Football London

Thomas Frank has the opportunity to win silverware in his first competitive game as Tottenham head coach. Ahead of the team's Premier League opener against Burnley on Saturday, August 16, Spurs play PSG three days earlier in the UEFA Super Cup final as a result of their Europa League triumph.

Tottenham will then return to the Champions League the following month for the first time since the 2022/23 season. The format of Europe's premier competition has changed since their last appearance in the Champions League but they have already sampled it following their successful campaign in the new-look Europa League.

Spurs will be aiming to go as far as possible in the Champions League and hopefully spring a major surprise come the knockout phase. Key to that will be adding experience to the playing squad in the summer transfer window.

Having added youth to their numbers 12 months ago with Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert making the move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is vital that Tottenham add some experienced pros to Frank's playing staff to help them succeed in the Premier League and the cup competitions they will be competing in. New additions with Champions League experience is also a transfer priority for the club, something which Ange Postecoglou made clear after Tottenham's final game of the 2024/25 campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion.

"If we do some good business in the transfer market, obviously brings some experience in, I'm not talking about age, I'm talking about players who have played at this level and can help the team, then I've got no doubt we can make the impact we want," outlined Postecoglou.

He added: "Not just us but any club that gets into the Champions League, I think understands that. It's the most elite competition in Europe and it's a great demand.

"So yeah, I think every club that gets into the Champions League sees it as an opportunity to strengthen with experience is the right word, but players who have played at that level, who are going to be comfortable at that level, not players who are stepping up to that level. That's the difference."

Tottenham's current squad is not exactly blessed with a lot of Champions League expertise. In terms of the club's starting XI, the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Bergvall have never played in the competition.

The same applies to Brandon Austin, Djed Spence, Yang Min-hyeok, Ashley Phillips, Alejo Veliz, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett, Gray and Odobert. Antonin Kinsky has also not played in the Champions League proper but has instead featured in four qualifiers.

In terms of those who have played in the competition, Son Heung-min leads the way on 55 appearances, Rodrigo Bentancur is on 37 and Ben Davies is third on 27. Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Manor Solomon and Mathys Tel have each played Champions League football between 13 and 16 times.

Kevin Danso, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin and Pape Matar Sarr have played less than six games each in the competition, with the final two players on that list just managing a solitary appearance each. Aside from the eight players above who have played upwards of 13 Champions League games, there is a lack of know-how in the competition when you look at the Tottenham squad.

Signing players with Champions League experience is a priority for Tottenham this season. Postecoglou made his feelings on that subject clear in his final press conference as Tottenham boss and the club have to ensure his wish is granted for his successor Frank.

Former Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele will be hoping that successful groin surgery spells the end of a tough period in his career.

The 28-year-old officially left Spurs last summer following five difficult years in N17 after arriving from the now-relegated Lyon for a club record fee worth more than £60million in all. Ndombele played just 91 times over that half a decade at the north London side before having his contract mutually terminated last summer.

Nice snapped the Frenchman up on a two-year contract and it all appeared to be going reasonably well in the first half of his season back in France with 25 appearances, scoring twice and laying on two assists across 1,407 minutes of football. Little injuries did cause Ndombele problems though and he was constantly playing through muscle and hip problems and then in March came a sports hernia issue that ended his season prematurely.

It looked like good news when the midfielder was pictured this month back in early pre-season training with Nice, who finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season and will now take their place in the Champions League qualifiers in early August.

However the club confirmed this week that all was not well with the former Tottenham man and he had to go under the knife in a bid to fix a groin injury.

"Tanguy Ndombele underwent successful groin surgery on Tuesday," read a statement. "The OGC Nice midfielder will now follow an adapted recovery protocol, accompanied by the club’s medical staff. The club offers him all its support and wishes him a full and speedy recovery."

Once he recovers Ndombele will be hoping to finally get his career back on track after showing some promising glimpses in the first half of last season back in his homeland.

Tottenham have paid tribute to Diogo Jota following the Liverpool player's tragic death at the age of 28. Jota's death was confirmed on Thursday morning following a car accident in northern Spain.

Jota's brother Andre Silva also tragically lost his life in the incident. The sad news has resulted in an outpouring of emotion across the globe, with Tottenham duly sending their condolences to Jota's friends, family and all at Liverpool Football Club.

"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota," said a Tottenham statement on X. "Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time."

Following the news that first emerged from Spain, Liverpool released a heartfelt statement confirming the passing of their player.

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," read the statement. "The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

"We will continue to provide them with our full support."

Tottenham must use the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad in a number of areas ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Mathys Tel is the only player to have sealed permanent move to Spurs thus far - and that has been the case for nearly two-and-a-half weeks.

Despite the France U21 international adding depth in attack, the Lilywhites are in need of further reinforcements across their frontline even if club captain Son Heung-min remains at the club.

Defensive signings may also be needed if Cristian Romero leaves but - regardless of movement in midfield - Spurs need to sign a No.6. Because of how important that position has become and the requirements needed to perform well in the role, there are minimal options for Tottenham.

There are certainly some that do come close to the profile, though, while sticking to the club's approach of signing young and talented players, the perfect one may be clear. With all of that being said, football.london has had a go at picking out some signings and making decisions on other players linked.

Kudus transfer completed

After losing out on Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United while backing off over a move for Crystal Palace starlet Eberechi Eze, Tottenham appear to have set their sights firmly on West Ham's Mohammed Kudus.

Talk of an opening bid in the region of £50million has been prominent with it believed the Hammers rejected that as they hold out for £65m. Talks with his representatives have started, and the player is open to joining with it the first time in nearly 15 years that a switch between Spurs and West Ham could go ahead.

The Ghana international would give Tottenham a very different option on the right and his versatility also allows him to play as a 'false 9' if required.

£20m Bissouma replacement

Though he was excellent for the final three games of Tottenham's Europa League-winning campaign, it is time for Yves Bissouma to move on.

Since his red card at Luton Town back in October 2023, he has seriously struggled for consistency and with Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall better No.8s, it is worth sacrificing him for a proper defensive midfielder. Christian Norgaard would have been perfect, despite being 31, but he is off to Arsenal.

As such, Spurs have had to look elsewhere and Sevilla's Lucien Agoume is their best bet. The 23-year-old is arguably better off the ball than on it with his tenacious tackling and ability to make interceptions seen in La Liga, but he also boasts strong numbers when it comes to progressive passes, particularly on the counter.

Arsenal and Man Utd have been linked but, as their priorities appear elsewhere, Tottenham can swoop in and sign him for just £20m (€23.4m) with Sevilla's financial situation seeing them in need of funds.

Simons decision

With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already at the club, the need for Xavi Simons as well seems unlikely. However, both players have struggled with injuries and for consistency which makes a third creative spark something that should be pursued.

RB Leipzig are likely to demand a sizeable fee with £67m (€80.4m) believed to be their asking price. Similarly to Kudus, the Netherlands international can play in several positions and considering how Tottenham will set up, it's very likely his versatility will be seen.

Mohammed Kudus could be the player to come in and give a different edge to Tottenham's attack under Thomas Frank. As part of the squad changes that have to take place ahead of the 2025/26 season, Spurs need to strengthen their options in the final third if they are to shoot themselves back up the Premier League table.

Mathys Tel has already turned his loan move from Bayern Munich into a permanent transfer and Spurs may see a better version of Wilson Odobert next season after an injury-hit first year in north London. Amid the possibility of captain Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham after ten years for a new challenge elsewhere, the Lilywhites have to add further options in attack as they have Champions League football to look forward to from September.

Players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo have been linked with transfers to N17 but it would appear that Tottenham will miss out on all three. Mbeumo looks to be heading to Manchester United if he is to depart Brentford, football.london understands it is highly unlikely the club will make a summer transfer move to sign Eze, and Semenyo has just penned a new contract at Bournemouth.

That in turn could open the door for Kudus to be the incoming option out wide for Tottenham. The West Ham ace is one of a number of players of interest to Spurs when it comes to transfer incomings.

Kudus made an instant impression in the Premier League following his move from Ajax in the summer of 2023. Taking his place in David Moyes' West Ham attack, he scored 14 goals and chipped in with nine assists in his Premier League and Europa League outings.

Things just did not quite click for him last season and he ultimately struggled in the final third as the Hammers endured an incredibly frustrating campaign. However, a move to Tottenham and the opportunity to work under Frank could see him return to his best and even hit a new level altogether.

The Dane has an incredible record of improving his players and that's why his appointment in the Spurs hotseat could prove to be a very exciting one. Kudus may not be the transfer choice of many supporters considering the links with Mbeumo and Eze but a transfer to Tottenham would give Frank and the club an added benefit.

Ahead of their return to Champions League football after last playing in the competition during the 2022/23 season, Kudus does in fact have experience in Europe's premier competition to his name. Prior to his move to West Ham, the Ghanaian featured in nine Champions League games for Ajax, with his contribution in 2022/23 undoubtedly his most notable.

In six group games for the Dutch side he registered four goals and two assists. Kudus made an immediate mark in their group opener as they beat Rangers 4-0, scoring a stunning goal after turning James Tavernier moments after teeing up Steven Berghuis for the second goal of the contest.

He was to score in his next game as he found the top corner in style at the Kop in Ajax's late 2-1 defeat against Liverpool, before making it three goals in successive games in their 6-1 loss at home to Napoli. Kudus was to haunt Rangers in their final group fixture with another goal and assist in a 3-1 victory in Glasgow.

The winger's impressive record in Europe carried on in February following Ajax's drop down to the Europa League as he netted away at Union Berlin. That proved to be his last involvement in the competition for the Eredivisie giants that season following a 3-1 defeat on aggregate.

Add to the mix a hat-trick for Ajax in Europa League qualifying at the beginning of the following season and his five goals for West Ham in the competition the same campaign, Kudus appears to thrive in European games. Tottenham's squad is not exactly blessed with a lot of Champions League experience and the Ghana international's time in the competition could serve Spurs well if they are to sign him.

There are question marks over whether or not Kudus is the winger Tottenham need right now but one thing you cannot argue with is that he would give the team some much-needed Champions League experience. If he is to sign on over the coming weeks then the hope will be that he can reproduce his Ajax Champions League heroics from September onwards.

Micky van de Ven is already very familiar with Tottenham transfer target Mohammed Kudus after an altercation between the two during the 4-1 win over West Ham back in October.

With Thomas Frank now at the helm, Spurs have started formalising pursuits of their summer targets. With moves for Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze no longer being pursued for a number of reasons, focus is now firmly on Kudus.

In comparison to the three names above, Kudus struggled to contribute in the attacking third with just five goals scored and three assists picked up during the 2024/25 Premier League season.

One of those goals came against Spurs, but he was later shown a straight red card following a VAR review, which showed, after kicking Van de Ven while he was on the ground, he also pushed his hands into the face of the Dutchman.

Unsurprisingly, Van de Ven was far from pleased at his actions at the time and during a press conference just a few days later, he offered a clear verdict on the incident which actually saw both clubs fined.

"I had a duel with Mohammed Kudus and fell down on the ground," he said. I had a feeling that he kicked too much through the ball and hit me like three times. I was a bit mad and stood up and pushed him.

"Then he literally punched me, he punched me in the face and I went down. I didn't know what happened afterwards.

"That was the situation. If the FA say you need to get fined, it's not how I think about it. I think it should be a different situation."

If Kudus does seal a switch across London, it could be an awkward reunion with his new teammate. However, Cristian Romero and Richarlison clashed prior to the latter joining Tottenham and they merely shared a playful exchange when meeting.

To sign the Ghana international, Spurs will have to pay more than the £50million paid to Everton for Richarlison. Spurs will have to match their record transfer fee of £65million, which was paid to Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke just last summer.

Despite the fact he has an £85million release clause in his contract, the Hammers have set their demands much lower with their need for a financial boost clear. Talks are said to have progressed well with his representatives, but Chelsea could throw a spanner in the works.

Mario Vuskovic has revealed his brother, Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic, "wouldn't say no" to a loan move to German side Hamburger SV. The Croatian youngster will meet his new Spurs teammates for the first time very soon as the players return for pre-season training at their Hotspur Way base.

Tottenham confirmed a deal for the highly-rated centre-back from Hajduk Split in September 2023 but it was always going to be ahead of the 2025/26 season when he would finally make the move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as he was 16 years of age at the time. The 18-year-old has since spent time on loan at Polish side Radomiak Radom and Belgium outfit Westerlo over the past two seasons, notably making a huge impression at both clubs.

It is not yet clear how much of a part Vuskovic will play for Thomas Frank this season as at present he has a number of players ahead of him in the centre-back pecking order. The new Tottenham boss may want to keep him as part of his plans as they battle on four fronts but, of course, there is also the chance that he could depart on loan to gain some more first-team experience.

As his brother Mario is currently on Hamburg's books but unable to play at present due to a doping ban, Tottenham youngster Vuskovic has naturally been linked with a temporary switch to the Bundesliga club. Speaking in an interview with German publication Hamburger Abendblatt (via Sport Witness), his older brother was asked about the prospect of the teenager heading to Hamburg on loan.

“Luka loves HSV simply because the club and the fans always support me," he revealed. “When he witnessed the promotion party at the Volksparkstadion, he was impressed by how big the club is and how incredible the fans are.

"He would love to play for HSV and wouldn’t say no to an offer. In the end, however, Tottenham will decide what is best for his development.”

Vuskovic was in attendance when Hamburg finally won promotion back to the Bundesliga in May following a seven-year absence. The starlet joined his brother and family on the pitch as they celebrated a historic night for the football club.

"When the final whistle blew, my father, my brother, and I immediately went on the pitch," explained his sibiling. "The pitch was already packed with happy fans.

“The whole evening was a crazy experience. We went to the Nikki Tiger (a Hamburg nightclub) with the team, and I was back at the hotel by 5am. I’ll never forget the feelings from that night. It was truly perfect.”

It has been a rather quiet start to the summer transfer window at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season. At a time when clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are spending heavily in the transfer market, Spurs have made a notable change in the managerial department after replacing Ange Postecoglou with Thomas Frank.

The north London club have made moves on the transfer front, though, after signing Mathys Tel on a permanent deal and agreeing a deal for Japanese defender Kota Takai with J1 League club Kawasaki Frontale. A lot more still needs to be done, including bringing in a new No.6 and adding to their attack.

Players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Eberechi Eze have been linked with moves to north London but Tottenham may well be set to miss out on their signatures. So what exactly could Tottenham's dream attack look like come the end of the transfer window when you take into account potential incomings and outgoings? football.london takes a look below.

Incomings

Tottenham have already strengthened their attack with the permanent addition of Tel from Bayern Munich. West Ham ace Mohammed Kudus could potentially be the next to follow as he has been heavily tipped in recent days to move across the capital.

The Ghana international is one of many players of interest to Tottenham as they look to upgrade their attack for the new season. Kudus would certainly give Frank options across his frontline as he can play on either flank, as an attacking midfielder, behind the striker or as a centre-forward.

Outgoings

There are big question marks hanging over Son Heung-min's head right now. football.london reported last month that the captain is more open to leaving Spurs than he ever has been before.

Having finally got his hands on a trophy at Tottenham after ten years of service it may well be the perfect time for both parties to go their separate ways. Richarlison is also in the headlines this summer regarding a transfer away after his injury struggles over the past three seasons.

His future may all depend on potential offers coming in and whether Frank wants to keep him as part of his squad. Richarlison showed in the Europa League final just how important he can be but it all comes down to keeping him fit.

A number of other outgoings could also take place, including the permanent exits of Alejo Veliz and Bryan Gil. Manor Solomon could also be in contention to depart for good after such a successful loan spell at Leeds United if he is not to be part of Frank's thinking for the new season.

In terms of players heading out on loan to gain more first-team experience, Yang Min-hyeok and Will Lankshear may leave again after joining West Brom and QPR respectively for the second half of last season. Mikey Moore could even be in contention for a loan move as he would benefit from regular first-team football after his recent breakthrough.

What Tottenham's attack could look like

Tottenham need to ensure they are well stocked in the final third as they compete on four fronts in the 2025/26 season. In terms of strikers, they have Dominic Solanke to lead the line and Richarlison and Dane Scarlett to provide cover for the England international. Tel and Kudus are other possibilities there if required.

On the right flank, Kudus could join Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert as the options. Dejan Kulusevski falls into that category and also the No.10 role as Frank may deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation like he did at Brentford last season.

James Maddison can flourish at No.10, Odobert can also play there if needed and so can Jamie Donley if he is to stay. Given the possibility of a Son exit, Tel could be leading the way to start from the left flank on a regular basis.

Solomon may be one to consider if he can take his outstanding Leeds form into the new season. Moore is a left winger by trade and could get more opportunities in his preferred role if he plays, with Kudus also more than capable of playing from that side of the pitch.

Tottenham's dream attacking options:

Right-wing: Kudus, Johnson, Odobert.

No.10s: Kulusevski, Maddison, Donley.

Left-wing: Tel, Solomon, Moore.

Striker: Solanke, Richarlison, Scarlett.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has shared the lifelong reminder he has of the club’s success in the Europa League last season.

Amid a campaign that was largely one to forget, given the clubs league form, Spurs ended their long wait for silverware. Brennan Johnson’s goal just before half time against Manchester United in the Europa League final saw them lift the trophy.

The victory also earned them a place in the Champions League for the new season. They will now be led in the competition by new head coach Thomas Frank.

The former Brentford man replaced Ange Postecoglou in the hot seat last month. The former manager did, however, keep his promise of winning trophies in his second season with the Europa League victory.

Following the end of the season, the club's players have been away on their holidays as they recover ahead of the new campaign.

The first group of Tottenham players are expected back at the training ground at the back end of the first week of July.

Maddison has, however, already been back as he undergoes rehabilitation from the injury that kept him out of the final weeks of the season, including the Europa League final.

The 28-year-old has now shared some images from his summer break on social media with a caption reading “away from the pitch.” They include images of him on holiday with family and friends, including former City team-mates Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy.

In some of the pictures Maddison is wearing a retro Spurs shirt with “Modric 14” on the back. It’s not the first time he’s shared a picture of him wearing retro shirts, with earlier posts on his account showing the same.

The final picture shows him having a tattoo done on his left calf. The tattoo is of the Europa League trophy, with “Champions 25” written underneath, his story also shares a post from the tattoo artist who Maddison has gifted a Spurs shirt to.

The latest tattoo adds to a collection that Maddison has. His right calf has an image commemorating the FA Cup he lifted with Leicester City in 2021. It has an image of Maddison next to the FA Cup facing Wembley, with a caption underneath reading “Dreams really do come true.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has stated he is "extremely proud" the Bill Nicholson gates will be returning to N17 this summer. A key feature of Tottenham's former White Hart Lane home, the iconic gates were removed in August 2015 in order to carefully store and preserve them to avoid any damage during the new stadium construction.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium opened its doors for the first time in 2019 but the gates never returned, thus leading to plenty of questions from fans over when they would be proudly on show once again. In the minutes from the club's Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting that was held in June, the club confirmed that the gates would be "reinstated within the stadium environs this summer" and further information would be communicated to supporters in due course.

Tottenham have since released an update on Wednesday afternoon to confirm the exact location of the gates after taking their time to find the most appropriate location for them. Having worked in close consultation with the FAB, the gates will be located within PAXTON17, between the ticket office and historic buildings at the north of the stadium.

Enabling works have now commenced with a view to the gates being in position ahead of Tottenham's first Premier League game of the 2025/26 season against Burnley on Saturday, August 16. Following the big news from the club, chairman Levy issued a statement and believes they have "found a fitting solution" for such a key part of their history.

“The Bill Nicholson gates are such a significant part of our club’s heritage and I am extremely proud they will be returning home this summer," he said in a statement released on Tottenham's official website.

“We were never going to rush into a decision as to where they should be reinstated, given the huge amount of works that have taken place in the area over recent years.

“We have undertaken a carefully-planned process, working with our architects, construction partners and Fan Advisory Board, and I believe we have found a fitting solution.

“We look forward to welcoming fans back to the stadium for the coming season - as well as Bill’s family members and former players - to see the gates and feel that close connection between our club and its rich history.”