m (£16.8m) due to the fact the player has just one year left on his current contract.

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Spurs are ramping up their pursuit

All signs currently point to Tottenham getting their man. According to Area Napoli, the Lilywhites have already made an approach for Chiesa.

A subsequent report from TuttoJuve claimed Spurs will offer the attacker around €6m (£5.04m) per year to tempt him to leave Italy behind and play in the Premier League instead.

Chiesa joined Juventus in 2020 from Fiorentina and has become one of the most highly-rated wingers in Italy in recent years.

Spurs Web Opinion

Of all the wingers we are looking at, I reckon Chiesa is not only right up there as one of the most talented, but with a deal potentially costing as little as £17m, he offers the best value for money, too. Make it happen, Spurs.

While Ange Postecoglou and the Tottenham Hotspur squad are currently in Japan, one of the club’s fringe players looks to be edging closer to an exit.

Gil is closing in on his Tottenham departure

Postecoglou picked a mix of academy talent and experience to head on the tour of Asia with the head coach leaving Bryan Gil and Sergio Reguilon back at Hotspur Way to secure their respective departures from the club in the current window.

The Australian decided to keep Gil as part of his squad last season but the Spanish international only received 233 minutes of first-team football across 12 appearances in all competitions.

Prior to last season, the winger had two loan spells away from Spurs with moves to La Liga clubs Valencia and Sevilla but year on year, headed back to North London.

A move to Girona beckons for Bryan Gil

Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Girona are close to completing a move for the 23-year-old and such is the pace the deal is moving at, it could be completed this week.

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Girona’s sporting director Quique Cárcel has been instrumental in leading the Champions League qualifier’s pursuit of Gil in what is described as a ‘low-cost arrival’.

The report claims that Tottenham are open to a loan with an obligation to purchase and only the finer details of the deal are missing before it is confirmed.

Gil arrived in North London back in July 2021 in a £21.6m deal from Sevilla which also saw Erik Lamela head in the other direction (Sky Sports).

SpursWeb Opinion

Offloading Gil from the club cannot come soon enough, he has been a disastrous signing by the former recruitment team with the winger nowhere near capable of cutting it in the Premier League.

Emerson Royal’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has been one of the dominating factors in the press during the current transfer window.

The Brazilian is currently in Japan with the rest of the Tottenham first team squad as they prepare for Saturday’s game against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.

Having lost his place to Pedro Porro in Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven last season, the right-back has been heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the window closes next month.

AC Milan have been the club most mentioned when it comes to a potential destination for Royal, however, both clubs have reportedly been able to see eye-to-eye when at the negotiating table.

There are conflicting reports on Emerson Royal’s future

On Tuesday, there looked to have been a breakthrough when Gianluca Di Marzio claimed that Milan were closing in on an agreement with Tottenham over a deal for the 25-year-old, with the hope for it to be concluded in the next few days.

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Fellow Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have reported in their print edition (24/7/24) that AC Milan’s €10m (£8.3m) offer remains on the table should Spurs wish to accept.

SpursWeb Opinion

With Di Marzio having not referenced an increased transfer fee within his report, it could only be assumed a higher bid was tabled.

Gazzetta, however, look to have poured some cold water on the abovementioned report by insisting that there has been no fresh approach from Milan and they are instead waiting for Spurs to accept.

Football London’s Alasdair Gold confirms that Djed Spence is impressing Ange Postecoglou and the Spurs coaching staff so far this summer.

Djed Spence was on fire against Hearts

Few Spurs fans would have expected a Djed Spence redemption this summer after he was loaned out to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa over the past 18 months.

However, the former Middlesbrough man seems to have a new lease of life in North London this pre-season, playing a starring role in Tottenham’s 5-1 win over Hearts.

The right-back claimed an assist and got on the score sheet that day, but he also put in a Man of the Match-worthy performance with his lung-busting drives up the pitch.

Djed Spence has impressed Postecoglou

Alasdair Gold has now confirmed that Spence is impressing Postecoglou and his staff this summer, comparing it to Giovani Lo Celso’s redemption after returning from loan last year.

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Plenty of clubs are reportedly still interested in signing Spence, even though Genoa were unable to meet his price tag, but he will have his eye firmly on Tottenham at the moment.

Gold adds that, even though he has been impressive, there is still a chance that Spence could leave Tottenham this summer, especially with Archie Gray able to play at right-back.

Whatever the case, Spence has at least ‘put himself into the equation’, says Gold.

Spurs Web Opinion:

I think this could be a ‘wait and see’ type situation.

Wait and see how Spence does on the pre-season tour. Wait and see if Emerson Royal is actually sold. Wait and see if Postecoglou wants a different right-back option. Wait and see whether Spurs have the budget to purchase a new backup who is better than Spence.

Football Insider report that Tottenham Hotspur are giving Ange Postecoglou a ‘huge’ sum of cash to make more big-money signings before the transfer window slams shut.

Tottenham want to get back in the top four

Tottenham climbed to a fifth-place finish under Ange Postecoglou last time out in his first season in charge, but it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the 2024/25 Champions League.

Aston Villa pipped the Lilywhites to the final qualification spot, meaning Spurs will play in the Europa League this season. But they fully intend to fight their way back into Europe’s premier competition.

Football Insider claim Daniel Levy and co are prepared to hand Postecoglou a ‘huge’ sum of money to make it happen, adding to new signings Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Timo Werner (loan).

Spurs will spend big over the next month

Football Insider say that Tottenham have a new striker high on their list of transfer targets this summer, with Jonathan David mentioned as one potential target.

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The report also reiterates that Eberechi Eze is a top target for the Lilywhites, but they could face competition from Liverpool for his signature over the coming weeks.

Eze has a release clause of £60m plus add-ons this summer, so it would definitely go down as a big-money signing for Spurs, and they will need this so-called ‘huge’ injection of cash to get it done (The Athletic).

Spurs Web Opinion:

I thought we would see a lot more movement on deals for Tottenham once the Euros and Copa America competitions finished, but things are still pretty quiet.

Maybe they are waiting to sell the likes of Emerson, Bryan Gil, Sergio Reguilon, Giovani Lo Celso and maybe even Richarlison before they invest big. But that has backfired in the past.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to pocket some extra funds this summer which will hopefully be allocated towards their transfer war chest.

Tottenham could be set for a financial windfall

The North Londoners moved to sign Jack Clarke in 2019 from Leeds United for a fee understood to be initially worth £8.5m (Sky Sports).

When Clarke arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he became the club’s first signing since Lucas Moura joined 18 months prior.

Clarke, who was 18 at the time of the transfer endured a difficult time at Tottenham in his three years contracted to the club.

The winger made just four appearances and spent time on loan at Leeds, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.

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Spurs have a sell-on clause within the Clarke deal

Clarke joined Sunderland from Tottenham initially on loan in 2022, however, the winger’s impressive performances led to a permanent transfer a few months later.

iNews are reporting that Clarke could now be set for a return to the Premier League with newcomers Ipswich Town preparing a bid for the midfielder who is valued at around £18million.

Tottenham negotiated a 40 per cent sell-on clause when they sold Clarke to the Black Cats and could net a fee in the region of £7.2million if he is sold for the abovementioned fee.

SpursWeb Opinion

If Tottenham can net a fee of around the £7million-mark it would represent a decent amount considering how tough a time Clarke had at the club.

Hopefully, another club enters the fray and pushes the fee up even further than what Ipswich are currently prepared to pay.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to pocket some extra funds this summer which will hopefully be allocated towards their transfer war chest.

Tottenham could be set for a financial windfall

The North Londoners moved to sign Jack Clarke in 2019 from Leeds United for a fee understood to be initially worth £8.5m (Sky Sports).

When Clarke arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he became the club’s first signing since Lucas Moura joined 18 months prior.

Clarke, who was 18 at the time of the transfer endured a difficult time at Tottenham in his three years contracted to the club.

The winger made just four appearances and spent time on loan at Leeds, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.

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Spurs have a sell-on clause within the Clarke deal

Clarke joined Sunderland from Tottenham initially on loan in 2022, however, the winger’s impressive performances led to a permanent transfer a few months later.

iNews are reporting that Clarke could now be set for a return to the Premier League with newcomers Ipswich Town preparing a bid for the midfielder who is valued at around £18million.

Tottenham negotiated a 40 per cent sell-on clause when they sold Clarke to the Black Cats and could net a fee in the region of £7.2million if he is sold for the abovementioned fee.

SpursWeb Opinion

If Tottenham can net a fee of around the £7million-mark it would represent a decent amount considering how tough a time Clarke had at the club.

Hopefully, another club enters the fray and pushes the fee up even further than what Ipswich are currently prepared to pay.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season schedule continues this week as the squad play their first game in Japan as part of their tour of Asia. Here are all the details for how to watch the match.

So far in pre-season, Spurs have looked sharp and have three wins under their belt. A behind-closed-door win over Cambridge United was followed by a 5-1 victory over Hearts, and a 2-0 win against QPR last weekend.

Next up for Ange Postecoglou‘s side is a clash with Japan’s J1 League champions, Vissel Kobe.

When and where is the game?

Spurs take on Vissel Kobe at the Japan National Stadium on Saturday, July 27, 2024. The game kicks off at 11:00 am BST.

How to watch Spurs vs Vissel Kobe

You can watch all the action unfold on SpursPlay, but you’ll need a subscription to the service to access the game.

Unfortunately, that is the only way to watch live, but you’ll be able to catch highlights across Tottenham’s social media channels after the game.

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Team news

Postecoglou has very few injuries to worry about at the moment. Destiny Udogie, and Ben Davies are still recovering from their respective issues and will very likely be unavailable for the game against Vissel Kobe.

Richarlison has been present at the previous games and could be in line to get some minutes under his belt for the first time since the start of May when he suffered a hamstring issue.

Meanwhile, Fraser Forster is the only long-term injury that Spurs have to consider, and the keeper hasn’t even travelled to Asia as part of the tour squad.

Players who were involved in Euro 2024 and Copa America are on an extended break. Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso, and Rodrigo Bentancur have not travelled to Japan and will not play.

However, Guglielmo Vicario has been back in training after not featuring for Italy and could be involved. Radu Dragusin will join the squad when they head to Korea after this game.

Bryan Gil and Sergio Reguilon have not been included in the squad as they are seeking moves away from Tottenham this summer.

The Spurs Web prediction

As always, we expect to see a good mix of youth and experience on show, and you would think Spurs can win the game fairly comfortably given the players at their disposal. Put us down for a 3-1 win to the Lilywhites.