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Tottenham Hotspur can be pretty difficult to negotiate with, and the club made it hard for one player to leave the club this summer despite making it clear that he has no future in North London.

No easy deal for Reguilon

It was a busy summer for Spurs, with 16 players leaving the club; from loan spells for young players, to contract terminations, to a few successful player sales.

However, one player remains. All signs pointed to Sergio Reguilon being shipped out last month, but he is still with Tottenham and now risks being frozen out entirely for the next six months.

According to Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Spurs have not allowed themselves to roll over and give away the Spaniard on a deal they weren’t happy with.

Jacobs said: “I think the Reguilon situation is very interesting at Tottenham, because he had options during the course of the European window, but Tottenham were quite tough on terms.

“And it made it very difficult to resolve the Reguilon situation, which has been throughout the window, frayed more around a loan than a permanent deal, albeit a loan with an option, potentially, or from Spurs’ point of view, an obligation, if they can get it.”

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Where did it all go wrong?

Reguilon made a fairly strong start to his Spurs career under Jose Mourinho, but has not been utilised by Ange Postecoglou, or indeed Antonio Conte before him.

A report from The Athletic recently revealed that some figures at the club have described Reguilon as difficult when things don’t go his way and he isn’t being played regularly.

He is thought to be eager to play Champions League football, but there has been ‘minimal interest’ in his services this summer.

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I get that we want and almost need to get rid of Reguilon, but that doesn’t mean we should just bow down to whatever paltry offer we get just for the sake of it.

Hopefully, he gets a move soon, most likely to Turkey.

Eyebrows were raised when Spurs negotiated a purchase option and sell-on clause for Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, but Pete O’Rourke has explained why signing the American could end up being a shrewd move.

Raising the profile in the USA

The deal to sell Giovani Lo Celso to Real Betis at the end of the transfer window was a necessary one, but it is thought it will only bring in £8.4m for Tottenham (Football.London).

However, Spurs also have a sell-on clause involved for Lo Celso, meaning they will earn from any future sale Betis may make.

The more interesting element of the agreement, however, is the purchase option on Cardoso, which will become active next summer.

Spurs can sign the USA international for a reported £21m, but if they choose not to take up that option on Cardoso the Lilywhites would receive a percentage of any other transfer for the player elsewhere (Football.London).

Now, though, Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke has suggested Tottenham should sign Cardoso as it would be a “game-changer” in terms of the club’s profile in America.

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O’Rourke claims that acquiring a player like Cardoso would “help the brand” and be beneficial for Spurs in the long run in the marketing and revenue side of things.

Spurs taking over the world

Tottenham are already huge in Asia, thanks to Heung-min Son who is the biggest star in South Korea. The popularity of the club captain has seen the club selling thousands of his shirts every weekend, and a slew of Asian fans attending games.

Meanwhile, the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski give Spurs an in with the Scandinavian market, and Cristian Romero and Richarlison give the Lilywhites a fanbase in South America.

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We should not sign a player simply because he would get us more American fans. I’m sure the club will do just that though, because that feels like a classic Daniel Levy move.

The fixtures will be coming thick and fast in September, with Carabao Cup and Europa League action getting underway for Spurs. With this in mind, it makes sense that Ange Postecoglou plans to give one new signing plenty of minutes this month.

Bergvall set for bumper role

Spurs signed a number of exciting players this summer, with teenagers like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Lucas Bergvall bringing youth to Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

The latter, Swedish star Bergvall, has already impressed in pre-season and, with the number 15 shirt, he is expected to play a fairly big part in Postecoglou‘s plans this season.

He has featured in all three Premier League games so far this term, albeit as a substitute each time. Now, according to a report from GiveMeSport, Postecoglou plans to integrate the midfielder into his system even more this month.

It is thought that with the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry City coming up, and the first Europa League game against Qarabag, too, Bergvall will get his chance to play more minutes and he is even expected to push for his first Spurs start.

Apparently, Postecoglou will rest James Maddison at some point this month, and Bergvall is determined to make the most of any opportunities that come his way and make an impact on the pitch.

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Postecoglou is a big fan

Bergvall himself has spoken to Goteborgs-Posten about his start at Spurs, and insists he only wants to keep improving as he continues to adjust to the step-up.

Postecoglou has praised the youngster, telling Football.London that he has been very impressed by the manner in which Bergvall has applied himself since joining the club.

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I am really excited for those two cup matches, as we will get to see a very different Spurs lineup. I think Bergvall will be a key part of those teams for both games, and could well make a big impact. I would not be surprised to see him bag a goal, to be honest.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in continental competition this season, and they’re strong favourites to go all the way and win the Europa League. Here, we take a look at the eight league phase games, and how the results might go.

Who are Tottenham playing?

Spurs have been drawn against Roma, Rangers, AZ Alkmaar, Galatasaray, Hoffenheim, Elfsborg, Ferencvaros, and Qarabag.

As part of the new Europa League format, each team plays eight league phase games to determine their placing in a 36-team table. The top eight teams progress to the knockout rounds, with teams 9-24 taking part in a play-off to get through, too.

Spurs vs Qarabag

Tottenham begin their Europa League campaign with a home tie against Azerbaijan outfit, Qarabag FK. The game will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

Anyone can beat anyone in cup competitions, of course, but Spurs would be more than a little disappointed if they didn’t bag a comfortable three points in this one.

Player to watch: If Qarabag are to get anything from the game, they’ll need their Brazilian striker, Juninho, firing on all cylinders.

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Prediction: Spurs 3-0 Qarabag

Ferencvaros vs Spurs

Next up for Spurs is a trip to Hungary to face Ferencvaros. The game takes place on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Away trips in Europe are always tricky, but again, the Lilywhites should have enough about them to come away from this one with all three points.

Player to watch: Adama Traore will be the key to Ferencvaros’s hopes in this one. No, not the former Wolves and Barcelona player, we’re talking about the Malian attacker who bagged 14 goals last season, and another three in Champions League qualifiers this season.

Prediction: Ferencvaros 1-2 Spurs

Spurs vs AZ Alkmaar

Later in October, Spurs will host Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Alkmaar finished fourth in the Eredivisie last season, beating Dutch giants Ajax to the European spot by a massive nine points in the end. If this game were not at home, Tottenham could have been in for a far more difficult proposition.

Player to watch: Troy Parrott left Spurs this summer, but he will return to North London sooner than expected for this one. It is written in the stars that the Irishman will make us regret selling him.

Prediction: Spurs 3-1 AZ Alkmaar

Galatasaray vs Spurs

One of the toughest ties for Spurs will be Galatasaray away, with the game lined up for Thursday, November 7, 2024.

The Lilywhites can expect a hostile crowd at RAMS Park, and the daunting atmosphere could well be enough to upset Ange Postecoglou‘s side.

Player to watch: Galatasaray actually have a number of good players, but the high-profile new signing, Victor Osimhen, will be the man everyone looks to for a moment of magic.

Prediction: Galatasaray 1-0 Spurs

Spurs vs Roma

Undoubtedly the biggest home game of the round comes on Thursday, November 28, 2024, as Roma visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Roma made it all the way to the final of this competition back in 2023, and will fancy their chances again as one of the top teams in the Europa League this season. Home advantage may be just enough to steer Spurs away from defeat here.

Player to watch: The likes of Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk will be dangerous in attack, but it is Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini who will dictate the play for the Italians and he could really cause Spurs problems if he’s given enough freedom in the middle of the park.

Prediction: Spurs 2-2 Roma

Rangers vs Spurs

All eyes will be on Ange Postecoglou as he returns to Glasgow on Thursday, December 12, 2024, to take on his old rivals, Rangers.

The atmosphere will be electric at Ibrox, more than usual, and it’ll not be an easy game for Spurs to get into. Expect a scrappy affair, but one that Tottenham should still have just enough to seal a tight win.

Player to watch: Rangers captain James Tavernier is not just a tough defender, he’s also one of the main creative outlets for the Scottish side. If he’s given an opportunity to get forward, he will cause Spurs real problems.

Prediction: Rangers 1-2 Spurs

Hoffenheim vs Spurs

Spurs travel to Germany in the New Year, with an away fixture against Hoffenheim lined up for Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Hoffenheim finished seventh in the Bundesliga last season, and ended up just one point off the top six. That’s not to be sniffed at, and they could be a tougher challenge for Spurs than many would expect.

Player to watch: Hoffenheim recently signed Czech international Adam Hlozek from league champions Bayer Leverkusen, and while he’s not exactly prolific, he is more than capable of being a nuisance in and around the box.

Prediction: Hoffenheim 1-1 Spurs

Spurs vs Elfsborg

The final league phase game takes place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as Tottenham host Swedish outfit, IF Elfsborg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Elfsborg missed out on the Allsvenskan league title last season by a matter of two goals, finishing level on points with eventual champions, Malmo. Still, they should not be a problem for Spurs, especially on home turf.

Player to watch: Attacking midfielder, Michael Baidoo, is on fire this season, with eight goals and four assists to his name. If anyone is going to trouble Tottenham, it’ll be him.

Prediction: Spurs 4-0 Elfsborg

The outcome

If those predictions are correct, Spurs would end up with 17 points after eight game, with five wins, two draws, and just the one defeat away at Galatasaray.

It’s hard to say for sure, but it is very likely that would be enough to land Spurs a spot in the top eight of the Europa League league phase, and get them automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.

Spurs have one hell of a talent on their hands in Mikey Moore, and it looks like the youngster will play some role in Ange Postecoglou’s senior squad this season. However, there’s an argument to be made that he should be involved even more already.

Get Mikey Moore on the bench

So far this season, we’re yet to see Moore named in a matchday squad by Postecoglou. That’s fine; it’s still early in the campaign, and it’ll be a long season where we will need every player we can use.

He’s already featured for the Under-21s a couple of times, and scored a great goal in the EFL Cup against Bristol Rovers — a game where he also registered two assists.

The thing is, though, there’s really no reason not to put Mikey Moore on the bench instead of Timo Werner. No offence to the latter, but Tottenham’s teenage talent is arguably a better option to turn to when Spurs need to change the game.

Looking at Werner’s strengths, you’d pick out dribbling, beating a man, pace, and the ability to deliver a decent ball into the box. That’s nothing that Moore can’t offer you, but the 17-year-old is also much more accomplished at putting the ball into the back of the net, too.

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Long-term benefits

Werner is very likely only going to be at the club for this year. To be honest, I was quite surprised we extended his loan spell at all.

I know the German has plenty of experience and that could come in handy at certain points this season for sure. But it doesn’t really make any sense to hold back the development of one of the most exciting young players the club has ever produced in favour of giving a loan player more minutes.

Throwing Moore into the thick of things this season does come with some risks, but the rewards could be huge. Just look at players like Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rico Lewis; they were all given a chance by their boyhood clubs, and now they are key members of their respective squads.

Sergio Reguilon now stands alone as the final player Tottenham Hotspur wanted to get rid of this summer, so why has he not left yet, and what is the reason he’s so keen to get out?

Champions League football wanted

The Spaniard has not played a game for Spurs in the last two years, having spent that time out on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford.

Despite impressing in England with those last two spells, Reguilon has still not managed to secure a move away from Spurs this summer.

With transfer deadlines closing all across the world over the last week, and with very few left to go, it remains to be seen whether Reguilon will get the switch he needs, or if he will be left to rot in the shadows of Ange Postecoglou‘s squad for the next few months.

Now, according to a report from The Athletic, we have a good idea of what exactly Reguilon has been looking for when it comes to his next move, and it seems his taste of Champions League football with Manchester United last season has got him yearning for a “return to that level.”

With “minimal interest” in his services, that is looking more and more unlikely. The Belgian window closes on Friday, September 6, while the Greek window closes on the 11th, and Turkey will be off the table as of the 13th.

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Reguilon needs love

Apparently, a big part of the reason Reguilon’s career at Spurs has faltered, aside from the fact he doesn’t quite suit Postecoglou’s style, is that he is not thought to be the “easiest character” to work with if things aren’t going his way.

Alongside this, the player himself “needs to feel loved to thrive” in his football, and he is not getting that kind of attention at Tottenham.

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I think we will still be able to get a move to Turkey sorted out for Reguilon before next Friday. I hope so, because he’s definitely not got a future here, and it would be great if we could shift every single fringe player this summer.

Lucas Bergvall had to wait six months to link up with his Tottenham teammates, but when he did finally arrive at the club, he was given a hostile reception. But don’t worry, it was all in good spirits.

Bergvall booed for singing skills

The young Swedish star has made quite the impression on the pitch since joining Spurs, but off it, Bergvall seemingly struggled to break the ice with his new colleagues.

It is well known that footballers have to endure humiliating initiation rituals whenever they join a new club. Normally, that involves getting up and singing in front of everyone, and that’s just what happened to Bergvall.

Discussing the process with Aftonbladet during the international break, Bergvall revealed just how bad his initiation went, and explained why his teammates booed him.

He said: “I sang Abba’s Dancing Queen. It was really, really bad. I was booed afterwards.”

The youngster has now earned his first competitive call-up to the Sweden squad, and will likely have to do it all again. Let’s hope the Swedes are a little kinder to his rendition of Abba’s hit song.

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Kulusevski mentoring Bergvall

Luckily, Bergvall has his compatriot Dejan Kulusevski with him for club and country now. The pair are away on international duty together, and Kulusevski is even the Swedish captain for this next round of games.

Bergvall told Goteborgs-Posten (as relayed by Sport Witness) that Kulusevski has been helping him on and off the field.

Kulusevski, too, has been praising his younger counterpart and hyped up his ‘huge’ potential (Football.London).

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Poor Lucas! I would hate to have to get up and sing in front of anyone, never mind a whole squad of your new teammates, especially if they were booing. But, it’s all part of the fun, I guess, and I’m sure Bergvall is settling in just fine.

According to Fichajes, multiple Saudi Arabian sides are plotting a move for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min next summer.

Heung-min Son – Tottenham Hotspur captain

Son remains the face of Tottenham and one of the most important players in Ange Postecoglou’s side, but the forward has just two years left on his contract at the club.

It has now emerged that several Saudi Pro League clubs will look to take the South Korean to the Middle East at the end of the season.

It is explained that the Saudis want to show their ambition and have set their sights on some of the biggest stars in Europe, with the Tottenham man one of the names on their wishlist.

Saudi clubs are looking at Sonny

The likes of Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ain and Al Ittihad are all allegedly willing to do whatever they can to sign Son and some of the other superstars in the Premier League.

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The publication adds that the 32-year-old forward would not just strengthen the Saudi league but his arrival would mark a significant milestone for Asian football.

However, Spurs are expected to trigger an extension clause in Son’s contract to keep him at the club for at least another season, if not more.

Journalist Ben Jacobs tweeted in July: “Spurs will trigger a one-year contract extension for Son this summer keeping him at the club until 2026. Current deal expires in 2025, but the Spurs captain will be extended by a further 12 months.”

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I do not see Son moving out of Europe just yet. He has too much left to offer and will surely want to win a European trophy of some kind.

The forward is certainly not declining physically, and I would expect him to play at least two more years at the highest level. Hopefully, that will be with Spurs.

Steven Bergwijn reveals that he is happy to move to join Saudi side Al-Ittihad, confessing that no one from Europe could afford Ajax’s asking price.

Bergwijn never quite made it at Spurs

Just a few years ago, it seemed like Bergwijn was on his way to stardom as he was playing regularly for Tottenham and had also become one of the mainstays in the Netherlands national side.

However, things have gone downhill for the winger quite quickly over the last couple of years after he first fell out of favour at Spurs under Antonio Conte.

The Dutchman attempted to revive his career by sealing a €31.25m (£27m) move to Ajax back in 2020 but he has flattered to deceive since his return to the Eredivisie and has now found himself moving to Saudi Arabia.

How much does Steven Bergwijn earn now?

According to reports, Al-Ittihad paid €21m (£17.7m) to sign the 26-year-old and the move has not gone down back in the Netherlands.

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Ronald Koeman insisted that the transfer had nothing to do with sporting ambition and declared that Bergwijn would not be considered for selection for the Oranje (Daily Mail).

Spotrac claim that Bergwijn earned around £2.9 million per year at Tottenham, but his new wage in Saudi Arabia is a whopping £7.6 million per year (Telegraaf).

However, the former Tottenham man has now refuted suggestions that his only motivation behind the move was financial.

The winger told De Telegraaf: “The salary at Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax was also excellent. I have played in the Eredivisie, the Premier League, the Champions League, the Europa League and at European Championships and the World Cup. I am now looking forward to this adventure.

“I have seized this opportunity with both hands and I am simply very happy. Let us not forget that Ajax also wanted to receive another €21m for me.

“Then everyone can say that I should have gone to Spain, Germany or Italy, but who says that such a bid would even come from such a country? And it remained quiet from England as well. Nobody knows what happened behind the scenes. But don’t get me wrong. I fully support this choice.”

Bergwijn added (Fabrizio Romano): “Of course, I’ll improve gigantic financial wise, I won’t lie. But sportive wise, it’s also interesting. I will play with Benzema, Kanté, Fabinho, Diaby, Pereira… I am excited to become their teammate!”

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Footballers have a short career and one can understand the temptations of big money in Saudi Arabia. While it is not fair to criticise any footballer for making such a move, it is also ridiculous to pretend as if one’s motivation for the transfer was anything other than financial.

Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist are at a loss to understand why Ange Postecoglou took off James Maddison at St James’ Park as Tottenham were going in search of a winner.

The same old problem for Tottenham

The game last Sunday followed an all too familiar pattern for Spurs, who were utterly dominant for large parts of the encounter but could not make the most of their opportunities.

They were made to pay for those missed chances, conceding a couple of soft goals, thus having nothing to show for their efforts.

Postecoglou would be scratching his head and wondering how his side have just one point to show from their two away matches so far, given the performances they have delivered.

The Australian has insisted his side will get their just rewards if they can keep playing as well as they did against the Magpies (The Standard).

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Why does Postecoglou always take Maddison off?

McCoist and Stelling both felt that Tottenham should have picked up all three points against Newcastle, but they were both puzzled by Postecoglou’s decision to take Maddison off.

The former Rangers boss told talkSPORT (02/09/24 at 6:10 am): “I watched Spurs and I can’t believe Spurs got beat.”

Stelling responded: “It was impossible. It was a case of watching the game and thinking ‘Spurs are sure to score in a minute, Spurs are sure to score in a minute, oh crikey, Newcastle have scored’.

“It was unthinkable, unimaginable, and on a serious side, it’s an issue for Postecoglou because they have to put these games when they dominate so much. And why does he always take Maddison off?”

McCoist then admitted: “That’s a strange one. That’s a really, really strange one.”

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Based on the fitness tests that Spurs would have done, Postecoglou and the staff must have data that suggests that Maddison tires significantly in the final 20 to 30 minutes of games, which might be why the Australian consistently takes the 27-year-old off.