Football London

Tottenham new boy Mohammed Kudus has been welcomed into the club in hilarious fashion by Richarlison. The 24-year-old former West Ham attacker was announced as a Spurs player on Thursday after signing a six-year contract.

Kudus will join Thomas Frank's squad, which is set to have quite the summer makeover with Morgan Gibbs-White also looking set to move. His £60million release clause has been met by Daniel Levy and Co as they ramp up their summer recruitment following a slow start.

Kudus is the first major deal to be completed, though, and makes the switch across London with plenty of baggage. Last season he was sent off against Tottenham in a dramatic 4-1 loss for the Hammers.

Then under Julen Lopetegui, West Ham took an early lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in mid-October. Kudus scored and could easily have put his side in front before that as well only for Guglielmo Vicario to deny him.

Tottenham were yet to reach anywhere near the nadir of their season to come but had still lost three of their opening seven games entering this match. They would go on to lose 10 of the next 15 as things slumped to a serious halt with Ange Postecoglou.

However, on this occasion, they fought back at home to win 4-1. Dejan Kulusevski got an equaliser before half-time with Son Heung-Min and Yves Bissouma netting twice in quick succession after an own goal to leave the game heading in one direction.

Kudus and his team were shell-shocked. That did not stop him from being involved in the major flashpoint of the whole afternoon. When chasing back to tackle Micky van de Ven, things spilled over.

Kudus' initial attempts to win the ball back were unsuccessful but as Van de Ven fell to the floor, Kudus continued to kick away. Van de Ven leapt to his feet in anger, pushing Kudus firmly in the chest.

Kudus responded by shoving back as a massive brawl unfolded. Richarlison was quick to join in, going over to Kudus, whilst Pape Matar Sarr also approached the Ghanaian.

As soon as Richarlison had gotten involved, he was on the floor, bouncing off Kudus and into referee Chris Kavanagh. He was left face down with his head in his hands on the grass next to Van de Ven in the same position whilst Kudus took on four Tottenham shirts all at once.

Edson Alvarez, Jarrod Bowen, Carlos Soler, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were all trying to hold him back with Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie in the melee. As Kudus was pulled away by his own teammates, he had one last parting shot at Sarr, putting two hands onto his face.

Once this was checked by VAR, Kudus was sent off and then handed a three-match ban. He went five games without playing for West Ham before returning in early December.

Unsurprisingly, Richarlison hasn't forgotten the incident. Writing on Instagram after the Kudus announcement, he posted an image of Kudus squaring up to Van de Ven in the initial bust-up before the pile-on.

"Welcome to the spurs family kudus [smiling face]", he posted. Richarlison can be seen in the background of the picture just as he was about to go and get himself involved.

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank will have Mohammed Kudus available throughout the coming winter, barring injury, due to Ghana failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Spurs are set to make it £150million spent on transfers this month after suddenly launching into action. The £55million move for 24-year-old West Ham attacker Kudus was announced on Thursday, just days after the club completed a £5million deal for Japan international centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

A £60million move for Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White is also at an advanced stage with the England international set to undergo his medical while Tottenham also made Mathys Tel's loan from Bayern Munich a permanent move in a £30million deal which went through at the beginning of July.

When it comes to Kudus, he faced disappointment when Ghana were unable to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations this winter after finishing bottom of Group F without a win to their name. The winger's frustration will be Spurs' gain though as it means he will be available to Frank throughout January and February during the tournament.

Tottenham could lose Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, if both are selected and the latter is still at the club, as Senegal and Mali both qualified for the competition.

Kudus joins the north London outfit having played 80 matches for West Ham and provided 32 goal involvements. He had arrived from Ajax where he managed 39 goal involvements in 87 games. The attacker has scored plenty of goals in the Champions League and Europa League with that experience set to come in handy this season as Spurs return to Europe's elite club competition.

His transfer marked the first deal between Tottenham and West Ham since Scott Park made the move across London back in 2011.

Tottenham are finally making moves in the summer transfer window. Following the signing of Kota Takai from J.League side Kawasaki Frontale, Spurs have added another player with the £55million signing of West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus has signed a long-term contract with Tottenham, becoming the first player to make the move from West Ham to Spurs since Scott Parker in 2011.

Kudus arrives at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to work under a new coach in Thomas Frank, who is now putting his stamp on the Spurs squad he inherited from Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham are also in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, with Spurs prepared to activate the England star's release clause of £60million.

Kudus joins Takai and Mathys Tel as permanent signing for Frank and has chosen the No.20 shirt in N17.

A number of other clubs were linked with a move for the Ghanaian, with Chelsea and Newcastle both interested, but Kudus confirmed that he only had eyes for Spurs with a brilliant four-word statement in his unveiling video on the official Tottenham Hotspur website.

Reports circled that Kudus made his decision to move to Spurs, providing they stumped up the cash for the deal with the Hammers, and he said just that in his unveiling video.

The video starts with Kudus saying into a microphone: "I only wanted Spurs. Play the track."

The Ghanaian joins the north London outfit having played 80 matches for West Ham and provided 32 goal involvements. He had arrived from Ajax where he managed 39 goal involvements in 87 games. The attacker has scored plenty of goals in the Champions League and Europa League with that experience set to come in handy this season as Spurs return to Europe's elite club competition.

Tottenham Hotspur have moved swiftly to improve Thomas Frank's squad this summer transfer window. After making Mathys Tel's loan move from Bayern Munich permanent and signing Koko Takai, Spurs are closing in on two more arrivals.

Mohammed Kudus has joined the club from West Ham for £55million. The versatile forward has become the first new player signed for a big fee this summer and will bolster Frank's attack ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Spurs are also pushing to sign Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White. football.london understands a deal worth £60m is being touted and talks are at an advanced stage.

The 25-year-old England international impressed at the City Ground in the past two seasons and has managed to break into the England squad. It's been suggested that Gibbs-White's contract contains a £60m release clause.

Gibbs-White significantly bolsters Frank's midfield for the 2025/26 season. Spurs have a number of players to choose from for the position but injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in the past place doubt over where the creativity will come from.

Kudus' arrival strengthens Tottenham's attack with the likes of Wilson Odobert, Tel and Mikey Moore all competing to be utilised by Frank throughout the season. Once the duo come in, focus will turn on adding more new faces to Frank's new-look squad.

For many, a new striker should be the next on Johan Lange's transfer priority list. Calls for another centre-back to be added have also been made. However, according to a report from GB News, a move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is imminent.

The report states that Frank has been given a war-chest of around £175m to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White, which would mean Wharton will cost around £60m. The England international would strengthen Spurs' midfield options but it's not yet clear whether Palace would be open to selling him.

Elsewhere, Yves Bissouma and Manor Solomon have all been linked with moves away. Their exits could trigger further business before the season kicks-off.

Tottenham are set to pay the £60million release clause to Nottingham Forest to ensure Morgan Gibbs-White makes his move to north London.

A deal for the 25-year-old England international, a long-time Spurs target, accelerated quickly on Thursday when the north London club made the decision to pay the release clause for the midfielder. Gibbs-White is now expected to undergo his medical at Tottenham in the next 24 hours to seal the whirlwind move that will boost Thomas Frank's squad ahead of a season that brings with it the return of Champions League football.

It will complete a £120million transfer splurge at the club with Spurs about to seal a £55million move for West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus after completing a £5million deal this week for Japan international centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

The No.10 in Frank's system is a creative and willing runner and Frank decided while at Brentford that Gibbs-White could be the perfect addition in that role, while also able to play in a deeper central midfield role as well as on the wing if required. Frank's assistant Justin Cochrane has worked with Gibbs-White within the England set-up and now the duo will work with him at Spurs.

In an impressive season for Forest under former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo as they flirted around the top spots for long periods, he was one of the standout players, captaining the side on numerous occasions and weighing in with seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League matches.

Now Tottenham and Frank are set to benefit from the England international's creative ability and his high energy style after the north London club made it clear they would pay the release clause, something they have been reluctant to do in the past. Spurs also made Mathys Tel's loan from Bayern Munich a permanent move in a £30million deal meaning a £150million outlay in recent weeks.

Tottenham are in talks with Nottingham Forest to try to bring midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to the club in a £60million deal, football.london understands.

Spurs are about to seal a £55million move for West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus to boost Thomas Frank's squad and are now looking to tie up a deal for long-time target Gibbs-White after launching into talks with Forest. The 25-year-old England international has got two years left on his contract and Forest are trying to tie him down to a new contract.

However, Tottenham want to bring the former Wolves man, who was linked with Manchester City earlier in the summer, to north London with the lure of Champions League football if they can agree a deal with Forest. There are suggestions that Gibbs-White's contract contains a release clause of £60million which Spurs could choose to trigger if they cannot find another solution with Forest but it could also entice other interested parties.

football.london have previously reported that once the deal for Kudus was done then Spurs were looking to bring in a central midfielder. Gibbs-White can play in the centre of the pitch as well as a No.10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which Frank favours. In a big season for Forest under former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo he was one of the standout players, captaining the side on numerous occasions and weighing in with seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League matches.

Forest agreed a £55million deal to seal Anthony Elanga to Newcastle this week and Tottenham would need to convince the Nottingham side to part with another key player with a big bid.

Spurs also tied up a £5million deal this week for Japan international centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale and further movies for Kudus and Gibbs-White would give Frank's squad a major triple boost for a season in which the club wants to compete on all fronts.

Thomas Frank will have a large squad of Tottenham players to work with this week with more coming back this week.

The new Spurs head coach began getting to grips with the first set of players on the Hotspur Way pitches earlier this week and now the bulk of the club's international stars have returned to the club to begin their testing and bloodwork before joining Frank and his big coaching staff out on the grass.

That means that most of Tottenham's key Europa League-winning stars are now back in the building and that will allow the Dane to compare and contrast what he has in the squad and make those important decisions over who he wants to keep and who can be allowed to leave the club this summer on loan or permanently if a good offer comes on.

Here are five things we spotted in the latest footage released by the club from the gym work and testing for the returning group of international stars.

Romero returns

If there was any doubt amid the transfer speculation surrounding Cristian Romero that he might not return back to Tottenham on time then that was quickly dispensed with on Wednesday.

The World Cup winner was back at the training ground, arriving with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. The Spurs vice-captain could later be seen on the stationary bikes with Destiny Udogie before being put through his various tests by the sports science staff.

Also back in the building were Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Pape Matar Sarr, Kevin Danso, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, now in his 11th year as a Tottenham player, and Manor Solomon, who spent last season on loan at Leeds United and helped them to the Championship title.

Son won't be long

One notable absence from the group of returning internationals was the club captain Son Heung-min. Another player with plenty of speculation around his future, the South Korean star is not back at Hotspur Way just yet.

football.london understands that Son, who is approaching his decade at the north London club, has had some pre-agreed family commitments to attend to and he will be back at the training ground by the end of this week.

There are others yet to return to the Enfield training complex with those who took part in the U21 and U19 European Championships - Archie Gray - who has a winner's medal from the U21s competition, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore, given a couple of extra days off to recover from their exploits.

No Bryan Gil

There has been another missing Tottenham player from Hotspur Way in recent days and that is Spanish winger Bryan Gil. The 24-year-old had been shown back at the training ground at the weekend after his loan season at Girona came to an end.

The Spain international, who is now in the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs, suffered a knee injury towards the end of the campaign which required surgery and ended his season prematurely.

Gil now appears to have been given permission to head back to his homeland though to continue his rehabilitation. His Instagram story videos and photos suggest he has been working with physio Nacho Vazquez and former striker Jaime Asen, who now works within physical training and rehabilitation.

Gil has previously said that he expects to leave Tottenham this summer and with the arrival of Mohammed Kudus this week, the congested winger department in the squad suggests there will not be a place for him in Frank's plans.

That Richarlison and Sarr bromance

We've seen plenty of evidence of the Richarlison and Sarr bromance blossoming over the past season or so, including playful fights on the bench and plenty of teasing.

That friendship looks as strong as ever on their reunion at Hotspur Way with the duo indulging in a squabble on the exercise bikes at one stage while chatting away. Both men then looked to be competing with each other on a machine where you have to push and pull with one leg strapped just above the ankle.

Sarr then later gave Richarlison a playful slap of approval on the back as the pair were going through different physical tests in the gym.

Maddison boost

We've seen James Maddison in the gym before with the Spurs vice-captain being one of the first players to meet Frank when he arrived at the club when the England international was going through his rehabilitation work after his knee injury.

He and Radu Dragusin, who was shown using his strength in pull-ups and weight work on Wednesday, as he recovers from his cruciate ligament injury, are both in and around the first team and Maddison provided a positive update on his recovery.

The midfielder posted images of himself out on the Hotspur Way pitches, running and striking a ball, on Instagram with the caption stating "Back on the grass". Hopefully it will not be too long before the 28-year-old can join in with Frank's training sessions to ensure he is ready for the coming season.

Both Maddison and Brennan Johnson have had tattoos of the Europa League trophy done over the summer and will be looking to add further silverware to their collection.

The bulk of Tottenham's international players are back at Hotspur Way - apart from one key figure - to start life under new head coach Thomas Frank.

Those Spurs players will soon be joined by a new face in Mohammed Kudus as the 24-year-old attacker completes the formalities of his £55million move from West Ham. The Ghana international will be undergoing his medical on Thursday at Hotspur Way as many of the club's international players start taking to the pitches at the training ground to start life under Frank.

Most them returned on Wednesday, having been given longer off after their matches for their country last month, with Pedro Porro one of the few to return early under the new coaching staff.

Back in the building to complete their bloodwork and gym tests with the sports science staff on Wednesday were Cristian Romero, Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, Richarlison, Pape Matar Sarr, Kevin Danso, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, now in his 11th year as a Tottenham player, and Manor Solomon.

New strength and conditioning coach Tom Perryman, who has made the trip across with Frank from Brentford, could be seen in footage working with various players.

Those players who took part in the U21 and U19 European Championships - Archie Gray - who won the U21s competition, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore, have been given a couple of extra days off to recover from their exploits.

Another player who will be back in by the end of this week is Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and football.london understands the South Korean star, who has now been at the club for almost a decade, has had some pre-agreed family commitments to attend to.

When everyone is back, Frank will have a huge squad to work with at Hotspur Way, not forgetting another new face in defender Kota Takai, who joined this week from Kawasaki Frontale. The Dane will decide in the days and weeks ahead which players need to head out on loan this summer or can make the permanent move away from the club as Spurs look to bring in further new signings.

Thomas Frank will finally have the opportunity to work with Archie Gray at Tottenham after missing out on his signature 12 months ago. Following a standout season for Leeds United in the Championship, the teenager appeared to be on the verge of joining Brentford in a £40million deal after the West Yorkshire club had missed out on promotion to the top flight.

Unfortunately for Frank and Brentford, the move fell apart very late on as Leeds were unhappy with the structure of the deal the Bees were offering. That decision opened the door for Tottenham and they duly snuck in to wrap up a deal for Ange Postecoglou and leave Frank frustrated.

The 19-year-old probably featured more than he expected in the 2024/25 season after making 46 appearances in all competitions. An injury crisis saw Gray take his place in the Tottenham XI on a regular basis, with his versatility resulting in him taking on an emergency role at centre-back for a lengthy spell.

Gray will only have benefitted from a season like no other at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that in turn will only stand him in good stead for the future. Frank is certainly a fan of the player and namechecked Gray in his first interview as Spurs boss, stating that the ex-Leeds player, along with Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie, has "a high ceiling".

Gray's versatility is a big plus point for Frank but ultimately he is expected to become a holding midfielder in the long-term future. The highly-rated ace played there on only a few occasions last season and struggled at times, most notably in a 5-1 humbling at Liverpool that saw him make way at half-time.

What should become clear in the weeks ahead is what Frank has planned for Gray. Given Brentford were so intent on luring him to the Gtech Community Stadium, you would imagine that the player has a huge role to play under the Dane.

Pre-season training is now underway at Hotspur Way and a number of Tottenham's players have returned. Those not involved in international action during the summer are present and the same goes for those returning from loan deals in the 2024/25 campaign.

Tottenham's international players have also now returned after a few extra days off but players such as Gray, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore are expected to be off for slightly longer after playing in major tournaments that ran until the end of June. Once Gray is back amongst his teammates at the club's Enfield base, Frank can take a good look at him and decide what the future has in store for Spurs' No.14.

He may decide that he is a player who can fill in the troublesome No.6 role or that maybe he believes he is a better option at right-back or even centre-back. Gray is at an age where his long-term position could potentially change and it may not be in midfield as many expect to be the case.

His first appearance in a Tottenham shirt in pre-season could drop a huge hint about Gray's role for the new head coach.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up a move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa - which would see him reunited with his former Bees boss, Thomas Frank.

Frank, who was appointed as Ange Postecoglou's successor last month, signed Wissa from French outfit Lorient in August 2021 ahead of Brentford's first season in the Premier League.

Since signing for the Bees nearly four years ago, the 28-year-old has helped Brentford to two top-half finishes in the Premier League, scoring 49 goals and providing 13 assists in 149 appearances.

Now, BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel has claimed that the North Londoners are eyeing a move for the Democratic Republic of the Congo international.

At this moment in time, it is claimed Tottenham are "weighing up the financials" of a possible deal for Wissa, who is said to be open to a move across the capital.

If Spurs are to strike a deal for Wissa, then they will need to do so before United sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, as journalist Ben Jacobs claims that the Bees do not want to lose both forwards this summer.

He tweeted: "Spurs are weighing up a move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa. Move driven by Thomas Frank. Wissa is keen on a move. Brentford don't want to lose Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo in the same window."

So far, United have been unsuccessful in their pursuit of Mbeumo, with Brentford rejecting two bids, the second worth £62.5m, for the Cameroon international.

However, football.London's sister site, the Manchester Evening News, reports that Ruben Amorim's side are confident of striking a deal with the Bees for Mbeumo before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

The Evening Standard reported earlier today that both Mbeumo and Brentford were growing frustrated by the time taken to agree a deal with Man United.

That delay could well open the door for Spurs to steal a march and sign Wissa, before Amorim's side are able to agree terms, with Brentford director of football Phil Giles admitting that Mbeumo could stay with the Bees.

Giles said last week: "There is significant interest in Bryan. His current preference has been well publicised," he said.

"He had an unbelievable season, and we expected interest in him. From what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well. We've spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It's not a given that he's going to depart this summer.

"If we get the right offer, there is the potential for a deal to be done, but there is only so much we can say now on that."