The Spurs Web

Tottenham have already organised their pre-season training games with players set to return to Hotspur Way very soon.

When will Tottenham return for pre-season?

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are merely a matter of weeks away from re-entering our lives with a trip to Hearts awaiting Tottenham on the 17th of July, and a trip across London to play QPR following only three days after. (FotMob)

Spurs players will have plenty of chances to impress Postecoglou before the league season is underway again with the headline pre-season event being the squad’s tour to Asia where they will partake in a tournament in Japan, as well as facing Vissel Kobe four days before at the Japan National Stadium.

Tottenham confirmed on the 5th of June that the squad would be partaking in the ‘Coupang Play Season’ which will see Spurs take on ‘Team K League’ on the 31st of July, then meeting all-time club top goal scorer, Harry Kane, and Bayern Munich on the 3rd of August.

Interestingly, Spurs will take on Bayern only a week later, this time in England at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a game believed to be arranged as part of Spurs’ deal to sell the England captain. (FCBinside)

MORE SPURS STORIES

Only seven first-team players are currently away

Despite the upcoming friendlies not all of the Tottenham first-team squad will be returning to Hotspur Way on the date that has been reported due to ongoing international tournaments.

Football.London has revealed that members of the first team are expected to ‘start filtering back to the training ground for work from Saturday, July 6’.

The report continues by explaining some players ‘may be back slightly later’ due to the ongoing Copa America and EUROs tournaments, with return dates likely to be affected by how far the player goes in the competition.

The players who are expected to be returning ‘much later’ to pre-season are Vicario, Van De Ven, Dragusin, Hojbjerg, Romero, Lo Celso and Bentancur.

The smaller-than-usual international group of players means that Postecoglou ‘look set to have 29 players’ available for his pre-season preparations right from the start.

Spurs Web Opinion

With the season being Postecoglou’s second in charge, as well as considering Spurs’ shaky end to the season, it can only be a positive that the Australian near enough has the maximum time possible to start working with his squad ahead of the 24/25 season.

The early July start date should also allow Postecoglou to further asses his squad with plenty of time remaining in the summer transfer window, allowing Ange to conclude which players he definitely wants to see exit the club.

He will perhaps have a closer look at the academy sides that have enjoyed success recently and determine whether or not some of them are ready for the first-team leap.

Tottenham already had a bid rejected for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey this summer but the deal is ‘still alive’ according to new reports.

Spurs want a new midfielder this summer

Daniel Levy and Spurs have already tried their luck by using unwanted midfielder, Giovanni Lo Celso, as a makeweight for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, offering the Argentine midfielder plus £20 million. (The Standard)

According to The Standard, Tottenham are seeking a ‘box-to-box midfielder’ this summer and due to their lack of homegrown players are perceiving Ramsey as an ideal resolution to both issues.

The feeling is that a deal is even more attractive because of the belief that Aston Villa were ‘under pressure to sell players’ due to the imminent June 30th PSR deadline.

Many clubs were attempting to align their books with this deadline, one of those being Leeds United with the sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham. (Daily Mail)

MORE SPURS STORIES

Jacob Ramsey deal is not yet dead for Tottenham

Football Insider has reported that despite the profit and sustainability deadline having passed on Sunday (30/6/24) Aston Villa ‘could still be open to selling’ the 23-year-old midfielder.

Spurs’ interest is believed to be ‘longstanding’ but the fee that Unai Emery’s side are demanding, around £50 million, is a value that Tottenham are ‘reluctant to pay’ with some negotiation needed between the clubs that jostled for fourth spot last season.

Former Everton chief, Keith Wyness, spoke to Football Insider and explained that he believes that Villa may be tempted to sell their academy product ‘simply to boost the summer transfer funds available to Unai Emery’ as the club set themselves for a campaign in the Champions League.

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham are clearly seeking midfield depth, particularly in attacking midfield with the likely exit of Lo Celso, which has led them to be linked with Eze, Gibbs-White and now Ramsey.

Personally, I believe that although he is likely to be the most expensive option, Eze is the player with the most current quality with his ability to play on the wing as well as centrally an additional factor that makes him an even more attractive option.

Spurs are reportedly set to trigger the option to extend Heung-min Son’s current deal by a further season.

Spurs want to keep Heung-min Son long-term

Tottenham captain, Heung-Min Son has officially entered the final year of his four-year contract that Daniel Levy and Spurs handed him back in 2021. (Tottenham Hotspur)

Son has become something of a Tottenham legend during his nine-year stay at the club, scoring 162 goals which has elevated the 31-year-old into the club’s top five goal scorer of all time. (Tottenham Hotspur)

In the season just gone Son netted 17 league goals in his 35 appearances, despite being shoehorned into the striker role at times due to injuries to players.

Football.London suggests Tottenham are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer we could see the Spurs captain back to his best on the wing next season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham should extend Son’s deal by two more years

A report from Football Insider on Sunday (30/6/24) states that Tottenham are ‘expected to trigger their option to extend Heung-Min Son’s contract’.

Journalist, Daniel Bowers also revealed that he would be ‘amazed’ if the club didn’t agree to an extra two years on Son’s deal, with the report going on to state that Spurs would then have the option to sell Son next summer or convince him to sign a longer deal.

An extension, which would ensure Son’s stay at Spurs until 2026 according to the report, would allow ‘Spurs to make a long-term plan for the forward’.

Spurs Web Opinion

Following the exit of England captain Harry Kane last summer and the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, who was an unknown quantity, Son displayed his loyalty by staying in North London; subsequently being handed captaincy.

Triggering Son’s extension would be the expected move from Spurs because there would be outrage if the club lost their captain for free, especially considering Son’s popularity.

Even if, as Son ages, he isn’t in the starting eleven every week, his natural demeanour and work ethic would make him a great character to still have at the club.

Tottenham and Roma are reportedly chasing 24-year-old Brahim Diaz but Real Madrid, as well as Ancelotti himself, have ‘categorically refused’ the approaches.

Spurs look to be seeking another attacking midfield signing in an attempt to replace and improve upon Giovanni Lo Celso who according to Estadio Deportivo is ‘willing to return’ to Real Betis with his days at Tottenham looking numbered.

James Maddison’s poor end to the season is likely to have only emphasised the need for Tottenham to have apt competition for the Englishman ahead of next season, with Eze being one of the strongest links. (The Times)

However, new updates emerging from Spain suggest that Spurs are also seeking the possibility of introducing some trophy-winning pedigree into the squad by signing Champions League winner, Brahim Diaz.

Spurs ‘test the temperature’ for Brahim Diaz

Brahim Diaz has enjoyed his first season back in the Spanish capital with Real Madrid since 2019/20 after an unorthodoxly long loan to AC Milan, scoring twelve goals in all competitions whilst also recording the same number of assists. (TransferMarkt)

MORE SPURS STORIES

The 24-year-olds impressive stats have, according to Footmercato, attracted the interest of ‘several clubs’ although the player, like his club, ‘feels very good in Madrid’ and wants to continue playing in the famous Real Madrid shirt next season.

Spurs are believed to, alongside Roma, have been ‘categorically refused’ when asking about signing Diaz with it reportedly requiring ‘an unrefusable offer’ for the Spanish champions to consider the sale of the Moroccan international.

Spurs Web Opinion

I personally would be inclined to chase Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze ahead of any other names that have been linked with Tottenham, even Brahim Diaz, whose eye for goal and technical ability is apparent.

Although with it now reportedly taking an ‘unrefusable’ offer to force Madrid’s hand, it’s likely that a deal for Diaz simply wouldn’t be good value for money.

Emerson Royal has been a subject of interest for Italian titans, AC Milan, with Spurs ready to offload the Brazilian this summer.

Emerson Royal looks set to leave Tottenham

It’s long been reported that right-back, Emerson Royal, is expected to be one of the first names to exit Tottenham ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Fabrizio Romano reported back in May that Emerson is one of many Spurs players expected to leave in the summer, with AC Milan having him high on their list.

Spurs now look even more prepared to sell Emerson with the signing of Archie Gray, who joined Spurs today for £30m plus Joe Rodob (Football.London).

Gray, who is naturally a central midfielder, has played 57.7% of his games at right back due to Leeds’ troubles there last season, with the 18-year-old seemingly more suited to Ange’s system than Emerson is. (TransferMarkt)

Emerson himself has spoken about The Rossoneri’s interest in him, telling Andre Hernan’s YouTube channel: “I know Milan are in contact with Tottenham, they asked about me’, before fluttering his eyes for the Italian club stating that their interest ‘makes me very happy”.

MORE SPURS STORIES

‘New appointment’ booked between Milan and Tottenham

Gianluca Di Marzio has since shared an update on Tuesday morning (2/7/24) that there has been a ‘new fixture schedule between Tottenham and AC Milan for Emerson Royal’.

The report claims that ‘contacts continue with Tottenham for Emerson Royal’ with AC Milan ‘pushing for a right-back’ ahead of their new season with newly appointed boss Paulo Fonseca.

The date revealed by Di Marzio for further talks between Milan and Tottenham is ‘between Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 July’ as the Italian side attempt to see ‘how far they can go with the offer’.

Spurs Web Opinion

The hope should be that these newly scheduled meetings between AC Milan and Spurs are successful, and Tottenham can aim to mostly recoup their initial investment in the Brazilian from 2021.

An open statement from Emerson claiming how he is flattered by Milan’s interest in addition to his poor performances this season and lack of adaptation to the Postecoglou system makes it seem as though a move to Milan would suit all the parties involved.

The Turkish media continue to report that Rodrigo Bentancur may be moving to Galatasaray, and it appears one of his Uruguay teammates wants to see it happen.

Will Rodrigo Bentancur leave Tottenham?

Sporx in Turkey published on the 28th of June that Spurs midfield duo, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, were of interest to Super Lig champions, Galatasaray, with the latter being a second choice option if the club’s pursuit for Hojbjerg is unsuccessful.

Uruguayan midfielder, Bentancur, had a turbulent season at Tottenham following a very impressive first eighteen months at the club after joining from Juventus.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury saw Bentancur have to miss 254 days of action, only to suffer an ankle injury days after his return due to a challenge from Aston Villa’s, Matty Cash. (TransferMarkt)

Bentancur’s Uruguay teammate says ‘let’s play together’ in Turkey

Long-time Uruguay servant, Fernando Muslera, has reportedly been in the ear of his international teammate, Rodrigo Bentancur, whilst the pair have been playing in the United States for the Copa America.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Muslera has been at Galatasaray for an astounding thirteen years and it now taking up the role of being the team’s agent as well as goalkeeper.

Milligazete in Turkey has claimed ‘Muslera stepped in for Bentancur’ claiming the 38-year-old has told the Spurs player ‘come to Galatasaray and let’s play together’.

Milligazete reports that Bentancur’s departure from Tottenham is in question, further claiming that Muslera’s persistence could be a positive result.

Spurs Web Opinion

The Turkish league is a fall off in quality from the Premier League and being only 27 years old, it would be a slight shock to see Bentancur move away from one of Europe’s ‘top five leagues’, should he depart.

According to The Standard, Tottenham’s interest in Conor Gallagher is now set to cool after the club managed to secure Archie Gray from Leeds United.

Archie Gray joins Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham appear to have taken advantage of the PSR deadline to secure a massive coup, with Gray, who lit up the Championship after breaking into Leeds’ first-team last season, now on his way to N17.

According to various reports, Spurs have spent £40m to secure the teenager, with Joe Rodon sealing a permanent move to Elland Road in a separate deal (Fabrizio Romano).

The versatile midfielder was announced at Hotspur Way this morning and has signed a six-year contract with the Lilywhites.

Tottenham’s interest in Gallagher cools

The Standard point out that part of the reason why Spurs were keen on Gray was because of the shortage of homegrown numbers, which is said to be the same reason they were intent on landing Gallagher.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Now that the Leeds star has arrived in N17 and the PSR deadline has passed, it is asserted that Tottenham are now expected to cool their interest in the England international.

However, the publication adds that with Gallagher having just a year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge, a bid from Ange Postecoglou’s side is not completely off the table just yet.

Spurs Web Opinion

While Gray is undoubtedly going to evolve into a midfielder in the future, I suspect Ange initially sees him as an option for the inverted right-back role.

This is why I am not convinced that the acquisition of the Leeds star will have much of an impact on Spurs’ pursuit of Gallagher.

Alasdair Gold has said that Tottenham Hotspur are likely to cash in on Troy Parrott this summer on the back of his impressive displays at Excelsior Rotterdam last season.

Troy Parrott could leave Spurs this summer

Parrott has long been viewed as a potential first-team prospect at Hotspur Way but the striker did not quite manage to fulfil his potential during his loan spells at the EFL.

However, the 22-year-old showed his class during his stint at Eredivisie last season, netting 17 goals for the Dutch side across the campaign.

It has been widely reported that the forward has emerged as a target for several clubs on the back of his impressive showing at Rotterdam, with a few Eredivisie clubs particularly keen on securing his services (Algemeen Dagblad via FC Update).

The Spurs academy graduate admitted to the Irish Examiner last month that he does not know what the future holds, revealing that he has not spoken to Ange Postecoglou about his plans for next season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Troy Parrott to AZ Alkmaar?

Gold has now said that he expects the Republic of Ireland international to leave Tottenham permanently this summer.

When asked about Parrott’s future, the journalist said on a Q&A on Football.London: “I would say it’s more than likely Troy Parrott will be sold this summer.

“I’ve reported before that AZ Alkmaar are showing the most interest and at this point, I would imagine that could well end up being his destination.

“He’s done well in the Eredivisie and it suits him down to the ground. I would have loved to have seen him break through at Spurs and so would he, but it feels like that window of opportunity has closed.”

Spurs Web Opinion

With Parrott having a year left on his contract, Tottenham will have no choice but to sell him unless he agrees to sign an extension.

The chances of the striker signing a new deal are minimal, especially now that he has had a taste of regular first-team football.

According to The Athletic, Archie Gray is pleased with the assurances he has received regarding game time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Archie Gray is a Tottenham Hotspur player

Tottenham officially confirmed their capture of Gray this morning, with the midfielder arriving at the club with a huge reputation after an outstanding showing in the Championship 2023-24 season.

While the step up to the Premier League level would certainly have its challenges for the 18-year-old, Spurs fans will be hoping that he goes on to fulfil his potential under the watchful eyes of Ange Postecoglou.

It was reported by HITC on Monday that the youngster was convinced about a move to Spurs during his talks with the Tottenham boss, who allegedly persuaded the teenager that the club would be the right fit for him.

Gray is happy with game-time assurances at Spurs

If The Athletic’s latest update is to be believed, Gray believes that he will get a chance to impress at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The outlet says that the newest Spurs addition is happy with the amount of game time he has been assured of by the North London club.

The youngster has experience playing in central midfield and at right-back, with Postecoglou preferring his full-backs to invert and play in number 10 positions anyway.

Spurs Web Opinion

Postecoglou expects most new signings to compete for a place in the starting eleven and is not usually the one to make promises regarding game time.

If it is true that he has done so to Gray, that shows how highly he and the decision-makers at Tottenham rate the 18-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham confirm Archie Gray transfer

It was announced moments ago that a deal has been reached with Leeds United for the transfer of Archie Gray.

The 18-year-old travelled to Brentford for a medical on Saturday, but the two clubs have failed to come to an agreement over how a £40m deal would be structured which allowed Tottenham to swoop in.

Leeds had Profitability and Sustainability regulations to contend with and needed to sell an asset this summer to comply with the PSR deadline.

After joining Leeds’s academy at the age of eight, Gray has represented England junior teams at every age group level up to and including Under-21s, while also winning the 2023-24 Championship Young Player of the Season award.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Archie Gray is now a Tottenham Hotspur player

Starting the season as a central midfielder, Gray showed his versatility when he went on to make the majority of his appearances at right-back.

Gray went on to make 52 appearances for Leeds in all competitions last season – chipping in with a goal and two assists.

He is the son of former Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Burnley striker Andy Gray and the great-nephew of Leeds legend Eddie Gray.

SpursWeb Opinion

This is a brilliant piece of business for Tottenham to secure the services of one of the country’s brightest young talents.

Gray’s versatility to play as a number six or at right-back helps to solve two of Tottenham’s problem positions, especially with a lack of natural inverted cover for Pedro Porro down the right.