Daily Express

Tottenham have sacked Ange Postecoglou just weeks after he led the club to the Europa League trophy, claiming their first piece of major silverware in 17 years. The Aussie had garnered considerable support from the fanbase after the famous victory in Bilbao, but a 17th-placed Premier League finish has ultimately proven impossible to ignore for chairman Daniel Levy.

Postecoglou guided Spurs not only to a historic night in Spain by winning the Europa League, but he also secured the club Champions League football next year in the process. He received backing from the dressing room and supporters, but Levy is still ready to wield the axe despite the possibility of major backlash from the Spurs fanbase.

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In a club statement, Spurs said: "The board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season.

"At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.

"It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.

"This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision."

Spurs lost 22 of 38 league games, picking up 38 points in total after a 4-1 thrashing at home by Brighton on the final day of the season. But James Maddison led the calls for Postecoglou to remain in charge next season.

"We are behind the manager 100 per cent," said midfielder Maddison. "I think he's a great man. We have had a poor season, especially in the league. We've been very good in Europe, but the league season has been unacceptable.

"He's my manager, he's my gaffer and I respect him an awful amount. The narrative [of Postecoglou's job being under threat] is something we players are trying to keep away from because it's not healthy.”

Postecoglou, who declared during the club’s trophy parade that similarly to TV shows “season three is better than season two”, was also bemused at the constant questions put to him during press conferences about his future.

“How do I assess the season? Outstanding,” he said after defeat to Brighton in the final game of the season. “We won a trophy which we haven't done for 17 years and we're in the Champions League.

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“I'll be honest, I'm finding it weird to be talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented. I made decisions I felt gave us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve and that has affected our league form. If people don't want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is expected to be one of the frontrunners to take over from Postecoglou in north London, as he holds a strong relationship with Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange. The pair coached together in Denmark.

Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is also thought to be on Spurs’ shortlist as they go in search of Premier League experience. Iraola has a release clause on the south coast between £9m and £10m.

Tottenham could be looking at a hefty bill exceeding £10m if they decide to bring in Thomas Frank. The Brentford manager is currently the top candidate to take over from Ange Postecoglou, whose position at Tottenham is under serious scrutiny despite guiding the team to Europa League victory.

Frank, who has two years remaining on his contract, had a substantial buy-out clause included when he last renewed his contract in December 2022, according to The Mirror. The Danish manager is among the most esteemed in the Premier League and Brentford are understandably reluctant to let him go, as reflected in the buy-out clause.

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There's also speculation that Frank made a gentleman's agreement to stay at Brentford for another year, although this would undoubtedly be challenged if someone were to meet the buy-out clause, allowing him to leave.

If Frank chose to depart Brentford this summer, he wouldn't be short of offers, particularly from the Premier League, but Tottenham would present a significant opportunity.

Having won the Europa League, they're back in the Champions League and boast a world-class stadium with funds available.

However, Tottenham's chairman Daniel Levy has yet to make a final decision on Postecoglou's future. Dismissing him and his staff would cost around £5m, plus there's a £2m bonus due to the Australian after his Europa League triumph.

The costs are stacking up for Tottenham amidst a potentially transformative summer - and these could escalate further if they opt for Frank.

The hefty compensation and a significant "transfer fee" for managerial services might deter Tottenham's chairman Levy from pursuing certain targets.

Tottenham have reportedly made inquiries about Frank, while Fulham's Marco Silva has also been mentioned. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are striving to retain Andoni Iraola amidst interest.

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Postecoglou's appointment two years ago has led to speculation that Tottenham's strategic decisions are being swayed by his representation, Base agency.

Spurs have witnessed internal changes recently, marked by the exit of Levy's long-standing confidante and director Donna Cullen.

In a notable move, former Arsenal executive Vinai Venkatesham has commenced his role as Tottenham's new chief executive, and there's anticipation for Fabio Paratici's return following a suspension linked to his tenure at Juventus.

Tottenham could be forced to fork out millions if they decide to sack Ange Postecoglou, with Daniel Levy currently pondering his options. The Aussie has been linked with a Spurs exit, despite ending the club’s close-to-two-decade-long wait for a trophy last month.

Postecoglou had promised silverware in his second season at Spurs and even hinted that his third campaign in charge would be “even better”. But season three might not even make the airwaves if Levy, as has been mooted, decides to pull the plug.

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Levy’s decision could be influenced by the cost it would take to first of all sack Postecoglou and then hire a replacement, with The Telegraph reporting a fee in the region of £4million would be owed to the former Celtic boss as part of a compensation package. That’s not including the £2m bonus that Postecoglou reportedly banked for ending Tottenham’s trophy drought, as well as guiding Spurs back into the Champions League.

Postecoglou, who joined Spurs in the summer of 2023, still has two years remaining on his deal with the north London outfit. It’s claimed in the report that the exit terms were agreed prior to Postecoglou penning his Tottenham contract two years ago.

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All in all, it’s said that a fee close to £10m might have to be shelled out if Spurs decide to part ways, as appointing his successor could cost a sizeable amount. Brentford’s Thomas Frank has been mooted as the front-runner to take over from Postecoglou, with Fulham’s Marco Silva also said to be of interest to Spurs. Appointing either would require them to be bought out of their contracts with their current clubs.

Commenting on his future to Australian outlet ABC, Postecoglou explained: "I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment. I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know — don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

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He added: “When we sat down 10 years ago and did the initial Australian Story, I think maybe even you guys thought that that was the culmination of what I was about to achieve. In 10 years' time, if we sit down again, I've got no doubt in my mind that there'll be more stories to tell."

Arsenal have missed out on a bargain summer deal and have been made to pay for their lack of activity by a former Tottenham manager. The north Londoners are yet to confirm any signings but are expected to reinforce their squad ahead of next season. A new midfielder is thought to be at the top of their shopping list with Martin Zubimendi reportedly on the verge of joining.

One player they will definitely not be signing is Gabri Veiga, who has been linked with Arsenal for a number of years. Reports of their interest surfaced back in 2023, when he was playing for Celta Vigo, but he went on to join Saudi club Al-Ahli. Earlier this year, it was claimed that Arsenal had revived their pursuit of Veiga with the midfielder angling for a return to Europe.

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Unfortunately for Arsenal, they have missed out on his signature once again. According to Fabrizio Romano, he will join Porto in a deal worth around £12.6million plus add-ons. It is said that personal terms have also been agreed and a medical has been booked.

The report adds that former Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas was a key figure in completing the deal. He is currently president of Porto, having given up his coaching career to focus on winning last year's election.

Arsenal may live to regret their failure to sign Veiga, who still has plenty of room for growth at just 23 years old. Many players have excelled in Portugal's top flight before moving for huge transfer fees, including the likes of Darwin Nunez and Joao Felix.

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There is every chance that Veiga could follow in their footsteps if he kicks on at Porto and draws interest from Europe's biggest clubs. If he realises his potential, it will represent a missed opportunity for Arsenal to have added a low-cost creative option to their squad.

Veiga previously confirmed that major clubs showed 'strong interest' in his signature before he decided to join Al-Ahli two years ago.

Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, he said: "I was focused on finishing a dream season, which in the end got complicated, without being aware of any kind of rumour.

"Perhaps at some point there was a strong interest, but later on in the lists another type of profile gains more strength. I can tell you that in August I was faced with a situation and I took the decision I thought was the right one."

Just two days of the summer transfer window have passed, and Manchester United are closing in on their second marquee arrival in Bryan Mbeumo. The Brentford forward has reportedly chosen Old Trafford, snubbing rival interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, among other suitors.

United will now enter direct talks with Brentford in the coming days to agree a transfer fee, expected to be around £50million. Mbeumo looks set to follow Matheus Cunha, who the Red Devils announced as their first capture of a crucial summer after the window opened on Sunday. And Ruben Amorim will be ready and waiting with the perfect welcome gift, aside from his status as a sure starter in his team.

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Mbeumo lit up the Premier League for Brentford this season, plundering 20 goals and registering a further eight assists for Thomas Frank's side.

He shone while donning the No. 19 shirt, doing so in all six of his seasons since joining the then-Championship club from Troyes in 2019.

The 25-year-old also wore the number at Troyes before switching to the No. 11 shirt in his final year, while it's also a familiar sight while he represents Cameroon on the international stage.

Mbeumo has more commonly worn the No. 20 for his country, but while Diogo Dalot currently occupies that locker in the dressing room, he's in luck when it comes to his other preferred choice.

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That's because the No. 19 shirt has been vacant at Old Trafford since Raphael Varane departed as a free agent last summer.

Mbeumo will already feel right at home in the Premier League, and inheriting his trademark shirt number is bound to help with the transition.

Varane was the 14th player to wear the No. 19 shirt for the senior side, following brief stints by Amad, Marcus Rashford and James Wilson.

Danny Welbeck wore it from his academy graduation in 2008 to his exit for Arsenal in 2015 and remains the longest-serving owner.

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Gerard Pique, Edwin van der Sar, Eric Djemba Djemba, Ricardo, Dwight Yorke, Michael Clegg, Ronny Johnsen, Chris Casper and Nicky Butt preceded Welbeck.

Cunha is expected to become United's new No. 10 once Marcus Rashford completes his inevitable permanent departure before next season.

The Brazilian shone with the shirt at Wolves, having initially played with the No. 12 on his back.

Tyrell Malacia is likely to surrender that number once he leaves this summer, but Cunha's preference is obvious.

Ange Postecoglou’s third season with Tottenham doesn’t even look like it will reach the airwaves, with the Aussie boss reportedly on the brink of being sacked by Spurs. Thomas Frank is said to have been targeted as Postecoglou’s replacement, with the Danish manager having impressed during his stint with fellow Premier League outfit Brentford.

Having established the Bees as top-flight regulars following their promotion in 2021, Frank will have the chance to test himself in the Champions League, should a move to Tottenham transpire. Ahead of Frank’s potential Spurs appointment, Express Sport have detailed four players the tactician could sign this summer.

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Kevin Schade

Starting off close to home and one of the best performers for Frank at Brentford, Kevin Schade. The 23-year-old has impressed for Brentford, specifically excelling with his ball carrying and athleticism, as well as an ability to play several different positions in midfield and attack. While he’s under contract at Brentford until 2028, it’s unlikely a mammoth offer will need to be tabled in order for the west Londoners to turn their head.

Read more... Bryan Mbeumo 'chooses next club' as Man Utd, Arsenal and Newcastle learn move [LATEST]

Morten Hjulmand

Spurs have been accused of having a soft underbelly in midfield this season and have often lost control of matches in the middle of the park. That would change with the signing of Morten Hjulmand, who has dazzled for Portuguese outfit Sporting and has plenty of the qualities Tottenham are currently lacking. Capable of breaking up play, picking out a pass and even scoring from range, he’d be a welcome addition to Frank’s prospective Tottenham squad. Plus, there’s a Danish link too, with Hjulmand having played 15 times for the national side.

Christian Eriksen

Speaking of Danes, a return to Spurs for Christian Eriksen, anybody? He’s about to leave Manchester United as a free agent and while it goes without saying Eriksen wouldn’t be signed as a starting option, he could add a touch of much-needed experience to a relatively young Spurs dressing room. Plus, there’s the boost of a former fans’ favourite returning to the club - something Frank might need, given he’d be replacing Tottenham’s first trophy-winning manager since 2008.

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Eberechi Eze

And then finally, Eberechi Eze. The scintillating forward dazzled for Crystal Palace en route to their FA Cup triumph this season, but Eze has since hinted he’d like to consistently challenge for trophies and “win everything”. While “everything” might be a little out of reach at Spurs, it’s certainly a step up from mid-table Palace, especially considering the north Londoners have now ended their trophy drought.

Ryan Mason has left Tottenham to take over as West Brom head coach on a three-year deal. He quickly emerged as a leading candidate for the Championship club after they dismissed Tony Mowbray on April 21.

Spurs' roller-coaster 2024-25 campaign - in which they secured Europa League success - only ended on May 25 and forced West Brom to bide their time but Mason, after a short holiday, decided to accept their offer and take his first step into management.

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"I'm absolutely thrilled to have been appointed head coach of West Bromwich Albion," Mason told the club's website. "This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan-base and I am excited about what we can achieve together.

"Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club, I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can't wait to get started.

"I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club."

At the age of 33, Mason becomes the youngest boss in the Championship and this move ends his seven-year coaching career at Tottenham.

Mason, who progressed through Spurs' academy to play 70 times for his boyhood team, was forced to cut short his playing career in 2018 after he sustained a fractured skull in a Premier League match for Hull at Chelsea a year earlier.

A decade on from earning his solitary England cap against Italy, the London-born coach will embark on his first managerial role in the 2025-26 season.

Highly-rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs, which enabled him to play his part in the club's first trophy since 2008.

After two previous caretaker stints at Tottenham, including leading the club in the 2021 Carabao Cup final, Mason has long been tipped for a future in management.

Mason initially started coaching at youth level for Spurs upon his playing retirement before being promoted to Antonio Conte's coaching staff three years later, not long after a seven-game spell as interim boss.

Another caretaker role came in 2023 following Conte's departure before Ange Postecoglou kept Mason as part of his backroom team.

After a further two years as Tottenham first-team coach, Mason will take over West Brom after they finished ninth in the Championship.

Mowbray was dismissed in April after their play-off hopes ended despite only being hired in January to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to take over at Valencia.

Mason, whose contract at Spurs was up this month, will be tasked with leading West Brom back into the top flight for the first time since 2021.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou stands firm in his commitment to the club's future despite the possibility he could be sacked by Daniel Levy in the coming days. The Australian tactician recently led Spurs to their first trophy in over a decade, securing victory against Manchester United with a slender 1-0 win in the Europa League final. However, despite this success, the north London side's Premier League season was dismal.

A shocking tally of 22 losses spared them relegation by the skin of their teeth, marking both the highest number of defeats endured in a single 38-match season without dropping to the second tier and the Spurs' poorest league position in nearly half a century. Unperturbed, Postecoglou strides forward into his third year at the helm but there are whispers that chairman Levy is poised to give him the axe.

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Tottenham are reportedly looking at Brentford's Thomas Frank as their potential new manager, while Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are also believed to be admired.

Postecoglou said during Spurs' Europa League celebration parade that, just like TV shows, 'season three is better than season two', and says he's focused on the future. "I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment," he opened up to Australian Story before a fresh documentary aired on Sunday night Down Under.

"I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

The Australian-Greek manager has previously expressed his discomfort with the media's speculation about his future, describing it as "weird". "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented," he told reporters after Spurs' 4-1 home defeat to Brighton on the final day.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Daniel Levy's closest confidant has left Tottenham in a potential blow for the long-serving chairman. Donna-Maria Cullen has stepped down from the club's board of directors after serving as an executive director and long-term advisor to Levy.

Cullen's departure is expected to be part of widespread change at the Premier League club over the coming months. Former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham has started in the same role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. An overhaul of the top brass may even include the sacking of head coach Ange Postecoglou. Some reports suggest that the axe could fall on the Australian over the coming days, even after he guided his team to Europa League glory and the club's first trophy in 17 years.

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Cullen has been on the Spurs board since 2006 and is considered one of the closest confidants to Levy. Criticism over Levy's stewardship of the club has sometimes been aimed at Cullen, who is also a trustee of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

In a statement released by Spurs, Cullen said: “This has been such a hard decision to make. The club has been my life for the past three decades. I have had the privilege of working with Daniel, whose vision and energy has driven the club forward, and so many talented and wonderful colleagues.

“It has been quite some journey, starting at White Hart Lane, with a brief stay at Wembley and finally our new home - amazing memories home and away. Ending this season with the Europa League trophy was a dream come true.

“The time is now right for me to gather more time for myself and my family, whom I thank for all their support over the years. I shall spend the coming months ensuring there is a smooth handover with my staff. Thank you all. I wish everyone at the club all the success in the world.”

Levy added: “Donna has made an immense contribution to the Club, over an extensive period. Her diverse responsibilities grew significantly and replacing her roles with a single individual will be impossible.

“Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future.”

Meanwhile, speculation over Postecoglou's future continues to persist. Spurs lifted their first piece of silverware since the 2008 League Cup by beating United in the Europa League final. However, an extremely tough Premier League campaign saw them finish 17th.

Cristian Romero insists he wants to play in La Liga and Argentina before he retires from football in what could be a huge blow to Tottenham Hotspur. Romero, 27, joined Tottenham from Atalanta in a £42.5million move in the summer of 2021 – however, the Argentinian World Cup winner still harbours ambitions of playing in La Liga and has previously been linked with Atletico Madrid, who are sitll coached by fellow Argentine Diego Simeone.

The central defender is now at the peak of his powers, and with only two years left on his deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it's difficult to see how he could remain at Spurs while also fulfilling his personal ambitions. An exit would be a huge blow for the north Londoners, who have heavily relied on his experience and quality at the back. However, his recent admission would serve as a concern for Ange Postecoglou – should he even remain as manager.

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The Australian manager has been hitting back at questions over his own future, with Daniel Levy considering a change in the dugout after their 17th-place finish, despite silverware ultimately being delivered.

In terms of Romero's position at the club, while answering questions about his immediate future in football, he told to Los Edul: “I still need to play La Liga. I would love it because it’s the league I’m missing."

When asked if he intends on returning to Argentina, he added: “If I return, it will be to Belgrano. It will be a family decision. God willing, I have several years left in Europe and will think about it later, but yes, I would like to return.”

Romero was vital during Spurs' Europa League final victory and was named as the player of the tournament after they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final. Postecoglou recently stated he wants to hold on to Romero, saying: "He is a winner. You saw that in all the big games we’ve had and the lads certainly respect him very highly.

"He makes them walk a bit taller, so yeah from my perspective it is a no-brainer that making sure players like him (stay), because if he goes, who do you replace him with? There is not too many out there like him."

Meanwhile, the Spurs manager made it abundantly clear that he feels he deserves to remain at the club, despite their dismal Premier League campaign. However, French outlet Foot Mercato recently claimed Spurs have opened talks with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, with the north Londoners plotting to replace Postecoglou after qualifying for the Champions League.

Football London stated that Daniel Levy will be implementing some huge changes, starting with the introduction of new CEO and ex-Arsenal boardroom chief Vinai Venkatesham, while ex-managing director of football Fabio Paratici is expected to return, after his 30-month ban for irregularities at Juventus came to an end.

Despite all of the changes, Postecoglou made it clear in his final post-match interview of the campaign that he expects to stay. He said to ABC's The Australian Story, ahead of a new documentary that was televised on Sunday evening in Australia: "I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment. I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

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Back when the season finally concluded last weekend, he also said: "I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented. I have had to answer the questions because no-one else at the club is in the position to do so, I guess.

"I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club, because wherever I have been, I have made an impact where I have brought success to a club that hasn’t had it for a while. You just have to look at those clubs’ trajectory even after I left, they are still competing for things. I really think this is a moment in time where this club could push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis.”