Spurs Web

Daniel Levy has offered insight into the decision-making process behind hiring former Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, explaining what convinced him the 43-year-old was the right man to help lead Tottenham into a new era.

The 2024/25 season is over, and so Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and new chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham have sat down together to speak on a few matters surrounding the club.

In a recent interview, Levy opened up on why he decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou just weeks after the Australian delivered Tottenham’s first piece of silverware in 17 years, admitting he had no regrets about appointing the 59-year-old.

Daniel Levy also shed light on the managerial hiring process before Thomas Frank was eventually unveiled as the club’s new head coach, revealing that although 30 names were considered, the Brentford boss was always top of the list.

Vinai Venkatesham was always the first choice for Tottenham

Now, the Tottenham chairman has opened up about the thinking behind bringing in Vinai Venkatesham, who was appointed back in April after a lengthy spell at Arsenal.

Levy stated that he has known Venkatesham for years and considers him not only someone he gets on well with, but also someone whose strong work ethic and values align with his own. He believes Spurs will benefit significantly from the appointment.

He said (Tottenham Hotspur): “I have known Vinai for a number of years. Without doubt, he was the candidate. Sometimes you employ somebody and you are unsure whether it will work out, but because we have known each other, that risk did not exist.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“I am very excited Vinai has joined us, and I think the club is going to benefit enormously from it. Vinai is a good communicator, honest, has integrity, is bright, enjoys being challenged, and I want to be challenged as well.”

Venkatesham also spoke during the interview, explaining that working with good people is one of the most important factors he looks for when taking on a new role.

He described Levy as a key reason for joining Spurs, highlighting their complementary skills and the strong professional relationship they already share.

He said: “Working with good people is one of the, if not the, leading, characteristic I look forward when I’m doing a new role. Daniel and I have known each other professionally, as we’ve said, for a really long time, and I think we’ve got really complementary skills, and I think we’re going to form a really powerful partnership.

“I’ll be taking more of a lead day to day on operational matters on the pitch and off the pitch, but we’ll be working on everything together, and certainly there won’t be any decisions of any significance to happen at the club that we’re not completely joined at the hip on.

“That doesn’t mean that we always agree, we often disagree, and we often challenge each other, but I think that’s a good thing, and I think by working together, we’ll get to we’ll get to better answers.

“I think I’ve got some experience that is going to be valuable and is going to be helpful, but I don’t have all the answers. I need to learn. I need to understand more about this football club and listen, ultimately, in terms of how I see it is quite simple.

“I think a football club exists to make its supporters proud, and the way that you make your supporters proud is by competing to win and ultimately winning trophies. Doing that in a way that’s consistent with the histories and the values and the traditions of a club that have been built up over many, many decades.

“I’m genuinely not just saying it because he’s sitting next to me, but Daniel was a key part of my decision as well. That one similarity we’ve got, which is probably not healthy, is I know that we’re both absolute workaholics, and there are lots of WhatsApps pinged between us at all hours of the day.”

Vinai Venkatesham outlines goals in new Spurs role

Of course, Venkatesham is someone Tottenham fans will have to grow familiar with over the coming years, as he takes on responsibility for both football and non-football matters at the club.

The new Spurs CEO has already set out his three main priorities. First, he aims to develop both the men’s and women’s teams.

Second, he wants to strengthen the relationship between the club and its supporters. Third, he has emphasised the importance of looking after staff and maintaining a strong working culture at Hotspur Way.

Indeed, Tottenham are clearly undergoing a period of change, and while the plans sound promising, supporters will want to see tangible progress and not just hear more boardroom talk.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring a versatile Aston Villa star who Unai Emery’s side may be prepared to cash in for the right transfer fee this summer.

It has been reported over recent days that signing a midfielder is one of Thomas Frank’s top transfer priorities this summer as he looks to tweak the Tottenham first-team squad which he inherited from his predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs are short of homegrown players in their squad and it is an issue that the North London club need to address in the current transfer window.

It has now emerged that they might turn their attention to a versatile Englishman, who fell out of favour a bit at Villa Park last season.

Tottenham are monitoring Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey

A couple of weeks ago, it was reported by talkSPORT that Tottenham move for Jacob Ramsey since Villa consider selling some players to alleviate their PSR issues after missing out on Champions League qualification.

The Daily Mail have now reported something very similar, claiming that the Villans are expected to listen to offers for several of their players as they aim to offset their losses.

It is explained that Ramsey could be sacrificed by the Midlands club as his sale would count as pure profit in their books.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The report says that Emery’s men would accept an offer of around £40m for their academy graduate, with Tottenham and West Ham both monitoring his situation.

Tottenham are focused on adding more firepower up front

While the interest in Ramsey and other midfielders may be something that Spurs revisit later in the window, for the moment, the North Londoners appear focused on adding more firepower to their forward line.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham have pushed ahead with a move for Bryan Mbeumo, with the Lilywhites looking to reunite the Brentford forward with Frank.

Tottenham are eyeing a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, but other clubs are circling as the Manchester United player considers a pay cut.

If the recent reports are anything to go by, the summer window promises to be an exciting one for Tottenham Hotspur, who are expected to be busy.

Spurs have already completed two signings this summer window, after announcing the permanent purchase of Kevin Danso from RC Lens and the first signing of the Thomas Frank era on Sunday, June 15, when Tel’s permanent signing was complete too, following his winter move.

It has also been reported that Tottenham are planning a major rebuild this summer, and Thomas Frank, the new manager, is expected to receive a substantial sum to work with as Spurs look to compete on multiple fronts.

Tottenham want Marcus Rashford from Manchester United

Caughtoffside are now reporting that Tottenham have their eyes on a Manchester United winger this summer – Marcus Rashford.

The publication has stated that amongst the host of clubs interested in the 27-year-old winger, Spurs are one of two clubs to watch in the Premier League.

Of course, this comes as no surprise, as Tottenham were also reported to be in the running for Rashford during the winter window, before he joined Aston Villa on loan.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Rashford did impress during his six-month spell in the West Midlands, scoring four goals and assisting six in 17 appearances.

Spurs remain in mix despite Barcelona preference

While Tottenham are among potential suitors, it is reported that Aston Villa remain open to signing Rashford permanently from Manchester United, after his loan spell at Old Trafford in the second half of last season.

However, Villa are not alone in their pursuit of the winger, with Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Saudi Pro League clubs also said to be interested.

It is asserted that Rashford’s preferred destination would be Barcelona, but a move there remains unlikely, given Barca’s interest in Nico Williams, who plays on the left, the same position as Rashford.

Tottenham, though, remain in the mix, and it is understood that if Rashford is to secure a move elsewhere, he would need to take a pay cut. His current wages of around £325,000 per week are understandably deemed to be problematic for a lot of clubs after his recent dip in form.

The report claims he would be willing to take a pay cut to complete a transfer this summer.

David Bentley believes Jack Grealish would thrive at Tottenham and has urged the club to make a move for the Manchester City star this summer.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s longest-standing transfer targets, Jack Grealish, is reported to be available this summer, with Manchester City open to selling the winger.

The 29-year-old endured a poor 2024/25 campaign, where he featured for just 715 minutes in the Premier League for the former champions, scoring a single goal and grabbing one assist.

To compound his struggles even further, Grealish was left out of Manchester City’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.

However, despite the downturn in form, Tottenham are still said to hold interest in signing Jack Grealish ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Manchester City reportedly looking for a transfer fee in the region of £50million, although Everton are also believed to be keen.

David Bentley backs Tottenham to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City

Former Tottenham and Blackburn midfielder David Bentley has now backed Spurs to make a move for the Manchester City winger this summer.

Speaking to Oddschecker last week, Bentley stated that Tottenham would be the “ideal platform for Grealish to perform”.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The ex-England international also suggested Grealish could step in for Heung-min Son on the left wing following what he described as an “off-season” from the Spurs captain.

He said: “Son’s levels have dropped this year, but I think the club should keep him for at least another season. If you can bring Grealish in for the right price, I think he will thrive at Spurs on the left wing.”

“I can also see Dominic Solanke thriving with somebody like Jack Grealish on the wing, he could get double the goals with that quality service.”

Jack Grealish transfer would raise wage questions for Spurs

Grealish turns 30 later this year, and with the winger currently earning £300,000 per week at Manchester City, a pay cut would almost certainly be required if he is to secure a move to N17, given Spurs’ wage structure.

While Bentley has tipped Grealish to replace Son, that scenario feels increasingly unlikely, especially given Tottenham have just signed Mathys Tel on a permanent deal and handed the 20-year-old a six-year contract.

There is growing noise around Son possibly leaving Spurs, with reports suggesting he is open to a move, after spending a decade in north London.

Should that exit materialise, one would expect Tottenham to target a younger forward rather than bring in another player who will need replacing within a few years.

Tottenham’s opening five Premier League fixtures for the 2025/26 season have been released, and we have now compared them with their rivals in the so-called big six to see how they stack up.

The 2025/26 Premier League fixtures have now been released ahead of next season, and for Tottenham Hotspur, they must get off to a great start.

We have already highlighted eight notable fixtures Tottenham fans would be looking forward to in the 25/26 Premier League season.

Of course, Spurs’ opening games look very tricky, one that Frank would have to think well about. But how does it compare to their other big six rivals, and where could Tottenham be right after matchweek five? Let us have a look.

Tottenham 2025/26 predicted Premier League start

Burnley are Tottenham’s first game of the season

The first game of the 2025/26 season is pretty much the perfect start for Tottenham Hotspur as newly promoted Burnley visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. We expect this to be a straightforward win for Spurs.

Prediction: Win (+3)

A tough second test in matchweek two for Tottenham

While the first clash is everything Tottenham fans would have asked for, the second tie in the league would surely give Thomas Frank a bit of a headache as they visit former Premier League champions Manchester City away from home.

City, for sure, would be looking to get points on the board as they are hungry to retrieve the Premier League title. Spurs can win, but it could be too soon to face City.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Prediction: Lose (0)

In matchweek three, a clash against Bournemouth, who were impressive last season, would pose another threat to Tottenham. But if Spurs are to push for the UEFA Champions League spots, they have to win these sorts of games.

Prediction: Win (+3)

The Hammers struggled last season just like Spurs, and they would be hoping to perform a lot better than they did. However, we expect Tottenham to emerge as winners when these two clash.

Prediction: Win (+3)

A clash against the Seagulls could see Spurs pick up their first draw of the Premier League season, particularly with Tottenham travelling to the Amex.

Prediction: Draw (+1)

Spurs could pretty much end the month of September with a win at home in front of their fans against Wolves, who struggled for most of last season but ended the campaign strongly.

Prediction: Win (+3)

Tottenham’s first five Premier League fixtures compared to big six rivals

Here is Spurs‘ biggest competition for the UEFA Champions League spots and the Premier League title. Below are all their first five fixtures, plus how many points we think they will rack up.

Arsenal

Total: 11 points

Chelsea

Total: 13 points

Liverpool

Total: 11 points

Manchester City

Total: 13 points

Manchester United

Total: 7 points

Tottenham Hotspur

Total: 10 points

How the Big Six Premier League table would look after five games

With all our predictions taken into account, here is how we think the Premier League 2025/26 table could look after five games played.

Tottenham Hotspur have been faced with a unique challenge at the start of the 2025-26 campaign as the schedule sees them playing a huge Super Cup game in another corner of Europe just days before their first Premier League fixture.

If Thomas Frank was hoping to ease into the start of the Tottenham Hotspur tenure, he would have to disabuse himself of those hopes very quickly as he faces a monumental clash in his first competitive game as Spurs head coach.

The Lilywhites take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in Udine on August 13, in a game which serves as a huge dress rehearsal for the campaign ahead.

Tottenham face some extremely challenging fixtures in the first two months of the season, and to make matters worse, the Danish coach will hardly have any time to prepare for the club’s Premier League season opener.

Tottenham have just three days to prepare for Premier League

Spurs start the Premier League season with a fairly straightforward clash at home against newly promoted side, Burnley.

However, things ramp up very quickly for the Lilywhites, who visit the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on matchday 2.

While Frank will be happy to start at home against the Clarets, the issue is that the opening game of the season is on August 16, just three days after Tottenham take on PSG in the Super Cup.

MORE SPURS STORIES

That means that not only would the Spurs players potentially be fatigued from having taken on the European champions, but the travel from Italy to England two days before the season opener is far from ideal.

FIFA rule could work to Spurs’ advantage in UEFA Super Cup

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.

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

The Parisians are involved in the Club World Cup and with FIFA stipulating that players be given a minimum of three weeks of rest after any major tournament, some of PSG’s star players could be undercooked or potentially even rested for the final against Spurs.

The Premier League fixtures have been announced and Tottenham Hotspur now know exactly when they will be facing each team over the course of the 2025/26 season. We have now highlighted eight notable fixtures Spurs fans should be looking forward to next season.

In the 25/26 season, Tottenham Hotspur know they need to improve on their horror display last campaign, where they finished in 17th, after losing 22 matches.

Thomas Frank would also know very well that he has to improve on Tottenham’s league performance next season, and after ample time with this Spurs group during pre-season, he would be hoping they can get off to a great start in the Premier League.

The Premier League have now released the fixture list for next season, meaning Spurs now know what lies ahead of them. We have now highlighted eight huge Tottenham games to look out for ahead of the 2025/26 season after the Premier League fixture release.

Tottenham fixtures begin with an opener against Burnley

Thomas Frank and Tottenham have been handed a rather perfect start to the upcoming Premier League season, with a clash against newly promoted Burnley the first game on the agenda for the Lilywhites.

The clash is set to take place on 16 August 2025 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, making it ideal for Spurs to get off to a great start, as their loyal supporters would be out cheering what could be a new-look Tottenham team under new head coach Thomas Frank.

The Lilywhites do have a good record against Burnley, having won 12 of the last 18 meetings against the newly promoted side, and they would fancy themselves to get all three points in matchday one.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham face Manchester City away in matchweek two

While it is set to be the perfect opening start to the season for Frank and company, the second match that takes place a week later promises to be far trickier, as Tottenham are set to face Manchester City away from home.

Of course, it is a winnable match for Spurs, who actually have a strong record against the Citizens, as they always seem to beat Pep Guardiola’s side regardless of their form.

Frank, on the other hand, would be hoping his Spurs side can cause City more headaches, as his Brentford team was always competitive and made life difficult for the former Premier League champions.

Chelsea visit Tottenham in first big London derby

The next notable game to keep a close eye on is the first home London derby of the 2025/26 season, where Tottenham would be facing Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 1 November 2025.

It should be a cracking game, as it has always been, and Frank would be hoping he can get one over one of Spurs’ biggest enemies at the first time of asking – a win that would surely mean a lot to the Tottenham fanbase.

Indeed, Ange Postecoglou failed to win any of his clashes against Chelsea in the Premier League during his time as Spurs boss, and for Frank, picking up three points against the top sides would be very important if he is to foster a winning culture.

First north London derby of the season

Tottenham’s first north London derby for the 2025/26 season comes 21 days after the Chelsea clash, on 22 November 2025.

With both derby clashes not too far apart, Thomas Frank would be hoping he can secure wins in both fixtures to keep a bit of feel-good and belief around N17.

Regardless, getting one over the enemies would be absolutely crucial for the Lilywhites, who have not secured a win against Arsenal in the last six outings, with their last victory coming back in the 2021/22 season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As for Spurs’ last away victory, one would have to go back to the 2010/11 season when Tottenham won 3-2 at the Emirates.

Tottenham host Brentford as Thomas Frank faces his old club

In what would be an emotional clash against his former side, Tottenham would face off against Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 6 December 2025.

Spurs would be hoping that they made the right managerial choice come this stage of the season, as we would be nearing the festive clashes, where everyone would know what they are fighting for.

Spurs travel to Crystal Palace for a festive fixture

Following the Brentford clash, the next notable fixture in the 2025/26 season would be the festive Christmas fixture.

For Tottenham, they would be away from home when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, in what would be Glasner versus Frank – two managers who were on the shortlist for Tottenham when they were looking to replace Postecoglou.

Of course, fans would be hoping Tottenham do not ruin the festive period this time, like they did last season after losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Tottenham host Arsenal in February North London derby

As for the first home north London derby for Tottenham, it is set to take place in the New Year, on 21 February 2026.

Arsenal would come visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what is always a fiery encounter. Many Spurs fans would once again be hoping that this season they manage to do the double against the Gunners, a feat that they have not managed in the last decade.

Of course, with UEFA Champions League games also thrown into the mix during this period, it sure would be a lot trickier for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham fixtures end with Everton at home

The final clash of the season would see Tottenham end in front of their very own fans as they take on Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Last season, it was all party when Spurs played their last game of the Premier League season, as the club were celebrating their UEFA Europa League triumph.

Many supporters will be hoping for the same again – and Daniel Levy has already revealed that he has his eye on a Premier League trophy, or maybe they could look ahead to another Champions League final.

Whatever the case may be, it is sure to be another ride that will have its highs and lows.

Thomas Frank will have a very difficult start to his tenure as Tottenham Hotspur head coach as he faces what is an extremely challenging run of Premier League fixtures at the start of the season.

Frank will look to get Tottenham back into the top six next season, where the club feel they belong, after a poor domestic campaign that saw them finish just above the drop zone with 22 losses.

The Dane will also have to cope with the added challenge of Champions League football and reports indicate that Frank will be backed with big money this summer to undertake a squad rebuild.

However, given how different the 51-year-old’s tactical approach is from his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, it will take the side some time to adapt to his methods, which is why he may be dreading the difficult start that Spurs have been handed.

Tottenham face an extremely challenging Premier League period

Tottenham’s fixture list for the 2025-26 season is now out, and it is fair to say that the Lilywhites have not got the easiest of starts to the campaign.

Things get very tricky for the North Londoners from mid-October to mid-November as they face Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal within a space of a few weeks.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Here are Tottenham’s fixtures from October 18 to November 22:

On paper, the Everton game is the only one that seems straightforward, but David Moyes’s men will be playing at their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, with an intimidating atmosphere thus in store for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs will also face some big Champions League games in this period

What will make this period even trickier to navigate for the Lilywhites is that the Champions League will get up and running, with the new format meaning that Spurs will play eight games in the league phase.

With the North London club in pot 3 for the draw, Tottenham are guaranteed to face a couple of huge clubs in the league phase of the Champions League.

The Premier League fixture list has been revealed and Tottenham Hotspur now know exactly how their 2025/26 campaign is structured.

Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to get their 2025/26 season off to a good start as they look to perform better than they did last campaign, when they finished fourth from bottom, after losing 22 games and conceding 65 goals.

Although the Lilywhites secured a trophy last season after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final, statistically, Spurs were one of the worst sides in the league, with only three teams losing more games than Postecoglou’s side, while four teams conceded more goals in the league than Tottenham.

The North London club have since sacked Ange Postecoglou following Spurs’ abysmal Premier League form last term, and will start the season under new head coach Thomas Frank, who will also have to juggle the league with competing in the Champions League.

The Dane comes in with a reputation of punching above his weight, after he guided Brentford to two top-half finishes in the last three seasons, while operating on limited financial resources.

Of course, the expectations at Tottenham are higher, and Frank will have to prove that he is capable of competing with the very best in the Premier League and Europe.

With the 2025/26 Premier League fixture list now released, here’s everything you need to know about Tottenham’s season ahead.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2025/26 Premier League fixture list

Here are Tottenham’s fixtures for the season ahead, which consists of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds.:

Fixture dates are subject to change depending on factors such as television broadcast selection, domestic cup and European competition involvement.

When is Tottenham’s first Premier League game of the season?

Tottenham’s first Premier League game of the season will take place on 16th August 2025 where they will play newcomers Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What is Tottenham’s first away game?

They don’t come much tougher than an away trip to Manchester City on 23rd August 2025, however, Tottenham’s record at the Etihad in recent years has been excellent.

When do Tottenham play Arsenal?

Tottenham are set to take on North London rivals Arsenal on the 22nd November 2025 at the Emirates.

The reverse fixture is currently scheduled for on the 21st February 2026 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When do Spurs play Chelsea?

Spurs first play Chelsea on 1st November 2025 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The reverse fixture is currently pencilled in to take place at Stamford Bridge on the penultimate game of the season in May 2026.

Who do Tottenham play on Boxing Day?

Tottenham do not have a Boxing Day fixture, instead they play on December 27th and make the short trip to south London to take on Crystal Palace.

When does the 2025/26 Premier League season end?

The final day of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign falls on Sunday 24th May, with all ten fixtures set to commence at the same time, as usual and will see Tottenham host Everton.

How to watch 2025/26 Premier League fixtures

For those watching in the UK, Sky Sports and TNT Sports will once again share the broadcasting rights for Premier League football next season. There will be no live fixtures screened on Amazon Prime.

Who do Tottenham play next?

Tottenham Hotspur are now making advances towards landing an exciting winger, who lit up the Premier League with his energetic displays last season.

While most of the speculation over the last week has revolved around Tottenham’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, the Lilywhites also seemingly have their eye on another top-class Premier League wide-man.

That might be down to the fact that Heung-min Son’s future at Tottenham is currently under a cloud, with reports over recent days indicating that Thoms Frank is prioritising reinforcing the wide areas this summer.

It had previously been reported that Spurs may replace their captain Son with Antonie Semenyo, who was one of the best players on show in the league last campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists.

Over recent weeks, some outlets have claimed that Tottenham have already done a lot of groundwork on a deal for Semenyo.

According to reports, Spurs could face competition from Newcastle United for the Bournemouth winger, with Eddie Howe said to be a big fan of the Ghana international.

Now, Sky Sports have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have ‘stepped up’ their interest in landing Semenyo this summer as Frank looks to put his imprint on the squad.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The outlet backs up what we have heard from other sources by revealing that the Cherries want £70m for the 25-year-old, but that asking price has seemingly not deterred Spurs.

Is this a sign that Spurs do not expect to land Bryan Mbeumo?

The news that Tottenham are pushing ahead with a move for the Bournemouth winger could be significant for the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Mbeumo.

Several journalists have said over recent days Spurs have identified Semenyo as their number one alternative for Mbeumo.