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Former Everton and Manchester United forward, Louis Saha, has now made a bold 25/26 early-season Premier League title race prediction, and he believes Tottenham Hotspur could be among a select group of clubs battling it out for the title..

The Premier League season is only a few weeks away from kicking off, and every side, including Tottenham Hotspur, has a clear idea of who they are set to face on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign.

Tottenham begin the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a clash against newly promoted Burnley, before facing a stern early test against former champions Manchester City in matchday two – a mixed bag of fixtures that could quickly set the tone for the season.

However, with new boss Thomas Frank now at the helm, the Lilywhite faithful will be hoping for a far improved showing this time around, especially after last season’s woeful 17th-place finish, their worst ever in history.

Louis Saha backs Tottenham for title push alongside elite

With the new season fast approaching, former Everton and Manchester United forward Louis Saha has weighed in with his early title predictions.

According to the ex-France international, the 2025/26 title race could feature as many as six contenders, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all in the mix.

Saha referenced Spurs’ recent Europa League success as a possible springboard for domestic improvement, even though he admitted confusion over the club’s managerial change.

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Speaking to Boyle Sports, he said: “Arsenal have been competing with Manchester City and Liverpool so those three are in, I can see Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs also being up there.

“Spurs won the Europa League and changed their manager, which I really do not understand, but they have potential as do Newcastle and I really respect what they did last year.

“I think we will see six teams fighting it out for the title, Manchester United are behind that.”

Tottenham fans will welcome Louis Saha’s prediction

Every Tottenham fan would love Saha’s prediction, which is far more optimistic than the recent supercomputer forecast that placed Spurs in the bottom half of the 2025/26 table.

While his take is flattering, it does feel slightly premature, as Spurs are yet to kick a ball under new head coach Thomas Frank.

The Dane’s first outing comes on 19 July in a pre-season friendly against Reading – a match that should offer a glimpse of what is to come under his stewardship.

Of course, the transfer window remains open, and depending on the quality of business Tottenham can do between now and deadline day, it is still far too early to make bold claims.

That said, a marked improvement on the 17th-place finish is non-negotiable, as anything less could well see the club dragged into a relegation scrap.

Ledley King has named one of Tottenham Hotspur’s most awe-inspiring signings, recalling how both teammates and opponents were star-struck by the legendary player.

Tottenham Hotspur have had plenty of iconic signings in their history, with the likes of Luka Modric, Dimitar Berbatov and Gareth Bale all making their mark at White Hart Lane.

However, former captain Ledley King has now revealed that one particular player, who arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 2005 on a free transfer following his release by Inter Milan, stood out in a very different way.

While his stay was brief, just two seasons, and silverware never followed, his presence is said to have left a lasting impact on the dressing room, according to the former Spurs captain.

Edgar Davids’ arrival left Tottenham players and opponents in awe

Speaking about Tottenham signing Edgar Davids, King revealed that he was in awe of the former Netherlands international, describing how the entire dressing room was star-struck – and how even opposing players could not help but stare.

The former Spurs captain further praised Edgar Davids’ winning mentality, detailing how his mere presence altered the dynamic within the Spurs squad. It was not about goals or assists, but rather the influence he had on those around him, raising the bar simply by being there.

Ledley King told OLBG: “Edgar was brilliant. When I look back on some of the biggest signings Tottenham made, I think Edgar is right up there for the impact that he had.

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“I remember the first time he walked into the building and the players were in awe of him. This is a guy that had been at the highest level, won everything, been in the adverts, then all of a sudden, he is in your building, you are speaking to him.

“I remember one of the first conversations we had was him asking me if we can win things. I was still quite a young captain, quite a young player at the time. That was the first player who ever came in and really spoke about winning things straight away.

“It had a big impression on me and the young players that we had at the football club. I always remember lining up in the tunnel with him and seeing the opposition players just looking at him, staring at him like ‘it is Edgar Davids’.

“As a player, you felt proud to have him in your team. Great guy, loved football. I have heard stories of him actually driving past cages where kids are playing and jumping out of his car and joining in with them.

“He was a player who had a lot of time for the younger players. He would stay after training and practice with them. So yes, Edgar was a great, great guy. Great personality and a great signing for the football club.”

Spurs could do with another Edgar Davids-type signing

Tottenham are currently in the middle of a transfer window and are actively looking to add experience to the squad as they aim to push on ahead of the new campaign.

Spurs will be hoping to find players with the same level of drive and focus that Davids brought – a player who arrived with a winning mentality and immediately started asking the right questions.

While Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are involved in a legal battle over Morgan Gibbs-White’s future, the two clubs could now find themselves going head-to-head in the transfer market for another midfielder.

Most Spurs fans are well caught up on the unfolding Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga, with Forest launching a legal challenge against Tottenham for talking to the attacking midfielder without their permission.

Spurs remain confident of landing Gibbs-White despite Forest’s attempts to stop the deal, but in the meantime, the Midlands club are turning their attention to another of the Lilywhites’ midfield targets.

Various outlets have claimed over recent weeks that Tottenham were considering a move for Palmeiras star Richard Rios after watching him closely in the Club World Cup. Now, it has emerged that Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are turning their attention to the Colombian.

Nottingham Forest enter race to sign Tottenham target Richard Rios

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now taken to social media to reveal that several Premier League sides are now keen on landing Rios.

He states that Wolves are big fans of the South American star, but they are not expected to push ahead with a move as Palmeiras are demanding €30m-€35m (£26m-£30m) for their star man.

In fact, no offer has arrived at the Brazilian club for Rios so far this summer despite his list of admirers growing.

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Jacobs makes no mention of Tottenham Hotspur in his update, but interestingly, he reveals that Forest have now entered the race to sign the 25-year-old defensive midfielder.

A number six is a priority for Thomas Frank

Regular readers of Spurs Web will be aware that over recent days, a number of reports have backed Tottenham to land a number six after securing the Gibbs-White deal.

It has even been alleged by some sources that Thomas Frank has urged the Spurs hierarchy to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who is allegedly valued at upwards of £80m by the Eagles.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have gone into meltdown following Mohammed Kudus’ cheeky comment in his Spurs medical video.

Tottenham Hotspur have finally added some extra depth to their attack with the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for £55million.

The Ghana international, who grabbed a rather disappointing five goals and three assists in his last season at the London Stadium, would be hoping to improve on those numbers as he looks to help Tottenham compete in the Premier League following their 17th-place finish last season.

The 24-year-old is set to wear the number 20 shirt, just as he did at Ajax and still does with the Ghana national team – a number once worn by Dele Alli during his standout years in north London.

Mohammed Kudus sparks Tottenham excitement with West Ham dig

West Ham United fans were left fuming when Mohammed Kudus signed for Tottenham, with many labelling him a snake and even downplaying his achievements during his short stint in East London.

Tottenham supporters, however, have been left ecstatic, with many believing that Kudus will help improve their attack further this campaign, especially with Frank looking to build something more progressive in the final third.

In a video released by the official Spurs account, Kudus made a comment that has already endeared him to the Tottenham fanbase.

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When the doctor said, “Just going to listen to your heart, ok?” Kudus replied, “You’ll find Spurs there.” Those very words have now left Tottenham fans even more excited, particularly after he left West Ham for N17.

One fan said: “Oh, West Ham fans must hate him🤣” Another commented: “My head would be gone if I was a West Ham fan and I saw this.” A third Spurs fan stated: “Oh my god. I love him.” While another added: “I love him already. He is going to have the best season of his career under Frank. COYS.”

One more Tottenham supporter stated that Mohammed Kudus was well aware of what he was doing when he made those comments: “Naa this guy knows what he’s doing.”A final fan said: “He’s just trolling atp.”

Kudus could feature for Spurs vs Reading this week

There is a chance Tottenham fans see Mohammed Kudus live in the flesh in their first pre-season friendly against Reading this weekend.

Of course, he would not be the only new signing with a chance of featuring, as Kota Takai could also play after his recent move to N17.

With Thomas Frank now at the helm, Tottenham fans would be hoping that the Lilywhites can begin to take more strides forward under his reign.

Alasdair Gold has predicted that Thomas Frank may do something unusual for Tottenham’s opening Premier League game against Burnley, given the difficult challenge that the Dane faces in the lead-up to the clash.

Although Tottenham face some challenging fixtures in the early part of their Premier League season, Frank could not have asked for a more straightforward start than taking on newly-promoted Burnley at home.

However, that will not be the Dane’s first competitive game in charge of the Lilywhites as there is a small matter of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine on August 13.

Tottenham have some good omens ahead of the PSG clash, but the Parisians go into the game as overwhelming favourites, given how they dominated last season’s Champions League and reached the finals of the Club World Cup.

Thomas Frank may be forced to make unusual decision for Burnley clash

Spurs Web has previously covered that Tottenham face an extremely tight turnaround after the Super Cup clash, with just three days between the game at Udine and their season opener.

Alasdair Gold has now pointed out that Frank might have just one day on the training ground to prepare for the clash against the Clarets.

As a result, the journalist suggested that the new Spurs head coach could decide to rotate his squad for their Premier League season opener, which Tottenham fans are never used to seeing.

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When asked about the clash against PSG and Burnley, Gold said in a Q&A on Football.London: “The PSG clash does look rather terrifying right now with the form they are in, but if Spurs can get Gibbs-White through the door with Kudus and some other statement signings before that August 13 game, then some nerves might be dulled.

“I’m also clinging to the fact that the Champions League winners reached the Club World Cup final, so will need to have the next three weeks off at least, meaning they will only return to training just days before the Super Cup in Udine. They might not be as sharp as we’re seeing them right now. That’s what I’m desperately clinging to anyway.

“As for the Burnley game, I do think some people are forgetting, or have not realised yet, how soon that game comes after the PSG match. Spurs will likely arrive back in the UK in the early hours of Thursday and will need to recover that day. They will only have Friday’s final light training session to prepare for the Premier League opener the next day.

“Frank is going to have to rotate his squad on the opening day of the season, which is something we’ve never had to see before and it does raise the chances of an upset, as we saw with Spurs’ games in the final months of last season as they focused on the Europa League. It will be an eye-opener for both him and us.”

Chelsea have given Tottenham Super Cup hope

In a funny twist of fate, Tottenham’s fierce rivals, Chelsea, have given Thomas Frank’s men hope of causing an upset against PSG in the Super Cup clash.

The Blues dismantled the Ligue 1 giants in the Club World Cup final, putting three past them and keeping a clean sheet, thus showing that the European champions are vulnerable on the counter-attack.

Frank would have undoubtedly watched that game closely, and his tactical plan against the Parisians could be similar to the one Enzo Maresca’s men employed on Saturday.

Gareth Bale has delivered a level-headed verdict on Tottenham’s chances ahead of the new season, urging caution despite the club’s recent European success and promising transfer activity.

Every Tottenham Hotspur supporter out there remains ecstatic about the club’s recent triumph on the continental stage and would do anything to see their club lift more silverware.

Club chairman Daniel Levy has made an ambitious claim about his goals for the future, stating that he wants to see Spurs win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Tottenham are starting to show some ambition this window under new boss Thomas Frank, signing Mohammed Kudus and triggering Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause, although that move has currently been put on hold.

Gareth Bale opens up on his expectations for Tottenham this season

Louis Saha has made a bold claim about Tottenham’s chances in the Premier League next season, stating that the Lilywhites could be involved in a six-horse title race.

The former Manchester United and Everton man believes that Spurs’ Europa League win last season could spur them on to greater things in the 2025/26 campaign.

Gareth Bale, however, has taken a more cautious approach when speaking about what he expects from the Lilywhites next season.

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The former Spurs man believes that, given the appointment of a new boss, it is difficult to predict what next season holds for Tottenham.

Bale told ESPN (2:16): “I do not know, because with a new manager comes new signings, a new way of playing. So it is a bit of the unknown.

“I think everyone is still happy from last season and probably not really thinking about this season yet, but I think the new manager has obviously a proven record of how he plays football. I think it is definitely the way that Tottenham like to play.

“Again, it is kind of the unknown. Who does he sign? Who does he bring in? Yes, it is an unknown, but I think it, hopefully, it is potentially exciting times, because this team now has got that winning feeling.

“They know what it is like to get over the line, and hopefully that keeps giving them the motivation to want to win more.”

Spurs’ winning mentality could define the Thomas Frank era

Of course, winning a piece of silverware last season has done this squad of Spurs players a lot of good. As Gareth Bale says, Tottenham now have a bit of know-how on how to get over the line in finals, which is a great bonus.

Ledley King even stated that no feeling tops that of winning a trophy as a professional footballer. These Spurs players now have the chance to leave a mark early on in Frank’s reign when they take to the field on August 13 to face Paris Saint-Germain.

Tottenham are interested in Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, but the Clarets’ demands might prove to be a major stumbling block this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have long shown interest in Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, with reports claiming that the Lilywhites even put in a late bid in the region of €24 million (£20.7m) for the Burnley centre-back during the winter window.

A few days ago, reports surfaced stating that Tottenham retain interest in Esteve and that contact has been established with newly promoted Burnley over a move for the 23-year-old centre-back.

Esteve did impress last season, as he was named Burnley’s player of the season, and was also named in the 2024/25 Championship Team of the Season, after having kept 30 clean sheets with the Clarets.

Tottenham face steep £50m fee for Maxime Esteve

Football Insider has now provided a further update on Spurs’ pursuit of Esteve, stating that Burnley are expected to demand a substantial fee for their in-demand centre-back.

It is understood that Scott Parker’s side are in no desperate need to sell their key player, as he has four years left on his current contract, with all negotiating cards believed to be in the hands of the former Championship side.

It is also claimed that it would be surprising if Burnley were to sell Esteve this summer; however, a deal could happen if an offer that is too good to turn down were made.

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Pete O’Rourke said: “He is a good player, Esteve – I am not surprised that clubs are looking at him.

“Everton showed a lot of interest in him as well, now Tottenham are being mentioned as contenders for his signature if he leaves Burnley this summer.

“Spurs did try to sign him in the January window when he was doing so well; Burnley do not want to lose Esteve, and they have put a £50 million price tag on his head.

“I do not think Spurs would go near that level to try and sign Esteve, but Burnley are in a really strong position to negotiate here.

“He is under contract until 2029 and they can demand a substantial fee because of his contract – that price tag will probably scare off most clubs.

“I would be massively surprised if Burnley were to cash in on him in this window, unless it is an offer that is too good to turn down.”

Spurs centre-back depth makes Maxime Esteve move unlikely

Fabrizio Romano has since poured cold water on reports linking Tottenham with a move for Esteve, with the transfer expert reporting that Spurs have not made contact with Burnley over a move for the 23-year-old.

Spurs currently have about eight centre-backs in their team at the moment, including the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips.

While Spurs were credited with interest back in January, that interest sprang from an injury crisis that left the Lilywhites thin at the back.

Tottenham are interested in a Joao Palhinha transfer this summer, but they would have to beat a host of Premier League rivals to land the Portuguese’s signature.

We reported a few days ago that Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in Bayern Munich’s midfield destroyer Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese international’s future has been uncertain this summer, having suffered for minutes in his first season in the Bundesliga under head coach Vincent Kompany, managing just 667 minutes in 17 Bundesliga games.

Tottenham are looking to add more depth to their midfield, and it is claimed that Palhinha is one of several holding midfielders being considered by the Lilywhites.

Tottenham among clubs interested in Joao Palhinha transfer

CaughtOffside have now confirmed what we already know, stating that Tottenham are amongst a host of clubs interested in the Bayern Munich man.

However, it is stated that the Lilywhites are not the only ones interested in the 29-year-old midfielder, as Manchester United are also in the race to land the Portugal international.

It is also understood that Man United have already made initial enquiries for Palhinha and that the Red Devils are maintaining communication with Bayern as they juggle several transfer priorities.

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Spurs have been handed a major early boost in their pursuit of the Bayern midfielder, as it is reported that Ruben Amorim’s side’s initial proposal of a loan deal has since been rejected by Bayern Munich.

Spurs face competition as Bayern reject loan proposal

It is explained by the publication that the German champions are only considering permanent offers and are said to value Palhinha at €30-35 million (around £25-30 million), which is well below the €51 million (£43.3 million) they paid to Fulham just last summer.

West Ham United are also credited with an interest in Palhinha, and it is stated that they are on the verge of entering formal negotiations, having tracked the player’s availability in recent weeks.

His former club, Fulham, are said to be interested in a reunion; however, concerns over the Portuguese’s salary demands and injury record look to be a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, Brighton and Aston Villa are reported to have expressed interest, adding more intrigue to this transfer saga, as Palhinha himself is keen to move back to England.

Dejan Kulusevski has been a key figure for Tottenham Hotspur, but with Morgan Gibbs-White on the verge of joining, questions are being asked about the Swede’s long-term future in North London.

Every Tottenham Hotspur fan will be hoping the Morgan Gibbs-White deal gets over the line, following Spurs’ decision to trigger the midfielder’s release clause.

The Nottingham Forest playmaker was scheduled to undergo his medical with Tottenham on Friday, 11 July, but the move was suddenly placed on hold due to Forest lodging a formal complaint to the Premier League regarding the deal.

Despite the legal challenge from Forest, multiple outlets have stated that Tottenham remain confident the move for Morgan Gibbs-White will be finalised, with the club firmly believing there was no wrongdoing in their approach to sign the England international.

Tottenham transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White will not impact Dejan Kulusevski

Journalist Alasdair Gold, speaking during a Q&A with Tottenham fans, has now shared his thoughts on whether the potential arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White could spell the end for Dejan Kulusevski at the club.

The football.london reporter believes that Gibbs-White’s signing would have no bearing on Kulusevski’s place in the Spurs squad, and insists that new head coach Thomas Frank would value the Swede’s attributes.

Gold was asked: ‘Kulusevski has been a key player, but say the MGW signing goes through, can you see him leaving?’

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The journalist replied via football.london: “I am a big Dejan Kulusevski fan, and I think Thomas Frank will love him as well. He has got a lot of the tools the Dane admires with his creativity, power and work rate as well as his winning mindset.

“He will be able to use him across the three behind the striker, as a deeper midfielder or even as a support striker at times. First, the Swede must get fully back in the swing of things after his patella surgery and that could take a little while.”

Injuries to Kulusevski and James Maddison mean Spurs need Morgan Gibbs-White

Kulusevski is expected to return from injury during the spring, which means he will miss the opening stages of the campaign.

James Maddison is also currently sidelined and is in a race against time to be fit for the start of the season in August.

The arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White should help ease the load on both players, who have both struggled to stay fit. The versatility of the 25-year-old should also be appealing to Thomas Frank, with Gibbs-White capable of playing across midfield or in a more advanced role.

Kota Takai was given a huge boost on Tuesday morning as Tottenham Hotspur gear up to play their first pre-season friendly under Thomas Frank.

Several Tottenham Hotspur players have already begun work under the new head coach, Thomas Frank, ahead of the club’s friendly against Reading this weekend, marking the start of what is a transitional summer for Spurs.

The first batch of 19 players reported for training on 6 July, with a further 12 joining four days later, as preparations intensified ahead of the 2025/26 campaign under Frank and his coaching staff.

However, one notable absentee from the training pitches had been new signing Kota Takai, who has been in north London since 8 July but was forced to wait on his work permit before getting involved.

Kota Takai receives clearance to train with Tottenham

According to Football.London, the £5 million Japan international, who joined Tottenham from Kawasaki Frontale earlier this month, is now eligible to begin full training.

It is understood that the 20-year-old centre-back received his work permit on Tuesday morning, 15 July, which now allows him to begin work as a Spurs player under Thomas Frank.

Takai, having made the move from Japan, needed to await approval under post-Brexit regulations before being cleared to participate in first-team training at Hotspur Way.

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Spurs debut on the cards for Takai against Reading

With the Japan international now part of Tottenham’s pre-season preparations, there is a belief that he could be one of three players in line to make their debut against Reading on Saturday.

Tottenham are set to play their first game under Thomas Frank at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and summer arrivals Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vuskovic are all expected to be involved.

Frank is also scheduled to speak to the media on Friday, where he will likely be quizzed on his new signings and the ongoing transfer saga involving Morgan Gibbs-White.