The Boy Hotspur

This is more like it from Xavi Simons, a touch of the old Ossie Ardiles style here, in this brief clip from the training session for the Netherlands squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

🤩🇳🇱 Xavi Simons (22) in Netherlands training. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/BD0J7EakqR

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 12, 2025

Xavi Simons, the 22-year-old Dutch attacking midfielder currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from Paris Saint-Germain, has been actively participating in the Netherlands national team’s training sessions this week at the KNVB Campus in Zeist. This is ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The Oranje held open training on November 11, 2025, where Simons impressed with his flair and ball control, drawing praise for “dropping some magic” during drills.

The clip has gone viral

A viral clip shared on X captures Simons in action during a session on November 12. The 14-second video shows him weaving through cones, executing quick passes, and engaging in small-sided games with teammates like Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo.

Players are seen in blue training tracksuits on a lush green pitch under overcast skies, with coaches directing possession exercises near the goalposts.

The atmosphere is intense yet focused, with balls scattered across the field and orange accents from team branding

Official images from the session depict Simons in mid-stride, controlling the ball during a passing drill, his expression concentrated amid a group of teammates in matching kits.

Integrated and confident

Simons, who has 15 caps for the Netherlands and recently scored in a 2-1 win over Bosnia in October, appears fully integrated and confident.

Manager Frank de Boer noted post-training that while he wants more intensity from Simons in club matches, he’s optimistic about his international form carrying over.

Fan reaction

Fans on social media have been buzzing, with one post calling his leg tattoo a silhouette of himself in the orange Netherlands kit, a symbol of his deep national pride.

Some fans were less complimentary, with Cezar, posting:

Tottenham Hotspur striker Randal Kolo Muani is currently sidelined with a jaw injury.

Tottenham are already lacking in quality and depth in the attacking department and need another striker to replace him for a lengthy period of time. According to Football Insider, they have now identified Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David as potential targets ahead of the January window. Both players could be on their way out of Juventus, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham can sign either of them.

Can Spurs sign Vlahovic or David?

Fabio Paratici has strong connections at the Italian club, and he could facilitate a potential move for them.

Vlahovic will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Juventus are under pressure to sell him during the January transfer window. On the other hand, David has not been able to live up to the expectations since joining the Italian club as a free agent. He might need to leave in order to get his career back on track. A fresh start in the Premier League could be ideal for the Canadian international.

Tottenham need attacking reinforcements

Dominic Solanke and Richarlison have not been able to find the back of the net regularly and need more depth in the attacking unit. Having a reliable goal scorer could make a huge difference for them during the second half of the campaign. There is no doubt that the Serbian and the Canadian Internation have the technical attributes for English football and they could prove to be useful additions. It will be interesting to see who Tottenham end up with.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian has been outstanding this season, and he has nine goal contributions in 10 league matches. Naturally, top teams are interested in him. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Tottenham are interested in signing the African attacker. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done. The player could cost around £60-80 million.

Tottenham keen on Antoine Semenyo

Tottenham are long-term admirers of the African attacker, and they wanted to sign him at the start of the season as well. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done this time around.

Former Spurs star Jamie Redknapp has previously heaped praise on the 25-year-old, claiming that he is a very talented footballer.

He said: “He’s such a talented footballer and I love watching him play”

“He’s such a talented footballer and I love watching him play” 🙌

Jamie Redknapp on Antoine Semenyo 🔊 pic.twitter.com/2qZnH9rlrb

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 3, 2025

There is no doubt that he has the quality needed to play for the biggest club in the world, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Tottenham. He will add goals and creativity to the side.

Spurs could use Semenyo

Spurs need more cutting going forward, and the African could transform them in the attack. He is at the peak of his career, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge and join a bigger club. Tottenham could provide him with the platform. He needs.

It will be interesting to see if the London club can beat the likes of Liverpool to his signature.

The 25-year-old could improve further with experience, and he could develop into a top-class player for the London club.

Mohammed Kudus’ continued absence from THFC video and social content has fans in a tizzy. I make light of it, but t minus the former West Ham star, we’re barely worth watching, and the whole ‘we finished 17th’ line keeps coming back to hurt us. The precise nature of the injury is undisclosed, but described as not long-term by manager Thomas Frank. It flared up recently, causing him to miss Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

As far as an expected return, Kudus is in line for a fitness review ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Arsenal on November 23, 2025 (away).

Thomas was asked at his pre-United press conference if everyone came through the UCL tie and, more specifically, if Mo would be ready to return. “Everyone came through (Copenhagen) okay,” he reported.

“Cuti and Destiny responded well and are fit and available. Mo is touch and go for tomorrow – we’ll see.”

Frank has called his availability “touch and go,” but reports suggest a 75% chance of him featuring if assessments go well. Tottenham’s overall situation in respect of injuries is frankly dire.

Gearing up for Saturday ⚙️

💪 @BetMGMUK pic.twitter.com/Tnd1zBEuvn

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 6, 2025

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has expressed strong confidence in his availability, stating he’s “very confident” Kudus will be fit for the North London Derby at Emirates Stadium. No suspensions or other issues are reported, so he should feature unless there’s a last-minute setback.

This is part of a broader injury concern at Spurs, with players like Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke also recovering. Kudus’s absence has highlighted the team’s reliance (and lack thereof) on squad depth during this period.

Clearly, the club are keeping Mo in cotton wool, as there is very little time left ahead of the derby at the Emirates.

One fan, Callum Morgan, posted on X: Is that not a good thing? Surely you’d expect him not to train today, but to train tomorrow.

_LaFlamee added, Of course not. Knocks for our players are never just knocks.

Another, Cackalackyman remarked: Everyone on Kudus-watch.

The unfolding tale of Fabio Paratici and Tottenham Hotspur is one that one senses has, in many ways, only just begun. Clearly, the Italian has had his obstacles, but it feels in many respects that he was somehow destined to be involved with Tottenham, as he was with Juventus.

Paratici speaks clearly and yet fondly about Tottenham

Fabio Paratici, Tottenham Hotspur’s managing director of football, recently shared his philosophy on the director-coach dynamic in the context of his collaboration with new head coach Thomas Frank. In an interview highlighted by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Paratici emphasised the importance of alignment and deference to the coach’s vision:

“I blindly believe in the director-coach relationship: you as a director must almost cancel your football ideas, to marry those of the coach you have. My football ideas, today, are that of Thomas Frank.”

This statement underscores Paratici’s commitment to supporting Frank’s tactical approach as Tottenham aims to rebuild and stabilise following recent managerial changes. Paratici has already been linked to early transfer activity tailored to Frank’s preferences, such as scouting a £30m target the coach reportedly admires.

“When you have to build a team, it’s very difficult. Locating a good player. When you have to build it by joining the different players, the various pieces, for them to work together, it’s much more difficult, much more analytical: you have to have a lot more talent. I would call it almost an art to build the team: it’s like a great chef who has so many ingredients .”

“I have always discussed a lot of football with my coaches, and I have learned a lot from them: they are very prepared. When you go to have an argument with them, you have to be ironed, or they destroy you footballingly.

Executives need to support them and put up with them in what they think is the right thing for them. We’re there to help them, not to question them. The role of a manager is fundamental, because it must make sure that everything works well. It must put everyone in the best possible condition to perform at a high level.”

This is a very different perspective from, say, Daniel Levy, who appeared hell-bent on offering cheaper alternatives to just about every player selection ever to have landed on his desk.

The importance of the Venkatesham and Frank relationship

Venkatesham’s endorsement was crucial during the hiring phase, providing Frank with an immediate layer of institutional backing in a high-pressure role at a club like Tottenham. By prioritising Frank’s “humanity” and tactical acumen, Venkatesham ensured alignment with the club’s long-term vision, particularly in nurturing Tottenham’s young squad.

The ongoing relationship looks to be on message

This support extended beyond the interview room; it signalled to Frank and the team that the new regime under co-owners like the Lewis family was committed to stability and strategic decision-making, rather than reactive changes.

Frank has publicly praised Venkatesham’s leadership style, describing him as a “fantastic person” who brings calm, approachable processes to the “sometimes emotional football world.”

In a September 2025 interview, Frank shared his first impressions:

“From day one, he comes across like a fantastic person. Really, a person that I think understands people and is very approachable… [He] takes good, calm decisions.”

This rapport is vital for Frank, as it fosters collaborative decision-making on transfers, youth development, and match-day strategies, areas where Venkatesham has taken a more hands-on role in Tottenham’s football operations.

Time will tell!

Despite his recent injury, Lucas Bergvall was included in Sweden’s squad for World Cup qualifiers under new head coach Graham Potter. However, that wasn’t to be.

Some training without headers took place

The team was in a training camp in Marbella, Spain, ahead of matches against Switzerland and Slovenia. Potter had expressed optimism about Bergvall’s potential involvement, citing his strong form when fit. A recovery plan was coordinated with Tottenham’s medical staff, with full training targeted for Thursday, November 13.

Bergvall was restricted from headers during sessions and could not complete full training on November 13 due to a reaction to the exertion (no further risks were taken to avoid complications like post-concussion syndrome).

Sweden’s medical team, in consultation with Tottenham, decided to send him back to London for continued rehabilitation. He departed the camp that afternoon and will miss the upcoming qualifiers.

No specific timeline for his return to Tottenham has been announced, but the focus is on a safe and club-monitored rehabilitation program to prevent long-term issues. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank confirmed the early departure as another injury concern for the squad.

Fans and observers have noted concerns about him travelling internationally so soon after the concussion, emphasising the need for rest.

How was the injury picked up?

Bergvall suffered a head collision in the opening minutes of Tottenham’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, November 1, 2025. He was substituted off early as a precaution and entered concussion protocols.

This ruled Lucas out of Tottenham’s subsequent matches—a Champions League win over Copenhagen and a Premier League draw against Manchester United. He also missed Sweden’s last two international games before this camp.

Where do we go from here?

Frankly, this doesn’t look good, and the fact that the boy was unable to participate in training with his country is likely to be of concern to all.

Clearly, the matter hasn’t resolved itself, and further scans and investigations are now required before specific claims can be made.

Get well, mate!

Yves Bissouma appears poised to leave Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the 2025/26 season when his contract expires, allowing for a free transfer. The 29-year-old Ivorian midfielder has fallen out of favour under Thomas Frank, who has criticised his unprofessional conduct, including repeated lateness to training and inconsistent performances.

This led to Bissouma being omitted from key squads, such as the UEFA Super Cup and early Champions League matches, and he is currently sidelined with an ankle injury expected to keep him out until early 2026.

Transfer interest is reignited

The Sun is now running with the news that the one-time Spurs fan favourite could be off next summer, due to the persistence of top-flight club interest in Turkey.

The most concrete link is to Turkish champions Galatasaray, who have maintained contact with Bissouma’s camp since a failed summer 2025 deal and are now pushing for a pre-contract agreement ahead of his free exit next summer.

They are prepared to offer a three-year deal and see him as a key addition to their midfield. Recent reports from The Sun specifically mention discussions with Galatasaray, viewing the move as low-risk given his contract status. Earlier Turkish interest from Fenerbahçe (linked to José Mourinho) fizzled out in September 2025.

Despite the speculation, sources close to the player indicate he wants to “play for Spurs again” and his priority is extending his stay at Tottenham—though this seems unlikely given the frostiness with Frank and his current exclusion.

Our view

Bissoumas was one of those ‘must-watch’ players at Brighton and Hove Albion, but at Spurs, he seriously failed to take that crucial leap and enhance his reputation by becoming a top-flight side’s must-pick player.

Instead, there were negative stories in the press about his off-field indiscipline, which included a wild tale about inhaling nitrous oxide while out on the razz in London. Additionally, we had to suffer video clips of the player acting like a raver after wins.

Since opening in 2019, the venue has operated without cash payments anywhere inside the stadium or its surrounding campus, including the Tottenham Experience and The M café. This policy applies to all purchases, such as food, drinks, merchandise, and tickets, and remains in effect as of 2025. This is an increasing trend across the country, and there’s never been a better time to make your cash go further – don’t have a bank account or credit card? Pay securely online with cash via PaysafeCard buy Paysafe gift card.

This means no cash is accepted for any purchases inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or its surrounding campus, including concessions, the Tottenham Experience, and The M restaurant. This policy, in place since the stadium opened in 2019, aims to speed up transactions and improve hygiene, with all major credit/debit cards and mobile payments being supported.

London’s hospitality, events, and sports sectors are leading the UK’s shift to cashless operations, with many venues adopting digital payment systems for faster transactions, better security, and reduced handling costs. As of 2025, over 80% of hospitality businesses in central London accept card or mobile payments exclusively, in some cases.

London Stadium: Cashless since 2020 for food, drinks, and merch.

Wembley Stadium: Cashless for 90,000+ capacity events.

O2 Arena: Contactless-only zones with mobile ordering.

Soho District: Cashless for shopping/dining; many spots like Gail’s and Itsu are card-only.

As of November 2025, the vast majority of Premier League stadiums operate on a fully cashless basis for all purchases, including food, drinks, merchandise, and programmes. This policy enhances transaction speed, hygiene, and fan experience but requires supporters to bring contactless cards, mobile payments or wearables. Cash is not accepted at kiosks or outlets inside these venues.

If you’re attending a match, always check the club’s official match day guide for the latest details, as policies can evolve. For Newcastle, while cash is limited, it’s advisable to prepare for contactless to avoid issues.

ENIC Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd, controlled by the family of British billionaire Joe Lewis, acquired a majority stake in Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 for around £22 million.

Under ENIC’s ownership, Daniel Levy served as Executive Chairman for nearly 25 years until his sudden departure on September 4, 2025. ENIC currently holds approximately 87.62% of the club following a recent equity injection.

Their management has transformed Spurs from a mid-table Premier League side into a financially robust global brand, but it has also drawn sharp criticism for prioritising commercial stability over on-pitch success. As of November 2025, ENIC remains committed to long-term ownership, rejecting multiple takeover bids and injecting fresh capital to signal a shift toward greater sporting ambition.

Football fans are always being exposed to the latest method that their beloved football club has conceived to relieve them of money, so it’s little wonder that it has been noticed that there are some excellent opportunities on Refilled, where buying and using digital credit is simple, secure, and fast. Instantly access prepaid codes and top up payment cards from a range of trusted brands.

Growth hasn’t been a problem

Revenue rose from £50 million in 2001 to £528 million in 2023/24, driven by commercial deals and match day income. ENIC provided minimal direct funding (£123 million total over 24 years), relying on self-generated profits.

ENIC also oversaw the £1.2 billion Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (opened 2019), funded largely through club revenues (£400 million gap covered without heavy owner loans).

Consistent top-6 Premier League finishes have also been key. THFC reached the 2019 Champions League final; won the 2025 Europa League under Ange Postecoglou. Net transfer spend of €653 million over five years pre-2025. This included establishing Spurs as a “big six” club; the youth academy produced stars like Harry Kane (sold for £100 million profit).

Criticisms and Challenges

Despite financial gains, ENIC’s conservative approach, emphasising self-sufficiency over big spending, has fuelled fan frustration. The club has won just one major trophy (2008 League Cup) in 24 years, extending a drought that contrasts with rivals’ hauls.

Outlook at NI7

ENIC’s management has delivered off-field excellence but at the cost of on-field glory, creating a polarised legacy.

Post-Levy, signals point to bolder ambition—more transfers, trophy hunts—but fans remain cautious, with calls for ENIC to fully embrace “wins more often.”

As of November 2025, under Frank and Venkatesham, Spurs sit mid-table but show promise in a “rollercoaster” season.

True change hinges on whether the Lewis family loosens the purse strings beyond the recent injection!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman.

The 28-year-old Nigerian has done quite well for the Italian club over the years, and he could prove to be an excellent addition for Tottenham. He is capable of slotting into anywhere across the front three, and he will add goals and creativity to the side.

Spurs keen on Ademola Lookman

As per TuttoJuve, Tottenham are ‘closely monitoring’ him.

He scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, and he has played in the Premier League before. He could settle quickly and make an instant impact. He has previously been labelled as a “phenomenal” player by Tottenham Striker Dominic Solanke. There is no doubt that he has the quality to thrive at the North London club, and he could help them improve.

The player is seeking an exit from the Italian club, and Atletico Madrid are interested in him as well. The Spanish outfit is reportedly prepared to pay €60 million to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can beat them to his signature. They will need to pay a substantial amount of money in order to get the deal done.

Lookman could fancy a move

Lookman is at the peak of his career, and he could make an instant impact. He will help him improve in the final third. The opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League could be exciting for him. He has played for clubs like Fulham, Leicester City and Everton in the past. However, he never quite managed to showcase true qualities in England before. He will look to prove his worth this time around. Lookman might feel that he has unfinished business in the Premier League.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal across the line.