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Dominic Solanke to miss Spurs' Champions League clash with Bodo

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Striker to miss Champions League clash after ankle surgery, says manager - NationalWorld
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Thomas Frank has confirmed Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke has undergone minor surgery to get to the bottom of his troublesome ankle injury.

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Solanke, who last played for Spurs on August 23 against Manchester City, was absent from training again on Monday ahead of the Champions League fixture away to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday.

England forward Solanke had returned to training earlier this month before he was pulled out last week, but Frank revealed in Norway that a final decision had been made to go down the surgery route.

“Dom has got that ankle issue that’s been bothering him for a little while, so now we’ve decided to make a minor surgery,” Spurs boss Frank told a press conference. “It’s a small procedure, so that will mean he is not ready for today of course and of course Leeds (on Saturday) as well. We’ll have more news about a timeframe after the international break, but I don’t expect it to be long.”

Frank had played down concerns over Solanke’s fitness in Friday’s press conference before a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on Saturday night.

Solanke missed the majority of pre-season with an ankle issue, but it appeared to be fixed by the start of August after he featured in matches against Paris St Germain, Burnley and Manchester City.

However, with the 28-year-old not able to play for Tottenham during the last five weeks, Frank was asked whether the club could have opted for surgery sooner.

He said: “No, I think you can look at it two ways. That is the easy answer but it is not that easy because if we knew we could have done the surgery a month ago, we probably would have done it. For me I am always ‘it is what it is’. We deal with it now and no doubt the way we dealt with it was because we thought that was the right thing. In general no one wants surgery.”

Surgery for Solanke leaves Frank light on attacking options in Bodo, with Paris St Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani unable to train on Monday.

Frank provided a positive update on the France international, but he will be unavailable for this rematch with Bodo four months on from a Europa League semi-final victory at Aspmyra Stadion.

Mathys Tel featured in the 2-0 win in the Arctic Circle, but is not registered for Tottenham’s Champions League squad, which is also the case for summer recruit Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma.

Takai and Bissouma took part in training on Monday along with Ben Davies – after a minor knee issue – but Frank revealed captain Cristian Romero has been left in England as a “precaution” after a bruising encounter with Wolves.

Frank added: “Kolo Muani, I think now we’re finally on top of his dead leg, so that is also progress there and good. Cuti was just a precaution.”

Danish coach Frank heaped praise on Norwegian minnows Bodo after their historic run to the Europa League semi-final was followed by qualification for the Champions League for the first time.

Asked about Spurs’ 2-0 win under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, Frank admitted: “How many months is that? Four months ago? With all due respect, I was not the coach. This is a new game. This is a new situation.”

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Xavi Simons: RB Leipzig star close to £51.8m to Spurs

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Bundesliga star completes medical ahead of £51.8m move to Premier League - NationalWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of signing a £50m superstar - right from under the noses of their fiercest rivals.

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According to reports, RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons has completed his medical for Spurs and is on the cusp of a £51.8m move to the Premier League club.

The 22-year-old Netherlands international has already undergone his medical in England and is expected to finalise his move to Thomas Frank’s squad within the next 24 hours.

Both clubs have an agreement in principle, with only minor details left to settle.

Chelsea explored a move for Simons earlier this summer - and seemed to be uncontested in their pursuit - but recently switched their focus to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, now set for a £40m switch to Stamford Bridge.

Simons’ arrival will add to Spurs’ summer rebuild, joining Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus in north London.

The club had earlier failed to land Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, while key target Eberechi Eze opted for Arsenal after leaving Crystal Palace.

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Thomas Frank says he "doesn't want" Eze after Spurs snub

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Thomas Frank "doesn't want" £60m star after Spurs gazumped by Premier League rival - NationalWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has quickly changed his tune after being snubbed by a £60m attacker.

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The big drama from the transfer rumour mill this week was how Eberechi Eze was meant to be joining Spurs from Crystal Palace for the aforementioned fee.

But just as quickly as the news broke, it emerged that Eze was in fact turning them down in favour of a move to Arsenal - the club’s fiercest historic rivals.

The England international, 27, is expected to have his medical at the Emirates today (August 22) and subject to that, will be confirmed as a player for Mikel Arteta in a £60m plus add-ons deal.

When asked about this snub in his press conference, Frank spoke matter-of-factly about Eze turning down a move to Tottenham.

He said: “In general, talking generally, I don't want any players that don't want to come to this club and wear this fantastic badge.

“We don't want them here and I'm sure the fans feel the same.”

Spurs will play against Manchester City this weekend, with Frank’s side currently third in the league after a 3-0 win against Burnley in the opening weekend.

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Tottenham Hotspur plotting huge swap deal in bid to sign Eze

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Tottenham Hotspur plotting swap deal in hopes of signing £65m Premier League forward - NationalWorld
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One of Tottenham Hotspur’s top talents could be offered as a sacrificial lamb in a massive swap deal.

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Manager Thomas Frank is hopeful of signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace before the transfer window closes in less than two weeks’ time.

Eze had a £65m release clause at Palace, but that has since expired - and now the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal have been flirting with deals closer to the £60m mark.

According to Sky Sports News, Spurs are considering including Brazilian striker Richarlison as part of a swap deal to bring Eze to north London.

The 28-year-old scored two goals for Tottenham during their opening game of the Premier League season, which saw them beat Burnley 3-0; winger Brennan Johnson bagged the third goal of the match.

A potential deal would see Richarlison heading to Selhurst Park, with a cash incentive also included.

According to reports, the impact of this is two-fold; Palace get a player to plug the hole left behind by Eze, while Spurs free up a striker position in their squad.

This could apparently give them an opening to approach Brentford centre-forward Yoane Wissa; the DR Congo international has been pining for a move to Newcastle United, but Tottenham could turn his head while keeping him in London.

Should Wissa choose Spurs over Newcastle, it could be the final nail in the coffin for the Magpies’ transfer window. A new striker is paramount for manager Eddie Howe, and a deadline day panic buy would likely be his sole remaining option.

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Spurs extend Cristian Romero's contract to 2029

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Spurs tie down star until 2029, fending off interest from Spain - NationalWorld
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Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has ended uncertainty over his future by signing a new long-term contract at the club.

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The 27-year-old Argentina centre-back, who had been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, was named as Spurs’ new skipper on Wednesday following the departure of Son Heung-min.

Romero had entered the final two years of his previous deal, but has signed new terms running until 2029, the PA news agency understands.

Romero, who starred in Tottenham’s Europa League triumph in May, said: “I’m very happy here in the club. For me this club is the best in the world.

“The last two weeks, first captain and now signing the contract with the club, for me it’s a fantastic decision. My message to the fans is thank you for the amazing support every day and every match.

“After winning the Europa League, it’s like a special season now. In football, sometimes good moments, bad moments. The most important thing for me is to stay all together. We want to win. Maybe why not win again this season? Another trophy with the club is important for everyone.”

This news will be a major boost to new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, who fielded several questions on the topic of Romero’s commitment in Friday’s press conference – days after he named him captain.

“I see a very big and very good player. What I like about him and why I have chosen him as captain is his leadership qualities on the pitch,” Frank explained. “There is a big respect for him from the players. Off the pitch as well he also sets the standards.

“The staff have said to me they’ve never seen him train that well. He’s in a very good place. I see a player that will want to lead the team and push the team.”

Centre-back Romero first joined Spurs in 2021 on loan from Atalanta before the transfer was made permanent a year later.

The 27-year-old has been critical of the club previously, pointedly saying last December that the spending of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea every year were “things to imitate” because then Tottenham “could easily be competing for the title every year” with the “structure” they have in place.

He also sent out a cryptic message on social media in the wake of Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal in June and praised his achievements “despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist”.

However, Romero proved his commitment by playing a crucial role in Tottenham’s Europa League triumph in May, which ended a 17-year trophy drought for the club.

Romero captained Spurs in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final and also wore the armband in both semi-final legs against Bodo/Glimt.

The World Cup-winner was subsequently named Europa League Player of the Season after success in Bilbao and the first club trophy of his career added to an incredible haul of silverware at international level.

After Romero helped Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup either side of Copa America triumphs, he will aim to lead Tottenham to further trophies under Frank.

Full-back Djed Spence has also signed a new deal at Spurs. Versatile full-back Spence only signed fresh terms last October until 2028, but has been rewarded for a fine breakthrough campaign at Tottenham.

Spence made 35 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, after eventually being handed his full debut in December – two-and-a-half years after he first joined the club.

After Spence was deemed a “club signing” by former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte in 2022, he had mixed loans at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa, but forced his way into Postecoglou’s plans and has quickly gained the trust of Frank.

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Tottenham Hotspur close to agreeing £60m deal for attacker from Premier League rival

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Tottenham Hotspur close to agreeing £60m deal for attacker from Premier League rival - NationalWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, according to reports.

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Personal terms have apparently been agreed and talks between the clubs are advancing rapidly.

Spurs have chased the 26-year-old all summer and are now ahead of Arsenal in the race for his signature.

Eze started Palace’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, but reports suggest a full agreement between the clubs is expected this week.

According to the Sun, Eze is “set to seal” a move to north London, while Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Daniel Levy and Steve Parish held direct talks on Monday.

Posting on X, he said: “Tottenham and Crystal Palace chairmans Daniel Levy and Steve Parish, in direct contact today for Eberechi Eze deal.

“[I] understand Spurs are willing to offer £55m fixed fee plus £5m add-ons to get the deal done.

“Eze informed Palace last week of his desire to join Tottenham Hotspur.”

Spurs’ proposed £60m fee would still fall shy of Eze’s previous £65m release clause.

Eze informed Palace last week of his desire to join Tottenham. If completed, the deal would give Thomas Frank a creative midfielder to replace James Maddison, with Eze coming off one of his best Premier League seasons.

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Tottenham preparing £60m bid for James Maddison replacement

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Tottenham preparing £60m bid for James Maddison replacement after ACL injury - NationalWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £60m bid for a world-class playmaker to replace James Maddison.

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The England international picked up an ACL injury during pre-season, and is now expected to miss most - if not all - of Spurs’ 2025/26 campaign.

It’s a bitter blow for new manager Thomas Frank, whose side bottled a 2-0 lead in the UEFA Super Cup to lose on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain last night (August 13).

Maddison’s presence in the middle of the park was sorely missed, with Frank relying on a five-back formation and a midfield trio of Pepe Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and new signing Joao Palinha.

Manchester City’s Savinho had been touted as a potential replacement, but Spanish outlet Fichajes has now reported that one of Barcelona’s top players could be approached by the Premier League club.

They have claimed that Spurs are preparing a £60m offer for Dani Olmo, with Barcelona open to selling the midfielder to ease their ongoing financial pressures.

Olmo joined Barca from RB Leipzig in 2024 and contributed to 19 goals in his debut season. But the emergence of Fermen Lopez and the return of Gavi have limited his playing time, and manager Hansi Flick views Olmo as surplus to requirements.

The 27-year-old is experienced, versatile, and proven in European competition. Tottenham are also tracking Eberechi Eze - who is attracting Arsenal’s interest - and Real Madrid prospect Nico Paz.

For Barcelona, selling Olmo would be a sporting loss but a financial gain, freeing up wages and helping with future signings.

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up for UEFA Super Cup tonight

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Predicted Spurs line-up for UEFA Super Cup tonight - Bissouma and Udogie miss out - NationalWorld
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Thomas Frank’s first competitive game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur will see his side truly put to the sword.

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The UEFA Super Cup sees the winner of the Champions League play against the Europa League champions.

Having won the latter tournament with a 1-0 win against Manchester United, Spurs will be pitted against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy.

Frank has named defender Cristian Romero as the club’s new captain, after Son Heung-Min left the club this summer for LAFC.

“I think for the team, for me, for everybody involved at Tottenham Hotspur, it’s a massive game,” Frank said. “A great challenge and an even bigger opportunity. That’s how my brain works, I see opportunities instead of pressure or whatever. So for me, massive opportunity and we will definitely embrace it.

“My players, our players, they just won a big trophy six or seven weeks ago, so they had a fantastic experience of doing that and they want to win more. It was a great feeling, everything I heard about it, fantastic experience, so the players will be ready.”

Their first Premier League game comes on Saturday, August 16, with Spurs playing host to newly-promoted Burnley.

Here is how Tottenham Hotspur will likely line up in the UEFA Super Cup tonight - with a couple of glaring omissions. As Frank has used it for most of pre-season, a 4-2-3-1 formation is expected.

GK: Vicario

Spurs’ number one is almost nailed-on to start between the sticks this season.

RB: Pedro Porro

The best senior right-back at Tottenham, the only thing that would stop him from playing is an injury.

CB: Cristian Romero

The Argentina international is an excellent choice for Spurs’ new captain.

CB: Micky Van der Ven

A pacey centre-back, Van der Ven will have his hands full with PSG’s fast attacking line tonight.

LB: Djed Spence

Destiny Udogie is fit, but having only just recovered from an injury it’s not worth the risk.

CDM: Joao Palinha

Spurs’ latest signing will get his competitive debut against PSG tonight.

CDM: Pape Matar Sarr

With Bissouma ruled out by manager Frank, Sarr could have to hold central midfield duties.

RM: Brennan Johnson

The obvious choice on the right flank, especially with Kulusevski out injured.

CAM: Mohammed Kudus

James Maddison’s ACL injury gives Kudus the opportunity to run the game through the middle of the park

LM: Bryan Gil

Fresh from his loan spell at Girona, now is the time for Gil to break into the starting XI.

ST: Dominic Solanke

Gets the nod over Richarlison for a what will likely be a physically demanding contest.

Posting to Instagram about being given the captain’s armband, Romero said: ““oday begins a new season for us, one that is truly special to me. Becoming the first captain of this beautiful club is an incredible honour.

“I arrived here four years ago with a single dream: to write my name into the club’s history and leave my mark by winning a trophy, and I achieved that.

“Now, a new journey is in front of us. A beautiful season lies ahead.

“Whatever happens along the way, I ask only one thing: stay united. There will be highs and lows, but together, nothing is impossible.”

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Min admits joining LAFC was not his "first choice"

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Son Heung-Min admits joining LAFC was not his "first choice" after leaving Spurs - NationalWorld
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Son Heung-min has officially joined LAFC in a record-breaking deal - but admitted they weren’t his first pick.

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The 33-year-old forward, who spent a decade at Tottenham and scored 173 goals in 454 games, completed a move to Los Angeles this week.

The deal is worth more than £20m, the highest transfer fee ever paid by an MLS side.

Son has signed a two-year contract at the club, and while he didn’t say what his “first choice” was, fans are presuming it was to stay at Spurs.

At his unveiling in LA, Son said: “It wasn’t my first choice - but John [Thorrington] was the first to call after the season ended. He changed my mind. He changed my heart.

“I’m here to win. I’ll bring exciting football, or soccer, whatever we’re calling it. I saw the Korean fans at the game already going wild. I wanted to jump on the pitch right then.

“I gave everything [to Spurs], but I needed a new challenge. I’m older, but I’ve still got legs, I’ve still got quality.”

Earlier, Son posted a farewell letter to Tottenham fans calling the move “the hardest decision ever.”

“When I arrived in 2015, I didn’t speak English, I didn’t know the city, but you embraced me,” he wrote. “I was just a kid from Korea with big dreams and no guarantees. Now, 10 years later, north London is part of me.

“I thought if I ever left, it would be on my terms, when we had achieved something together. With pride. With honour.”

Son joined from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and, alongside Harry Kane, set the Premier League record for the most goal combinations by a duo with 47.

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Min Son set to leave club for MLS

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Tottenham stalwart Heung-Min Son 'close to' surprise £21.5m move away from Premier League - NationalWorld
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Heung-Min Son is on the verge of leaving Tottenham Hotspur - and making a surprise move to the MLS.

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Talks have accelerated in recent days and are now at a “critical phase,” with Spurs ready to cash in before Son’s contract expires next summer.

That is the latest rumour according to CaughtOffside, with the news outlet claiming that Son, 33, will join LAFC before the end of the transfer window.

It comes as Spurs make a number of new signings - including attacker Mohammed Kudus - although a pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White turned out to be fruitless.

Son has spent a decade at Tottenham, scoring consistently and becoming one of the club’s most beloved players.

But with his form dipping last season and time running out on his deal, Spurs see this summer as their last chance to make a return on him.

LAFC are now leading the race for his signature, which could come to the tune of £21.5m. The move could keep Son in the spotlight of European football markets, a key factor in his decision after turning down a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia.

Son scored 11 goals and added 12 assists last season, as well as helping Tottenham towards an historic Europa League trophy win. Despite his contributions, new manager Thomas Frank is looking to refresh the squad, having already brought in the likes of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso on permanent deals.

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