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Tottenham Draw Line Under Dragusin Speculation

Tottenham Hotspur have moved swiftly to shut down emerging transfer noise around Radu Dragusin, rejecting a loan approach from Roma and reinforcing their stance at a time when squad stability feels essential. As reported by Sky Sports, “Tottenham have rejected a loan offer from Roma for Radu Dragusin.” It is a short sentence, but one that carries significance for a club under scrutiny from its own supporters and facing the familiar pressures of a demanding season.

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge confirmed the development, with Sky Italy having suggested throughout the month that the Romania international was a “prime target for Roma.” That interest has now met firm resistance from north London, signalling that Spurs are unwilling to weaken their defensive options mid season.

Club Signals Intent With Firm Rejection

Loan offers often arrive dressed as opportunities, minutes elsewhere, development pathways, or financial flexibility. Tottenham’s refusal to entertain Roma’s approach instead reflects caution and control. Dragusin may not be a regular starter, but he remains part of the club’s immediate planning.

Photo: IMAGO

The timing matters. Dragusin “was named on the bench for Tottenham’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa on Saturday,” a reminder that while he is not first choice, he is trusted enough to be close to the action. For a club navigating injuries, rotation demands, and tactical recalibration, removing a centre back option would feel unnecessary.

This decision also speaks to internal evaluation. Spurs have invested in Dragusin with a view to growth rather than short term utility, and allowing him to leave, even temporarily, could disrupt that trajectory.

Roma Interest Reflects Growing Reputation

Roma’s interest is not without logic. Dragusin has international pedigree, physical presence, and experience across European leagues. Sky Italy’s reporting that he was a “prime target” suggests genuine intent rather than casual monitoring.

From Tottenham’s perspective, that external validation matters. Interest from Serie A reinforces the belief that Dragusin remains an asset whose value could rise. A loan move now would benefit Roma more than Spurs, particularly if Tottenham still see a pathway for Dragusin within their system.

Squad Depth Remains Central Concern

Tottenham’s season has rarely offered calm. Rotation has been forced rather than planned, and defensive combinations have shifted more than desired. In that context, Dragusin’s presence becomes insurance.

Photo: IMAGO

Supporters may question why a player not starting regularly cannot be loaned out. The answer lies in margins. A single injury, suspension, or tactical shift can elevate a squad player’s importance overnight. Spurs appear determined not to gamble with that balance.

Sky Sports’ concise update captures a club protecting its interests, even as outside speculation grows louder.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Tottenham fans, this decision feels reassuring rather than frustrating. Dragusin might not be the first name on the team sheet, but fans understand how quickly circumstances change. Depth has been an issue in recent seasons, and supporters have grown weary of seeing squad players moved on only to be missed weeks later.

There is also a sense of authority in rejecting Roma outright. Spurs fans want to see decisiveness from the club, particularly when European sides come calling with offers that feel opportunistic. A loan deal offers little upside when the player is already embedded in the squad and adapting to the league.

Some supporters will argue Dragusin needs minutes to develop. That may be true, but development also comes through training standards, tactical learning, and being ready when called upon. Keeping him close suggests the coaching staff still believe in his readiness.

Tottenham hit by suspensions and injuries ahead of Aston Villa FA Cup clash

Tottenham’s FA Cup meeting with Aston Villa arrives with a familiar sense of disruption in north London, as suspensions, injuries and absentees continue to shape Thomas Frank’s planning. The third round tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises edge and jeopardy, yet Spurs approach it without their captain and with a squad stretched across several key areas.

Cristian Romero will play no part against Aston Villa, sidelined after accepting a Football Association charge stemming from his reaction to a late red card in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool last month. The one match suspension and £50,000 fine removes a combative leader from the heart of defence, and one whose influence often defines Tottenham’s intensity in big moments.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive reshuffle for Tottenham

Romero’s absence forces a recalibration at centre back. Kevin Danso is expected to step in alongside Micky van de Ven, a pairing that offers athleticism and recovery pace but lacks the familiarity of Spurs’ first choice duo. Radu Dragusin waits in reserve, an option if the tie becomes stretched or physical.

The challenge posed by Aston Villa is significant. Villa arrive with cohesion and confidence, comfortable in possession and dangerous in transition. Tottenham’s defensive structure will be tested, particularly in dealing with Villa’s movement between the lines and willingness to attack early spaces.

Midfield injuries test squad depth

In midfield, the situation is more precarious. Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined after suffering a quad injury in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, with a return not expected until early April. Frank was candid when addressing the issue, saying, “Kudus is a bigger one, to the tendon and quad, and don’t expect him back until after the March international break.”

Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, sustained in the damaging 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth, compounds the problem. Replaced late on at the Vitality Stadium, the Uruguayan now faces an uncertain recovery timeline. Frank admitted, “Same with Rodri [Bentancur]. Rodri is a hamstring injury, looks like a bigger one. We don’t know the extent yet.”

Lucas Bergvall is also under assessment following a muscle issue, with Frank adding, “Lucas is being assessed today [Thursday]. We’ll know more later today with him.” With Bentancur and likely Bergvall unavailable, Tottenham’s midfield options are thin.

Selection calls and attacking questions

Joao Palhinha offered a reminder of his quality with a spectacular overhead kick against Bournemouth and could be rewarded with another start. Archie Gray is another contender, particularly given his versatility and composure. Further forward, Frank may rethink his attacking structure after Randal Kolo Muani struggled to impose himself as the central striker. Richarlison, lively from the bench in midweek, presents a more familiar focal point.

The game also comes too soon for Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain absent. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, further limiting options.

Tottenham hit by suspensions and injuries ahead of Aston Villa FA Cup clash

Tottenham’s FA Cup meeting with Aston Villa arrives with a familiar sense of disruption in north London, as suspensions, injuries and absentees continue to shape Thomas Frank’s planning. The third round tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises edge and jeopardy, yet Spurs approach it without their captain and with a squad stretched across several key areas.

Cristian Romero will play no part against Aston Villa, sidelined after accepting a Football Association charge stemming from his reaction to a late red card in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool last month. The one match suspension and £50,000 fine removes a combative leader from the heart of defence, and one whose influence often defines Tottenham’s intensity in big moments.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive reshuffle for Tottenham

Romero’s absence forces a recalibration at centre back. Kevin Danso is expected to step in alongside Micky van de Ven, a pairing that offers athleticism and recovery pace but lacks the familiarity of Spurs’ first choice duo. Radu Dragusin waits in reserve, an option if the tie becomes stretched or physical.

The challenge posed by Aston Villa is significant. Villa arrive with cohesion and confidence, comfortable in possession and dangerous in transition. Tottenham’s defensive structure will be tested, particularly in dealing with Villa’s movement between the lines and willingness to attack early spaces.

Midfield injuries test squad depth

In midfield, the situation is more precarious. Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined after suffering a quad injury in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, with a return not expected until early April. Frank was candid when addressing the issue, saying, “Kudus is a bigger one, to the tendon and quad, and don’t expect him back until after the March international break.”

Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, sustained in the damaging 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth, compounds the problem. Replaced late on at the Vitality Stadium, the Uruguayan now faces an uncertain recovery timeline. Frank admitted, “Same with Rodri [Bentancur]. Rodri is a hamstring injury, looks like a bigger one. We don’t know the extent yet.”

Lucas Bergvall is also under assessment following a muscle issue, with Frank adding, “Lucas is being assessed today [Thursday]. We’ll know more later today with him.” With Bentancur and likely Bergvall unavailable, Tottenham’s midfield options are thin.

Selection calls and attacking questions

Joao Palhinha offered a reminder of his quality with a spectacular overhead kick against Bournemouth and could be rewarded with another start. Archie Gray is another contender, particularly given his versatility and composure. Further forward, Frank may rethink his attacking structure after Randal Kolo Muani struggled to impose himself as the central striker. Richarlison, lively from the bench in midweek, presents a more familiar focal point.

The game also comes too soon for Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain absent. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, further limiting options.

Tottenham against Aston Villa therefore becomes a test of adaptability as much as ambition. For Spurs, progress in the FA Cup will depend on resilience, selection judgement and the ability to impose themselves despite adversity.

Tottenham Hotspur will entertain Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday as they look to earn a good result on their travels in the Premier League. Spurs suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss away at Bournemouth recently, so they would be eager to bounce back by securing a victory versus the Villans this weekend.

Thomas Frank will set his players up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a lot of tweaks to his first team for this game. Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies could all play from the start of the clash.

Defence

Antonín Kinský will feature in goal for Spurs as he looks to keep a clean sheet at home in the FA Cup. Kevin Danso will function alongside Radu Dragusin at the centre of the Tottenham backline as they focus on maintaining a good shape defensively throughout the 90 minutes.

Pedro Porro will try to make a difference as the right-back, while Ben Davies fills in on the other side as a makeshift left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven will get a rest on the bench as they offer cover for the defensive positions.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur looks on dejectedly at full time during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on January 07, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Midfield

Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray will operate as the holding midfielders as they try to make life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park.

The talented trio of Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert will play just ahead of them as part of the Tottenham attack. All three of them need to be at the top of their game if Spurs are to cause some headaches for the Aston Villa defenders this weekend.

Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha will have to settle for a place on the bench as they await their chance to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Richarlison will lead the charge for the North London club up top. He has to find a way to be a real menace in the final third.

Randal Kolo Muani will have to be content with a spot on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the latter stages of the game if Spurs are in need of a goal by then.

In a recent report, The Athletic (subscription required) provided an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of Santos full-back Souza. It has been stated that Spurs have made a £8m bid, which was declined, for the Brazilian youngster.

Souza’s Impressive Form In Brazilian Football

The 19-year-old has come through the youth ranks of Santos and has done well to establish himself as an important member of their first XI. Souza has registered one goal and picked up four assists in 38 senior matches for the Brazilian club so far in multiple competitions.

The Brazilian talent is currently among the best young left-backs in South America. Hence, it is no surprise that Spurs are showing interest in recruiting Souza this year.

His current contract at Santos will expire at the end of 2028, which would make it tough for Tottenham to get a deal done for him on the cheap this winter or at the end of this campaign.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 26: Souza of Santos celebrates the penalty kick during the match between Botafogo and Santos as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos on October 26, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Go Back For Souza?

Souza is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can create the odd chance for his teammates to find the back of the net from the left flank.

However, the Brazilian prospect is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if Tottenham manage to bring him on board this year. Furthermore, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of English football.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting a left-back of Souza’s potential. He would enhance the quality of Spurs boss Thomas Frank’s backline in the long run. Souza is already good enough to serve as a good rotational piece in the North London club’s squad and has the ceiling to be a success story at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

At 19, the future looks quite promising for the Brazilian whizkid. All in all, Tottenham should focus on going back in with an improved offer if they are serious about acquiring Souza’s services this year.

In a recent report, The Athletic (subscription required) provided an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of Santos full-back Souza. It has been stated that Spurs have made a £8m bid, which was declined, for the Brazilian youngster.

Souza’s Impressive Form In Brazilian Football

The 19-year-old has come through the youth ranks of Santos and has done well to establish himself as an important member of their first XI. Souza has registered one goal and picked up four assists in 38 senior matches for the Brazilian club so far in multiple competitions.

The Brazilian talent is currently among the best young left-backs in South America. Hence, it is no surprise that Spurs are showing interest in recruiting Souza this year.

His current contract at Santos will expire at the end of 2028, which would make it tough for Tottenham to get a deal done for him on the cheap this winter or at the end of this campaign.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 26: Souza of Santos celebrates the penalty kick during the match between Botafogo and Santos as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos on October 26, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Go Back For Souza?

Souza is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can create the odd chance for his teammates to find the back of the net from the left flank.

However, the Brazilian prospect is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if Tottenham manage to bring him on board this year. Furthermore, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of English football.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting a left-back of Souza’s potential. He would enhance the quality of Spurs boss Thomas Frank’s backline in the long run. Souza is already good enough to serve as a good rotational piece in the North London club’s squad and has the ceiling to be a success story at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

At 19, the future looks quite promising for the Brazilian whizkid. All in all, Tottenham should focus on going back in with an improved offer if they are serious about acquiring Souza’s services this year.

In a recent report, The Athletic (subscription required) provided an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of Santos full-back Souza. It has been stated that Spurs have made a £8m bid, which was declined, for the Brazilian youngster.

Souza’s Impressive Form In Brazilian Football

The 19-year-old has come through the youth ranks of Santos and has done well to establish himself as an important member of their first XI. Souza has registered one goal and picked up four assists in 38 senior matches for the Brazilian club so far in multiple competitions.

The Brazilian talent is currently among the best young left-backs in South America. Hence, it is no surprise that Spurs are showing interest in recruiting Souza this year.

His current contract at Santos will expire at the end of 2028, which would make it tough for Tottenham to get a deal done for him on the cheap this winter or at the end of this campaign.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 26: Souza of Santos celebrates the penalty kick during the match between Botafogo and Santos as part of Brasileirao 2025 at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos on October 26, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Go Back For Souza?

Souza is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can create the odd chance for his teammates to find the back of the net from the left flank.

However, the Brazilian prospect is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth in the Premier League if Tottenham manage to bring him on board this year. Furthermore, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of English football.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting a left-back of Souza’s potential. He would enhance the quality of Spurs boss Thomas Frank’s backline in the long run. Souza is already good enough to serve as a good rotational piece in the North London club’s squad and has the ceiling to be a success story at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

At 19, the future looks quite promising for the Brazilian whizkid. All in all, Tottenham should focus on going back in with an improved offer if they are serious about acquiring Souza’s services this year.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Lilywhites this morning.

The 24-year-old joins Spurs after recently leaving Swedish OBOS Damallsvenskan club Hammarby IF. Blakstad returns to the Barclays Women’s Super League two years on from leaving former club Manchester City. She made 36 appearances for The Cityzens in which she scored 10 goals.

Blakstad is very much a utility player. She has operated in various positions throughout her career and it will be fascinating to see what her role will be at new club Spurs.

On the international stage, Blakstad has been capped by Norway on 31 occasions in which she has scored three goals.

After joining Spurs, Blakstad said “This is such a great Club, I’m so excited to start. This is a club with ambitions, I know both the players and staff have high ambitions, which I really like. They focus on development, which is really important for me, and I’ve always said I want to play against the best players as often as I can. I can’t wait to meet everyone in the team.”

Blakstad is Spurs’ fifth signing of the January transfer window.

Julie Blakstad has joined Tottenham Hotspur following the expiration of her contract at Hammarby IF.

The 24-year-old Norway international will wear the number 41 shirt.

In quotes circulated to the media, Blakstad said: “This is such a great club, I’m so excited to start.

“This is a club with ambitions, I know both the players and staff have high ambitions, which I really like. They focus on development, which is really important for me, and I’ve always said I want to play against the best players as often as I can. I can’t wait to meet everyone in the team.”

Tottenham head coach Martin Ho said: “Julie is a modern, dynamic full-back who brings a real attacking edge to her game. She combines pace, technical quality and game intelligence with the ability to consistently impact the game in the final third, while still delivering the defensive intensity and discipline required at the highest level. Julie’s bravery in possession, timing of her forward runs and quality of decision-making mean she will regularly influence decisive moments in advanced areas.

“She was a clear priority for us, and despite strong competition from a number of top clubs in England and across Europe, Julie chose Tottenham Hotspur as the best environment to continue her development. That decision reflects her ambition, belief in our project, and the clarity of our vision.

“We are delighted to welcome a player of her quality, mentality and potential to the club.”

Blakstad’s signing for Tottenham follows the loan move of Chelsea’s Maika Hamano, which was announced on Sunday.

Julie Blakstad: her career so far

Blakstad has played for Ottestad IL and FL Fart in her native Norway before switching to Sweden to join Rosengard, where she scored 17 goals in 35 league games across two full seasons.

She joined Manchester City in January 2022, playing 13 times for them that season as she helped them to win the League Cup. She then switched to BK Hacken on loan in March 2023, joining Hammarby IF permanently in January 2024. Last season she scored 15 goals and assisted six in 26 games.

Internationally, she made her senior debut for Norway in October 2020 against Wales – a match that sealed her country’s place at the 2022 Women’s Euros, a tournament where she scored their first goal. She also featured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and so far has 31 caps for her country, scoring three goals.

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