Football Insider

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.

Thomas Frank is the ideal manager to get the best out of Jack Grealish if he moves to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Tottenham and England keeper Paul Robinson tipped Grealish to succeed if Spurs win the race to sign him from Manchester City.

Grealish’s future looks set to lie away from Man City after he started just 16 matches in all competitions last season, and Spurs have emerged as one of several clubs keen on either a loan or permanent deal.

Tottenham completing a £55million deal to sign West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus could throw a spanner in the works for their hopes of signing Grealish, but Robinson argued that he would “thrive” under Frank.

The 2008 League Cup winner told Football Insider that Frank’s style of man-management could be key to unlocking the best of Grealish‘s ability as he looks to get his career back on track away from Man City.

Frank connection to produce the best of Grealish at Tottenham

Grealish could still be available to Tottenham for as little as £40m on a permanent deal this summer, but it remains to be seen if Frank will sanction such a level of spending on the out-of-form 29-year-old.

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Speaking on the latest Inside Track, Robinson argued that Frank is a perfect foil for Grealish to showcase his best form once again if Spurs were to sign him, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

“If somebody can get it over the line permanently, then whoever gets Jack Grealish next year, you’re getting an excellent player”, he told Football Insider.

“I’d love Tottenham to be in the mix for Jack Grealish, and I think it’d be a great landing spot for him because of Thomas Frank.

“Thomas Frank is a great man manager, with the way that he treats his players. That type of manager, I suspect that Jack Grealish would thrive under – especially in a World Cup year.”

Grealish a great alternative after Morgan Gibbs-White dispute

Tottenham’s chances of signing Grealish may have descreased after Kudus’ arrival, but they looked set to be reduced even further after reports that Spurs had agreed a deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Nottingham Forest playmaker would take up any starting spot Grealish could hope to earn in North London, but Gibbs-White’s move is now unlikely after Tottenham were accused of an illegal approach.

Daniel Levy’s future as Tottenham owner looks set to take a twist as new investment emerges in North London during the summer transfer window.

The 62-year-old has often been heavily criticised by supporters due to his lack of investment on the pitch, voices which were exacerbated by Spurs’ foolish last-ditch bid for Marc Guehi during the winter window.

However, with Mohammed Kudus signed from West Ham, and an attempt to secure Morgan Gibbs-White’s signature, Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Tottenham are ready to spend £200million.

While Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Cristian Romero, and Yves Bissouma have all been linked with exits, the only departures from North London have been loans and free agents so far.

An influx of big-money transfer links has now raised questions over possible investment from an outside source, now former agent, and now-Spurs source, Paul O’Keefe, has shared an update on the behind-the-scenes situation.

Daniel Levy set for different role at Tottenham

Taking to X (11 July), O’Keefe wrote: “I understand that there will be investment as well as a large sponsorship deal for Tottenham. Interestingly, the changes will see a management reshuffle as well as new roles.

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He continued on X: It’s likely Levy stays, but potentially in a different or reduced, and perhaps, even non-football related role. Vinai’s appointment and the departure of Cullen were the first part of a broad realignment of the club. It remains to be seen what impact that has on the football strategy.

O’Keefe finished by saying on X: “The question is whether someone is investing in ENIC for it to invest in the club, or if they are coming in directly.”

Thomas Frank ready to make important changes on the pitch

Football Insider verdict

Stefan Borson told Football Insider that any investors are unlikely to retain Levy’s services should a takeover deal be completed in the foreseeable future amid links with Saudi Arabia.

There has been very little movement in the boardroom over the last few seasons, but with Spurs finally trying to push the boat out on the pitch, whispers are beginning to circulate.

Of course, Thomas Frank will be extremely pleased with the extra funds being allocated to his team, though Ange Postecoglou will have a word or two after barely being given a penny during his two seasons.

While a deal for Gibbs-White has fallen through for Tottenham, possibly even leading to a transfer ban for the Lilywhites, there is still plenty of business to be done over the next few weeks.

Football Insider understands that Tottenham have been handed a boost to sign Evann Guessand, with Daizen Maeda also being linked with a move away from Celtic.

It is an exciting time ahead for those at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while proceedings could bring a change of roles, fans will be far more focused on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing to replace James Maddison with Harvey Elliott this summer.

Maddison joined Spurs from Leicester in 2023 and has since registered 16 goals and 21 assists in 75 outings across all competitions.

But the England international endured some frustrations last season, often being relegated to the bench by former manager Ange Postecoglou and starting just 21 Premier League games.

Despite Thomas Frank replacing Postecoglou, Maddison continues to be rumoured with a Spurs exit, with the club continually linked with other creative players.

Spurs interested in Liverpool outcast Harvey Elliott

One of the latest playmakers Spurs have been named alongside is Liverpool‘s Harvey Elliott.

The 22-year-old was sensational this summer as he netted five goals in six appearances to help England win the U-21 Euros.

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However, both under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, Elliott has struggled to hold down a regular starting place at Anfield.

The former Fulham youngster started just two Premier League games last season as the Reds won the title, with 22 of his 28 appearances overall coming from the bench.

Elliott has just two years left to run on his contract at Liverpool, who may feel the time is now to cash in on the young talent.

Former Premier League scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider (10 July) that it’s ‘certain’ Elliott will leave the Reds this summer, naming Spurs among the sides interested in bringing him on board.

Harvey Elliott signing could push Maddison out the door

There is a reality where Frank could make space for Maddison and Elliott in his squad, with the pair able to play both on the wing and through the middle.

However, the imminent signing of Mohammed Kudus complicates matters, with the Ghana international sure to command a starting spot out wide.

If Spurs were to sign Elliott, they might in turn look to cash in on Maddison while he’s still just 28 years old and, given his Premier League record, not short of admirers in the market.

Mohammed Kudus is set to complete a big summer move to Tottenham Hotspur and it’s safe to say West Ham United fans are not happy.

Kudus has been a big hit at the London Stadium since arriving from Ajax two years ago, notching 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions.

But as is often the case, great form for West Ham has seen Kudus regularly linked with a move away from the club.

Widespread reports broke on Wednesday (9 July) that London rivals Tottenham and West Ham had reached an agreement over Kudus — with The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas confirming a fee in the region of £55million.

Mohammed Kudus transfer sends West Ham fans crazy

Given the rivalry between Spurs and West Ham, it’s completely understandable that fans of the latter are fuming at the news of their star forward’s transfer.

And with Kudus still having three years to run on his contract, many West Ham fans have been left wondering how the club didn’t secure a bigger fee — aiming criticism at the club’s key decision-makers.

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However, it’s important to remember that Kudus only managed five goals and three assists in 32 Premier League appearances last season.

Some fans have been eager to point out how much he underperformed in 2024/25, suggesting the fee Spurs are paying is fair and frees up some much-needed funds for Hammers boss Graham Potter.

A busy transfer window for West Ham

The sale of Kudus will be just the latest step in what is proving to be a busy summer for West Ham as they seek to help Potter lift them from their 2024/25 return of 14th in the Premier League.

Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Danny Ings, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Lukasz Fabianski have already left the club, clearing significant funds from the salary budget. Evan Ferguson and Carlos Soler have also departed at the end of their loans, while Jean-Clair Todibo’s temporary stay has been made permanent.

There are also serious doubts over the future of Emerson and Lucas Paqueta, but according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, the Hammers are pushing hard to bring talented full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf on board from Slavia Prague.

“West Ham have been looking to sign a left-back,” Brown told Football Insider (July 8).

“It’s a position they’ve wanted to strengthen in for a while, because from what I’m told they’re not completely convinced by Emerson.

“Now they’re looking at the lad from Slavia Prague, who of course, they have good links to.

“A lot of that comes from the influence at boardroom level, but they brought in Soucek and Coufal and they know plenty about the players at that club.

“The Czech part-owner will be playing a big part in it, I’m sure.

“Diouf’s agent has been speaking to the chairman, which I always think is an issue at West Ham when the chairman starts speaking to different agents.

“They can’t base the deal just on that, they have to use their scouting knowledge.

“But it seems like this is a deal they want to do and they’re making good progress towards it.”