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Thomas Frank has shed light on the absence of one of his midfielders in Tottenham’s Premier League opener, raising questions over what comes next for the player.

Thomas Frank would have been more than pleased with how his Tottenham Hotspur side began their Premier League campaign, brushing aside newly promoted Burnley with a convincing 3-0 victory.

A brace from Richarlison, alongside a composed finish from last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson, provided Spurs with the cutting edge they needed, while a clean sheet wrapped up what was a dominant display from start to finish.

However, while the performance ticked many boxes for Frank, there was the notable absence of one midfielder on the day.

Yves Bissouma had already faced disciplinary measures earlier this month after arriving late for training, which led to his exclusion from the UEFA Super Cup squad as punishment.

Frank revealed that the issue had been dealt with and that he fully expected Bissouma to return to the bench against Burnley, only for the midfielder to remain absent once more.

Speaking after the win, Frank clarified the situation, explaining (football.london): “Unfortunately, he got injured in training yesterday. We need to look into how much it is.”

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Tottenham injuries pile up after Bissouma setback

The latest setback for Bissouma adds further strain on Frank’s squad, which is already coping with several injuries so early in the season.

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are both sidelined with long-term problems, leaving Spurs light in attacking midfield and forcing Frank into tactical adjustments.

Defensively, Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie and youngster Kota Takai remain unavailable, stretching Tottenham’s options even further, though there is still hope that the summer transfer window could provide some much-needed reinforcements.

There has been another twist in Tottenham’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze, which suggests that Spurs are not close to clinching a deal for the attacking midfielder.

Saturday was a good day for Spurs fans in more ways than one, as not only did Thomas Frank win his first Premier League game in charge of the club in style, but some big transfer developments were also reported.

A number of sources claimed yesterday that Tottenham had agreed personal terms with Eze and were pushing forward with negotiations over Crystal Palace.

Some reports even claimed that Eze may not feature for Palace against Chelsea as he is close to completing a switch to N17.

However, The Times have now revealed that the England international will start the Eagles’ Premier League season opener at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Despite ‘firm interest’ from Tottenham, which initially put the attacking midfielder’s participation in today’s game in doubt, he is expected to feature for the Eagles in West London.

The report adds that Tottenham Hotspur are yet to make an offer for the former QPR man, but they believe they can land the player for a fee of around £55m.

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This information has also been backed up by The Athletic’s David Onstein, who says that the Tottenham target will play for Oliver Glasner’s men in their first league game of the season.

He reveals that Spurs’ pursuit of Eze is ongoing, but the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement.

Ornstein adds that the South London club have already started their search for a replacement for their star man.

Tottenham are pushing to sign Eberechi Eze once again, and Oliver Glasner has now opened up on the forward’s future ahead of a crucial weekend of Premier League action.

Tottenham Hotspur are now firmly back in the race for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze this summer as they look to strengthen their attacking options in the coming weeks.

The Lilywhites are expected to face competition from Arsenal for the Palace man’s signature, although it is understood that Eze remains open to a move to Tottenham should the right offer arrive.

It emerged yesterday that a formal bid from Spurs is imminent for Eberechi Eze, who is protected by a £68 million release clause set to expire this Friday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Palace manager Oliver Glasner was asked directly about the future of Eze, with speculation over a possible switch to Spurs growing louder in recent days.

The Palace boss made it clear that his focus, along with his squad’s, is firmly on Sunday’s game rather than the noise around transfer talk.

Premier League football returns this weekend with Crystal Palace gearing up for a London derby against Chelsea, fresh from their Community Shield triumph over last season’s Premier League champions Liverpool.

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Oliver Glasner refused to give much away regarding recent speculation, telling reporters via Palace’s official channels about Eze and Guehi: “They are preparing in the best way for the Chelsea game on Sunday afternoon.”

However, it is now said that Eberechi Eze is unlikely to play against Chelsea as he pushes for his Tottenham Hotspur transfer. Glasner may want the Palace midfielder to take part, but he may not get what he wants as Spurs edge closer to a deal.

Tottenham Hotspur remain in contention for not only Eze but also Manchester City’s Savinho, who they have identified as another wide attacking option this summer.

The Brazilian, much like Eze, is believed to be interested in a move to Spurs, with City boss Pep Guardiola addressing the recent speculation over Savinho’s future.

Guardiola told reporters: “The only thing I am concerned about today is that Savinho will be with us until all the season, and hopefully for many, many years.

“He is extraordinary! But at the end, as always, the desire of the player prevails above everything, and after there has to be an agreement with the club. If you do not take an agreement, the player will be here.”

With time ticking in the summer transfer window, all eyes would be on Tottenham as they look to splash cash on two marquee signings.

Tottenham Hotspur begin their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over newly promoted side Burnley, as a brace by Richarlison and a goal by Brennan Johnson were enough to seal three points for the home side.

This was the first Premier League game in charge for Thomas Frank as head coach of Tottenham and it was a statement win. Fans badly needed a lift after last week’s narrow Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and the players delivered.

The Dane made three changes from that loss, reverting to a back four as Brennan Johnson came in for Kevin Danso. Teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall also got the nod, stepping in for the fatigued Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur.

First half: Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

The game kicked off with real intent from the home side. Within 25 seconds, Mohammed Kudus slipped Lucas Bergvall through, only for Dubravka to deny the teenager’s sliding effort.

Spurs didn’t have to wait long for the breakthrough, though. Ten minutes in, Kudus did brilliantly down the right before cutting a low ball into the box. Richarlison met it first time with a half-volley into the bottom corner. His first touch of the match, and that was some way to announce himself this season.

Burnley, as expected, sat in a stubborn low block, making Spurs work for every opening. Tottenham had over 70% possession in the first half, but chances were scarce. The visitors eventually grew into the game, Josh Laurent testing Guglielmo Vicario from range before Kyle Walker sent a strike high into the stands.

For a brief five-minute spell, Burnley actually created more efforts than Spurs, but Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Vicario were alert to any danger.

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Spurs tried to regain control before the break. Richarlison and Bergvall linked up neatly to release Kudus, whose cross found Djed Spence. Unfortunately, the right-back sent his shot into the away end.

Just before half-time, Laurent’s deflected drive forced an awkward stop from Vicario, but Tottenham held on to take their lead into the break.

Second half: Tottenham 3-0 Burnley

The second half was far livelier. Just three minutes in, Van de Ven powered a header narrowly over from a Kudus corner. Moments later, Johnson picked out Richarlison in the area, but the Brazilian saw his first shot blocked and then his follow-up saved by Dubravka.

Burnley then wasted two golden chances of their own. Hannibal seemed to be clean through but hesitated, allowing Pape Matar Sarr to recover. Soon after, Foster squared for Anthony, but his tame effort was comfortably dealt with by Vicario.

However, that was enough to let Tottenham know that a one-goal margin was too little, so they immediately doubled their lead. Kudus again whipped in a teasing ball from the right, but this time it sat awkwardly behind Richarlison.

Regardless, Spurs’ No. 9 twisted acrobatically to scissor-kick it past Dubravka, instantly bringing back memories of his famous 2022 World Cup strike. Spurs already have a contender for the goal of the season.

Just five minutes later, Tottenham made it 3. Richarlison held the ball up smartly before Sarr threaded an inch-perfect pass into Johnson’s run. The Welshman took two incredible touches: one to evade his marker and the other to chip past Dubravka.

Burnley tried to respond, Ugochukwu blasting just over from distance, but Spurs kept control. Late on, substitutes Dominic Solanke and Spence both went close, but by then the result was long settled.

The numbers told the story at full-time: Tottenham 2.33 xG to Burnley’s 1.1, 30 total shots in an open contest, and most importantly for Frank, a clean sheet to start the league season.

What’s next for Tottenham?

It was a performance that would have pleased everyone at Spurs. After failing to win their opening game in each of the last two seasons, getting three points on the board early feels massive.

Mohammed Kudus already looks like a bargain; his quality is undeniable. Neither of Richarlison’s goals would have existed without him, and neither of Kudus’ assists would have been possible without the Brazilian’s ruthless finishing. That partnership could be key for Spurs this season.

We had actually lined up an awkward conversation about Johnson on the left flank, but his well-taken goal probably changed the tone. He may not be the perfect winger, but if he keeps scoring and avoids costly turnovers, Spurs will be fine.

Still, the squad looks a touch short in creativity. Bergvall and Sarr impressed today, but against tougher opponents, Frank may crave a natural playmaker. Someone like Eberechi Eze would tick all the boxes.

Speaking of tougher opponents, Tottenham play Man City next Saturday at the Etihad.

Gabby Agbonhalor believes that Tottenham Hotspur would be getting a steal if they manage to sign their top target for the price being reported in the media.

Tottenham fans are understandably excited over the developments over the last few days, with reports now indicating that an opening offer from Spurs for Eze is inevitable.

Spurs fans have been crying out for the club to sign a top-class number 10 following James Maddison’s injury, and there is no doubt that the Crystal Palace man’s signing would be a huge statement of intent by the Lilywhites.

According to reports, Eze has made it clear to Crystal Palace that he wants to join Tottenham, with the North Londoners thus having a great opportunity in the final weeks of the window.

Gabby Agbonhalor makes a £95m claim about Eze

Agbonlahor has claimed that a creative player like Eze is exactly what Tottenham were missing in the final third in their Super Cup defeat on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.

It has been reported that Crystal Palace want £68m for Eze, which would be a club-record fee for Spurs if they paid it, but Agbonlahor believes that it would still make the 27-year-old a bargain signing for Thomas Frank’s men.

The former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT: “That’s the only thing they were missing last night (Eze), because you can play that formation, but you can’t play the same formation and personnel when you’re probably playing a lesser team.

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“You only had Richarlison and Kudus, I know you had Solanke on the bench to come on, Tel, who I’m not sure about – but they need a number 10, someone who’s going to open up defences, get on the ball and make things happen.

“I mean, when you look at Cunha and Mbeumo, it’s similar fees (to Eze), Kudus was £55m, I just look at Eze, I think he’s worth like £90/95m, never mind £68m.”

Agbonlahor expects Eberechi Eze to be a Tottenham player

According to reports, Palace’s asking price has not put off Tottenham, who are pressing forward with talks over a deal for the England international.

In fact, it has been claimed by some sources that Spurs are inching closer to striking a deal with Palace for Eze, and Agbonlahor is sure that the former QPR will be a Tottenham player by the end of the transfer window.

Reacting to the transfer rumours, the pundit added: “Something must be going on, can they agree personal terms first before they put a bid in? That normally happens.

“But if they were in for Morgan Gibbs-White, that would have been similar money, so I don’t see any reason why not. They’ve got the money available, I’m sure it will happen, it wouldn’t surprise me in the next couple of weeks that he does go to Spurs.”

Tottenham Hotspur have now confirmed their Premier League squad numbers for the 2025/26 campaign, with new signings handed their shirts.

The Premier League campaign has already begun with Liverpool showing their intent once again after seeing off Bournemouth 4-2 in an entertaining curtain-raiser, proving that they have no plans of loosening their grip on the title race this season.

Tottenham will now need to prove they are far better equipped in their opening fixture against Burnley if they are to keep pace with the league’s frontrunners, and with expectations high, all eyes will be on how Thomas Frank sets his side up.

There has already been plenty of movement through the doors at Hotspur Way this summer, with five new arrivals joining the Lilywhites, and before a ball has even been kicked, Tottenham have confirmed their squad numbers for the season ahead.

Tottenham confirm 2025/26 Premier League squad numbers

Tottenham Hotspur have officially released the full list of squad numbers for the new Premier League season, with some notable changes.

We have since reported that Radu Dragusin has vacated the number six shirt to make way for new signing Joao Palhinha, and that has been confirmed in the official squad numbers, with the Romanian now taking up number three instead.

Mohammed Kudus retains the number 20 shirt, a number once famously worn by Dele Alli, while teenager Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai have been given numbers 16 and 25, respectively.

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Interestingly, the number 7 remains vacant after Heung-min Son’s departure, while numbers 2 and 5 are also empty.

Below is the full list of Tottenham’s confirmed shirt numbers for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign:

Tottenham transfer plans remain active

The summer transfer window is still very much open and Tottenham are expected to remain busy in the market as Thomas Frank looks to shape his squad further.

Eberechi Eze continues to be heavily linked with a move to North London, and a deal could still materialise should Spurs find an agreement with Crystal Palace for the attacking midfielder.

Savinho is another player Spurs are monitoring, with the youngster himself understood to be keen on the switch. Pep Guardiola has admitted that although Manchester City would prefer to keep Savinho, if Tottenham meet City’s demands, he would not stand in Savinho’s way.

Fabrizio Romano has delivered a fresh update on Savinho after Pep Guardiola’s recent comments, as Tottenham continue their pursuit of the 21-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur have already completed five signings in this transfer window, yet they remain short in some areas of their squad, and the imbalance has been obvious in pre-season.

The attacking midfield role has been an issue for some time, with Morgan Gibbs White initially identified as the preferred option, but that move collapsed after talks broke down.

Focus has since shifted to other names, with Eberechi Eze considered as an option in the number 10 role. At the same time, the departure of Heung-min Son has also pushed Tottenham towards strengthening out wide, with Manchester City’s Savinho quickly becoming a prime candidate.

Ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Wolves, Pep Guardiola was asked about Savinho’s absence and his links to Tottenham. The City boss explained that the Brazilian winger was unavailable due to injury, but did not close the door entirely on the transfer speculation.

Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update of his own, making it clear that despite Guardiola’s comments, Tottenham remain locked in talks with City for Savinho and continue to view him as their top target in this window.

The journalist also highlighted a recent Instagram story posted by Savinho, showing the winger working out in the gym just hours after Guardiola had insisted he was sidelined.

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Spurs bid rejected as Savinho deal drags on

Although Guardiola publicly stated that City would love to keep Savinho for many years to come, he also admitted that any club wishing to sign him must be prepared to meet City’s valuation.

Reports have suggested that Tottenham submitted a £42 million bid for Savinho, but this was turned down by City, who feel the offer falls short of their asking price.

Talks remain ongoing, and with Savinho himself open to the move, this is beginning to feel like a deal that is Tottenham’s to lose. The outcome is likely to hinge on whether Spurs are prepared to increase their bid to match City’s demands.

Thomas Frank has provided a key update on Tottenham winger Manor Solomon as the Israeli international works his way back from injury.

While much of the focus this summer has been on Tottenham Hotspur securing reinforcements for their squad, there is also a clear need for a few exits before the window closes.

For some time now, it has been widely expected that one player who could depart Spurs is Manor Solomon, who spent last season on loan at Leeds United, where he delivered a string of standout performances.

The Israeli international scored a decisive goal against Plymouth Argyle, which sealed the Championship title for Daniel Farke’s men, and across the campaign, Solomon also registered 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 appearances, making him one of the more influential players in the division.

Speaking to football.london, Thomas Frank delivered an update on Manor Solomon ahead of the new season.

The winger has been sidelined with injury and was not involved in Spurs’ pre-season preparations, but is edging his way back into the picture. In his press conference, Frank revealed that Solomon is fit again while stressing that the player remains part of his plans.

He said: “Every player that is here is part of the plans. Manor is just back from his injury, in terms of being on the pitch he had a part training with the team yesterday, so hopefully he can progress after that.”

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It will be interesting to see whether Manor Solomon carves out a role in the Tottenham squad this season, particularly with the club intent on strengthening the attacking positions.

Eberechi Eze has been strongly linked with Tottenham, a player capable of operating on the left flank or centrally as a number ten, while Savinho is also on Spurs’ radar and offers versatility across either wing.

Of course, should Tottenham secure both Eze and Savinho, it would be a considerable uphill battle for Solomon to get into Frank’s side.

With just over two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham look to move Solomon on permanently or keep him within the squad.

Interest in him has not been short, with Marseille, Leeds and Everton all previously registering admiration for his services.

Amidst reports that Tottenham Hotspur are pressing forward with a move for Eberechi Eze, Alasdair Gold has revealed one factor that put off the North London club from signing the Crystal Palace star in the past.

There are some players whom Tottenham Hotspur are reliably linked with almost every transfer window, but the club never end up signing.

Leandro Damio and Wilfried Zaha are perhaps the most famous examples of those, and it appeared like Eze was very much set to join the list, with the attacking midfielder being linked with a move to N17 in each one of the last few transfer windows.

However, it now finally looks like we may see him in a Lilywhite shirt, with reports indicating Tottenham are inching closer to agreeing a deal for Eze.

Why Tottenham decided against signing Eberechi Eze in the past

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has now revealed that while Tottenham have seriously looked at the Palace star in the past, they had one major doubt about him.

Analysts at the club are said to have raised questions about Eze’s physical data. While the Eagles star’s ability on the ball was never in doubt, his numbers suggest that he covers less ground than others in his position.

However, Gold adds that that may have been down to other factors, such as the system he played in or the injuries he suffered.

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The journalist also points out that Eze might have answered some of those question marks over the last 18 months, as Oliver Glasner’s system requires the players to do a lot of off-the-ball running.

Eze was not Thomas Frank’s top target for the number ten role

It is no secret that Tottenham wanted to land Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer, with the transfer collapsing under strange circumstances.

Gold reveals that Gibbs-White was seen as the ‘perfect fit’ for Thomas Frank’s system, partly because of his impressive running states.

However, the journalist adds that Eze will bring some versatility that the Forest star lacks since the 27-year-old is also able to play out wide.

Alasdair Gold has revealed Fabio Paratici was in attendance at Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, and the Italian was spotted doing something very interesting at half-time.

While Spurs were going toe-to-toe with Paris Saint-Germain at the Blueenergy Stadium, there was heavy speculation linking Savinho and Eberechi Eze with moves to Tottenham.

The Spurs top brass, barring Daniel Levy, were in attendance during the final as they watched the Lilywhites snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and throw away their chance to lift a second European trophy in the space of three months.

Thomas Frank has said that he was delighted with the mentality his players showed against PSG. However, one can argue that it was the lack of squad depth that let the Dane down, with the substitutes who came on not having the desired impact for the Lilywhites.

What Fabio Paratici was doing during Tottenham’s Super Cup clash

The game against PSG perhaps showed that Tottenham need more reinforcements, especially in attack, and it turns out that Paratici may have been working on potential deals during half-time.

It has been revealed by Football.London’s Alasdair Gold that the club’s technical director, Johan Lange, and Paratici were sitting next to each other during the game.

He explains that while the Dane went down into the stadium at half-time, the Italian remained in his seat and was deep in conversation with his phone to his ear. That potentially suggests that the 53-year-old was working on some deals during the final.

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Paratici is expected to return to Spurs in an official role

Gold confirms what has been reported by other sources over recent weeks by stating that Paratici’s contract as a consultant with Tottenham Hotspur finished at the end of this month.

He reveals that the former Juventus director is expected to return to Spurs in a more official capacity once the contract runs out.