Football London

Tottenham star James Maddison has spoken for the first time since undergoing surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he sustained during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United earlier this month.

The 28-year-old, who joined Spurs from Leicester City in a £40 million deal in the summer of 2023, has become an integral figure at the club. Last season, he made 45 appearances across all competitions and scored 12 goals, despite dealing with injury setbacks, including a knee issue towards the end of the campaign.

Maddison was forced off the pitch on a stretcher just minutes after coming on against Newcastle in Seoul, and the worst fears were eventually confirmed when it was revealed he had suffered a ruptured ACL in his right knee. He has now provided an update to Spurs fans after undergoing successful surgery.

In an image shared on social media alongside his three children, the midfielder wrote: "Lowest low I’ve ever had. Heartbroken at the fact this injury has occurred at this time in my career. With the Super Cup tomorrow, the Premier League season on the horizon, the exciting Champions League campaign and it being a World Cup year for England it all feels very very cruel, but nevertheless the ACL reconstruction surgery was successful.

"To all my close friends and family, your support and love means absolutely everything to me. To those of you who have gone out of your way to message on social media platforms in support of me and my recovery even when we don’t know each other personally, I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know so thank you.

"And lastly to those of you who doubt, hate and mock. You truly motivate me to levels I didn’t know I had inside of me so again, thank you. See you all on the other side."

Thomas Frank spoke about the injury following Thursday’s defeat to FC Bayern. He said: "I think it’s disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he’s out of the team

"We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football."

Frank's side begin their 2025/26 campaign against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday evening. Their Premier League season will then kick off against Burnley on Saturday.

Tottenham’s 2025/26 season gets underway on Wednesday night when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy.

The London club qualified for the final by beating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final back in May. Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of that game in the first half to secure a narrow victory.

PSG, meanwhile, are the reigning Champions League holders. They overcame the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal en route to the final, before dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.

One of Luis Enrique’s key players, Joao Neves, will not be involved on Wednesday, however, due to suspension. He received a red card in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea, having been sent off late in the 3-0 defeat for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

Although the consequences of that dismissal were initially unclear, the latest report from RMC Sport confirms that Neves will be suspended for the UEFA Super Cup final, as well as PSG’s Ligue 1 opener away at Nantes this weekend. As a result, the French club have placed him on an individual training programme ahead of the new season, particularly following their extended previous campaign due to involvement in the Club World Cup.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been left out of the squad for the final amid ongoing speculation over his future. New signing Lucas Chevalier, who is expected to take over as the starting goalkeeper at the Parc des Princes, has been included in his place.

Fortunately for new Spurs boss Thomas Frank, he has no suspension concerns ahead of Wednesday’s clash. He does, however, already have injury worries.

Cristiano Ronaldo once hailed Tottenham Hotspur's surprise transfer target Savinho as the best young player in world football.

The Manchester City forward, who has emerged as a shock target for Spurs, was a standout performer in an otherwise lacklustre season for the Citizens after his move from Troyes in 2024. Despite being given 21 Premier League starts by Pep Guardiola in his debut campaign, Savinho's output often left much to be desired.

However, he proved to be a threat on both wings for the former Barcelona boss, contributing three goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. Tottenham have initiated discussions with City over a potential deal for the 21-year-old Brazilian.

This news might come as a surprise to Ronaldo, who overlooked Lamine Yamal to vote for Savinho for the 2024 Kopa Award - which recognises the best young talent in world football - at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Ronaldo's choice differed from fellow former Ballon d'Or winners Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Lionel Messi. Messi voted for Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Garnacho.

Modric also put Yamal as his first option, but selected Arda Guler and Joao Neves in second and third, while Benzema chose Yamal, Guler and Garnacho. In the end, Yamal rather predictably claimed the award following his sensational breakthrough during Spain's victorious Euro 2024 campaign.

However, one of the ceremony's main talking points was former Real Madrid star Ronaldo ranking Savinho ahead of Yamal, placing the Barcelona sensation as his runner-up choice, with Guler completing his top three. His selection demonstrates just how highly Ronaldo regards Savinho, whilst also indicating Spurs could secure one of the summer's standout acquisitions should they finalise a deal for the South American.

The north London outfit have already brought in Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuscovic and Kota Takai, alongside securing a loan move for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich. Guardiola, meanwhile, similarly backed Savinho for stardom during the recent Club World Cup.

Nevertheless, his tenure coaching Savinho could soon conclude, as the attacker is believed to be open to relocating to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, provided a transfer fee can be negotiated. Given Guardiola's recent remarks regarding Savinho's capabilities, City might find themselves ruing his departure, should he indeed exit the club.

Following the forward's strike in City's 5-2 triumph over Juventus, Guardiola said: "He is a player with incredible potential. We cannot forget he's so young.

"He needs to make the final third more decisive in aspects like the goal he has done in the last game. He has to do it more. The last goal is more and more complicated and difficult to score than the previous ones - one against ones, the 'keeper, that maybe last season he missed.

"The moment he will make this step, which will come in a natural way because he has incredible individual quality, when it arrives for his commitment to say I want to do it, I want to be decisive, I want to score goals and make more assists, he will become an extraordinary player.

"He can play on both sides, right and left, he's so fast, he understands tactically the movements he has, so that's why he can play with us."

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Yves Bissouma's absence for Tottenham's UEFA Super Cup final against PSG "for disciplinary reasons" is because of the player's poor timekeeping. When providing an update on the injury front for Wednesday's European final in Udine, Italy, the new Spurs boss also revealed that Bissouma was not part of the travelling squad.

"Dom [Solanke] is the positive one. He is available for selection tomorrow," said Frank. "Destiny [Udogie] is closer and getting closer to train with the group. Bissouma has not travelled with the team because of disciplinary reasons."

When pushed on the reason for the midfielder's absence, Frank explained: "He's been late several times and now this time the latest time was one too many. With everything you need to give your players a lot of love. There need to be demands and consequences and this time there was a consequence."

There are currently question marks over Bissouma's long-term future at Tottenham as his current deal expires at the end of the 2025/26 season. Tottenham have strengthened in midfield already this summer and the addition of Joao Palhinha has knocked the Mali international down a place in the pecking order.

Bissouma has plenty of competition for a berth in midfield as it stands as Tottenham have Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr all competing for a spot in the team. One year ago, Bissouma missed out on Tottenham's opening game of the season away at Leicester City as the club suspended him for one match after footage appeared to show the midfielder inhaling laughing gas.

He was to return in the team's following game against Everton as he scored in a 4-0 win. Tottenham start the 2025/26 Premier League season with a home encounter against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Frank has revealed that Dominic Solanke is available for selection for Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup final against PSG but Destiny Udogie will once again play no part. The new Spurs boss did also reveal that Yves Bissouma is not with the squad in Italy "because of disciplinary reasons".

Solanke has not featured for Tottenham in pre-season since their opening friendly against Reading due to an ankle injury. The striker was present for the club's summer tour of Asia but he did not take to the pitch in either the Arsenal or Newcastle United games.

Udogie, on the other hand, has been missing because of a knee injury. The left-back was omitted from the squad for the friendly against Luton Town after he "felt something in the warm-up".

Ahead of the Super Cup final match against PSG, Frank provided a fresh update on the injury front when speaking at his pre-match press conference at Stadio Fruili in Udine, Italy.

"Dom [Solanke] is the positive one. He is available for selection tomorrow," said Frank. "Destiny [Udogie] is closer and getting closer to train with the group. Bissouma has not travelled with the team because of disciplinary reasons."

Thomas Frank and two of his Tottenham Hotspur players Guglielmo Vicario and Ben Davies are speaking to the media in Italy ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG.

The Dane has the chance to win a trophy in his first competitive match in charge of Spurs but to do so his team will have to overcome the considerable obstacle that is Champions League winners Paris Saint-German. Luis Enrique's side were Europe's best team by a distance last season and reached the Club World Cup final last month in the USA where they lost to Chelsea in a surprise defeat.

This will be the Parisian side's first match since that day in New York and while Spurs will be hoping for some rustiness, they also know that PSG have as much quality to call upon as Bayern Munich did on Thursday when they hit four past Frank's men in Germany.

The Tottenham head coach as well as Udine-native Vicario and the experienced Ben Davies are speaking to the media out in Udine in a press conference ahead of open training in Udinese's Bluenergy Stadium.

Frank will likely be asked about transfers, including the approaches for Manchester City's Savinho and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. He will also provide the latest update on the injuries to Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie and whether either player can take part in the game in Italy after being included in the squad.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to Frank and the players ahead of the big game. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference in Udine.

Tottenham's 2025/26 season officially gets underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final. It is the first of two big games for Thomas Frank's side this week as they host Burnley in their Premier League opener three days later.

Spurs go into their final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain smarting from a 4-0 friendly defeat against Bayern Munich last Thursday and they need to deliver a big performance if they are to get their hands on a second piece of silverware in the space of three months. As important as matters on the field are over the coming days, Tottenham also have plenty of work to do off it as they look to give Frank the best possible squad to attack the new season.

The Lilywhites are in need of further additions in the transfer market, with a new centre-back and No.10 on their shopping list. Frank revealed after the Bayern defeat that they would look to sign a replacement for Son Heung-min if the right option is there for them.

Son may in fact be replaced by Manchester City ace Savinho if Tottenham can strike a deal for his services with talks having already opened. The Manchester Evening News report that a bid in excess of £50million is required for Pep Guardiola's team to even consider a transfer.

The Brazilian may prefer operating from the right wing but he has a lot of experience playing from the left, most notably his standout season at Girona in 2023/24 that paved the way for his Manchester City transfer. Tottenham will not be the only club looking to bring new signings in this week ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.

As is always the case in the Premier League, clubs must register a new player before midday on the last working day before they play a match to be eligible to feature. In Tottenham's case, that would be midday on Friday for a new signing to be available to play against Burnley on Saturday.

The second deadline relating to Tottenham this week is in regards to participation in their UEFA Super Cup final match against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine, Italy. UEFA's usual squad regulations apply for the game at Stadio Friuli, meaning clubs are permitted to name no more than 25 players on List A and eight of those 25 spots are reserved for locally-trained players.

As per Article 20:09 in the regulations of the UEFA Super Cup, List A had to be submitted online by 5 August 2025 (24:00 CET(11pm UK)). However, this list can be amended at any time until 24:00 CET (11pm UK) the day before the match, provided that the club’s association confirms in writing that the new players are eligible to play at domestic level by the date of the competition.

Johan Lange and Tottenham would have to conclude a deal for Savinho rather sharpish if Spurs want him to be in a position to be involved against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening. Even if Savinho is registered in time for the game and is available, Spurs would have to jiggle things about in terms of their squad numbers to comply with UEFA's rules.

The club have named a total of 22 players - 16 of those who are non-homegrown - on their official squad list for Wednesday night but they are one over the limit of four association trained players. Any association-trained players over those four spots would need to be crowbarred into the main group.

As a result, Spurs are already at their squad limit as they only have one club-trained player rather than four that UEFA want, meaning they can only name a squad of 22 players rather than 25 as those three available spots for club-trained players have to remain vacant. So, in essence, Tottenham would have to take a player out of their non-homegrown numbers to accommodate Savinho, providing of course that a deal is finalised ahead of 11pm on Tuesday evening and Frank wants him to be involved against Paris Saint-Germain.

There is not long to go until the Premier League returns for the 2025/26 season, with Tottenham Hotspur looking for a better league season than last time out.

Spurs finished the 2024/25 campaign in 17th place in the Premier League table. But a win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final means that Champions League football will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming season.

Spurs open their Premier League campaign on Saturday afternoon when they take on newly-promoted Burnley at home (3pm kick-off). That game is likely to see some new faces making their league debuts for the club.

So far, new head coach Thomas Frank has made five summer signings, with the permanent transfers of Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai. Spurs have also completed a loan move for defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.

There could be more movement, both in and out of the club between now and the end of the window. Clubs playing on Saturday, Sunday or Monday this weekend have up until 12pm on Friday to complete deals for the player to be able to feature in this weekend’s games.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the possible deals that Spurs could do over the next few days.

Incomings

It has been reported that Spurs are in talks with Manchester City over a deal for winger Savinho. The Brazilian arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Troyes last summer in a deal worth £30.8 million.

It is claimed that negotiations have taken place over a package worth around £43.3 million. While City are not actively looking to sell the player, the club will not stand in the winger’s way if he wants to leave.

With negotiations ongoing, a quick breakthrough could mean a deal being done this week in time for Savinho to make his debut at the weekend.

Spurs are also targeting both a number 10 and a centre-back before the end of the window, but any move for a player doesn’t yet seem close. The need for an attacking midfielder only increased due to James Maddison’s injury during pre-season.

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss have been mentioned as possible targets, but Spurs will face competition for both players this summer.

Outgoings

Youngsters Dane Scarlett and Luka Vuskovic have both been made available on loan by Spurs in the transfer window and are reported to be gaining a lot of interest. If the right destination is found for either or both, then a deal could potentially be done very quickly.

Another potential outgoing is winger Bryan Gil. The Spaniard spent last season on loan with Spanish side Girona, but returned to Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham have been handed a huge boost ahead of the UEFA Super Cup with the news that Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is not with the squad.

Donnarumma played a key role in PSG's route to winning the Champions League last season, making saves in big moments against the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa when his side were on the ropes.

The 26-year-old faces an uncertain future in Paris, with just one year remaining on his current contract and rumours linking him with a move away as talks have stalled on a new deal. An offer was reportedly made which lowered his base salary but offered improved terms based on bonuses - which the Italian star is said to have rejected.

The Ligue 1 side will reportedly not be allowing the keeper to leave on a free transfer as Kylian Mbappe did when moving to Real Madrid, and will instead be looking to sell him this summer.

Manchester United, who Spurs beat in the Europa League final back in May, are one of the clubs strongly linked with a move for Donnarumma with Andre Onana failing to inspire confidence since arriving at Old Trafford in 2023.

PSG already look to have made a move to solve the issue surrounding Donnarumma's future by signing Lille star Lucas Chevalier last week. The 23-year-old arrived after the clubs agreed a €40million (£34.6million) fee, signing a five-year contract in the French capital. Chevalier is expected to make his first appearance for PSG against Tottenham.

Manchester City star Savinho has emerged as a summer transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur.

With Son Heung-min leaving Spurs to join MLS side LAFC in a deal worth more than £20million last week, Thomas Frank is on the lookout for an additional forward ahead of the 2025/26 season. It was reported on Monday that Tottenham have held talks with Premier League rivals Man City over a potential deal for Savinho, although it's said talks are at an early stage.

The 21-year-old only joined Pep Guardiola's side last summer from French club Troyes for an initial £21million in a deal that could rise to £33million. The Brazilian made 48 appearances for City in all competitions last campaign and contributed with three goals and 13 assists.

Capable of playing on the left and right, the player would certainly give Frank another attacking option and his versatility could be a huge help. So, should Tottenham looks to sign Savinho? Is he the ideal man to replace Son? football.london's writers have their say below...

Sam Truelove

The big thing for me is the price. According to the Manchester Evening News, it would take more than £50million for City to even consider a deal with Spurs or any other interested clubs.

If Savinho pushes for the move that could come down slightly, though, with Pep Guardiola notoriously not keen for wantaway players to be a part of his squad. The tricky winger does have a full season of playing Premier League and Champions League football under his belt, as well as a year with Girona in La Liga, so he does have plenty of experience of playing at the highest level.

At the age of 21, too, he will only improve and Frank certainly has a good track record of improving players and getting the best out of them. I do like Eberechi Eze, though, as he can play both in the No.10 and on the left wing and a move for Savinho would probably mean the Eze deal is off. It's certainly a tough decision but Savinho certainly wouldn't be a bad buy whatsoever.

Joe Doyle

Savinho looked bright and exciting during his first season in the Premier League, and it was no surprise to see comparisons to Riyad Mahrez at Man City - it was almost too obvious after he took the same shirt number following Mahrez's exit.

But he wasn't the most consistent of performers, and that's probably to be expected when adapting to a new country and a new style of play under Guardiola.

The are two issues I see with the move currently. One is the price, which is a big jump from what City paid for him to what they're now asking after a season which wasn't exactly a breakout. And the second is where he fits in at Spurs.

The club have already spent big on Mohammed Kudus this summer to presumably take a starting role on the right flank, and have both Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski who are established talents in that area.

If they are to spend £50million on another attacker, I think it has to be someone for the left side following Son Heung-min's departure. And I'm not sure Savinho would be the most comfortable at attacking wide from the left.

Amie Wilson

Savinho's versatility in being able to play on either flank and in behind the striker will be a real plus for Spurs and Thomas Frank if a deal goes ahead, especially with the injury ruling James Maddison out for the majority of the season.

I was impressed by him when he first arrived at City at the start of last season, as mentioned there were obvious comparisons to Riyad Mahrez.

While he didn't kick on probably as much as expected, 13 assists and three goals in his first season in England at his age is not a bad return.

The reported £50million asking price does seem a bit steep, but if Spurs can get that reduced, then I think it's something that the club should go for. At just 21 and having a year in the Premier League now under his belt, he should only improve, and that will be good news for Tottenham if they are able to complete a transfer.

Tom Coley

This might just be a deal that makes sense for everyone. Savinho is certainly a talented player but might benefit from being a star at Tottenham as opposed to part of the system at City.

For the right price, this could be a smart but surprise piece of business. There has been a lot of dribbling without much end product, but that is to be expected of young players.

His output is far from prolific, but after a year in the Premier League he may well be ready to boom. As an exciting dribbler, Savinho is much more a creator than someone like Brennan Johnson. The real issue is, if he cannot play as a No.10, which really isn't his game, then why are Tottenham looking at him?

Rob Guest

Savinho enjoyed a decent first season in the Premier League with Manchester City and there is certainly a lot more to come from him. Thomas Frank has an excellent track record of extracting the very best out of players and he could be the man to take the Brazilian to a whole new level.

Savinho does prefer to play from the right wing but his standout season at Girona highlights that he can be a huge threat from the left as that's where he was utilised by the Spanish club. He can be a very good signing for Tottenham providing that the price is right and they don't pay over the odds.

Manchester City may want in excess of £50million for their player but Spurs need to try and drive that price down as much as they can given Pep Guardiola's men signed him for £30.8million 12 months ago. Tottenham need to strike the best deal possible for Savinho because money is needed for a new No.10 and a centre-back before the summer window draws to a close.