The Boy Hotspur

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.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic at the end of the season.

The Serbian International will be out of contract at the Italian club, and multiple teams are monitoring his situation. Spurs will face competition from Chelsea as well.

Dusan Vlahovic would be a superb addition

Signing the 25-year-old on a free transfer could prove to be a huge bargain, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done. According to a report from TEAMtalk, they are refusing to step away from discussions to sign the player.

It is no secret that Spurs need a quality striker. Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net regularly since joining the club, and Randal Kolo Muani will leave the club upon the expiry of his loan deal. Vlahovic has shown his quality in Italy, and he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football as well.

Premier League move could tempt Vlahovic

The Serbian could be attracted to the idea of playing in the Premier League. Tottenham have an ambitious project, and he could be tempted to join them if there is a concrete proposal on the table.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can secure an agreement with the player in the coming months.

They need to further strengthen the team if they want to fight for major trophies and compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League. They have had a disappointing season so far and are in the mid-table. A quality striker could make a big difference for them if they manage to get the deal done.

The 25-year-old has six goals to his name so far this season, and his numbers could easily improve when he is playing on a team with better players and more creativity.

Our crucial UEFA Champions League league-phase fixture is happening today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. Kick-off is at 8:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM ET).

This is a high-stakes clash: both teams are level on 11 points, with Dortmund sitting 10th and Spurs 11th in the 36-team league table (Dortmund ahead on goals scored). A win could push the victor toward direct knockout qualification, while the other risks settling for the playoff spots.

Tottenham is in a rough patch domestically -sitting 14th in the Premier League with poor recent form (e.g., a 2-1 home loss to West Ham at the weekend, and just two wins in their last eight across competitions).

Pressure is mounting on Frank, with reports suggesting this could be a pivotal game for his future. However, Spurs have been strong in Europe at home: unbeaten in their last 23 European home matches (including qualifiers), with three wins and eight goals scored (zero conceded) in this season’s Champions League home games.

Borussia Dortmund (under Niko Kovač) are in solid shape—second in the Bundesliga, unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, and scoring consistently (at least two goals in six of their last seven). They’ve scored in all 14 away games this season and remain confident after a 3-2 win over St. Pauli.

Key absences/injuries aren’t heavily detailed across sources, but Tottenham may miss some defensive pace (e.g., references to no Micky van de Ven for through balls), while Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer is sidelined.

Plausible line-ups

Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso/others, Spence; Gray, Palhinha/Bergvall; Odobert, Simons, Tel; Kolo Muani/Muani or Solanke.

Dortmund (3-4-2-1 or similar): Kobel; Anton, Can, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Nmecha/Bellingham, others; Brandt, Adeyemi/Beier; Guirassy.

Head-to-Head and Stats

Tottenham has dominated recent meetings—winning the last four against Dortmund across all competitions (including a 3-0 home win in 2018/19 UCL). Over 2.5 goals have landed in the last four home H2H matches.

Dortmund has struggled historically in England (lost 10 of 14 UCL away games there, including seven of the last eight).

Predictions and OddsOpta supercomputer: Tottenham 39.2% win chance, Dortmund 34.9%, draw 25.9%—a very close call.

Common predictions: Many tip a narrow Dortmund win (e.g., 1-2) due to Spurs’ current struggles, poor form, and squad issues, despite home advantage. Others see goals (both teams have attacking threats like Guirassy/Brandt for Dortmund and Simons/Tel for Spurs).

Betting odds: Tottenham 17/10, Dortmund 29/20, draw 27/10.

Over 2.5 goals is popular given both sides’ scoring trends.

This transfer window appears to be a particularly pressured one, with Thomas Frank facing increasing pressure to deliver better viewing and, of course, improved results. Frank’s situation at Tottenham isn’t looking good, with the results being met with negative reactions from fans, even if they are the result of hard-fought draws. At the recent game at Bournemouth away, ‘We want our money back!’ rang out from the travelling support.

Spurs have produced a good deal of FA Cup legends, from iconic players to unforgettable nights at Wembley. Some are still discussed to this very day. In much the same way that fans can stock up on LoL RP on Eneba to chase virtual glory in League of Legends, Spurs supporters still chase the memories of those Cup triumphs.

If only managers could reshape their squads as easily as gamers can with FC 26 Points, where a few clicks can transform a team and make success feel inevitable.

Targets for Tottenham have been well discussed, and the supporters are desperately looking for action. One name in the frame is Viktor Gyökeres. Spurs are closely monitoring the 24-year-old German international forward/winger. Multiple reliable sources, including Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, report that Schade is “one to watch” ahead of a potential summer 2026 move, especially after the World Cup.

Current Club & Contract: Schade plays for Brentford, where he joined permanently in summer 2023 (after an initial loan) on a five-year deal running until 2028.

Valuation: Brentford are demanding around €50-60 million (£42-52m approx.) if he leaves. The club wants to extend his contract and keep him, but a departure looks increasingly likely given his form and interest from bigger clubs.

Performance: Schade has stepped up significantly this season, with strong goal contributions in the Premier League (he’s scored hat-tricks and shown blistering pace, versatility across the front line, and goal threat). He’s also a Germany international with a chance to feature at the 2026 World Cup.

Why THFC?: Frank knows Schade “inside out” from their time together at Brentford. Spurs see him as a dynamic addition to boost their attack — offering pace, flair, and versatility that could upgrade options on the flanks or centrally. This reunion angle makes it a natural fit.

No deal is imminent — this is mostly summer window speculation right now. January 2026 moves seem unlikely as Brentford aren’t under pressure to sell mid-season, but the links have been persistent since late 2025. Other clubs (like Borussia Dortmund in the past) have been mentioned, but Tottenham are among the most prominently linked.