Spurs Web

A former senior Tottenham official, who was let go by the North London club in the summer, is set for a swift return to football.

There have been sweeping changes in Tottenham’s leadership structure over the last few months, with the headline act being the removal of Daniel Levy as the Spurs chairman after 24 years at the helm.

Before Levy’s exit, former Spurs executive director Donna-Maria Cullen was also asked to step down from the Tottenham board.

That was soon followed by another big development, with chief football officer Scott Munn being placed on gardening leave by Spurs in June after two years in the role.

Munn’s duties at Spurs have now been taken over by new Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who is now also the main man calling the shots at N17 following Levy’s exit.

It has now been revealed that Munn is set to make a swift return to football, just months after his unceremonious Spurs exit.

The Australian, who joined Tottenham back in 2023 from the City Group, has taken a new role at Serie A side Parma, where he is the new head of soccer operation and growth at the Krause Group’s football division.

MORE SPURS STORIES

No announcement yet on the future of another senior Spurs figure

Tottenham fans are still waiting to find out what will happen regarding Fabio Paratici, whose FIFA ban has now officially expired.

Some sources have said over recent weeks that Paratici wants to take up a full-time role at Spurs despite Daniel Levy’s exit.

It has been a mixed start to life at Tottenham Hotspur for Xavi Simons, but how does it compare to James Maddison?

Tottenham Hotspur were busy in the summer transfer market, securing the services of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

The pair cost a little over £100 million, with Kudus arriving for a fee of around £55 million after proving himself in the Premier League.

The Ghanaian has made a quick impression, contributing one goal and four assists so far, his familiarity with English football clearly easing his transition into Thomas Frank’s side.

Xavi Simons’ early Tottenham struggles

Simons, however, has not quite hit the ground running for Tottenham, with the former RB Leipzig midfielder having been asked to fill multiple roles across the pitch.

He has been deployed on the left wing and as a number ten, though he has only featured once in his preferred attacking midfield position.

The Dutchman has managed just one assist, which came in his Premier League debut – a corner that was met by Pape Matar Sarr in the clash against West Ham United.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Here is Xavi Simons’ record in all English competitions so far this season:

But how does the £51 million signing compare to Tottenham’s last number ten recruit, James Maddison?

James Maddison’s instant impact for Spurs

Maddison, compared to Simons, made an immediate impression after joining Tottenham in the 2023/24 season from Leicester City for £40 million.

The England international registered four assists and two goals in his first seven appearances, seamlessly settling into life in North London.

That form coincided with Ange Postecoglou’s bright start as Tottenham boss, when the club won eight of their opening ten league matches, with Maddison playing a starring role in midfield.

While Simons has not enjoyed the same start, it is worth noting that Maddison already had Premier League experience before his move, whereas Simons is adapting to a new country, a new league, and a new style of play.

Maddison’s familiarity with English football undoubtedly helped his quick integration, while Simons has had to contend with being shifted across positions and balancing Champions League duties.

Both players, of course, bring different qualities, and at just 22, Simons has time on his side – his potential remains clear even if his early form has been inconsistent.

Tottenham Hotspur got back to winning ways against Leeds United and will be looking to continue that form when club football returns next weekend.

With this in mind, here is our prediction for how Tottenham Hotspur will perform in their next five Premier League matches.

Tottenham will return with a win against Aston Villa

Thomas Frank was outsmarted home and away last season by Unai Emery. Spurs under Ange Postecoglou recorded an impressive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but went on to lose twice at Villa Park.

The Birmingham based club have recorded two good results against tricky opponents in the Europa League, but their domestic form has room for improvement. They sit 13th in the Premier League table, five points behind Tottenham.

This is still likely to be a tough game for Spurs, but Frank’s team should have just about enough to wrap up all three points.

Tottenham to win 2-1

Everton could cause Spurs to stumble

The Toffees are yet to lose a match at the Everton Stadium and most recently ended Crystal Palace’s 19 match unbeaten streak there.

Jack Grealish looks particularly dangerous this season and he could be a handful for Pedro Porro as he crafts opportunities down the left wing.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Both teams look quite good in defence this season and it could be that there is nothing to separate them.

Tottenham to draw 1-1

Tottenham could be denied three points by Chelsea too

Spurs will travel back from Newcastle on Wednesday night and must be ready to get back in action on Saturday.

Chelsea are a tough team to predict because they can lose to Brighton one weekend and defeat Liverpool the next.

Tottenham’s recent record in this fixture is appalling, but Frank’s Brentford partook in a goalless draw against Chelsea at home last season. This one could go a similar way, but with more shots fired towards goal.

Tottenham to draw 2-2

Spurs will continue their winning streak over Manchester United

Tottenham played Manchester United four times in three different competitions last season. Regardless of the circumstances, it was Spurs who won every single game.

However, there was only one goal to separate the teams in three of those four matches and it could be a close game again.

Man United have been quite convincing at Old Trafford this season, but their away form is really poor. Tottenham should have what it takes to get the win.

Tottenham to win 2-1

Tottenham’s North London derby miseries will continue

There is a feeling inside me which wants to predict a 2-2 draw. Spurs got the better of Arsenal in pre-season, but it has been more than three years since they beat their rivals when it actually mattered.

Tottenham have been good on the road this season, but no team has picked up more points than Arsenal.

It seems like one of those games where Spurs will play quite well, but will be caught out by silly individual errors. There were signs of this happening at Elland Road, but Leeds were unable to take advantage of the opportunities handed to them.

Tottenham to lose 3-1

Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright believes one of Tottenham Hotspur’s key men has been unfairly treated during his spell in North London.

Thomas Frank has had a somewhat decent start to life at Tottenham Hotspur, with the new Spurs boss suffering just one defeat since taking charge of the north London club.

It certainly has not been straightforward for the Dane, who has had to manage with a number of his key stars sidelined through injury.

Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin are among those currently out, and Frank will be hoping to have them back soon as Spurs continue to push on multiple fronts.

However, Ian Wright has now made a claim suggesting that one of those injured players is being treated unfairly at Tottenham.

Ian Wright defends Tottenham star James Maddison

While speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright shared his thoughts on how James Maddison is perceived, insisting the playmaker faces an unfair level of scrutiny.

Maddison picked up an ACL injury during Spurs’ pre-season tour of Asia and is expected to miss most of this campaign as he continues his recovery towards full fitness.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Wright said that Maddison is often criticised simply for expressing himself, even when his intentions are genuine and rooted in passion for the game.

“It is like someone like James Maddison, he would say something, he would say, he would just speak his mind and speak, and everyone says, ‘oh, really?’” Wright said.

“Some people say, ‘oh listen to him, he does not even play, he is injured always.’ But he speaks his mind because he has got personality. And then people dig him out.”

Maddison’s leadership and mentality clear for all to see

The English midfielder is certainly not one to hold back his thoughts, and that was plain to see last season when Maddison and Roy Keane were locked in a constant back-and-forth.

Keane had suggested that the Englishman tends to go missing in the big moments, only for Maddison to respond in the best way possible, scoring the winning goal when Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 last season.

ENIC have delved into their pockets and handed Tottenham Hotspur an additional £100m, but how should the club spend the money?

The future is beginning to look brighter at N17, with change occurring at long last. Daniel Levy has moved on from his role as the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League and now the Lewis family are making their ambitions known.

It was recently announced that ENIC have injected a £100m sum into Tottenham Hotspur. This is reportedly an initial round of funding, with sources stating the Lewis family will make more funds available to Spurs in due course.

Tottenham will not use the full £100m on transfers, but some of the funds will likely be used to strengthen the Tottenham first-team squad. In a hypothetical situation where Spurs opt to spend most of the money on new signings, here is how it should be used.

Tottenham should go for quality over quantity

They say not to put all your eggs in one basket, but Tottenham already have good depth in most positions. There are only two positions in the Spurs squad with pressing needs: the left wing and striker roles.

Tottenham might be able to resolve their centre-forward issues without a new signing. Randal Kolo Muani should be back in action after the international break, and he has not yet had time to show what he can do. Dominic Solanke will also return from his spell on the sidelines, while Mathys Tel got his first goal of the season in the 2-1 victory over Leeds United.

However, the left-wing position is a problem which Thomas Frank has not been able to resolve. Xavi Simons is not suited to playing out wide, while Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert are not at the level they need to be if Spurs are serious about competing for at least being a potential name in the Premier League title race.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Savinho has committed his long-term future to Manchester City, so a move for him is off the table. Antoine Semenyo would be an exceptional signing, although attempting to sign a player who grew up supporting Arsenal feels destined for disaster, considering what happened with Eberechi Eze.

Whoever Spurs identify as their main left-wing target, money should not be spared to secure the right player. It is by far and away their biggest need at this current point in time, and where Tottenham should spend the majority of their resources.

Spurs are interested in signing another central defender

If you have been following the Spurs Web transfer news, you will know Tottenham have been linked with a number of centre-backs.

The club look much stronger in the defensive area, but injuries have not yet posed any real problem. One new defender might be of some help, but only a minimal part of the capital injection should be used on this position.

Spurs do have backup options at the back, especially once the likes of Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai return from injury.

What Tottenham ultimately need is a natural left winger with the ability to score goals and create chances for his team. Resolve this issue and Frank has a strong squad at his disposal.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a sensational raid of one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers, but they could face competition from two of the biggest clubs in the division.

If you ask most people who the Player of the Year has been so far this season, many may name a player who does not play for any of the traditional ‘big six’.

Antoine Semenyo appears to have taken his game to a new level this season and is doing special things on a consistent basis for Bournemouth, having scored six goals and provided three assists in seven matches so far.

Some sources have revealed over recent days that Semenyo is on Tottenham’s radar ahead of January, but it has now emerged that the Lilywhites will face plenty of competition for the Cherries star.

Tottenham could be in a three-horse race for Antoine Semenyo

It has now been revealed by talkSPORT that the Ghana international is bound to attract interest in the January window if he continues his current run of form.

The outlet says that Andoni Iraola’s men are already bracing for offers for the winger, who only signed a new deal in the summer.

According to the report, Tottenham Hotspur and Man United both held talks with Semenyo before he penned a new deal at the Vitality Stadium a few months ago, and both clubs continue to monitor his situation closely.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Additionally, the publication says that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is also a big fan of the 25-year-old, thus potentially setting the stage for a three-way battle for the Cherries star.

Tottenham would have to break the bank for Semenyo

It is revealed by talkSPORT that Bournemouth will demand upwards of £75m for the winger should clubs come knocking in January.

This ties in with a previous report from journalist Pete O’Rourke, who said that Semenyo is valued by the Cherries at around £75m-£80m.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will always hold special significance for Heung-min Son, but he has made a confession about the venue after visiting other sporting arenas in the United States.

Tottenham’s home ground cost over a billion pounds to build, and many frequently refer to Spurs’ stadium as the best in the Premier League.

There have even been suggestions that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could host the Super Bowl in the near future, which will prove a real shot in the arm, commercially and financially, for the North London club.

However, the United States is undoubtedly the mecca of sporting venues, and Son has had a chance to experience some of that over recent months.

Heung-min Son says LA Stadium is better than Tottenham’s home ground

Since signing for Los Angeles FC, the former Tottenham Hotspur captain has been getting to know the other sporting teams across the city.

He threw the first pitch at Dodger Stadium in August, and more recently, he made a trip to watch the LA Rams in action in the NFL at the SoFi Stadium in the city.

In a video released by the Rams from his visit, the 33-year-old appears to be in awe of the venue, and he admits (via Football.London): “I’ve never seen a better stadium than Tottenham, but this one… so much better.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

When one sees the following images of the 70,240-capacity SoFi Stadium, it would be hard to argue with the South Korean.

Son has one last Spurs desire at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Son had an emotional farewell in Seoul in front of a packed stadium in the summer, during Tottenham’s friendly against Newcastle United.

However, the Spurs legend has admitted that there is still one small regret he has about the way his time at the Lilywhites came to an end.

Tottenham Hotspur are extremely keen on securing the services of a Brazilian starlet, but contradictory claims are now being made in South America about the player’s availability in January.

Over recent weeks, Spurs Web has relayed several reports stating that Tottenham’s scouts have made trips to Brazil to watch Vasco Da Gama winger Rayan.

The teenager is thought to have a release clause of €40m (£34.3m) in his contract, but it has emerged over recent days that Spurs could face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Brighton for Rayan’s signature.

Some sources have said that Tottenham have done groundwork on securing a work permit for Rayan ahead of a potential January transfer.

Vasco Da Gama make a decision on Tottenham target Rayan

Portuguese newspaper O Dia has now handed the Lilywhites a boost by revealing what the latest stance of the Brazilian club is on the 19-year-old.

The report says that Vasco now expects the winger to leave at the end of the calendar year as the interest in his services grows.

In fact, the outlet claims that they have already started planning for next season without Rayan and have set out the financial framework for a deal in January.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is asserted that Vasco are ready to listen to offers starting at €30m (£25.7m), but some sources believe that a deal can be completed at €20m (£17.1m) plus another €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related bonuses

Contrary claim made about Vasco’s stance on Spurs target Rayan

However, the information in the above report has been contradicted by journalist Jorge Nicola on his YouTube channel.

Nicola says Vasco president Pedrinho is working on a new contract renewal for Rayan to prevent Spurs and other European clubs from poaching the winger.

Vasco aim to extend the teenager’s contract and intend to increase his release clause from €40m (£34.3m) to between €50m (£43.5m) and €60m (£52.2m).

The Brazilian club are allegedly prepared to make the Tottenham Hotspur target their highest earner to prevent him from leaving during the upcoming transfer window.

Nicola adds that Spurs and several other European clubs would be ready to pay €30m (£25.7m) for Rayan.

One Tottenham defender is outperforming every other player in his position across the Premier League in two very important metrics.

Several Tottenham Hotspur stars have received plenty of plaudits in light of the start they have made to the season.

New signing Mohammed Kudus has been praised to the high heavens, and he has certainly deserved that, having arguably been the best winger across the Premier League.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have also received plenty of plaudits in light of Tottenham’s defensive solidity, with the Lilywhites currently boasting the joint-best defensive record across the division.

Underrated Tottenham star is quietly posting sensational numbers

However, one man whose performances have gone under the radar despite starting almost every Premier League game and starring in most of them is Pedro Porro.

Spurs Web has already relayed numbers which show that Porro is near the top of the tree for progressive carries, progressive passes, possessions won, and aerial duels won.

DataMB have now plotted Premier League full-backs for crosses per 90 minutes and long passes per 90 minutes in the same graph, and the figure shows that no one even comes close to the Spain international.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Additionally, they also reveal that no full-back in any of Europe’s top seven leagues has more passes to the penalty box, crosses to the goalkeeper’s box, or through passes completed so far this season.

Porro’s assist numbers for Spurs show he is as good as Trent Alexander-Arnold

The Tottenham man does not seem to get the credit he deserves for the attacking output he delivers consistently.

In fact, Porro’s assist numbers over the past two seasons show that he is Tottenham’s answer to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Luka Vuskovic continues to stack up crazy numbers during his loan spell at Hamburg, and the latest metric shared by DataMB shows that Tottenham have signed a freak of nature.

The hype surrounding Vuskovic was already high before the start of this season, and it has now reached fever pitch in light of how he has started his loan spell in the Bundesliga.

The Spurs youngster has already broken an astonishing five-year record, having won more aerial duels in a single game than any other centre-back across Europe’s top five leagues.

Vuskovic ranks number one in several key defensive metrics among centre-backs across the Bundesliga, with the 18-year-old already showing that he is one of the best in his position.

The latest figures shared by DataMD just further reiterate that point, showing that the teenager is very much in a league of his own.

Tottenham fans will love the latest graph on Luka Vuskovic’s stats

DataMB have now plotted the defensive carries per 90 minutes and aerial duels won per 90 minutes in a single graph for the centre-backs under 23 years of age across Europe’s top five leagues.

To say that Vuskovic is better than everyone else would be a massive understatement, as the graph below shows.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Tottenham Hotspur man occupies a territory by himself in the top right-hand corner of the graph, comfortably outperforming other defenders in both metrics.

This graph shows Vuskovic has another major string to his bow

While most Spurs fans are aware of just how dominant the Croat is in duels, this graph highlights the fact that he is also excellent with the ball at his feet.

For a man of such physical stature to rank so high in progressive carries is very surprising and shows that the defender offers a lot on the ball.