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Cristian Romero to lead Tottenham exodus as five transfers can happen today

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Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be active as the summer transfer window officially opens on Monday, and with good reason. Manager Roberto De Zerbi will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season's battle against the drop after waiting until the final day to clinch survival with a 17th-place finish. Agreements have already been finalised with Liverpool legend Andy Robertson and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi after both became free agents. However, the Spurs manager made it abundantly clear that not every member of his squad would be staying at the club beyond the conclusion of the campaign.

"We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay," De Zerbi said after the final match of the season. "Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players." While focus will naturally fall on potential incoming signings to strengthen the team, a number of players are set to depart. We have examined the potential business Spurs could conduct at the beginning of the transfer window.

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Jan Paul van Hecke - In

Spurs have already had two offers turned down for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. The defender previously worked under De Zerbi during his spell with the Seagulls and the Italian manager has earmarked him as a vital component of his rebuilt defence.

Significantly, Van Hecke has been selected ahead of Tottenham's Micky van de Ven in the Netherlands hierarchy, with the latter forced into a left-back role against Japan in the World Cup opener. The 26-year-old recently stated he is certain about his future plans but is presently concentrating on the national team.

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"I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And I have that too," he explained. "But then for now for myself it's just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible. That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it's clear to everyone."

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Cristian Romero - Out

A transfer for Van Hecke would have implications for Tottenham's remaining business. The centre-back operates on the same side as Cristian Romero, who appears increasingly likely to depart this summer.

The 28-year-old featured 32 times last term but was ruled out with a knee problem towards the end of the campaign. Romero faced supporter criticism after it looked like he would miss the club's final fixture following a trip to Argentina, though he ultimately returned to England for the match.

The prospective signing of Van Hecke indicates that Romero's spell at Spurs may be drawing to a close. The World Cup winner would still attract substantial interest, although links with Manchester United have been dismissed.

Luka Vuskovic - Out

Tottenham's decision to bring in Van Hecke and Senesi could also force a difficult call regarding Luka Vuskovic. The Croatian defender garnered widespread praise during his loan stint at Hamburg, where he found the net six times in 28 Bundesliga outings.

The 19-year-old is poised to feature prominently for his nation at the World Cup, where a good performance against England would only heighten the spotlight on Vuskovic. The Athletic reported that Brighton recently tabled a £30m bid for the centre-back, which is said to align with the player's own vision for the next phase of his career.

Vuskovic is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting defensive prospects, but the additions of Van Hecke and Senesi, alongside Van de Ven, could restrict his opportunities at Spurs. Tottenham might prefer to loan out the teenager but a standout World Cup could prompt an offer the club finds impossible to refuse.

Joao Palhinha - In

A relatively straightforward piece of business if both sides are keen to finalise a deal. Joao Palhinha spent last season on loan at Spurs from Bayern Munich and featured regularly in midfield.

The Portugal international's loan arrangement included a £25.8million buy option. While it remains unclear whether a deal will be struck at that figure, the 30-year-old expressed his desire to remain in North London at the conclusion of last season.

"I always shared my thoughts. Since the first day I arrived I feel at home. From the supporters, the crowd. Top club. Who doesn't want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here," Palhinha said. "But this is like a marriage. What I can say to you is I would really like to be here and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club even being a tough season."

Savinho - In

This wouldn't be the first transfer window in which Savinho has been touted for a Tottenham move. A deal for the Manchester City winger failed to materialise last summer, and his position within the squad at the Etihad Stadium has not strengthened since.

The Brazilian, who joined from Troyes in 2024, managed just one Premier League goal last campaign. Pep Guardiola's City departure could see him wait to discover whether a new boss rates him more highly, but he may favour a fresh start elsewhere.

Despite the 22-year-old being left out of Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad, a £60m price tag has been mentioned. That doesn't seem to have put off Spurs, even though he has yet to hit his peak form in English football.

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Tottenham let £30m signing leave for free as 11 exits confirmed

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Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced that Yves Bissouma will leave the club this summer, as the north London side confirme their retained list of players. Spurs will already have one eye on next season, having narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the campaign last month.

Taking to the club's social media channels, Tottenham sent their apprwciation to the outgoing midfielder. "We can confirm the departure of Yves Bissouma following the conclusion of his contract," the post on X, formerly known as Twitter, read.

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"Thank you for your service and all the best for the future, Biss."

The Mali international arrived at Spurs from Brighton in the summer of 2022 in a £30million deal, going on to rack up 111 appearances for the club throughout his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Yet a combination of knee and ankle injuries kept Bissouma sidelined for the entirety of the first half of last season, forcing him to wait until January 17 before making his first appearance of the campaign - a 2-1 defeat to West Ham.

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The midfielder went on to feature just 11 times for Tottenham throughout the remainder of the season, and was named among the unused substitutes in the club's final three Premier League fixtures.

Tottenham also confirmed that 10 players from their academy setup will be leaving the club when the summer transfer window opens. Six Under-21 talents — Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig and Calum Logan — will all depart North London when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Four Under-18 players are also set to leave the club this summer, amongst them Elijah Upson, who has rejected a contract offer from the club. Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura and Leon Myrtaj have likewise been confirmed as departures ahead of the new campaign.

Tottenham face a busy summer in the transfer market as Roberto De Zerbi looks to assemble a squad capable of hitting the ground running in the Premier League.

Spurs have already bolstered their defensive ranks with the arrival of Andy Robertson on a free transfer following his exit from Liverpool.

Bournemouth centre-back Marco Senesi is also widely expected to make the move to Tottenham as a free agent once his deal with the Cherries comes to an end.

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Man Utd make final decision on signing Cristian Romero as Tottenham fear raid

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Manchester United have no plans to submit a bid for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero. Reports emerged from Argentina on Monday evening claiming United were keen on signing Romero and that an offer was being lined up. However, sources close to United have firmly rejected those claims.

The report is believed to be well wide of the mark, with Romero not featuring on United's summer transfer radar. Romero has skippered Tottenham through back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. Spurs found themselves in very real danger of relegation this term, before Roberto De Zerbi steered them to safety, but they could still lose their captain, who is the subject of serious interest from Spain.

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The Tottenham centre-back missed the closing stages of the campaign through a knee injury. He had returned to Argentina, but was made to fly back to England to attend Spurs' final match of the season following considerable public backlash.

The 28-year-old has built up a troubling disciplinary record during his time at Tottenham. He has been sent off on six occasions in a Spurs shirt, including a straight red card against United at Old Trafford back in February.

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United are instead focusing their attentions on other areas of the squad this summer. A midfield overhaul is firmly on the agenda, with a deal already struck to bring Ederson in from Atalanta, while reinforcements on the left side are also being sought.

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The club's recruitment team are currently assessing the left-back market. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is a player they admire, though he has three years left on his deal and manager Eddie Howe is determined to hold on to him.

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United are well aware of their defensive shortcomings, yet Michael Carrick currently has five senior centre-backs at his disposal in Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven.

Maguire and Martinez remain Carrick's preferred centre-back pairing. However, Maguire was forced to sit out two matches following his red card against Bournemouth in March, while Martinez was sidelined between February and March with a calf injury.

The Argentine international was also handed a three-match ban after being dismissed for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's ponytail during Leeds' visit to Old Trafford.

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Beloved UK football stadium demolished and turned into £1bn 'infrastructure masterpiece'

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Beloved UK football stadium demolished and turned into £1bn 'infrastructure masterpiece' - Daily Express
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The UK is home to many magnificent stadiums. There are venues like Wembley, Old Trafford and Anfield that fans from around the world come to visit. But there is another stadium that opened not too long ago that is often regarded as the prettiest and best in the country. Some have even described it as an "infrastructure masterpiece".

But before we get into that, we need to talk about the beloved stadium that was demolished in order to make that happen. For more than a century, White Hart Lane was the home of Tottenham Hotspur. The famous north London ground first opened in September 1899 after Spurs moved from nearby Northumberland Park.

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The club had been looking for a larger and safer home after overcrowding became a growing problem. A disused plant nursery behind the White Hart pub was chosen and transformed into a football ground.

Tottenham's first match there ended in a 4-1 victory over Notts County in front of around 5,000 supporters. White Hart Lane then remained Spurs' home for the next 118 years.

Over the decades it was expanded and redeveloped several times. The ground's record attendance of 75,038 was set in 1938, while later changes turned it into a modern all-seater stadium with a capacity of just over 36,000.

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One of its most famous features was the bronze cockerel standing on a football, which first appeared above the West Stand in 1909.

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Known as the Northumberland Development Project, the scheme would eventually see White Hart Lane replaced by a brand-new stadium on the same site.

But construction eventually created an unusual situation. During the 2016-17 season, part of White Hart Lane was demolished while matches were still being played there, so work could begin on the new ground.

The final match at White Hart Lane took place on May 14, 2017, when Tottenham beat Manchester United 2-1.

Demolition of the remaining structure followed shortly afterwards, and Spurs moved temporarily to Wembley Stadium while construction continued.

The new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium eventually opened on April 3, 2019, with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Originally expected to cost around £400million, the final bill rose to roughly £1billion.

Today, it is regarded as one of the most advanced stadiums in the world. Its standout feature is a retractable pitch. The natural grass playing surface can be split into three huge sections and slide underneath the South Stand, revealing a synthetic field below for NFL games, concerts and other events.

The stadium is also home to the UK's largest single-tier stand, which holds 17,500 supporters.

Inside is the 65-metre-long Goal Line Bar, believed to be the longest bar in a stadium anywhere in the world. Visitors can also take part in the Dare Skywalk, which allows fans to walk across the roof beside a giant version of Tottenham's famous cockerel.

Many people took to TripAdvisor to express their feelings about the stadium. One person wrote: “Can’t call it anything but an infrastructure masterpiece. It wows you from the first moment you see it.”

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Marcus Rashford sends Tottenham transfer message as Man Utd saga takes twist

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Marcus Rashford is reportedly showing no desire to join Tottenham amid claims Spurs are monitoring the England international closely. The north Londoners are amongst four Premier League sides linked with an interest in Rashford, 28, with Barcelona yet to trigger a £26million option to sign him permanently as part of their loan arrangement. The Catalan giants reportedly have until mid-June to make their decision, after which the clause expires.

Rashford would then head back to his parent club, Manchester United, following last season's loan spell in La Liga. That is where clubs such as Spurs could enter the picture. Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham are keeping informed of developments, according to The Mirror, but Rashford is said to have no interest in joining either of the latter two clubs.

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United are also reportedly unwilling to conduct business with a domestic rival. The reason they are keen to offload him is that they want to remove his £325,000-a-week wages from their books permanently.

Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has suggested that they will invest more on salaries than under his predecessor, Daniel Levy. However, accommodating Rashford would represent a dramatic shift from their long-established wage structure.

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Tottenham have been in the market for a new winger since last summer, hence their interest in Savinho, which looks set to be rekindled once again this summer. Both operate primarily from the left, though Rashford would also provide an option centrally.

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The Brazilian is clearly a long-term target, while Rashford would represent an opportunistic signing by capitalising on Barcelona's hesitation. Savinho also appears to be the more economical choice, being six-and-a-half years younger than Rashford.

Roberto De Zerbi spoke immediately after Spurs secured their survival about his ambitions for the summer. He said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team.

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"I don't think we have now to change too many players, we have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay, good enough, like players, especially like people.

"Then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players, first level of players, because we suffered too much.

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"I suffered a lot, but I think the fans, the club, the board, the players, they suffered too much. We are Tottenham, and we can't suffer like this until the last second of the last game to stay up.

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"And I will be stronger, I will be stronger. I don't want to decide alone because football is a group - sporting director, scouting, CEO - but my target now is finished to stay up, my target is to start the pre-season with the team I have in my dream."

"I suffered a lot, but I think the fans, the club, the board, the players, they suffered too much. We are Tottenham, and we can't suffer like this until the last second of the last game to stay up.

"And I will be stronger, I will be stronger. I don't want to decide alone because football is a group - sporting director, scouting, CEO - but my target now is finished to stay up, my target is to start the pre-season with the team I have in my dream."

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Marcus Rashford 'in talks with Arsenal' after Man Utd transfer request

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Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly held discussions over a potential swoop for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford, following a standout loan spell at Barcelona. The La Liga giants agreed a £26m option-to-buy for the England international, but are keen to strengthen their attacking options further.

Hansi Flick's outfit would favour another loan arrangement for Rashford, affording them greater financial flexibility to pursue an additional forward, with Newcastle's Anthony Gordon on the verge of completing a switch to Barcelona. According to the Daily Mail, United and Rashford are poised to hold talks this week about his future, with the England star requesting to stay at Barcelona and seek clarity on his situation ahead of the World Cup.

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Rashford caught the eye with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, and has made no secret of his desire to make his move to the Nou Camp a permanent one.

Aston Villa have also reportedly entered the running for Rashford this summer, having been impressed during his loan stint at Villa Park towards the end of last season.

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Barcelona are said to hold an interest in Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, though the Blues have no intention of parting ways with the Brazilian.

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Arsenal are understood to be actively seeking a wide player this summer as they look to further strengthen their attacking ranks following their Premier League title triumph.

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The Gunners, however, will likely need to offload several first-team players, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Ben White all linked with departures from the Emirates Stadium.

As for Tottenham, they are looking to strengthen their squad following a nail-biting escape from relegation on the final day of the season.

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Speaking about his recruitment plans this summer, De Zerbi said: "Listen, we have a great relationship with Johan and Vinai and the whole board. I have no doubt, but it's right because I came to start a new plan, a new project, and the plan was not in Sunderland.

"It was after Everton, staying in the Premier League. My target was very clear at the beginning. I gave all my best. I pushed to arrive at today. From today, we have to start to work.

"Look, my target when I came was today, to arrive today, after the last game and planning the next Premier League. I'm sure we have not to change too many players. It's not right. It's not right because we are lucky to have a lot of good players, a lot of good guys.

"I think we have to complete the squad in the best way, with the first level of players, with the right behaviour of the players, because now the qualities of the players are important, but more important is the spirit, the mentality of these players - and now the job starts."

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Andy Robertson agrees to join new club and set for swift Liverpool reunion

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Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is edging closer to his next destination after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with Tottenham. The Scotland captain will be staying in the Premier League after Spurs followed up on their interest, following an unsuccessful approach in January.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Juventus' last-ditch attempt to hijack the deal has fallen flat, with the full-back honouring the "pact" made when his January move to north London collapsed. The former Dundee United and Hull left-back saw his opportunities at Anfield dwindle during Arne Slot's turbulent campaign, as summer recruit Milos Kerkez, a decade Robertson's junior, was handed the nod instead.

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Robertson bid a heartfelt farewell to the Anfield faithful on Sunday during the 1-1 draw with Brentford, receiving a guard of honour on his final appearance for the Reds.

But he won't have long to wait before returning to L4, after Roberto De Zerbi's side secured their top-flight status on the final day of the season with a 2-0 victory over Everton.

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It now appears the Liverpool legend dropped a telling hint about his next chapter during his parting message to supporters following his departure. Taking to social media, the Scotland captain told fans: "It's not goodbye, it's a see you soon."

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He said: "I have spent all week telling the people in the building, players and staff how much they mean to me. Now it's my turn to tell the most important people at the club how much they mean to me.

"That is you guys. From day one the love and support you have shown me has been unimaginable. Your support always gave me that extra motivation to be the best I could have been."

"We have had so many special nights and special days together and for that I'll be forever grateful. The home games, away games, trips to Wembley or the parades. You guys always show up in your numbers and I never took that for granted.

"You are the heartbeat of the club and the best fans in the world. Thank you for the reception yesterday, that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"You guys are family. This isn't a goodbye, it's a see you soon. YNWA. Robbo."

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And Robertson will see Liverpool soon, as he is set to play them at least twice next season and mark a rapid reunion with the squad he is departing this summer.

The 32-year-old's Liverpool journey will conclude at the end of the season, when his deal runs out. He secured two Premier League titles, lifted the Carabao Cup twice and also claimed Champions League, Super Cup, FA Cup and Club World Cup silverware during their period of supremacy largely under Jurgen Klopp.

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Tottenham chief slams untrue claims and reveals summer transfer plan

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Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has pushed back against reports that the club was "passive" during Thomas Frank's tenure. The long-time Arsenal employee assumed control of the club after Daniel Levy departed in September, after 25 years in charge.

Spurs opted to dismiss Frank in mid-February, following a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, as the club edged ever closer to the Premier League relegation zone. Before his exit, Spurs had endured a miserable run of just one victory in 11 top-flight fixtures stretching back to December.

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Many of their supporters felt the club were too slow to pull the trigger on Frank, believing action should have happened far sooner, given that results and performances had been well below standard for a considerable period. Venkatesham and the Spurs board eventually concluded that a change was necessary following the Newcastle defeat, with former Juventus figure Igor Tudor handed the reins on a short-term basis.

Now, speaking to the BBC, Venkatesham has hit back after suggestions emerged that Spurs were inactive and disengaged throughout a period that saw them dragged perilously close to the drop zone. He said: "There's been plenty of coverage that the club was passive during this period, and that's absolutely not true.

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While Tudor was handed the role until the end of the campaign, Roberto De Zerbi, now the club's permanent head coach, had been identified as Spurs' top target following his departure from Marseille. However, at the time, Tottenham were unable to convince De Zerbi to step straight into the managerial role and instead appointed Tudor, who departed Spurs by mutual agreement after merely seven fixtures.

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Tottenham subsequently turned to De Zerbi, and the Italian kept the club in the Premier League, securing three victories and two draws from his seven matches in charge. It was a sequence that enabled them to finish 17th in the table, two points behind 18th-place West Ham, who suffered relegation to the Championship. Venkatesham has acknowledged that a fourth-bottom finish falls short of expectations and conceded he recognises the frustration amongst supporters, following mounting anger from disgruntled sections of the fanbase.

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He said: "I understand the frustration around supporters. I think Tottenham supporters have been frustrated for some time. This is two 17th-place finishes in a row. It's clearly not good enough. I think that is rational, normal, sensible, and is what we would expect from supporters.

"The club had some serious challenges that it needs to address on the football side. We know what those are. We are addressing them. We are fixing them. Those challenges have not disappeared overnight. They built up over many years. I wish I could wave my magic wand and fix them overnight, but that is not possible. It takes some time to fix those issues, so I have complete confidence in what we're doing, how we're doing it. But supporters are rightly impatient. So I have to weather that storm."

With a pivotal summer on the horizon for Tottenham, as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing campaign, the club are reported to have entered into discussions with Borussia Dortmund's outgoing sporting director Sebastian Kehl. Additionally, Venkatesham has confirmed that the club have increased their wage budget in a bid to attract top-tier talent.

He added: "The squad needs work, and the squad hasn't got the right balance. We need experience and leadership, and also that kind of physical robustness to play in the most demanding league that exists. We need to strengthen the club over multiple transfer windows, but this transfer window, in particular, is going to be critical."

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Lewis family promise to rebuild trust at Tottenham in letter to supporters

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The Lewis family has promised to rebuild trust with Tottenham supporters and are "all in" to bring about meaningful change after back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. A Roberto De Zerbi-inspired Spurs secured a 1-0 win at home to Everton on the final day of the season on Sunday to avoid a catastrophic relegation by two points during a campaign where they went through three head coaches.

Fans have frequently directed anger at majority owners ENIC, which are run by the Lewis family, along with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham after 12 months of enormous change. In September, long-serving chairman Daniel Levy was invited to step down after the Lewis family commissioned an extensive review into the club at the start of 2025. Levy had been the key decision-maker at Spurs for almost a quarter of a century despite ENIC being majority owners.

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During a letter to Tottenham fans, the Lewis family acknowledged they were "bitterly disappointed" with recent seasons, accepted ultimate responsibility for the current situation, but promised a rebuild had started and investment would bring about "deep" change.

"To the fans, as owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you," a statement from the Lewis family to Press Association read.

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"Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club. We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration.

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"You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again.

"Our approach to running the club is, and has been, to trust the experts to do that, while backing them to be successful.

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"The problems we found were deeper than we realized and were allowed to build over the last few years.

"We know that has eroded trust and we have to win that back. As owners, we take ultimate responsibility for the situation in which the club finds itself.

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"We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us.

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"That means football comes first. The Board and Executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition.

"This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more – and we are fully committed to this.

"We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months.

"We care deeply about Spurs. The rebuilding the club needs, and you deserve, has begun. The change required is deep. It will take time and commitment, but change is happening.

"We know that actions will speak louder than words."

Since the departure of Levy, Vivienne Lewis, her son-in-law Nick Beucher and Charles Lewis have taken on a more active role.

Injuries have been an enormous factor in Tottenham's last two seasons and a review into the medical side of the club has been launched by new performance director Dan Lewindon.

Lewindon is one of several appointments backed by the Lewis family over the last 12 months, with Rafi Moersen also set to join and start soon from City Football Group as director of football operations.

CEO Venkatesham was the first major hire by the Lewis family last April and even though the ex-Arsenal executive has endured a difficult first season at Tottenham, there is strong internal support for him, PA understands.

Venkatesham was forced to rebuild Spurs' football department mid-season, but is now surrounded by several key figures.

"The club had some serious challenges that it needs to address on the football side. We know what those are. We are addressing them. We are fixing them," Venkatesham told BBC Sport.

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West Ham make Nuno Espirito Santo announcement after emergency meeting

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West Ham have decided to stick by manager Nuno Espirito Santo despite the team's relegation from the Premier League. The Hammers' fate was confirmed despite a 3-0 win against Leeds United on Sunday. They ended the season in 18th, two points behind 17th-place Tottenham, and will join Wolves and Burnley in the Championship next season.

Nuno refused to talk about his future after his side's win at home to Leeds, and it was reported on Monday morning that he was summoned for a crisis meeting about his future at the London Stadium. However, he will be staying put to lead their promotion charge back to the Premier League next season.

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As part of a lengthy club statement, West Ham said: "The football operation always has to be our first priority and the planning for next season started as soon as the final whistle sounded on Sunday. We held meetings with Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo early this week and are pleased to confirm that he has expressed his continued commitment to the Club – as we have to him.

"Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season. Nuno has spent one previous year in the EFL Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018.

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"While the ultimate outcome on Sunday was a painful one, the Board of Directors believe that there have been broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months, and we want Nuno to continue developing that progress.

"A total of 25 points taken from our final 17 Premier League matches equated to 1.47 points per game – a ratio that would have resulted in a seventh-place finish across the full season. Furthermore, we feel the clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness since January, leading to that upturn in performances and results, makes him the right man to lead us forward."

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The 52-year-old replaced Graham Potter in the hot seat at West Ham in September, and although he started to make an impact in the second half of the season, it proved to be too little too late.

As a result of their relegation to the second tier, West Ham had a choice to make over whether to move on without Nuno in his role as first-team manager, with a break clause able to be triggered in his contract.

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Overall, Espirito Santo won 11, drew 11 and lost 15 of his 37 matches across all competitions at West Ham last season, and the club now face the prospect of a fire sale of star names ahead of the 2026/27 Championship season.

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The Hammers have also promised to "review every aspect of the club’s operation", as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

The club said: "Relegation is obviously not the outcome that anyone at West Ham United would have wanted when the Premier League season started last August. For every single person who is passionate about the Club, it hurts deeply and that feeling will sustain for some time.

"As a Board we cannot shy away from the fact our season has not been good enough. We know you, the supporters, have backed the team constantly as always and your loyalty and commitment has not been matched by our final league position.

"We also understand the frustration that many of you feel about the direction the Club has headed in recent years.

"Although relegation is not what any of us wanted, we now have to look forward. The Board must now review every aspect of the Club’s operation to ensure that when we return to the Premier League – hopefully in August 2027 – we are a better West Ham United in every way, on and off the pitch."

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