The Boy Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur (THFC) have officially signed the young Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos in a deal worth around €15 million (£13 million).

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract (reportedly until 2031) and will wear the number 38 shirt.

This marks Tottenham’s second signing of the January 2026 transfer window under head coach Thomas Frank. Souza joins as a promising, forward-thinking full-back to provide competition and depth for Destiny Udogie on the left side of defence.

Souza came through Santos’ youth academy (joining at age nine in 2016), made his senior debut in early 2025, and quickly established himself with around 38 senior appearances, including strong showings in Brazil’s Serie A despite Santos’ challenges.

He’s a former Brazil U-17 international (with caps at the 2023 U-17 World Cup) and is praised for his technical ability, pace, take-ons, crossing, and attacking contributions from the left flank—though there’s room to grow defensively and physically in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank commented:

“I’m really pleased to add Souza to our squad. He is a talented, promising young full-back who is forward-thinking and technically very good. I’m looking forward to working with him and helping develop that potential, as we believe we have bought one of the brightest left-back talents in the world, who can give us something now but also for the future.”

Souza himself said it’s a “childhood dream” to join Spurs and play in the Premier League, adding:

“This is a big step in my development. The Premier League is very different to what I’m used to in Brazil, and I’m really looking forward to this challenge and to being part of the squad here.”

He’ll also link up with fellow Brazilian Richarlison at the club. Welcome to Spurs, Souza

Ange Postecoglou’s record at Spurs speaks for itself. He joined Tottenham in the summer of 2023 after a trophyless period under previous managers like Mourinho, Conte, and Nuno.

Under Ange, Spurs played an exciting, attacking style of football that fans loved early on. The pinnacle was winning the Europa League in May 2025—the club’s first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup.

Results were mixed. In his first season (2023-24), Tottenham finished 5th in the Premier League, qualifying for Europe. The 2024-25 season saw them hover around mid-table at times, but the Europa triumph overshadowed domestic inconsistencies. There were reports of internal frustrations over squad depth and injuries, but no outright crisis.

Many players, like Micky van de Ven, expressed shock at the sacking, noting it was unexpected given the silverware. It has to be said that a significant portion of fans regretted the decision, with some calling for his reinstatement and criticising the board’s impatience.

One man who shares that vibe is former Spur Teddy Sheringham, who spoke to The Boy Hotspur’s Substack.

Q: Do you think Tottenham may be beginning to regret sacking Ange Postecoglou?

Teddy Sheringham: Listen, I was a big advocate of Ange. I don’t think they should have sacked him. I understood exactly what was going on at the football club. Once it went past February, he didn’t care where they ended up in the Premier League as long as he won something for the football club, and he did that.

I’ve said before that he must have been absolutely devastated after doing what he did at Tottenham. Winning them a trophy when he said he was going to do it, and then, three weeks later, sitting without a job, and looking around the place, going, ‘What have I done wrong?’ He told them what he was going to do, and he did it.

There were so many injuries last year, and he juggled it so that he put all his eggs in one basket, and he came up trumps. Who cares whether you finished ninth, eighth or seventh in the Premier League? I know performances weren’t good in the league, but he got results.

Q: Would you take Ange Postecoglou back at Spurs, should Thomas Frank leave in the future?

Teddy Sheringham: I don’t think you can take him back now. I mean, there was such a funny vibe at the club when he went. I think that would be wrong to do that now. But having said that, I don’t think they should have sacked him when they did.

Daniel Levy and the board reportedly felt a change was needed to “compete on multiple fronts,” citing concerns over league form and long-term sustainability. Postecoglou himself later admitted he sensed it coming before the Europa final, suggesting behind-the-scenes tensions.

This echoes Tottenham’s history of quick managerial turnovers— they’ve cycled through 10 permanent managers since 2008, often chasing short-term fixes without building continuity.

Thomas Frank was brought in from Brentford in summer 2025 as a “progressive” choice, but seven months later, Spurs are in a rut. A recent draw with Burnley has intensified sack rumors for Frank, with the team reportedly mid-table and out of European contention early in the 2025-26 season.

The decision to sack Ange Postecoglou in June 2025 has been one of the most controversial moves in recent Tottenham Hotspur history, and based on the outcomes so far, it looks like a mistake. Let’s break it down step by step, focusing on the facts of his tenure, the context of the dismissal, and what’s happened since.

Postecoglou’s Record at Spurs

Achievements:

He joined Tottenham in the summer of 2023 after a trophyless period under previous managers like Mourinho, Conte, and Nuno. Under Ange, Spurs played an exciting, attacking style of football that fans loved early on. The pinnacle was winning the Europa League in May 2025—the club’s first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup.

This ended a 17-year drought and should have solidified his position.

League Performance: Results were mixed. In his first season (2023-24), Tottenham finished 5th in the Premier League, qualifying for Europe. The 2024-25 season saw them hover around mid-table at times, but the Europa triumph overshadowed domestic inconsistencies. There were reports of internal frustrations over squad depth and injuries, but no outright crisis.

Fan and Player Sentiment: Many players, like Micky van de Ven, expressed shock at the sacking, noting it was unexpected given the silverware.

Why the Sack Happened:

Daniel Levy and the board reportedly felt a change was needed to “compete on multiple fronts,” citing concerns over league form and long-term sustainability.

Postecoglou himself later admitted he sensed it coming before the Europa final, suggesting behind-the-scenes tensions.

This echoes Tottenham’s history of quick managerial turnovers— they’ve cycled through 10 permanent managers since 2008, often chasing short-term fixes without building continuity.

What Happened Next and Why It Suggests They Shouldn’t Have Sacked Him

Replacement Struggles:

Thomas Frank was brought in from Brentford in the summer of 2025 as a “progressive” choice, but seven months later, Spurs are in a rut. A recent draw with Burnley has intensified sack rumours for Frank, with the team reportedly mid-table and out of European contention early in the 2025-26 season.

Fans are frustrated, with some X posts warning that sacking Frank could lead to further instability or even relegation battles.

Hindsight Perspective: Winning a trophy should buy a manager time, especially at a club starved of success. Comparisons to other clubs (e.g., Leicester’s sacking Ranieri after their miracle Premier League win) highlight how such decisions often backfire, leading to regression.

Tottenham’s current woes under Frank make Postecoglou’s era look stronger in retrospect. He delivered results with flair, and the sack feels like a classic Spurs board overreaction.

In short, no, Tottenham shouldn’t have sacked him.

The proposed transfer of Andrew Robertson (Liverpool’s left-back) to Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) in the January 2026 transfer window ultimately did not happen primarily because Liverpool decided against sanctioning the move.

Tottenham had reportedly agreed in principle with Liverpool for the deal to proceed (likely for a modest fee around £5m, given Robertson’s contract situation—he was in the final months before expiring in June 2026).

The key condition from Liverpool’s side was recalling their other left-back, Kostas Tsimikas, from his loan at Roma to provide cover in defence.

However, Roma were unable to quickly find a suitable replacement for Tsimikas, meaning the recall couldn’t happen in time (or at all during the window). This left Liverpool without adequate backup at left-back, especially amid their defensive concerns and injury issues. As a result, Liverpool pulled out of talks and blocked the transfer.

Reliable reports (including from David Ornstein at The Athletic, The Guardian, BBC, and ESPN) confirm Robertson wasn’t actively pushing for the exit himself—he’s the Scotland captain and values his role at Liverpool, even if he wanted more regular play ahead of events like the World Cup. Liverpool prioritised squad stability over letting a vice-captain and experienced player leave mid-season.

The deal collapsed recently (as of late January 2026), with sources stating it’s off “for now” or “at present,” though a free transfer in the summer can’t be entirely ruled out if circumstances change. For Spurs fans, it’s another frustrating near-miss in the window for bolstering the left side.

In short, Liverpool’s lack of defensive cover (tied to the failed Tsimikas recall) was the decisive factor that killed it.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been criticised for his inconsistencies since joining the club.

The Italian has done reasonably well for the London club, but he has struggled with aerial balls and set pieces. Spurs are now reportedly looking at potential alternatives, and they have identified Mile Svilar as a potential target, as per reports via SportWitness.

Spurs and Chelsea keen on Mile Svilar

The 26-year-old goalkeeper has done quite well for Roma, and he is valued at €70 million. Tottenham are not the only Premier League club keen on him, and they will face competition from rivals Chelsea.

Both clubs could use a quality goalkeeper, and the 26-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be attractive for the player as well. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to break the bank for the 26-year-old, who was named the best goalkeeper in Italian football last season. He could very well win the award again this season. He has been outstanding since joining the Italian club.

Svilar is highly rated

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has labelled him as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and football.

Gasperini said: “He’s a goalkeeper who brings a lot of points. He can be compared to a 25-goal striker. He’s certainly among the best in Europe.”

It is no surprise that Roma are holding out for a premium. It remains to be seen whether the two English clubs are prepared to pay up for him. Even though the asking price might seem like a premium, he has his best years ahead of himself, and he could justify the investment in the long term.

Tottenham are looking to build a team capable of winning major trophies, and they need elite players at their disposal. The 26-year-old could be a defining acquisition for them.

David Ginola was very important to Tottenham Hotspur during his time there from 1997 to 2000, though his significance is more about flair, entertainment value, individual brilliance, and cult status than sustained team success or trophies beyond one notable win.

He joined Spurs from Newcastle United for £2.5 million in the summer of 1997, bringing his trademark elegance, dribbling, long-range goals, and charisma to White Hart Lane. In total, he made 127 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing numerous assists (official Premier League records show him with 21 assists in his Spurs career, though totals vary slightly by source).

His standout achievement came in the 1998-99 season, when he played a pivotal role in Tottenham winning the League Cup (beating Leicester City 1-0 in the final). That same year, his performances earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award (voted by his peers) and the FWA Footballer of the Year—rare individual honours for a Tottenham player in that era, especially given the club’s mid-table status.

Ginola embodied the “Tottenham way” of attacking, stylish football that fans crave. He produced moments of magic, like his stunning solo goal against Barnsley in the 1999 FA Cup quarter-final (a mazy run and finish often replayed as one of the club’s iconic individual goals). He was a player who got supporters off their seats with his skill, flair, and Hollywood looks—often described as a “cult hero” and one of the most gifted wingers of the Premier League’s early years.

While Tottenham didn’t achieve major league success during his tenure (they were often inconsistent and trophyless outside that League Cup), Ginola became a symbol of exciting, entertaining football in a period when the club needed stars to lift spirits.

Recent fan reactions on social media to birthday tributes from the official Spurs account still call him a “legend,” and he’s frequently included in lists of beloved Spurs figures from the 90s alongside names like Klinsmann or Gascoigne.

Ginola wasn’t the most decorated player in Tottenham history, but his three years at the club left a lasting emotional and aesthetic legacy. He represented joy, beauty, and individuality in an otherwise frustrating era for Spurs fans

Keith Burkinshaw served as Tottenham Hotspur’s manager from 1976 to 1984, a period widely regarded as one of the club’s most successful post-Bill Nicholson eras.

He took over during a challenging time. Tottenham were relegated from the First Division in his first full season (1976-77). However, he guided them back to the top flight the following year (1977-78), including a memorable 9-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

His major achievements include winning three major trophies:

FA Cup in 1981 (beating Manchester City 3-2 after a replay, with Ricky Villa’s iconic goal).

FA Cup again in 1982 (beating QPR 1-0).

UEFA Cup in 1984 (Tottenham’s second win in the competition, defeating Anderlecht on penalties in the final).

He also won the Charity Shield (English Super Cup) in 1981.

Burkinshaw is credited with building an exciting, attacking side that embodied Tottenham’s tradition of entertaining football. A key part of his legacy was pioneering the signing of overseas players in English football, most notably bringing in Argentinian World Cup winners Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa in 1978.

This was groundbreaking at the time, as foreign players were rare in the English game, and it helped elevate the team’s flair and creativity—though it drew criticism from the press initially.

He ranks as one of Tottenham’s most successful managers historically (second only to Bill Nicholson in major trophies won during his tenure), and the club inducted him into their Hall of Fame. Fans and sources often place him alongside legends like Nicholson for delivering silverware and memorable moments.

His departure in 1984 was dramatic—he famously said, “There used to be a football club over there” as he walked away after winning the UEFA Cup, feeling unappreciated by the board despite the success.

Even today, among Spurs supporters (especially older ones), Burkinshaw is frequently cited as a benchmark for managers who brought trophies and embodied the club’s proactive, attacking style. Recent discussions on X compare him to modern managers, highlighting his enduring status as a club icon.

The complete list of every player to have made their Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) senior debut in a European fixture (i.e., UEFA competitions like Champions League/European Cup, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Cup, qualifiers, etc.) isn’t published in one exhaustive, up-to-date public source, as it’s niche trivia often covered in club quizzes, academy records, or fan compilations.

However, based on official Spurs content, Transfermarkt data filtered by competition debuts (especially qualifiers where many young/academy players debut), Wikipedia mentions, and reports on specific cases, these players are confirmed to have debuted in European matches.

This is particularly common in recent years with youth-heavy rotations in qualifiers or group stages. Key examples include:

From the 2021 Europa Conference League qualifiers vs Paços de Ferreira (many senior players also debuted here due to squad rotation/timing):

Dane Scarlett

Nile John

Maksim Paskotsi

J’Neil Bennett

Bryan Gil

Jack Clarke

Ryan Sessegnon

Cristian Romero

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Steven Bergwijn

Giovani Lo Celso

Dele Alli

Harry Winks

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

Pierluigi Gollini

Eric Dier

Harry Kane (note: his overall club debut was earlier, but some sources list a European context for certain returns; cross-check shows his first Spurs appearance was PL, but included in some ECLQ debut filters—likely rotation)

Ben Davies

Lucas Moura

Heung-min Son

Matt Doherty

Recent and youth European debutants (often in Conference League, Europa League, or Champions League):

Jun’ai Byfield (Champions League vs Borussia Dortmund, January 2026 – youngest ever in CL/European Cup for Spurs at 17y 1m 14d)

Damola Ajayi (Europa League vs Elfsborg, January 2025 – scored on debut)

Mikey Moore (Europa League appearances, including goals in Europe)

Callum Olusesi (e.g., vs Hoffenheim, noted as 44th such player in some fan records)

Malachi Fagan-Walcott (Champions League vs RB Leipzig, 2020)

Kazaiah Sterling (vs APOEL, 2017)

Oliver Skipp (vs Crvena zvezda, 2019)

Josh Onomah (vs Bayer Leverkusen, 2016)

Archie Gray (vs Bodo/Glimt, 2025)

Lucas Bergvall (vs Villarreal, 2025)

Juan Foyth (vs APOEL, 2017)

Historically, fewer players debuted in Europe because Spurs’ early European campaigns (1960s–1980s, like Cup Winners’ Cup win in 1963, UEFA Cup in 1972/1984) typically used established squads. Examples like Frank Saul (vs Feyenoord, 1961) exist in youth/debut contexts.

The club itself ran a quiz in September 2025 asking fans to name them all (following Randal Kolo Muani’s European debut), and there’s a Sporcle quiz based on Spurs Official data with the full list up to that point (likely 40+ players by 2025/26, with more added in 2025-26 CL/Europa runs).

As of January 2026 (current time), the number exceeds 44 based on mentions like Olusesi being the 44th.

It’s not practical to list every single one without an official exhaustive source (Transfermarkt allows filtering by competition for debuts, but requires per-competition checks across CL, EL, ECL, qualifiers, etc.).

Many are academy graduates in low-stakes qualifiers or rotated group games.

Paul Gascoigne, affectionately known as “Gazza,” is remembered at Tottenham Hotspur as one of the club’s all-time greats and a true legend, particularly by fans from the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He joined Spurs from Newcastle United in 1988 for £2.2 million and spent four seasons there (1988–1992), making 112 appearances and scoring 33 goals. His time at the club is celebrated for his dazzling skill, flair, and ability to produce moments of individual brilliance that lit up White Hart Lane.

Helping Tottenham win the FA Cup in 1991 (their last major trophy for many years until more recent successes), where he played a pivotal role despite injury limiting him in the final.

Being named Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.

Iconic goals and performances, such as stunning free-kicks and memorable celebrations, endeared him to supporters.

The official Tottenham Hotspur website describes him as one of the greatest players to wear the shirt, noting that at his best, he was arguably one of the best in the world. For a generation of Spurs fans, he’s often regarded as the best player they’ve seen, with his arrival marking a period of excitement and his contributions creating lasting heroes.

Fan sentiment on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Spurs communities consistently labels him a “legend” or “Spurs legend,” with posts highlighting his goals, his signing anniversary tributes, and nostalgic clips of his magic on the pitch.

He’s frequently included in fan lists of all-time favourite Tottenham players alongside figures like Ledley King, David Ginola, and Son Heung-min.

While his career was impacted by injuries and off-field issues, and he moved to Lazio in 1992, his legacy at Spurs remains overwhelmingly positive—focused on joy, genius, and the “phenomenal” times he often spoke about himself, including poignant tributes to the club and fans over the years.

He’s featured in the club’s “Legends” section, and his story evokes nostalgia and affection rather than criticism among Tottenham supporters.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their midfield unit with the signing of Curtis Jones from Liverpool.

The 24-year-old has been an important player for Liverpool, but he is not a guaranteed starter. Naturally, there has been speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool. Tottenham are prepared to provide him with an exit route this month.

According to a report from Team Talk, they would be ‘willing to offer’ £30 million in order to sign the central midfielder.

Spurs could use Curtis Jones

Jones is a technically gifted midfielder who can operate in a deeper as well as in an attacking role. He will bring control, composure, work ethic, and creativity to the team. Tottenham needs someone with his skill, and he could prove an excellent addition.

The midfielder will be desperate for regular opportunities at this stage of his career, and the move to Tottenham could be ideal for him. Regular football at the London club could bring out the best in him. At Liverpool, he is behind the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai in the pecking order.

Reds unlikely to let Jones leave

However, he is an important player for Liverpool, and they will not want to lose him easily. They are already lacking in depth in the middle of the park, and letting Jones leave the club would be a big mistake. Liverpool has had a disappointing season so far, and they will look to finish strongly. They will be desperate for Champions League qualification next season. There is no doubt that Jones will be a key player for them in the remaining months of the season.

Furthermore, the player is highly rated by Arne Slot, who has hailed him as “outstanding” in recent weeks. It seems unlikely that Liverpool will sanction his departure in the middle of the season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are hoping to sign Andrew Robertson from Liverpool as well.