London Evening Standard

Tottenham target THREE new signings as they push to wrap up Eze deal

The defender is among the best in the world in his position

Leader: Cristian Romero

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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Thomas Frank did not have to wait long to get one of his big wishes as Tottenham head coach.

On Friday he expressed his desire for Cristian Romero to extend his stay at the club. Three days later, the centre-back put pen to paper on a new four-year deal.

It comes a week on from Romero being named as Spurs' new club captain to replace Heung-min Son, and ends any speculation over his future.

For all the talk of what transfer business Spurs might do in the final weeks of the window, agreeing a new deal with Romero is as major a statement as any signing they will make.

Cristian Romero guided Tottenham to glory last season

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Just a few months ago, the smart money appeared to be on a summer departure. Atletico Madrid were interested in Romero, who had only two years left on his previous contract and did little to inspire confidence that he saw his long-term future in north London.

"LaLiga is the one [league] left to play in. I would love to, to tell you the truth," Romero said in an interview in April. "I would love to play there because it's the league I'm missing."

Having rarely conducted interviews in English in his four years at Spurs, he has now done so twice in a matter of days. There have been accusations that Romero appeared at his most committed when representing Argentina, but the past week has put him front and centre of a new era at Spurs.

"I'm very happy here in the club," Romero said after the contract news was made official. "For me, this club is the best in the world.

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"My message to the fans is thank you for your amazing support every day and every match. For me, and it's important also for the team."

Romero has the strongest case of any Spurs player to being one of the best players in the world in his position.

The responsibility of being vice-captain under Ange Postecoglou brought more consistency and less of the rash, volatile displays that there were too many of earlier in his career.

While those traits can still rear their head, usually in the form of a charge out of defence and a crunching challenge, Romero has a history of rising to the occasion and more of that can be expected as captain.

He has won three major trophies with Argentina. Wearing the captain's armband in May, Romero was named player of the match as he led Spurs to victory in the Europa League final.

Cristian Romero is among the best defenders in the world

Adam Davy/PA Wire

The UEFA Super Cup last week was a rare final defeat, but Romero was still a rock in defence and scored his side's second goal.

That mentality of delivering on the biggest stage is a crucial trait and one this young Spurs squad did not have much of before winning the Europa League.

With Romero here to stay, the chances of a repeat of that night in Bilbao have certainly gone up.

"I love football, I love this club," Romero said.

"After winning the Europa League, it's like a special season now. In football, sometimes there are good moments, bad moments. The most important thing for me is to stay all together.

"We want to win. Maybe, why not again this season? Another trophy with the club is important for everyone."

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Cristian Romero hopes to win more silverware with Tottenham after he agreed a new contract.

Despite having two years remaining on his previous contract, the Argentine signed a fresh four-year deal on Monday. It compounds a positive week for the player, who was named club captain last week.

Romero made seven appearances in Tottenham’s Europa League-winning campaign last season, donning the captain’s armband in the final, and feels there is no reason Spurs won’t be able to replicate the feat.

“After winning the Europa League, it is like a special season now,” he explained.

“We want to win. Why not win again this season?

He continued, saying he was honoured to have been named captain. Accompanied by his young son, he led Spurs out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday as they opened their Premier League campaign with a routine 3-0 win over Burnley.

“The last two weeks, first captain, and now sign the contract with the club. For me it is a fantastic decision.

“First time as captain, it was incredible for me. Going to the pitch with my son [on Saturday], it was special for me.

“I love football, I love this club, it was special for me going on the pitch with him.

“My message to the fans is thank you for amazing support every day and at every match. It is important for the team.

“I am very happy here in the club. For me, this club is the best in the world. I love football, I love this club.”

Romero had been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer. He spurned their interest in order to extend his stay in north London, though, despite previously saying he was ‘open’ to the move.

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Rejuvenated Brazilian leaves Thomas Frank with a welcome selection decision if he can stay fit

Richarlison scored twice - including a stunning scissor kick - to help Spurs to a 3-0 win over Burnley on Saturday

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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There was no shortage of theories over which Tottenham players would benefit most from Thomas Frank's arrival this summer.

Archie Gray and Brennan Johnson were obvious candidates - Frank tried to sign both when in charge at Brentford. Pedro Porro was another, having been described by Frank last season as having “Trent-ish offensive qualities”.

Few, though, placed Richarlison on that list.

The 28-year-old made just four Premier League starts last term and scored five goals in all competitions.

He was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last summer and talk of an exit continued into this summer, with Brazilian side Palmeiras among the clubs linked.

Watching Richarlison stroll off to a standing ovation on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, that felt a world away.

Thomas Frank joked Richarlison has already scored the goal of the season with his spectacular effort against Burnley

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It is now hard to see how, should he stay fit, Frank can take him out of the side.

The forward did not look entirely thrilled to miss out on the opportunity to seal a hat-trick but his job had been done, a brace sending Spurs on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley. Frank joked that the second of the those, a stunning scissor kick, had already secured the goal of the season award.

It felt positive enough that Richarlison was even in the starting line-up three days on from leading the line in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

His time at Spurs has been regularly hampered by injuries and Thomas Frank made it clear after the match that is still at the front of his mind.

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“I always thought he was good when he played for Everton and when he came to Tottenham we know he struggled with some injuries,” Frank said on Saturday.

“He was unlucky also so we are very aware that we need to build him and protect him because we can’t say we just played two games back-to-back, he did well both and we are out of the woods.

“That we need to prove over a little bit longer time but the first signs are good.”

The challenge for Spurs is keeping Richarlison fit

Adam Davy/PA Wire

Spurs have been cautious with Richarlison's fitness this summer, leaving him out of the opening pre-season friendly against Reading to instead build his levels in training.

If Spurs can keep him available, the Brazilian could be an ideal fit for the new manager.

In games where Frank sets Spurs up to sit in a shape and pick their moments on the counter, Richarlison plays that lonely forward role well.

Against PSG, he was superb in holding the ball up and linking with Mohammed Kudus and the midfield. In the second half as the pressure built on Spurs, Richarlison eased that on more than one occasion by drawing a cheap foul.

That work-rate and all-round play was on display again in the Burnley match but there was end product to match it. Richarlison swept home a confident first-time finish inside the opening ten minutes and then doubled his tally after the break in spectacular fashion.

He could have had more too, with Martin Dubravka producing a brilliant save to turn an effort from the Brazilian behind.

Spurs will continue to manage Richarlison's fitness but there will be plenty of opportunities for him this season. With Dominic Solanke having injury problems of his own, there is no guarantee the England forward will immediately take back the starting spot.

Solanke had an injury-disrupted pre-season and started on the bench against Burnley

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Even when Solanke does return to full fitness and potentially the starting line-up, having Richarlison as an option to rotate will be to the benefit of both players.

It is a welcome selection headache for Frank.

Squad depth has too often been an issue for Spurs in recent seasons and having two top strikers fit and in form would majorly boost Frank's ambition of getting his side to compete on multiple fronts.

After three years that have largely been a struggle, Richarlison has been a perfect start to a new era at Spurs.

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Tottenham opened their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a win over Burnley on Saturday, but the occasion was marred by a new addition to Thomas Frank’s injury list.

Yves Bissouma was absent from the matchday squad, with Frank confirming at full time that he had picked up an issue in training.

Thomas Frank confirmed a few days later: “Destiny got a knee injury that we're assessing at the moment that just kept him out for this pre-season tour. When we know more, we'll update more."

The midfielder was left out of the Spurs squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, but he did not return for a Premier League opener against Burnley, as expected.

He said: “Unfortunately he got injured in training yesterday so very unfortunate. An injury we look into how much it is.”

Asked for an update on the player’s condition in July, Frank said of the midfielder: "I don’t like to put a timeline on it [but] put it this way: he’s not ready for the first game of the season."

Kulusevski took to social media recently with a post of him juggling a football with his feet. The caption read: "First time since May."

Spurs have not put a timeframe on how long Maddison will be out but he is set for a long spell on the sidelines, but he is expected to miss much of this season.

A club statement read: “His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.

“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”

The defender recently confirmed that his rehabilitation is going well and he is involved in all the meetings and tactical discussions with Thomas Frank despite being unable to join training with his new manager.

"I had to learn how to walk again. I was on crutches, my knee was really stiff from the surgery. It was a long process but, once I got back to normal walking, it became a positive journey.

He added: "But honestly, I just want to be back on the pitch training with the boys again. I can't wait to be back. I've been working hard, on and off the pitch, with the fitness staff. Once I'm fully fit, I can't wait to be back with the boys and back for the matches too."

Plenty of big moves being worked on before the summer transfer window closes

Targets: Eberechi Eze, Alexander Isak, Savinho

Getty / ES Composite

Arthur Ferridge

Transfer news LIVE!

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are pressing on in their attempts to sign new players and make a strong start to the new Premier League season. Tottenham look set to make a splash in the market in coming days, amid reports Eberechi Eze has been left out of the matchday squad for Crystal Palace’s season opener at Stamford Bridge. He is thought to be closing in on a move to Spurs, who are also eyeing a deal for Savinho.

Liverpool have confirmed the arrival of Giovanni Leoni from Parma, though Friday night’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth may have highlighted the need to persist in a deal for Marc Guehi before the window closes. There has been a fresh update regarding the future of Alexander Isak as he is set to miss Newcastle's opening game of the campaign.

Man United's interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is thought to have cooled, but are now considering alternatives. Elsewhere, Chelsea have made it clear they want two further signings in addition to letting Nicolas Jackson leave, with Enzo Maresca targeting defensive reinforcements. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Latest transfer news headlines

BREAKING NEWS

Eberechi Eze is set to play for Crystal Palace today, Standard Sport understands.

This is in spite of the fact that Spurs have stepped up their pursuit of the player in recent days.

Tottenham remain confident of completing a move, but Eze has not downed tools.

ALL THE LATEST FROM DOM SMITH HERE!

London Standard

Giles pleased with Brentford squad

Brentford director of football Phil Giles seems to be happy with the state of the Bees’ squad despite the loss of Bryan Mbeumo earlier this year and the imminent departure of Yoane Wissa.

He said: “We also have players such as Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry and Igor Thiago who are fit and ready, and also players such as Frank Onyeka who have benefited from a loan last season, so I think the squad is looking very strong.”

Nigel Keene/Brentford FC Official Photography via SmartFrame

City continue to work on Donnarumma deal

Man City are continuing to work on a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Sky Germany report that the club are close to agreeing personal terms with the Italian, who is being edged out at PSG.

City are confident of completing a deal after Ederson departs.

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The Eze plot thickens...

Last night it was understood that Ebere Eze was due to be left out ahead of Crystal Palace’s trip across London to face Chelsea today.

But fresh reports this morning claim he could be set to start!

The Times and the Independent both report that he is set to be in the fold, and could be in line to be named in Oliver Glasner’s XI after negotiations between clubs have grown ‘difficult’.

Sky Sports add that Eze will, at the very least, be named in the matchday squad.

One to keep an eye on. Crystal Palace play Chelsea at 2pm, meaning team sheets will be revealed at 12.45pm BST.

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Chelsea eye Konate

Chelsea are interested in Konate as a potential defensive reinforcement this summer.

Enzo Maresca wants to sign a new centre-back following Levi Colwill’s injury, though it remains unclear whether the club will indulge him.

But reports in The Athletic claim that they hold an interest in the Liverpool defender.

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ICYMI: Brentford complete Ouattara deal

Brentford announced the signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth yesterday.

At £42.5m, it is a club record deal for the Bees, and opens the door for Yoane Wissa to leave the club this summer.

Keith Andrews said: “[Ouattara] is someone that we were aware and surprised could be available and, once we knew that signing him might be a possibility, we really focused on trying to get him in.

“We liked his Premier League experience, even at his young age, and he just hasn’t found the rhythm yet because of a lack of consistent game time.”

MORE FROM KEITH ANDREWS HERE!

Brentford FC

Ederson omitted from City's league opener with exit talks 'progressing'

City goalkeeper Ederson was left out of the Man City squad for their visit to Molineux yesterday as he remains in talks over a move to Galatasaray.

It seems as though Ederson’s time at the Etihad Stadium is up, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Brazil international wants to leave the north-west.

The Italian journalist detailed that ‘advanced talks’ were underway between City and Turkish side Galatasaray for the shot-stopper, with the Super Lig club offering €10m for Ederson’s services.

Newly re-signed shot-stopper James Trafford started in his place and kept a clean sheet as City romped to a 4-0 win.

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Muniz future uncertain

Marco Silva said he is unsure whether Rodrigo Muniz will remain at Craven Cottage this summer.

The striker has been heavily linked with a move to Atalanta, but scored a late equaliser to rescue a point for Fulham as they visited Brighton yesterday.

Speaking at full-time, Silva said: “I can’t be 100% sure, because not everything is in my hands. We can’t lose important players.

“If Fulham fans think instead of signing players to strengthen, we’re going to lose them, then everything’s wrong.”

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The latest on Alexander Isak

Eddie Howe issued a fresh update on Alexander Isak’s future after his Newcastle side were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa yesterday.

The striker remains on strike as he looks to push through a move to Liverpool.

Howe said: "We would like a resolution. When I say ‘We’, I’m talking about myself, the ownership, the players, everyone really, because I think we need that clarity this season.

“Nothing’s changed, the door is well and truly open. But Alex has to decide what he wants to do.

“Alex is in control of what he does. I’m not in control of him.”

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City identify Savinho replacement

Man City will move for Rodrygo if Savinho joins Tottenham.

The Real Madrid winger has been linked to various Premier League sides this summer - predominantly Liverpool and Arsenal - but none have yet been able to pry him away from the Bernabeu.

City will be the next to try their hand, though, according to Fabrizio Romano.

They will only open talks if Savinho departs.

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Latest updatesOlder updates

Richarlison led the line as Spurs began the Premier League season with a 3-0 win over the Clarets and scored the first two goals of the match.

The first was a well-taken finish inside the opening ten minutes and Richarlison then doubled his tally in sublime fashion, his scissor kick finishing off a 17-pass move in which every Spurs player touched the ball.

Richarlison started only four Premier League matches last season due to injury problems but led the line against Burnley three days on from starting against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night.

With Dominic Solanke not yet at full fitness, Richarlison’s form has come at an ideal time for Frank, but the Spurs boss insisted he will not take unnecessary risks considering the Brazilian’s injury record.

“He was very good against PSG and today he was exceptional, with his work-rate, driving the team, link-up play, hold-up play, just dominating and then the two finishes,” Frank said.

“So happy on his behalf and again performance department, medical department did a top job to build him. I think a few of you know he was not involved in the first friendly because we had to build him.

“That will be continuous and something we need to look at throughout the season. It is only the second game of the season, there is a long way to go but very positive with him.”

Asked if he was always certain this summer that he wanted Richarlison to stay at the club, Frank added: “Yeah, I think I always liked Richarlison. I always thought he was good when he played for Everton and when he came to Tottenham we know he struggled with some injuries.

“He was unlucky also so we are very aware that we need to build him and protect him because we can’t say we just played two games back-to-back, he did well both and we are out of the woods.

“That we need to prove over a little bit longer time but the first signs are good.”

Frank made three changes to the side that were beaten on penalties by PSG in the Super Cup, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur dropping out as the Spurs midfield was freshened up.

While Frank stated his players must be ready for quick turnarounds between matches, he did voice his frustration at the fixture scheduling.

“If there are two days, three days, four days, one day (between games) I will make sure I do everything I can to get the team ready,” Frank said.

“But just a reminder that PSG are playing tomorrow night and we play today. I think City a few years ago also played Saturday instead of Sunday. I don’t know who decides that but the ones who decide that maybe need to think a little bit about the players.”

Thomas Frank has revealed that Yves Bissouma missed Tottenham’s Premier League opener after picking up an injury in training on Friday.

Spurs opened their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley at Hotspur Stadium, but Bissouma was a surprise absence from Frank’s matchday squad.

Bissouma was left out of Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup squad in midweek for disciplinary reasons after he was repeatedly late to training.

At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank said the situation had been “addressed” and Bissouma would be back in the squad against Burnley.

Speaking after the 27-year-old was not included in the squad to face the Clarets, Frank revealed the midfielder missed out due to picking up an unspecified injury.

The Spurs boss said: “Unfortunately he got injured in training yesterday so very unfortunate. An injury we look into how much it is.”

While his team-mates were in Udine, Bissouma posted a picture of an empty gym at the club’s training ground.

His contract expires at the end of the season and it remains in doubt whether he will still be a Spurs player by the time the summer transfer window shuts.

Bissouma missed last season’s Premier League opener as well, having been suspended by Spurs after an internal investigation.

A sensational scissor kick by Richarlison ensured Thomas Frank enjoyed a dream start to life with Tottenham in the Premier League as they recorded a 3-0 victory over Burnley.

Frank's managerial debut for Spurs on Wednesday almost ended with silverware, but Paris St Germain fought back from two down late on to clinch Super Cup success on penalties.

With a lack of creative options due to injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, former Brentford head coach Frank had warned newly-promoted Burnley would pose a stern test and yet a double by Richarlison secured a first league win since April 6.

Richarlison's second goal in the 60th minute was a superb volley from a Mohammed Kudus cross and Brennan Johnson added another six minutes later on a tough top-flight return for Burnley boss Scott Parker at his old club.

Spurs had been minutes away from Super Cup success, but a protest by fan group Change for Tottenham was still arranged for pre-match and yet only gathered a very small attendance.

A huge cheer welcomed Frank into his new home stadium and one of the three players he brought in from the PSG loss almost grabbed a 25-second opener.

Dubravka was one of the first goalkeepers to be penalised for the new eight-second rule and not long after, picked the ball out of his net.

Kudus again provided the creativity for Spurs as he got down the right and cut back for Richarlison to impressively steer the ball into the bottom corner.

It would not open the floodgates, though, as Burnley worked their way back into the contest with a Lyle Foster shot deflected over by Cristian Romero before Maxime Esteve and Josh Lauren squandered opportunities.

Mathys Tel, who received racist abuse earlier this week after a missed penalty against PSG, received warm applause from the Tottenham fans when he went to warm-up for the first time and the opening 45 ended with Guglielmo Vicario forced to tip over a chipped effort by visiting midfielder Laurent.

Parker would have presumably been happy with Burnley's level on their return to top-flight action, but they wasted two more chances soon after half-time.

A quick breakaway ended with Pape Sarr being able to thwart Hannibal before Jaidon Anthony fizzed an effort straight at Vicario, which could come back to haunt the newly-promoted club when Spurs made it 2-0 on the hour mark.

Kudus skipped away from Quilindschy Hartman on the right and picked out Richarlison, who produced an incredible scissor kick into the bottom corner.

It sparked big celebrations and they were repeated six minutes later when Johnson added a classy third.

Sarr pinched the ball off Richarlison's toes and spotted the run of Johnson, who took a touch and calmly poked the ball past Dubravka after being left on the bench versus PSG.