Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur will take on Burnley in their first match of the 2025/26 Premier League season, but how will Thomas Frank’s starting line-up look?

There are less than two months to go until Tottenham get their first Premier League campaign underway with new manager Thomas Frank at the helm.

Spurs will begin the new season as the last one ended, appearing in front of their home support at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They will be hoping for a better result after losing 4-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the league season.

Burnley will take on Tottenham on the opening day of the season. Despite being pipped to the Championship title by Leeds United on goal difference, Scott Parker’s men set the record for the fewest goals ever conceded in the division, as well as the most consecutive clean sheets.

How Tottenham Hotspur could line up against Burnley

Spurs have already made two signings during the current transfer window. However, both players, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, had already been on loan since January.

Therefore, there are no new faces in the Tottenham first-team squad. This is likely to change, as Frank looks to make the North London team his own.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Predicting a starting lineup for a game in mid-August is no easy task, but here is our best effort at taking an educated guess on Tottenham’s team to take on Burnley:

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

A recent report revealed Tottenham could offload Vicario, with the possibility of signing a new goalkeeper, or even promoting Antonin Kinsky to the starting lineup. Many Spurs supporters have reacted in favour of Vicario departing, as he has struggled to hit the heights of his early performances at the club.

However, Tottenham are not looking to sell Vicario, despite interest from AC Milan. At this point in time, Spurs have not been heavily linked with a new goalkeeper and it would be surprising to see Kinsky starting, so Vicario may well be the man between the sticks on August 16.

Right-back: Pedro Porro

Trying to decide whether Porro is a world-class right-back or a defensive disaster has not been easy. For much of last season, he was slammed for consistently positioning himself too far forward, leaving far too much space behind him for the opposition winger.

However, Porro has shown that when he gets his positioning right, he is actually a competent defender. As well as this, he is a big asset in attack and the best crosser of the ball in Tottenham’s team. It has been a while since the Spaniard was linked with a move away from Spurs and so there is every reason to believe he will continue to start under Frank.

Centre-back: Mario Gila

Diego Simeone has said he wants to sign Cristian Romero and this is unsurprising considering how many sources believe he is on his way to Atletico Madrid. A replacement may well be needed and Fabio Paratici wants Spurs to sign Mario Gila.

Signing him may be difficult, as Gila has a good relationship with Maurizio Sarri. However, when Paratici wants someone, he is usually successful in his pursuit. The Italian was one of the key men behind bringing Romero to Hotspur Way and he could be the one to secure his replacement.

Centre-back: Micky van de Ven

The only reason the Flying Dutchman will not start Tottenham’s opening Premier League fixture is if he is injured, which, based on last season, could well be the case. However, if he is fit, starting van de Ven is a no-brainer. His athleticism and rock-solid defending is a joy to behold and there is no way he will be demoted to the bench.

Left-back: Destiny Udogie

Last season had its ups and downs for Udogie. It seemed as though Djed Spence might become the first-choice left-back under Ange Postecoglou, but it was the Italian who had a strong end to the campaign and started in the Europa League final.

Spurs may consider signing a new full-back this summer, but there is little evidence at this point to suggest Udogie will not be the first choice next season.

Central midfielder: Rodrigo Bentancur

Predicting who will start as a deeper-lying midfielder is not easy, because there have been far more transfer rumours focusing on further up the pitch. With this in mind, Bentancur may keep his place in Tottenham’s Premier League starting lineup.

The 27-year-old is currently the best holding midfielder at Spurs. Truth be told, he looked better under Antonio Conte than Postecoglou, as he was given more positional freedom. However, if recent transfer speculation is true, he is likely to continue playing as more of a pivot player. This is because Spurs are looking to bring in at least one attacking midfielder.

Despite this, there remains a chance Frank will favour Lucas Bergvall over Bentancur. The youngster is not as good in defence and is prone to making the occasional key error, but on the whole, he is an exceptional talent, considering his age.

Attacking midfielder: James Maddison

If there were a line diagram to measure Maddison’s performances since making the switch from Leicester to Tottenham, it would be all over the place. He started brilliantly, but picked up an injury and struggled to get back to his best.

However, last season he was tied with Heung-min Son for most Spurs Premier League goal contributions. Also, Maddison took on a deeper role later in the campaign, which helped him stay involved in matches. He still has plenty to offer Tottenham and it is likely he will at the very least be in with a shout of starting during the next term.

Attacking midfielder: Eberechi Eze

Things seem to have gone a little quiet on the Eze front. He has been linked with Tottenham this summer and Thomas Frank has urged Spurs to sign Eze if Bryan Mbeumo joins Manchester United. While capable of playing on the wing, Frank could attempt to fit him into his system as an attacking midfielder.

Eze scored both goals when Crystal Palace defeated Spurs 2-0 last month and has a release clause of £68m. There is no guarantee he will join Tottenham, but he will be a top signing if he does.

Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski

Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham. The 24-year-old has mainly been playing as part of a front two, but under Frank, he would be more likely to start on the wing. However, West Ham want to sell Kudus to a Saudi Arabian club, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in him, making a move less likely.

Therefore, Kulusevski may retain his spot in Tottenham’s starting XI. He was the standout player for Spurs in the first half of last season, but he struggled to get going in the second. If he can revive his form, there is every chance the Swede will excel under his new boss.

Striker: Dominic Solanke

Solanke’s first season at Tottenham was fairly mixed. He was consistently good in his hold-up play and really in most areas, other than in front of goal. Nine goals and three assists in the Premier League is not what you expect from a club record signing.

However, the fact Spurs spent so much on Solanke, and also Richarlison a few years ago, could mean they will be reluctant to splash the cash on yet another striker. Perhaps under a new manager, Solanke will hit the heights he reached at Bournemouth.

Left-wing: Antoine Semenyo

Solanke only spent one season with Semenyo at Bournemouth, but the pair could soon be reunited. Tottenham have hatched a plan to sign Semenyo, although bringing him to North London could mean breaking the club’s transfer record for the second consecutive season.

The winger registered 11 goals and five assists in the league last season and even though we will not be cheap, Spurs could break the bank to secure him.

Should Spurs fail to sign Semenyo, Tel is another option to play on the left flank, while there is no confirmation yet of Son departing the club.

Amidst reports that Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their pursuit of Arnaud Kalimuendo, a fresh update has now revealed what Stade Rennais have decided about the striker’s future.

With reports indicating that Tottenham are expected to cash in on Richarlison this summer, one would expect Thomas Frank’s men to be in the market for a striker to offer competition to Dominic Solanke.

It emerged a couple of days ago that Spurs have stepped up their pursuit of Kalimuendo, who is coming off a prolific season in Ligue 1, which saw him find the back of the net 18 times.

The update claimed that while Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United had also expressed an interest in the 23-year-old, it is Tottenham Hotspur who had stepped ahead with talks over a summer deal for the player.

Stade Rennais make Kalimuendo transfer decision

Ouest-France have now become the latest to report on Spurs’ interest in the prolific Frenchman.

The outlet says that Tottenham are ‘hot’ for the frontman as the Lilywhites look to add more firepower to their attack ahead of their return to the Champions League.

The report confirms that Spurs have spoken to Kalimuendo’s representatives, but interestingly, it is asserted that they are not the only ones to do so.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Most consequentially, the publication asserts that Rennes are trying to trim their squad and are in favour of sanctioning the centre-forward’s sale, which comes as a massive boost to the North Londoners.

How much will Arnaud Kalimuendo cost Tottenham?

Ouest-France say that Tottenham have competition from one unnamed club for the Ligue 1 star, with the duo currently fighting it out for the player’s services.

The report asserts that Rennes have made it clear to Spurs and Kalimuendo’s other suitors that they expect more than €30m (£25.6m) for the youngster.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been installed as the favourites to land a Brazilian defender after Barcelona pulled out of the race for the player.

Right-back is one area where Tottenham Hotspur are very well stocked, with Thomas Frank able to call on the services of Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Archie Gray.

That is why a few Spurs fans would have raised their eyebrows when it emerged that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Monaco right-back Vanderson.

It was claimed earlier this week that the Lilywhites are locked in a transfer battle with Barcelona for Vanderson, but a major development has given the Premier League side an upper hand in the transfer race.

Barcelona have pulled out of the race for Vanderson

A report in Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness) titled: ‘Tottenham go for Vanderson’ has suggested that the race for the Brazilian has now swung firmly in Spurs’ favour.

The outlet says that Barca initially wanted to sign a right-back when Jules Kounde was injured last season and had their eye on the Monaco man.

However, given how well Eric Garcia performed in that role last season, Hansi Flick’s men have decided against signing a right-back, and have abandoned their pursuit of Vanderson.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The report claims that the 23-year-old was keen on a move to Camp Nou, but now looks destined for the Premier League, with Spurs and Liverpool registering an interest in the player.

Monaco expect Tottenham to meet Vanderson asking price

However, Sport point out that the Reds are no longer expected to pursue the Ligue 1 star after completing a deal to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.

As a result, Tottenham have moved to the front of the queue to land Vanderson, with the Lilywhites ‘best placed’ to complete the deal.

It is asserted that Monaco want €35m (£30m) for the right-back and they are ‘convinced that Spurs will meet their request’.

A new update from Germany has revealed that the race to land Xavi Simons is now heating up, with Tottenham Hotspur right in the thick of it. However, the Lilywhites will not only have to battle Premier League rivals for the player but also a European giant.

It remains to be seen who Spurs add to their squad as they embark on an extremely challenging first season under Thomas Frank, punctuated by the return of Champions League football to N17.

Frank is allegedly prioritising strengthening Tottenham’s attack this summer, and it has been reported that Spurs may signal their ambition by making an audacious move for Xavi Simons.

It was claimed by journalist Ben Jacobs a couple of days ago that Tottenham are still contemplating whether to push ahead with an offer for Simons, and a new update has suggested that the North Londoners will have to act fast to land the 22-year-old.

Tottenham’s list of Xavi Simons rivals is growing by the day

According to a report in Sport Bild (as relayed by Sport Witness) the race for the versatile attacking midfielder is now heating up.

The report says Simons is one of the standout candidates for a sale at Leipzig this summer after the Bundesliga side failed to qualify for Europe.

However, Tottenham Hotspur are facing competition from Newcastle United, Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona, all of whom are keen on securing the youngster’s services.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The outlet claims that Leipzig want at least €70m (£60m) to part ways with Simons and the player’s representatives are currently talking to a few clubs, including Barcelona.

Simons has decided what he wants to do this summer

While it is unclear at the moment where the Dutchman will end up, what appears certain is that he will leave the Red Bull Arena this summer.

Several sources have claimed over recent days that Simons has informed Leipzig that he wants a new challenge this summer.

Tottenham thus have a great opportunity to show that they mean business by breaking the bank for the versatile attacker, who scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 25 league outings last season.

An expert has made a big claim about the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium while assessing the club’s attractiveness to potential investors, suggesting that Daniel Levy may be leaving a whopping £375m on the table.

Tottenham Hotspur moved into their new billion-pound stadium back in April of 2019, but more than six years on, the club still have not found a naming rights partner for the venue.

Reports over recent months have claimed that Tottenham have had conversations with Amazon, Google, and DHL regarding a long-term deal.

Some sources have even claimed that Daniel Levy has already rejected multiple naming rights offers, with the Spurs chairman said to be holding out for a lucrative agreement.

Tottenham backed to complete £375m deal for their stadium

While assessing the attractiveness of Spurs for potential investors, Nic Hamer from Oakwell Sports Advisory has made a big claim to The Telegraph about the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He points out that the stadium is designed as a multi-use venue to increase its revenue-generating potential, thus making the club a very lucrative investment.

He suggests that the 62,850-capacity venue could generate nearly £25m per year with a naming rights partner and suggests the North London club may be looking for a 15-year agreement worth £375m.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Additionally, Hamer suggests that any prospective buyer of Tottenham may also consider naming the stadium after their own company or business.

Why is Daniel Levy not in a hurry to secure a naming rights partner?

Tottenham’s lack of urgency in securing a naming rights agreement might be perplexing to some, especially considering that Everton have already found a naming rights partner even before moving into their new stadium.

However, the point Hamer makes about prospective buyers of Tottenham having the option of naming the venue after their business is a very interesting one.

It is an open secret that Spurs are now on the market and perhaps Levy and ENIC feel that including the stadium’s naming rights to any sale may help further boost the club’s valuation.

It could also be that Levy simply feels that the use of the generic name accrues benefits to the club’s brand, particularly when the venue hosts high-profile events like the NFL.

Henry Winter, the former chief football writer for The Times, has revealed that he expected Marcus Rashford to head to Tottenham Hotspur this summer but explained why the move might not be on the cards any longer.

Some outlets have claimed over recent months that Tottenham are plotting a move to sign Marcus Rashford, who excelled on loan at Aston Villa in the second half of last season.

According to some sources, Man United are ready to sell Rashford for £40m this summer after Rubem Amorim made it clear that the forward is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

A couple of days ago, CaughtOffside claimed that Thomas Frank’s men could push ahead with a move for Rashford after he showed a desire to take a pay cut, thus potentially putting him within Tottenham’s wage structure.

Tottenham decision puts Marcus Rashford move in doubt

Henry Winter has now revealed that he expected the Lilywhites to make a move for the Man United man, suggesting that he could have been the heir to Heung-min Son on the left.

However, now that Tottenham have secured the permanent signing of Mathys Tel, the journalist suggested that a move for the England international may no longer be on the cards.

Winter said on Sky Sports Transfer Talk: “I always thought that if he was going to stay in England, that he would go to a club like Tottenham Hotspur, but they’ve got Mathys Tel who’s playing out there because Heung-Min Son’s sort of powers are fading and Rashford would have been very good on the left.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs prioritising other Premier League forwards over Rashford

Over the last week, Tottenham have been battling Man United for Bryan Mbeumo, although the Red Devils are currently thought to be the front-runners to land the Brentford star.

It has also emerged over the last few days that Spurs have stepped up their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, with the Lilywhites alleged to be big fans of the Bournemouth man.

A Tottenham academy graduate, who left Hotspur Way last summer, is attracting plenty of transfer interest ahead of the new season and is expected to be the subject of a major transfer battle.

While several of Tottenham’s young players thrived under Ange Postecoglou, one academy graduate never featured at all under the Australian.

Japhet Tanganga was first shipped off on loan to Augsburg and then to Millwall in Postecoglou’s first season in charge, and the defender completed a permanent move to the Lions last summer.

Some fans may remember that Jose Mourinho was a big fan of Tanganga during his time in North London as the young centre-back broke his way into the first-team set-up.

The centre-back had an exceptional 2024-25 campaign at the Den, being voted the club’s Player of the Season, and it emerged last week that Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland are all eyeing a move for Tanganga ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Crystal Palace enter the race to sign Japhet Tanganga

According to some sources, a clause in Tanganga’s contract allows him to be signed for just £2m by top-flight sides, which is what is piquing the interest of newly promoted clubs.

The Guardian have now confirmed that both Leeds and Sunderland are keen on landing the former Tottenham man as they look to add Premier League experience to their squad.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, the outlet says that they will have to fend off competition from Crystal Palace, with Oliver Glasner’s men now plotting a move for the versatile 25-year-old.

It thus appears we are likely to see the former Tottenham Hotspur man back in the Premier League next as the race for his signature heats up, with the only question being where he will end up.

Shou Tottenham to consider re-signing Tanganga

It has been well-documented that Tottenham are short of homegrown options in their squad, with the Lilywhites expected to address that situation this summer.

With Tanganga counting as both homegrown and club-trained, his addition as a squad player would thus come as a boost to Spurs ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Additionally, Thomas Frank is no stranger to using a back three, which is a formation that suits the Millwall defender’s attributes, with the 25-year-old potentially an option to play on the right side.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move to sign Jacob Ramsey this summer and a new report has shed light on why Spurs may wait until the end of this month before testing Aston Villa’s resolve with an offer.

Tottenham are expected to flex their financial muscle this summer as they aim to give Thomas Frank the resources he needs to cope with the Premier League and the Champions League.

Spurs are short of homegrown players in their squad, which is perhaps why the Lilywhites have predominantly been linked with English players over recent weeks.

It was reported a couple of days ago that Tottenham are ready to pounce on Jacob Ramsey after Aston Villa put him on the shop window to offset their losses and ensure that they do not fall foul of PSR.

Why a Tottenham offer could be on its way for Jacob Ramsey

The Guardian have now become the latest outlet to credit Tottenham Hotspur with an interest in Ramsey, with the outlet confirming that Villa have decided to cash in on the midfielder.

The report claims that Unai Emery’s men want £40m for the 24-year-old, with the fee from his sale set to go down in their books as pure profit.

The Villans need to make the sale before the financial year ends on June 30, which is the deadline for the PSR calculations.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The outlet reveals that West Ham are also eyeing a move for Ramsey and both London clubs are expected to leave it as late as possible to make their bids in order to try to force the player’s price down.

Daniel Levy followed a similar playbook for two deals

Daniel Levy is no stranger to waiting until the PSR deadline to get favourable deals, having done so with multiple deals over recent years.

Tottenham took advantage of Nottingham Forest’s desperation to raise funds to sign Brennan Johnson in 2023, with the Lilywhites paying £47.5m for the winger.

Tottenham Hotspur have just been handed evidence that PSG are far from invincible ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash in August.

Thomas Frank faces a formidable start to tenure as Tottenham’s head coach, with his first competitive game in charge set to be the UEFA Super Cup clash in Udine against PSG on August 13.

Spurs fans are not too optimistic about their side’s chances against PSG, which is understandable, given how formidable Luis Enrique’s side looked in the Champions League last season.

Many might already be writing that game off, particularly after the French side humbled Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their Club World Cup opener, but one of the tournament’s minnows have now shown that Parisians are beatable.

Botafogo show Tottenham how to beat PSG in the Super Cup

The European champions took on Botafogo, who are currently 8th in the Brazilian Serie A, in their second group game of the Club World Cup, and Enrique’s men went into the game as overwhelming favourites.

Yet, Botafogo pulled off the tournament’s biggest upset to date, with Igor Jesus’s 36th-minute strike proving enough for them to get all three points.

The Brazilian outlet came away with a clean sheet against free-scoring PSG, and their celebrations at the final whistle showed just what the result meant to them.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Why Spurs have a huge advantage for Super Cup clash

This result is evidence that the PSG players are fatigued after a long and gruelling season. They are going to have even more mileage on their legs over the course of the Club World Cup, particularly if they get to the latter stages.

Additionally, a FIFA rule could mean that PSG could be severely understrength against Tottenham in the Super Cup clash.

Tottenham Hotspur are on the hunt to reinforce their midfield ranks this summer, and Ben Jacobs has exclusively told Spurs Web two players Thomas Frank and co are looking at.

Spurs have already undergone a summer of change after parting ways with Europa League-winning manager, Ange Postecoglou, and bringing in former Brentford boss, Thomas Frank.

We have also seen Ryan Mason leave Tottenham Hotspur for the West Brom job, and the likes of Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman and Timo Werner’s loan ended earlier this summer.

Mathys Tel became Tottenham’s first signing of the summer window last week, with the Lilywhites agreeing a discounted £29.6m fee with Bayern Munich – down from the previous £45m option to buy.

However, there is likely to be plenty more movement before the end of the window and midfield could be a particular area of focus for the Lilywhites.

Spurs need Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur decisions

Both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are into the final years of their Tottenham contracts. Bissouma has been linked with a move away from Spurs, while Bentancur could sign a new Tottenham Hotspur contract.

Ben Jacobs has exclusively informed Spurs Web that Tottenham Hotspur could be on the lookout for two types of midfielder this summer due to the formation change Thomas Frank will implement.

MORE SPURS STORIES

With the Dane likely to opt for the 4-3-3 we saw from Brentford last season, Jacobs says Frank will want a ‘high-energy and modern central or even attacking midfielder’, while a deep-lying mid could also arrive.

Xavi Simons has been linked with Tottenham of late as a potential attacking option, while Spurs are big fans of Sporting Lisbon’s all-action Morten Hjulmand.

Jacobs told Spurs Web that Tottenham are also big fans of Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana – who has only been with the Villans for a single season – while Genoa’s £17m-rated Morten Frendrup is also a target.

Onana played 34 times for Villa last season, impressing in both the Premier League and Champions League as a talented midfield enforcer. Frendrup represented Genoa 35 times in Serie A alone last time out and is known for his stamina, tenacity and composure.

Tottenham like Amadou Onana and Morten Frendrup

Ben Jacobs told Spurs Web: “Before touching on the midfield situation, I think it is important to note Thomas Frank’s favoured system is a 4-3-3, although he is tactically flexible.

“Spurs ideally want a high-energy and modern central or even attacking midfielder. The Xavi Simons links are genuine, and I get asked about it a lot, but there are plenty of other interested clubs and I don’t think Tottenham have really advanced anything yet. It may be they want a player with a bit more experience or Premier League games on their CV in that position.

“Key to anything progressing with Simons is also whether Leipzig hold out for €80m. From what I hear, that price might drop a little bit, since although Leipzig agreed a package worth that number to buy Simons from PSG, the guaranteed fee paid was closer to €50m.

“A deeper-lying midfielder could also arrive. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are both into the final years of their contracts. Spurs appreciate Amadou Onana, but he has only been at Aston Villa for a season, so nothing is likely to be possible unless Villa’s financial situation forces them to sanction an exit.

“Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup has also been discussed. But don’t forget, Thomas Frank is a big fan of Archie Gray and almost signed him for Brentford, only for Spurs – with a medical booked – to hijack the deal. I suspect we’ll see Gray used regularly as a six this season.”