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Tottenham posted five words after beating Wolves on Saturday. “An important win in Wolverhampton.” The comment section split down the middle instantly. And honestly? Both sides are completely correct.

The post went out at full-time. A picture of Joao Palhinha celebrating in front of the away end at Molineux. The caption: “An important win in Wolverhampton.”

The reaction was immediate. One half of the comment section celebrated: first win since December, De Zerbi’s first three points, a lifeline in the relegation fight, exactly the right response to a horrible run of form. The other half was furious: tone-deaf, premature, nothing has changed, you’re still in the bottom three, put the trophy cabinet away.

But here’s the thing: Both groups are right.

Why the Tottenham celebration makes sense

Palhinha’s winner in the 82nd minute ended a 118-day winless run in the Premier League. Fifteen games without a victory. That’s not just a stat. That’s a psychological weight, and De Zerbi himself acknowledged it had become a genuine problem, not just for results but for the mentality of every player who pulled on a Spurs shirt.

“When you don’t win a game for a long time like us it becomes a problem,” De Zerbi said after the game. “For the head, the mentality, it is important this game.” He’s right. The winless run had become its own story, separate from the league table. A narrative that every opposition manager cited as evidence that Tottenham were broken. It colored every press conference, every build-up, every moment of self-doubt inside the dressing room.

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That run is over. That’s worth acknowledging. Before this win, Spurs’ probability of relegation was sitting at 71.4% at various points during the game itself. Palhinha’s goal pulled it down. Three points felt like three points in a way they hadn’t in months. The fans who celebrated had every right to. This wasn’t nothing.

Why the anger from some Spurs fans is equally valid

Tottenham are still in the bottom three. Still two points from safety. Still facing Aston Villa, Chelsea, Leeds, and Everton in their final four games, a run that’s more demanding than anything their rivals face over the same period.

The win came against an already-relegated Wolves side playing their last games with nothing left to fight for. It came in a match where Tottenham didn’t register a single shot on target until the 69th minute. It came with Xavi Simons stretchered off with a ruptured ACL and Dominic Solanke limping off in the first half with what looked like a hamstring injury.

And here’s the kicker: it came on a day when West Ham’s Callu5 pmm Wilson scored a stoppage-time winner against Everton to ensure the table looked exactly the same at 5pm as it had at noon.

Tottenham won. The situation did not change. The fans who felt the post was premature weren’t being negative. They were simply being accurate.

What actually matters for Tottenham Hotspur

The post doesn’t matter. The reaction to it doesn’t matter. What matters is what they represent for the psychological state of a club that desperately needs to believe it can survive.

De Zerbi gets this. “Nothing has changed in the table but we can prepare much better for the next four games,” he said. That’s the exact right framing. Acknowledge the reality (the table hasn’t moved) while extracting every gram of psychological benefit from the win itself. Not for the social media numbers. Not for the optics. For the dressing room.

The fans who are angry are right that a win against an already-relegated side doesn’t make Tottenham safe. The fans who are celebrating are right that the psychological reset this result provides could prove decisive over the next four weeks. Both things are true.

The post was neither tone-deaf nor premature. It was a football club reminding itself, and its supporters, that it just won a game. Given how long that took, the eight words feel just about right.

Now go and win the next one! COYS!

A new report has shed light on where Tottenham stand in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon left-back Maxi Araujo.

Destiny Udogie’s development has been stalled by his constant injury problems over the last couple of years, while Ben Davies is expected to leave Tottenham when his contract runs out in the summer.

It is thus unsurprising that the Lilywhites are looking to add a left-back to their squad this summer, and Spurs have allegedly set their sights on Sporting Lisbon star Maxi Araujo.

The 26-year-old has emerged as the best wing-back in Portuguese football, and Tottenham have scouted the defender on multiple occasions ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham ‘tussling’ to sign Maxi Araujo but five other clubs are interested

We have heard over recent weeks that Spurs may face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Man United for the Sporting star.

A new update on Sport Witness reveals that they have heard from sources in the know that Araujo very much continues to remain on Tottenham’s agenda.

It is asserted that the Lilywhites have already initiated contact with the left-back, but contrary to reports in the British press, the outlet states that they have not been informed of any interest from Arsenal for the Uruguayan.

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However, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City could get involved in the transfer race, with Tottenham ‘tussling’ with those clubs to land the full-back.

Spurs can land Aruajo for a much lower fee than expected

Sport Witness backs up what other outlets have reported by revealing that the left-back is protected by an €80 m (£69.4m) release clause.

The publication relays claims that Sporting want €60m (£52m) but reveals that their sources have informed them that the Portuguese club would be willing to sell the player for around €45m-€50m (£39m-£43.3m) this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are casting their net far and wide for midfield reinforcements, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to rebuild this summer. Here are five high-profile midfielders linked with a move to North London.

As Tottenham Hotspur enter a key summer under De Zerbi’s early reign, the midfield is widely seen as an important area for improvement. His style focuses on control, creativity, and pressing intensity.

These are qualities that need both technical skill and discipline from his midfielders. Spurs have shown good moments in this area, but inconsistency and a lack of control against stronger teams have shown the need for more quality.

Much of what Tottenham do in the summer transfer window could also depend on their situation in the Premier League. With the club still fighting to avoid relegation, there is uncertainty over both player retention and new signings. However, no matter how the season ends, planning for new additions has already started as Spurs look to fix key weaknesses in the squad.

Midfield, in particular, looks like a major priority. While transfer links continue to appear, the main idea is clear. Spurs need players who can stay calm on the ball, help move play forward, and work well in a structured system.

With that in mind, here are five midfielders who could be on De Zerbi’s radar as Spurs aim to build a more balanced and competitive midfield options.

Noah Sadiki would be a strong signing for Tottenham’s midfield

Sunderland Noah Sadiki has emerged as one of the standout young performers this season, establishing himself in Sunderland’s midfield following his move from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise last summer.

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His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several top Premier League clubs showing strong interest in Sadiki, including Tottenham Hotspur, who are now closely monitoring his progress ahead of the summer window.

The 21-year-old has stood out for his composure on the ball and calm presence in the midfield. His style fits what Tottenham are looking for, especially in terms of control, energy, and playing within a structured system. With multiple top-flight sides keeping an eye on his situation, Sadiki’s future is expected to become one of the talking points of the transfer window.

Sunderland will be under pressure to hold on to one of their most promising young players, especially if interest continues to grow from Premier League clubs looking to strengthen their midfield area.

Manuel Ugarte would be a smart defensive midfield option for Tottenham

Manchester United defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte is being viewed as a potential solution for Tottenham’s midfield, which could require significant reshaping as the squad continues to be built around Roberto De Zerbi’s style of play.

The Uruguayan’s profile does not perfectly align with the more technical, possession-heavy midfielders already at the club, but his intensity, work rate, and ability to break up play could add a different dimension to Spurs’ engine room. That balance may become important as Tottenham look to strengthen their control in central areas.

Reports have suggested that Tottenham are among the clubs monitoring Ugarte, with indications that he could be made available this summer. He has struggled to secure a regular starting place at Manchester United this season and could be part of a wider midfield reshuffle at the club.

It is also believed that United may be open to offers around £35m, which is lower than what they originally paid for him, as they look to balance their squad and finances ahead of the new season. Ugarte could be a cheaper option for Tottenham if they decide to add more defensive strength and energy to their midfield this summer.

Curtis Jones would be a strong addition to Tottenham’s midfield

Curtis Jones continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham, with the club’s long-standing interest in the midfielder still believed to be active as they assess options for the summer.

Reports have indicated that neither Joao Palhinha nor Yves Bissouma may be at Spurs next season. This could explain why the Lilywhites have started exploring midfield additions ahead of the summer window.

The Liverpool midfielder is keen for more regular playing time, something that has not always been guaranteed at Anfield. That situation has opened the door to potential interest from clubs like Tottenham, as they look to strengthen their midfield options.

With contract talks yet to be fully resolved and uncertainty over his long-term role at the club, a summer move could become a realistic possibility.

Jones has been linked with Spurs on multiple occasions, including previous transfer windows, and the interest appears to have remained consistent. He has also attracted interest from several other clubs, including Inter Milan, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United.

This highlights the level of competition for his signature should he become available. As a result, Jones remains a sensible option for Spurs if they are able to reach an agreement with Liverpool and offer him the regular role he is seeking.

Tottenham would consider Adam Wharton a major addition to their midfield rebuild

Midfield control remains a key area Tottenham are looking to improve as they plan ahead for the summer. Adam Wharton has quickly become one of the most talked-about young midfielders in the Premier League, and Spurs are believed to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

Reports suggest Tottenham have already made enquiries about the Crystal Palace midfielder and view him as a serious option as they look to raise the level of their midfield. Despite already adding reinforcements, the club appear keen to go a step further by targeting players who can make a real difference.

The 22-year-old has already earned senior caps for England national team, and his consistent performances for Palace have made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in the league. It is understood that Palace could demand a fee in the region of £65 million, which would place any potential move among Tottenham’s most expensive signings.

Spurs are believed to value his passing ability and long-term potential, but they are not alone in the race. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also monitoring his situation, which could make any deal more difficult.

Alex Scott emerges as Tottenham midfield target amid Premier League interest

Strong interest is expected to build around Alex Scott in the upcoming transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs monitoring his situation closely.

Tottenham are expected to face competition from a couple of Premier League sides for the AFC Bournemouth midfielder. It has been widely reported that Spurs are considering a move for Scott, having been impressed with his development since joining the club.

The 22-year-old has also previously spoken about supporting Tottenham while growing up, which could be viewed as a positive factor for Spurs in any potential transfer battle. However, they are not expected to have a clear path to the player, with Manchester United and Chelsea also said to be preparing to compete for his signature as a replacement for Casemiro, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

Sources close to Bournemouth suggest that offers of around £50m would be needed just to start talks, with the final price potentially rising to about £65m if there is strong competition for his signature.

With multiple top clubs showing interest, Scott remains one of the midfielders Tottenham are likely to keep on their radar as they plan for future reinforcements.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for an exciting central midfielder, but their former sporting director, Fabio Paratici, may prevent them from completing a deal.

Tottenham’s midfield could see wholesale changes in the summer, with reports indicating that Yves Bissouma wants to leave Spurs, while it has also been revealed that Joao Palhinha faces an uncertain future at N17.

Some big-name Premier League midfielders are reportedly on Spurs’ wishlist as the club get set for a summer rebuild.

The Lilywhites have been keeping tabs on an Italian international, but it appears that a deal for the midfielder will be very hard to complete.

Tottenham face competition from two European giants for Nicolo Fagioli

It has been reported that Spurs have a genuine interest in Fiorentina’s Nicolo Fagioli, who has been a consistent performer in the middle of the park for the Viola.

A new report in Corriere dello Sport has now claimed that Fagioli’s impressive displays for Paolo Vanoli’s side over the last few months have brought him to the attention of several top clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur are credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, but they are not the only top European club that admires the player.

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The outlet claims that the Lilywhites have been joined in the race for Fagioli by Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, with Max Allegri, who previously managed him at Juventus, keen to reunite with the player at the San Siro.

Fabio Paratici may prevent Spurs from signing Fagioli

However, Corriere dello Sport say that Fiorentina have no interest in selling their star man despite the growing interest in his services.

The Serie A club view Fagioli as being central to their project and are set to issue a ‘hands off’ warning to his suitors.

The outlet adds that the Serie A club’s head of football, Paratici, who departed Spurs at the start of February, is a big fan of the midfielder and wants him to be part of the ambitious project at the Artemio Franchi Stadium next season.

With Xavi Simons confirmed out until 2027 after a serious ACL injury, Tottenham now have a big problem in attack. They will need someone else to step up over the next four games and bring creativity in the final third if they want to keep their attack strong and stay clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers gave them a much-needed result, but it came at a cost. Xavi Simons was stretchered off in the second half after badly hurting his knee, while Dominic Solanke also picked up a muscle issue earlier in the game.

It has now been confirmed that Simons has torn his ACL. That means he will miss the rest of the Premier League season and could also be out of the World Cup. It is a huge blow for Tottenham Hotspur club, especially at such a key stage of the season.

While the Lilywhite will be somewhat happy about their victory on the day, the team are likely to now be without their star man Simons for the remainder of the season, and potentially may never see him in their shirt again.

The win over Wolves, thanks to Joao Palhinha’s late goal, did little to improve their league position. Tottenham still remain’s in the relegation zone, with West Ham still just above them after also picking up points.

With only a four games left, every match is now very important. Losing Simons is especially damaging because he has been the team’s main creative player.

Without him, Tottenham lack someone who can regularly create chances and unlock defences. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi will now have to look at other options to fill that gap. Below are three players De Zerbi could turn to.

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James Maddison could return just in time for Tottenham

The Italian head coach could turn to James Maddison to fill the gap left by Simons. Maddison has not featured yet this season after recovering from his own ACL injury, but he was on the bench in the win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

If he is fit enough for consistent minutes in the coming weeks, he could be brought back into the team to take on a key role in attack. De Zerbi may rely on him in Simons’ position to help Spurs create more chances and even add goals.

Looking back at the 2024/25 Premier League season, Maddison delivered nine goals and seven assists, showing his impact in the final third. He stood out as both a scorer and creator, ranking highly among attacking midfielders for goal involvement and chances created.

Maddison has also scored 21 goals in 75 appearances for the club, showing his ability to contribute in attack. If the 29-year-old is ready to start games again, De Zerbi will likely need to rely on him as the main replacement for Simons.

However, there is no guarantee that he will be ready to start matches in the next four fixtures, which adds some uncertainty to his role during this crucial period.

And although he did not play under Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor due to his ACL injury, Maddison may now be returning at the right time to help De Zerbi’s side in their fight for survival, offering both goals and attacking quality in the final stretch of the season.

Lucas Bergvall is another option for Roberto De Zerbi

Another option to also consider, alongside James Maddison, is Lucas Bergvall. If De Zerbi is looking for a player with similar technical ability and ball-carrying style to Simons, the young Swede looks like one of the closest fits in the squad.

In their first win over Wolves on Saturday, he was brought on in the 63rd minute at Molineux right after Simons’ injury, stepping into a tense and difficult moment in the game. Playing mainly as an attacking midfielder, Bergvall did not see much of the ball at first as Spurs struggled to keep possession, but he slowly grew into the game as it went on.

In the final minutes, he showed good calm on the ball and helped Spurs move the ball up the pitch, playing an important role in helping them hold onto their narrow lead.

That performance added to his growing confidence in recent weeks. In the 2-2 draw against Brighton, he made an instant impact off the bench, setting up a goal shortly after coming on.

Even so, his ability to carry the ball forward, find space between the lines, and play in tight areas makes him another strong option to take on a bigger role.

With Simons out for a long-term, Bergvall could be given more chances in the final games as Spurs fight to stay up.

Mathys Tel can provide a spark to Tottenham’s attack

Tottenham may now need to rely on players who have spent much of the season waiting for regular chances, as De Zerbi looks for solutions in attack during a difficult run of fixtures.

This could be the moment for both youth and experience to step up in a key period. Mathys Tel is the first player who needs to step up. The 21-year-old offers a very different style to Simons.

While Simons is more of a creative player, Tel brings pace, direct running, and high energy in attack. His display in the 1-0 win over Wolves showed exactly what he can offer. Coming off the bench, he looked lively and full of energy, giving Spurs a big boost in a tight game.

Even though Joao Palhinha scored the winner, it was Tel’s hard work that helped force the corner that led to the goal. At the same time, Simons’ absence and the uncertainty around Solanke could force a rethink on Richarlison.

Despite being Tottenham’s top scorer this season with nine goals, he has often been left out of the starting XI, featuring in only a limited number of games under De Zerbi.

But Richarlison brings something very important in this situation, experience in a relegation fight. He has been in this kind of battle before at Everton, where he played a key role in helping them stay up during the 2021–22 season with crucial goals and strong performances under pressure.

Overall, Richarlison is a player who often steps up in difficult moments, and this could be another time for him to do just that. In the win over Wolves, he had already started to show his impact, as his effort in the box led to Joao Palhinha’s winning goal.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed whether Randal Kolo Muani could be poached by a Premier League rival this summer as the striker’s loan spell at Tottenham nears its end.

The France international’s loan spell at N17 has largely been a disappointment, with the forward having scored just once in the Premier League in 26 outings so far.

It has been claimed by some sources that Kolo Muani has long believed that he will not remain at Tottenham beyond the end of his loan spell this season.

In fact, according to some Italian outlets, Juventus have already started work to sign Kolo Muani from PSG this summer, but they are not the only club interested in the 27-year-old.

Randal Kolo Muani has been tipped to swap Tottenham for Liverpool

A few days ago, TuttoJuve revealed that Liverpool are plotting a shock move for Kolo Muani this summer as they look to reinforce their forward line.

The outlet explained that the Frenchman is seen as a natural fit for Arne Slot’s system, but made it clear that any move for the player would depend on the Dutch coach still being at Anfield next season.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now said that while the Merseyside club may look for cheap forward options this summer, he would be surprised if Kolo Muani ends up at Anfield.

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When asked about the speculation linking the Spurs man with a move to Liverpool, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “It’s a surprise link. I don’t think many people expected this one. Muani has had a difficult season at Tottenham, and obviously, it doesn’t look like that move will be made permanent from Paris Saint-Germain.

“Liverpool might be forced into the market to bring in cover for Ekitike with his long-term injury. We’re not sure when he will be back…it’s looking more and more likely that it will be 2027.

“They might be looking at cheaper options to see who they can bring in to strengthen their attacking options. I would be surprised if they did pursue a move for Kolo Muani.”

Roberto De Zerbi is a fan of misfiring Kolo Muani

Despite the France international’s continued struggles, it appears that De Zerbi is a fan of the forward, who has started all three of Tottenham’s matches under the Italian.

In fact, last week, De Zerbi revealed that he made Kolo Muani watch YouTube videos of his own highlights at Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2022-23 season.

Tottenham Hotspur have no realistic path to the future they want without making some painful decisions this summer – and we have now identified the five players who need to go if Roberto De Zerbi is to have any realistic chance of building the squad he needs.

The list of what Tottenham need this summer is not small. A goalkeeper. A striker – a real one, not another loan experiment. A midfield that actually functions in a high-press system. Cover in wide areas that does not evaporate the moment someone picks up a quad injury.

They cannot buy all of that without selling. And the club have already warned that relegation could force significant player sales just to keep the finances in order. Even if Spurs stay up, the rebuild requires ruthless decisions. Roberto De Zerbi has never been a manager who tolerates players who do not fit his vision. The clear-out needs to start now.

Tottenham should sell Guglielmo Vicario to Inter Milan

The good news is that this one has essentially already been resolved. Vicario has given his ‘yes’ to Inter Milan, Inter’s director has already been spotted in London holding meetings, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the conversations between his camp and the Nerazzurri are positive. Spurs are looking for around £25m; Inter are offering closer to £16m-£17m. The gap will close.

The logic is straightforward: De Zerbi’s system demands a goalkeeper deeply comfortable in possession, and Vicario’s limitations in that area are precisely why the Italian coach needs someone different. Selling him clears the path, raises funds, and avoids the increasingly awkward situation of a keeper who knows he no longer fits the manager’s plans being asked to perform under pressure.

Get it done. Quickly. At the best possible price.

Roberto De Zerbi is a fan of Conor Gallagher… but still

Nobody at Tottenham has said publicly that Gallagher is going. But some experts have tipped Spurs to listen to offers, which in football language means the same thing.

Against Brighton he was arguably his best in a Spurs shirt – press-resistant, energetic, more composed than usual. But that one performance does not change the broader picture.

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In a De Zerbi system built around players who can maintain possession under pressure, dictate tempo, and function intelligently between the lines for extended periods, Gallagher is a square peg. His strengths are about running and intensity. De Zerbi’s system needs brains first, legs second. That being said, De Zerbi does seem to like him and some reports have also called him untouchable.

He still has England pedigree and enough of a Premier League reputation to attract interest at a reasonable fee. Sell him now, while that is still true.

Cristian Romero’s time at Tottenham is over

Nobody wants to write this one. Cristian Romero has been the best centre-back at the club since Ledley King. The Europa League campaign last season – the one genuinely good thing Tottenham have produced in the last two years – ran through him. He captained the side through three managerial changes this season without ever appearing to stop caring, even when half the squad visibly had.

But he is out for the rest of the season, Atletico want Romero badly, and his own father has been openly discussing the figures – which is never a sign that a player is digging in and signing a new contract. It is worth noting that Fabrizio Romano has clarified there is no formal written release clause – the more accurate description is a verbal understanding that Spurs would seriously consider offers from Spanish clubs at the right price. Reports put that price at €60-65m.

If that money is coming, take it. Romero at 27, heading into what may be his last contract at a truly elite club, going to a manager in Simeone who has pursued him for two years – you are not talking him out of that. The question is whether Tottenham manage it cleanly or spend three months being dragged towards the same outcome at a lower price.

Randal Kolo Muani’s loan will not be made permanent

One goal. Twenty-five Premier League appearances. Nineteen touches against Brighton, zero chances created, zero shots on target. His right-back, Pedro Porro, created more from open play in that match than the man playing ahead of him.

There was a window earlier in the season where Juventus tried to cut his loan short and take him back to Turin. That tells you something. His loan expires in the summer, and reports confirm he has long believed he will not remain at Tottenham beyond it. He will not be short of takers – Juventus remain keen, and Liverpool have now entered the race for his signature.

The decision for Spurs is simple: do not make the loan permanent. The harder part is resisting the temptation to immediately replace him with yet another short-term experiment and pretending that solves anything. It does not. Spurs need a striker. A proper one. On a permanent deal. This summer.

Richarlison needs a fresh start away from Tottenham

At some point you have to stop waiting for the version of Richarlison who arrived from Everton. That player – the one who pressed relentlessly, held the ball up, scored in big moments – has barely existed since the 2022 World Cup. What Spurs have had instead is a series of injury announcements, cautious return timelines, and then more injury announcements.

He has not featured meaningfully under De Zerbi. He is 29. He earns substantial wages for a club that desperately needs that money elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a summer move for the highest-scoring English defender in history, but only if they get relegated to the Championship.

Spurs are in a tricky spot as the summer window approaches, as the club are still not sure what division they will be playing in next season.

Reports indicate that Tottenham are making two distinct plans for the summer window, depending on whether they stay up or go down.

As part of that process, they have now identified a 35-year-old full-back as a potential target as he approaches the end of his contract.

Tottenham are considering a move for Rangers right-back James Tavernier

TEAMtalk have now revealed that Spurs are weighing up a move for Rangers captain James Tavernier if they fail to stay in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old is part of the wishlist for the Lilywhites if they find themselves in the Championship and needing to bounce straight back up.

Tavernier’s experience and leadership are viewed as valuable assets by Tottenham in their promotion push, with the defender having plenty of experience in the Championship.

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Tavernier has spent 11 years at Ibrox and has scored 144 goals and 148 assists in 563 matches for the Glasgow club, making him the highest-scoring English defender in the history of the game.

Spurs could face competition from a relegated club for Tavernier

TEAMtalk say that the Rangers legend is open to returning to England this summer, with interest building south of the border in his services.

Wolves, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, are also monitoring Tavernier ahead of their return to the Champions League as the West Midlands side looks to add proven experience to their squad this summer.

The window does not open until June, but at Tottenham Hotspur the decisions are already being made – and we have identified three clear winners and three clear losers from the summer business before a single deal is done.

Stories are leaking out of N17 at a steady pace. Guglielmo Vicario to Inter Milan. Pape Matar Sarr potentially sold for £50m. Conor Gallagher likely on his way. Tottenham are even said to be considering Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos and Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu as Vicario’s replacement.

Roberto De Zerbi is reshaping this squad in his image, and the direction of travel is becoming clear well before the window opens. Some will come out of this summer much better off. Some will not.

Roberto De Zerbi finally gets the Tottenham goalkeeper his system actually needs

This one feels overdue. The moment De Zerbi was appointed, the writing was on the wall for Vicario – not because he is a bad goalkeeper, but because De Zerbi’s demands from the position go so far beyond shot-stopping that it almost requires a different job description.

Vicario goes long under pressure – the Premier League’s own channel even drew attention to it. De Zerbi needs a goalkeeper who threads passes into midfield, triggers pressing traps from the back, and is comfortable with the ball at his feet in tight situations for sustained periods. His former goalkeeping coach was explicit about it: the Italian wants his keeper to be an eleventh outfielder, not a last line of defence.

Kaua Santos, James Trafford, Bart Verbruggen, Noah Atubolu – who has 33 clean sheets in 111 Bundesliga appearances and has been likened to Manuel Neuer – whoever ends up coming in has been identified specifically because they can do what Vicario cannot. That is not a sideways move. That is the squad starting to actually match the manager’s demands.

Antonin Kinsky has played himself into genuine relevance

Nobody saw this coming six months ago. Antonin Kinsky arrived as emergency cover – a young Czech goalkeeper being thrown into a relegation battle with no time to breathe. He was supposed to be a stopgap.

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He has been considerably more than that. His performances against Brighton and Sunderland showed a goalkeeper who is comfortable in possession, reads the game intelligently, and does not crumble under pressure. He suits what De Zerbi wants. He has made the goalkeeping debate genuinely interesting rather than settled.

Whoever comes in this summer will not simply inherit the shirt. Kinsky will push them. And that competition – which nobody planned for – makes Spurs better in goal regardless of which way it goes.

Lucas Bergvall steps forward with the space finally opening up

The summer exits, painful as several of them will be, create something Lucas Bergvall has not had enough of this season: room. Room in the squad, room in the system, room in the conversation about who this Tottenham team is being built around.

He is 18. He turned down Barcelona – Barcelona – to come to Tottenham because he believed in the project. Against Brighton, he won the ball back in the 85th minute in his own half, drove forward, and created the position from which Simons scored. That is not luck. That is a player who understands exactly how De Zerbi wants the game to be played, instinctively, without needing to be told.

If this summer goes well, Bergvall walks into next season as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

As for the losers from Tottenham’s summer business so far…

Guglielmo Vicario swaps Tottenham for Inter Milan

It would be easy to frame this as simply the right footballing decision – the system demands a different goalkeeper, so Vicario goes, clean and simple. It is not that clean.

Vicario delayed hernia surgery to stay available for a crucial run of fixtures. He was central to the Europa League triumph. He has given Tottenham the kind of loyalty that plenty of his peers simply would not have. He has even been described as being “inspired” by Inter legend Samir Handanovic during his formative years – so in some ways, moving to the San Siro fulfils something personal for him too. That is a complicated thing to begrudge him.

Vicario has already given his ‘yes’ to Inter, and Inter’s director Piero Ausilio has already been in London for meetings. Spurs want around £25m; Inter are offering closer to £16m-£17m. The gap will close.

This is happening.

He deserves a genuinely warm send-off. It is hard to feel he will get one amid everything else going on at the club right now.

Joao Palhinha returns to Bayern Munich after Spurs loan

Joao Palhinha arrived on loan from Bayern Munich with something to prove and, in fits and starts, showed exactly the kind of defensive solidity Spurs have lacked for years. He broke up attacks, shielded the back four, and gave the midfield a physical presence it had been crying out for.

None of it will lead anywhere. Bayern Munich are not selling. Tottenham’s finances, which the club themselves have warned could force difficult decisions if relegation happens, cannot stretch to whatever fee would be required regardless.

He gave Spurs everything he had in difficult circumstances. He goes back to Munich at the end of the season having spent four months in a relegation battle, and that is the entirety of his Spurs career. That is a hard outcome for a player who deserved considerably more.

The Spurs supporters, who deserve better than another summer of hope followed by nothing

The Brighton draw felt good for about forty minutes. A glimpse of something, finally. Then the final whistle went, Spurs were still 17th, and the supporters filed out knowing they will spend the next three months wondering whether the players they actually want to see next season will still be here.

That is the particular misery of being a Tottenham fan in 2026. It is not just the results. It is the exhausting cycle of being told things are changing, watching them almost change, and then finding out in July that the budget was not quite what was promised and three of the players you needed to keep have gone.

Michael Bridge thinks Tottenham may be forced to keep three of their highest earners, even if the club drops down into the Championship.

Tottenham remain huge favourites to go down despite registering their first win of the Roberto De Zerbi era against Wolves on Saturday.

The Lilywhites are two points adrift of safety with four games to go, and the Spurs stars have vowed to keep fighting until the very end.

However, the North Londoners have received some very bad news regarding one of their key players this morning, and one pundit fears that it may send the club to the Championship.

Tim Sherwood claims Tottenham may be relegated for poor injury and fitness management

Xavi Simons has now been ruled out for the rest of 2026 after suffering an ACL tear in Tottenham’s 1-0 win against Wolves.

He is the latest in a long line of major injuries the club have this season, and Tim Sherwood insists that there have been too many soft tissue injuries for it to be put down to just bad luck.

The former Tottenham midfielder and interim manager fears that the Lilywhites are set to pay dearly for their medical mismanagement.

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Sherwood told Sky Sports: “Injuries have derailed Tottenham all season, and it can’t be bad luck. They need to review and [have] a good look at what’s happening to their players because we can all get injured from contact, but a lot of these injuries are not contact.

“They are twists and soft tissue injuries. And ultimately, it looks like they might have to pay the price for it, the ultimate price, which is relegation.

If you’re a manager, you’re going in, your players – some of your best players – keep getting injured and you can’t get them back to fitness.

“Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, it’s been a hell of a long time since they’ve been injured. So they’re going to need a good look at that in the summer.”

Journalist raises wage bill concerns for Spurs after Xavi’s injury

Reports indicate that Tottenham will be forced to sell many of their highest earners this summer if they go down, as they cannot sustain a big wage bill in the Championship.

However, journalist Michael Bridge has now claimed that Spurs could be forced to retain three of their highest earners, Xavi, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, due to their injury issues.

Bridge told Sky Sports: “If Tottenham do get relegated, they could still have James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons, three very big names, still at the club in the Championship.

“That’s a ruptured ACL for Simons; you can forget this year. That’s done.

“So with his wages and everything, you’ve got to look at the financial side of it as well. I’m sorry to say, but [Spurs’ persistent injury issues] need to be looked at. This is ridiculous now.”