Games don’t come much bigger than the North London derby, but the question is, will Thomas Frank have the right players to choose from? Or will fans be left moaning when selections are based upon a limited squad, as they were in recent weeks?
Randal Kolo Muani
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing James Trafford from Manchester City.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has struggled for regular opportunities, and he needs to move on in order to play more often. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in him. The goalkeeper is reportedly pushing for a move away from Manchester City in January. He is “desperate” to secure more time during the second half of the season.
Can Spurs sign James Trafford?
It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to make a move for him. The player joined Manchester City for a fee of £19 million at the start of the season, but he is currently the second-choice goalkeeper at the club. A player of his quality deserves more opportunities.
He was labelled as a “world-class” keeper last season. There is no doubt that he has the qualities needed to play in the Premier League regularly. Tottenham could provide him with that opportunity.
Spurs could use Trafford
Gulielmo Vicario can be quite inconsistent, and he has had problems when it comes to dealing with set pieces as well. More competition for places would be ideal. Signing another quality goalkeeper would be the right decision for Tottenham. The 23-year-old has the quality to develop into a top-class keeper, and he could be an asset for Tottenham.
Trafford is still quite young, and he could improve with coaching and experience. The opportunity to join Tottenham will be exciting for him, especially if they are willing to provide him with more opportunities.
Meanwhile, clubs like Newcastle United are interested in the goalkeeper as well. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. He should look to join a club where he will be the first-choice goalkeeper.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Lyon attacker Malick Fofana.
The 20-year-old has attracted a lot of interest with his performance, and Tottenham have been keeping tabs on his development for quite some time. According to a report from TEAMtalk, they are looking to add more quality and depth in the file third, and the Belgian could be a target for them.
Tottenham admire Malick Fofana
Dean Jones said: “If there is a battle to sign Fofana then it will be interesting to see if Tottenham position themselves as part of it.
“They had a look at him in the build up to last summer but by the time they decided to go for him it was a bit too late to bring anything to life.
“They have watched him a lot across the calendar year and obviously we know Spurs are drawing up their list of attacking options at the moment for future windows, so he probably would figure within that.”
The young attacker will only improve with coaching and experience, and he could develop into a future star for the North London club. They need more cutting edge in the final third. Fofana will add pace, flair, and unpredictability to the side.
Fofana could fancy a move
The opportunity to move to England could be exciting for him as well. He is valued at €50 million, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham are prepared to pay up. They have the resources to get the deal across the line. They are looking to build a team for the future, and signing one of the most promising young attackers in Europe could be a step in the right direction.
They could help him develop further and fulfil his potential. Regular football in England could bring out the best and accelerate his development.
The attacker has been linked with other Premier League clubs as well, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham can win the race for his signature. They need to act quickly in order to get the deal done.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign the Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis.
The 21-year-old has done quite well for the German club, and he’s on the radar of Liverpool as well. However, Keith Wyness has heard that the defender could be heading to Tottenham instead. It will be a boost for the north London club, and they will look to wrap up the move quickly.
Konstantinos Koulierakis to Spurs?
He said to Football Insider: “Koulierakis, who is at Wolfsburg at the moment, is definitely one of the top young defenders and will attract a lot of attention. But I think he may be going to Spurs, that’s what I’m hearing, rather than Liverpool.”
They could use more quality and depth in the side, and signing a talented young defender like him would be a coup for them. He has the ability to develop into a quality player for the north London club. The opportunity to move to England will be exciting for him.
Liverpool are one of the best clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them will be exciting as well. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done.
Koulierakis would be a future asset
They are looking to build a formidable squad for the future, and signing a talented young player like him would be a step in the right direction. The defender will hope for ample opportunities in the Premier League if the transfer goes through. Tottenham have done well to groom young players, and they could play a key role in his development.
Tottenham have previously signed Micky van de Ven from the German club, and they will hope to use the good relations with them to get a deal done for the 21-year-old.
They have started the season well, but they have lost their way in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if they can bounce back strongly with quality additions in January.
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!