Football Insider

Tottenham Hotspur fans will still be nervously awaiting news regarding the future of Cristian Romero.

The Argentine World Cup-winner is a key member of the Spurs starting XI, making 124 appearances across all competitions since joining from Atalanta in 2021.

Romero suffered terribly from injury last season and managed just 18 Premier League appearances, which undoubtedly played a part in Spurs slipping to a miserable 17th-place finish.

However, he did manage to play seven times in their run to the Europa League title, including managing the full 90 minutes in six of their seven knockout matches.

Stuart Pearce makes Cristian Romero Real Madrid claim

Romero has been linked with Real Madrid for some time now and while city rivals Atletico have cooled their interest, Los Blancos remain on alert.

Former Nottingham Forest and England defender Stuart Pearce is in no way surprised by Real Madrid‘s interest in the 27-year-old, who he compares to current Galactico centre-back Antonio Rudiger — who arrived at the Bernabeu from Chelsea in 2022.

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“I don’t see that interest as a surprise. They took Antonio Rudiger, and Rudiger has a similar outlook on defending, which is old school,” Pearce told BoyleSports (via the Express, 17 July).

“I think if you ask strikers who they don’t want to play against, they’d probably throw his name into the mix

“That’s because of what he does and how he defends, so I can see Cristian Romero to Real Madrid being a decent move.”

Tottenham cannot afford to lose Cristian Romero

Football Insider verdict

But there’s new optimism that things will improve under new boss Thomas Frank, especially following the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham — as well as making Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso’s loans permanent.

The Lilywhites have a return to the Champions League to look forward to and with that in mind, they can ill afford to lose any of their key players.

Romero has two years left to run on his current deal, meaning Spurs can demand a sizeable fee for the player — who has a market value of €50million according to Transfermarkt.

But even at that amount or more, it would be hard for Spurs to find a replacement who can slot into the current squad as well as Romero.

And Frank will likely want to keep the team’s existing leaders around as he adjusts to life in North London.

The pull of Real Madrid can often feel inevitable, but Tottenham must do all they can to keep hold of Romero.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven endured a lack of game time last season, thanks to injury struggles.

The Netherlands international was able to make just 13 Premier League appearances for a Spurs outfit who missed his services and landed a disappointing 17th-place finish.

However, Van de Ven made himself a Tottenham hero when he produced a stunning goal-line clearance in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

The 24-year-old will hope to have a positive impact in the Champions League under new boss Thomas Frank next term.

Van de Ven reacts as Noa Lang joins Napoli

After qualifying for the Champions League via their Europa League triumph, Tottenham could meet Serie A winners Napoli in the competition next season.

Former Spurs boss Antonio Conte has bolstered his ranks with the Italian giants this summer, including the high-profile addition of ex-Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.

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Meanwhile, Napoli signed winger Noa Lang from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, as Conte continues to strengthen his attack.

The Serie A giants revealed Lang’s signature via Instagram on Thursday, 17 July: “Noa is proud to be one of us!”

Van de Ven liked the post, showing that he approves of his Netherlands teammate’s latest move.

Van de Ven set to benefit from Frank management at Tottenham

Football Insider verdict

Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will be fondly remembered by the Spurs faithful for guiding the North Londoners to Europa League glory.

However, the Australian’s second and final season in charge of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium side was largely turbulent, thanks to their poor performances in the Premier League.

Postecoglou’s biggest shortcoming was that he did not divert from his ultra-attacking style of play, which proved costly in the top flight.

Under the 59-year-old’s stewardship, Tottenham conceded 65 goals in the Premier League, showing that they were concentrating too much on attack.

Meanwhile, Frank’s former club, Brentford, were significantly more savvy in defence, enjoying a positive goal difference alongside their 10th-place finish.

The North London outfit will hope that Frank can improve them in all areas, but the Dane will be eager to ensure that Tottenham boast a stronger defence than they did under Postecoglou.

Consequently, Van de Ven will benefit from the former Brentford manager’s stewardship.

Leeds United’s attempts to sign Manor Solomon could soon be at an end this summer after his return to Tottenham Hotspur.

Solomon‘s impact while on loan at Elland Road last season saw the tenth and last of his Championship goals come on the final day against Plymouth Argyle, sealing the 2-1 victory which won Leeds the title.

Daniel Farke‘s side racked up 100 points and their 95th goal as a result of that injury-time winner from Solomon, but the Israel international’s season-long loan from Tottenham is yet to be made permanent.

Leeds farewelled Solomon and fellow loanee Joe Rothwell on 1 July with the latter since completing a transfer to Rangers, as Farke and 49ers Enterprises press on with efforts to bring Solomon back to Elland Road.

Solomon reports for Tottenham training in new Leeds transfer blow

Former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Leeds are desperate to agree a transfer fee with Tottenham for Solomon this summer, but they’ve been unsuccessful so far.

Leeds are yet to bring in any new faces out wide other than Sweden left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, leaving Dan James, Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Jack Harrison as their only options on the wings.

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Farke would still be eager to pursue a deal for Solomon if permitted by Tottenham, but Solomon has posted an update on social media which suggests that his full focus is on Spurs for next season.

Solomon posted on his Instagram story (14 July) from Tottenham’s training ground, with the simple message of; “Back to work”, as well as a ‘back’, or ‘return’ emoji.

Tottenham to delay decision on summer Solomon transfer

Football Insider Verdict

Solomon was one of Ange Postecoglou’s very first signings at Spurs and arrived on a free transfer in July 2023, but he’s yet to add to his six first-team appearances after an injury-hit first season at Tottenham.

Postecoglou’s sacking and Thomas Frank’s arrival gives Solomon the chance of a fresh start in after an impressive campaign in the second tier, and the 25-year-old will be hoping to impress his new manager.

Son Heung-min is set to have crunch talks with new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank about his future with the North London side.

The South Korea star has been an outstanding servant for Spurs since joining from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015, and helped his club win the Europa League last season.

However, the 33-year-old was below his previous standards last term, scoring just seven goals in 30 Premier League outings.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have signed fellow winger Mohammed Kudus, which could pave the way for Son’s exit amid speculation regarding his future.

Son has ‘earned the right’ to decide Tottenham destiny

Son’s Tottenham contract expires next summer, meaning that the current transfer window presents the North Londoners with their last opportunity to cash in on the winger.

Meanwhile, after Spurs finished just 17th in the Premier League last campaign, Frank must compile a squad who is capable of performing significantly better in the top flight alongside their Champions League duties.

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Responding to a question about Son’s future via football.london‘s live Tottenham blog on Sunday, 13 July, Alasdair Gold said: “It might be that it’s too early for that conversation to have been had yet.

“From Frank’s side, you would think he would want to look at Son up close in action before making up his mind on the current level of a player who has done so much for Spurs and the Premier League.

“For me, the decision should be Son’s. If he wants to stay after 10 years at the club and see out his contract, then he’s earned that right, but if he wants to make a move, then that avenue needs to be explored.”

Spurs should be keen to retain Son for one more season

Football Insider verdict

As alluded to by Gold, Son should be handed the opportunity to decide his Tottenham future, having been a key player for the North London side for a decade.

Spurs appear unlikely to stand in the South Korea international’s way if he decides to part company with them, while the 33-year-old is not as clinical in the Premier League as he used to be.

However, his rich experience and dressing room presence will help former Brentford boss Frank settle into his new surroundings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Son’s attacking decline was epitomised by the fact that he notched fewer goal contributions across all competitions last term than he did in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

But Son still presents himself as an ideal rotation option, and Spurs require plenty of squad depth as they look to enjoy a successful Champions League campaign.

James Maddison could face a battle to keep his place at Tottenham Hotspur after their recent transfer activity this summer.

Spurs are undergoing a summer of change ahead of their return to the Champions League, with Ange Postecoglou sacked in the wake of their Europa League victory and Thomas Frank hired to replace him.

Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel‘s loans from Lens and Bayern Munich respectively were made permanent either side of Frank’s arrival on 12 June, and Luka Vuskovic also arrived from Hajduk Split on 1 July.

Tottenham’s first statement signing of the summer came on 10 July in the form of Mohammed Kudus’ £55million move from West Ham, and Frank isn’t done yet as he aims to strengthen in attacking midfield.

A £60m bid for Morgan Gibbs-White was submitted hot on the heels of Kudus’ arrival in North London, and that could be bad news for Spurs’ current number 10 despite Gibbs-White‘s transfer hitting a snag.

Maddison meets Van de Ven with Tottenham place under threat

Tottenham‘s players returned for pre-season training in the first week of July as Frank looks to put his stamp on things at Spurs, and one of last season’s top scorers is already in a fight to keep his place.

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Maddison’s position in the team could be taken by Gibbs-White if he completes a move to Tottenham in spite of a threat of legal action by Nottingham Forest, despite his 12 goals and 11 assists last season.

The 28-year-old was never at the forefront of Postecoglou’s plans at Spurs, but Maddison wasn’t letting the potential of being replaced phase him as he shared a post on Instagram story on Sunday (14 July).

Alongside defender Micky van de Ven, Maddison said: “Spot of lunch with my big Dutch mate”.

Frank’s Tottenham taking shape amid Maddison uncertainty

Unlike Maddison, Van de Ven’s place in Frank‘s starting XI is likely assured at Tottenham after his injuries limited the Dutchman to just 22 appearances and played a big part in derailing Spurs’ last campaign.

Maddison is still one of Tottenham’s vice-captains alongside Cristian Romero, and given the uncertainty over both Romero and Son Heung-min’s futures, the England playmaker could yet be elevated further.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham Hotspur is in jeopardy and he has now reacted to team mate Chris Wood’s latest post.

Gibbs-White has been left in limbo over whether a move to Spurs will go ahead following Nottingham Forest’s stance that they will take legal action against the North London club.

Tottenham could face punishment over their approach for the 25-year-old, with either a transfer ban or a hefty fine a potential penalty.

The saga comes following Mohammed Kudus’ move to Spurs from West Ham and Anthony Elanga’s departure from Forest to join Newcastle.

Wood posts amid Gibbs-White uncertainty

Chris Wood was also a pivotal player for Forest last season in their excellent season, which contributed in the club qualifying for Europe for the first time in 30 years.

Wood spearheaded that success with 20 goals in 40 appearances across al competitions.

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The New Zealand striker has been taking a break away from football and he shared his holiday pictures with his Instagram followers, which was liked by Gibbs-White.

Club’s need resolution to focus on transfer plans

Football Insider Verdict

Both club’s will want a swift resolution to this transfer saga to be able to focus on other transfer targets.

This is an unwanted distraction as both club’s have plenty of transfer business to be pursuing.

Gibbs-White was key in midfield for Forest last season, linking defence and attack, and contributing with goals and assists.

Losing the former Wolves star from their midfield would leave a big hole for Nuno Espirito Santo to fill, having already lost Elanga.

Fellow winger Callum Hudson-Odoi also only has a year left on his contract, so Santo needs to know whether Gibbs-White is staying or going.

It has therefore been a busy start for Forest’s new Global Head of Football, Edu who is overseeing all football related functions.

For Frank, Gibbs-White would add creativity and flair to his Spurs side, but the Dane cannot afford to wait long to know whether the England international is joining him in North London.

If a deal for Gibbs-White does not happen, Frank may revisit his interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze who has a £68m release clause in his contract.

Tottenham new boy, Kota Takai, has been tipped to miss out on Thomas Frank’s Champions League squad amid a busy summer transfer window.

Frank must utilise the transfer market to build a squad who are capable at the top level of European football after Spurs won the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou last term.

With a recruitment drive in mind, Tottenham signed Takai from Japanese side Kawasaki, before also acquiring winger Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham.

Takai has made four senior appearances for Japan, but adjusting to the Premier League and the Champions League could prove tough.

Takai could miss out on Champions League squad as Frank decides on Tottenham exits

Tottenham finished just 17th in the Premier League last season, epitomising the amount of quality that Frank has to add to his new club.

But the former Brentford boss is also tasked with deciding which members of his current squad he will allow to depart ahead of next term.

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Meanwhile, Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was asked on football.london’s live Spurs blog on Sunday, 13 July: “Are there any players you think won’t leave this summer but will miss out on the Champions League squad?”

Gold replied: “That’s down to Thomas Frank, but perhaps one or two of the new young defenders in Kota Takai or Luka Vuskovic, depending on whether the latter isn’t sent out on loan with various clubs awaiting a decision on that.

“I think we’ll see a lot of loans this season when it comes to Spurs players.”

Takai shouldn’t be alarmed by potential Champions League snub

Football Insider verdict

After leaving Kawasaki to join Tottenham, Takai will relish the opportunity to play Champions League football and would be disappointed to miss out on the European competition.

However, the 20-year-old was playing in Japan’s J League as recently as 5 July, featuring in a 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers.

Takai now has the task of bridging the sizeable gap between the top flight of Japanese football and the Premier League, which could prove difficult enough without the added responsibility of Champions League duties.

Spurs see potential in the former Kawasaki man, while his ability has been further endorsed by the fact that he is already in the senior international frame.

However, the centre-back should not be disheartened if he misses out on a Champions League place, as his career is still in its relative infancy amid competition from the likes of Micky van de Ven.

Thomas Frank is set to make key transfer decisions at Tottenham this summer after inheriting former boss Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

The North Londoners are vying to ready their squad for the challenge of Champions League football after last term’s Europa League triumph.

But Tottenham’s move for Morgan Gibbs-White is on hold, with Nottingham Forest considering legal action over Spurs’ advances for the attacking midfielder.

Meanwhile, Frank has added Kudus to his ranks after the Ghana winger scored five goals for rivals West Ham last season.

Will Lankshear and Dane Scarlett among youth players who could leave Tottenham

As Frank looks to bolster his squad, Tottenham have signed defender Kota Takai from Japanese outfit Kawasaki.

But even though the former Brentford boss has added the 20-year-old to his ranks, the 51-year-old is set to make key decisions regarding Takai’s fellow youngsters this summer.

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Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold was asked via football.london‘s live Spurs blog on Sunday, 13 July: “We have a number of development players on the cusp of the first team squad: (Jamie) Donley, (Alfie) Dorrington, (Will) Lankshear, (Dane) Scarlett, (Alfie) Devine, (Ashley) Phillips, etc. Where do you see our stronger youth players playing their football next season?”

Gold replied: “I think a couple need to be kept because of the homegrown aspect but I think the bulk of those players will head out on loan and maybe one or two could even leave permanently.

“The pathway is blocked in certain departments, and some might just not be seen as Champions League-level players.”

Frank should favour Donley over Lankshear and Scarlett in key exit calls

Football Insider verdict

While Frank is set to decide which of his youngsters he allows to leave on loan, and whose permanent exits he facilitates, the new Tottenham boss should be unwilling to part company with all three of Donley, Lankshear, and Scarlett, as the trio are all strikers.

Dominic Solanke is likely to continue leading the line for the North London outfit, as seen under Postecoglou, having scored 16 goals across all competitions last season.

Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that fellow forward Richarlison is ready to quit Tottenham this summer, having struggled both in front of goal and for fitness last season.

The Brazilian’s exit would leave Solanke as Frank’s only remaining senior out-and-out striker, leaving the Dane with Scarlett, Donley, and Lankshear to choose from as the former Bournemouth man’s back-up.

Frank should favour keeping Donley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the 20-year-old thrived on loan with Leyton Orient, subsequently winning three senior caps for Northern Ireland.

Burnely will demand a “substantial” fee for Tottenham Hotspur target Maxime Esteve this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have said about Tottenham‘s attempts to sign the Clarets defender.

Esteve won Burnley’s Player of the Year award last season as they won promotion to the Premier League with 100 points and 30 clean sheets to boot, and his form at the back has attracted plenty of interest.

Tottenham are in talks for a deal to sign Esteve amid the uncertainty over Cristian Romero’s future, but sources have told Football Insider that Burnley are demanding at least £50million for the 23-year-old.

Thomas Frank‘s side are unlikely to offer a fee close to that asking price, and Football Insider sources have said that with Esteve under contract until 2029, Burnley hold all the cards at the negotiating table.

Both Everton and Crystal Palace are also interested in Esteve and could spark a bidding war with Spurs, but sources have told Football Insider that Burnley sanctioning his sale would be a “massive surprise”.

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Tottenham told to look elsewhere amid Burnley’s Esteve stance

Football Insider revealed back in April that Esteve was Everton’s number one choice to replace Jarrad Branthwaite if he left the club this summer, but the latter’s new contract has opened the door for Spurs.

Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that Tottenham’s interest in Esteve is understandable given his form, but Scott Parker will be in no mood to let the centre-back leave Burnley this summer.

“He’s a good player, Esteve – I’m not surprised the clubs are looking at him.

“Everton showed a lot of interest in him as well, now Tottenham are being mentioned as contenders for a signature if he leaves Burnley this summer.

“Spurs did try to sign him in the January window when he was doing so well; Burnley don’t want to lose Esteve, and they’ve put a £50million price tag on his head.

“I don’t think Spurs would go near that level to try and sign Esteve, but Burnley are in a really strong position to negotiate here.

“He’s under contract until 2029 and they can demand a substantial fee because of his contract – that price tag will probably scare off most clubs.

“I would be massively surprised if Burnley were to cash in on him in this window, unless it’s an offer that’s too good to turn down.”

Tottenham step up transfer pursuits after Kudus breakthrough

The firing and hiring of Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank respectively had dominated the discourse around Spurs this summer, with recruitment taking a back seat towards the end of Tottenham’s season.

However, the arrivals of Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus have finally opened the floodgates, and Tottenham’s approach for Morgan Gibbs-White has led to potential legal action from Nottingham Forest.

It’s unclear where Spurs turn next in their bid to give Frank the Champions League-level squad he needs, but shelling out £50m on a defender who excelled in the Championship would be ambitious to say the leasrt.

Brentford will only allow one of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to leave this summer amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Tottenham‘s attempts to sign the Bees frontman.

Mbeumo is finally on the verge of joining Manchester United as they edge closer to meeting Brentford’s £65million asking price, but Wissa has also attracted interest after 19 Premier League goals last season.

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Thomas Frank wants to bring Wissa to North London after his own move to Spurs, but the Bees will fight tooth and nail to retain him.

Sources have told Football Insider that Brentford are in no mood to lose both Mbeumo and Wissa this summer, and Keith Andrews is unlikely to sanction a transfer for the latter despite Tottenham’s interest.

Brentford to block Tottenham approaches amid Wissa stance

Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider on 11 July that Tottenham are planning to sign Wissa as part of a £200m spending spree, having missed out on Mbeumo ahead of his move to Man United.

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Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that Brentford would have a sizeable task on their hands to replace both Mbeumo and Wissa this summer, and as a result will block any bids for the latter.

“I can’t see Brentford letting both [Mbeumo and Wissa] go, they’d be huge players to try and replace”, he told Football Insider.

“They are the main goalscoring duo, so to lose both would be a hammer blow to Keith Andrews and everybody connected to Brentford.

“Thomas Frank is a big admirer of Wissa and would like to be reunited with him at Tottenham, but I just think Brentford will probably dig their heels in and ensure at least one of them stays put.”

Brentford fans to fear the worst amid Wissa transfer links

With 19 and 20 goals respectively, Wissa and Mbeumo made up 59 per cent of the Bees’ Premier League tally last season, and losing both would leave Andrews with an even bigger task of rebuilding Brentford.

The new Brentford boss has already seen Mark Flekken, Ben Mee and most recently Christian Norgaard depart the club ahead of his very first season in management, with Mbeumo’s exit also in the pipeline.