The Boy Hotspur

You couldn’t make it up. Tottenham Hotspur are advertising for a Performance Psychologist (and one for the women’s team) to provide mental support to their struggling men’s first-team players. Matt Law says that the club are looking for a psychologist to heal players’ minds.

As Law says, “Roberto De Zerbi, the new head coach, has already identified the need to work on the players’ minds and to instil some confidence back into the squad, who have not won in the league this year.”

The advertisement says:

Embedded in the men’s first team at Hotspur Way.

Lead evidence-based psychological support for elite players.

Work on individual support, systemic work with coaching/performance staff, and building a strong mental performance culture.

Requires credibility, discretion, trust-building, and high-level Premier League experience.

Personally, I cannot understand why the club wouldn’t approach a specialist privately. It all seems a bit public. Sports psychology is increasingly common at the elite level to handle pressure, confidence issues, and the mental toll of inconsistent results or high expectations. It’s a pragmatic step for a club trying to stabilise both short-term survival and long-term performance.

This move comes amid a tough season: Spurs sit 18th in the 2025/26 Premier League table with 7 wins, 10 draws, and 16 losses (31 points, -11 GD from 33 games), having recently dropped into the relegation zone.

Tottenham has previously invested in mental health support, such as a Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Manager for the academy in 2021 (making them the first ‘Big Six’ club to do so). Players like Richarlison have publicly praised therapy and psychologists for helping with personal and performance issues.

Some may question this, but it is increasingly the norm.

Liverpool: Worked with Dr. Steve Peters (known for The Chimp Paradox) during title challenges for mental toughness and emotional regulation. Lee Richardson served as Performance Psychology Consultant (appointed around 2019), supporting Jürgen Klopp’s squad with performance and mindset work. Psychology is integrated into high-pressure periods like title races.

Arsenal: Strong focus on youth academy mental training from a young age. Integrated psychological support under managers like Mikel Arteta, including techniques for concentration and handling pressure (e.g., pre-match routines). Part of a proactive, long-term approach to player development.

Whatever it takes.

It’s no secret Spurs are in trouble. We are 18th in the Premier League table after 33 games (7 wins, 10 draws, 16 losses; 31 points, goal difference -11). They’re in the bottom three/relegation zone for much of the run-in, having gone winless in the league throughout 2026 (a long streak of draws and losses, with very few points picked up recently). This is their deepest late-season drop in decades—the first time in the relegation mix this far into a season since the 1970s.

Tensions are mounting not just about the football; it’s an existential crisis, based on a lack of faith in an ownership that has leveraged money very cleverly but has continuously failed to achieve much of note in respect of the football.

This aligns with broader criticism of Tottenham’s post-Pochettino era: multiple managers with contrasting styles (e.g., Mourinho, Conte, Nuno, Stellini, Mason, Postecoglou, now De Zerbi), plus changes in the backroom and recruitment.

AVB experienced some of this instability firsthand during his own turbulent spell at the club. It’s a stark reminder for big clubs that constant upheaval rarely builds sustained success. Spurs still have games left and could escape, but the situation is tense.

“It’s a real shock. In eight years, you have totally different methods, totally different ways of thinking, totally different ways of implementing philosophies and probably this has led to the instability right now, which adds to the pressure of being in the relegation zone. That pressure is second to none.”

“Eight managers in five years doesn’t help because all of them are very, very different to one another. Different methods, different ways of selecting players. So this leads to instability as well. They’ve changed managers, the leading structures, and also sports directors.”

He contrasted it with Porto: They addressed early instability by sticking with their manager for continuity in scouting, youth promotion, and structure, rather than panicking over short-term results.

Tottenham needs to be a football club again, and one senses that the attention should be less on ‘multi-events’ and more on the actual football.

Vinai and Lange out, Villas-Boas in.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to add more creativity and technical ability in the middle of the park, and they have identified Ibrahim Maza as a target.

The 20-year-old Algerian midfielder has done quite well in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, and he is on the radar of Arsenal as well. The player could cost around €55-€65 million. At the end of the season, it will be interesting to see if Tottenham is willing to pay that kind of money for him. The midfielder would also command wages of around €4-6 million annually.

Ibrahim Maza could help Spurs improve

They need more quality going forward, and the 20-year-old will help create opportunities for them. Tottenham already have players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski at their disposal. It remains to be seen whether they can accommodate Maza in the starting lineup. Maza has been described by FussballDaten as a player who “combines the vision of Mesut Özil with the pace of modern football.”

The talented young midfielder will not want to sit on the bench at the London club. He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career in order to continue his development and fulfil his potential. Tottenham will need to provide him with a clear and defined role in the starting lineup if they want to convince him to join the club.

Maza is a player in demand

There is no shortage of interest in the playmaker, and multiple clubs are hoping to secure his signature. The asking price could be a bit of a problem, but the player has the potential to justify the investment in future.

The report claims that the player’s agent has recently held transfer talks with clubs in Madrid and London. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott has been linked with a return to the north London club in recent months.

The 24-year-old has been in exceptional form since joining AZ Alkmaar in 2024.

The striker scored 20 goals and recorded 5 assists in his first season with the Dutch outfit, and has 30 goals and 11 assists this season. He has proven himself to be a reliable goal scorer for them, and Tottenham could use someone like him.

Troy Parrott on the radar of top clubs

According to Football London, clubs like Napoli, Real Betis, Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen are all monitoring his progress, and they could look to make a move in the summer. The striker could cost around €25 million this summer, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.

The report from Football London confirms that Parrott would be keen on a return to his boyhood club, even if they are relegated at the end of the season. Apparently, the striker has always been desperate to succeed at his boyhood club. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham decides to bring him back.

Spurs could use Parrott

It is no secret that they need more quality in the attacking unit. Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and Randal Kolo Muani will leave the London club when his loan expires.

Investing in the 24-year-old striker would be a wise decision. Apart from his obvious qualities, it is clear that he cares deeply for the club. The fans would be able to relate to the player as well. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

The move to the Premier League would be ideal for the striker as well. He is entering the peak years of his career and will be able to compete at the highest level.

Morten Hjulmand, the brain of Sporting CP’s midfield, is emerging as one of the most strategic files of the 2026 summer transfer window. The 26-year-old Danish player is regarded as Europe’s most in-form “Number 6,” combining physical strength with play-making qualities.

For Sporting fans and the technical staff, Hjulmand is both a leader and a symbol. The summer could mark either a record-breaking sale or the continuation of his captaincy in Lisbon. Sporting’s stance is clear: Hjulmand is considered “indispensable.” Yet, the traditional sales-oriented structure of Portuguese clubs means that the possibility of a transfer cannot be dismissed. His contract includes an €80 million release clause, which Sporting uses as its strongest shield. The club refuses to entertain offers below this figure, while planning to reinvest any potential revenue into three elite signings and freeing space for a superstar addition.

Hjulmand’s energy and intelligence have attracted Premier League giants. Manchester United, preparing for the post-Casemiro era, have made him a top priority and are rumoured to be preparing an opening bid of around €50 million. Tottenham Hotspur see him as the missing piece in their system and has reportedly offered a five-year project to convince him. Liverpool, in the midst of a midfield overhaul, admires his box-to-box qualities and are said to be working on a swap-plus-cash package to soften Sporting’s rigid stance.

His contract runs until 2028, giving Sporting strong leverage at the negotiating table. Financially, Hjulmand is expected to demand a weekly wage of £120,000–£150,000 if he moves to the Premier League. His priority, however, is not money but joining a team that competes for titles.

In conclusion, the Hjulmand case is set to be one of the most strategic transfer stories of the summer of 2026. United’s financial power, Tottenham’s leadership promise, and Liverpool’s rebuilding project place him at the centre of Europe’s football market. For Sporting, the outcome will either be one of the biggest sales in club history or another season with their captain solidifying his legend in Lisbon.

In 2024, Lucas Bergvall rejected Barcelona and chose the Premier League, and since then, his rapid development has placed him at the centre of Tottenham’s plans while also attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. This season, with numerous appearances, he has proven himself as one of the team’s indispensable players.

Tottenham’s management currently considers him “unsellable,” viewing Bergvall as the core of their midfield for the next five years. The club’s financial structure is strong, supported by new sponsorship deals and a cleaned-up wage budget, meaning they are not forced into a high-profile sale. However, the team’s instability in the league and proximity to the relegation zone have fuelled speculation about his future. Should a dramatic scenario unfold, the possibility of his departure could increase.

Bergvall’s market value has risen sharply. Analysts expect that if Tottenham were to negotiate, talks would start around £50 million. His long-term contract, running until 2031, gives the club significant leverage in any discussions.

Several clubs are monitoring the situation. Aston Villa and Chelsea tested the waters in the winter, and more serious approaches are expected in the summer. Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested, with creative offers possible. Barcelona’s interest has not completely faded, and if financial fair play restrictions are overcome, they could return to the race.

Fans and media alike see Bergvall as the “New Eriksen.” Tottenham supporters overwhelmingly believe he must be kept at all costs, while English media describe him as one of the Premier League’s most refined technical talents, perfectly adapted to the league’s physical demands.

In conclusion, Lucas Bergvall is set to be one of the main protagonists of the summer transfer window. Tottenham’s strong contractual position and commitment to the player mean the club holds full control. The Swedish talent could remain as North London’s new leader or write a fresh chapter in another European capital.

Real Madrid still sees Camavinga as a valuable piece in their squad planning. Still, his lack of regular starting opportunities and the prospect of high offers from Premier League clubs increase the likelihood of a departure. The club is expected to demand around 60 million euros for a possible sale.

Arsenal and Manchester United stand out as the clubs showing the most concrete interest. Chelsea and Tottenham’s attention is more limited, while PSG view a return to France as an attractive project. Barcelona could also bring Camavinga into the picture if the Bastoni deal does not materialise.

No official bids from Tottenham have been reported, and any potential deal would be complex and expensive given the contract length and Madrid’s position.

No official bid has been made yet, but once the summer transfer window opens, offers in the range of 55–60 million euros from Premier League clubs are anticipated. The player’s contract with Real Madrid runs until 2029, which strengthens the club’s position at the negotiating table. Should he move to the Premier League, it is said he could demand a weekly salary of £200,000–£250,000.

Among the scenarios, a Premier League transfer is seen as the strongest possibility. Staying at Real Madrid is possible, but it carries the risk of his market value dropping. A return to PSG or a surprise move to Barcelona are considered less likely.

The general expectation is that Camavinga will head to England this summer, opening a new chapter in his career. As for Spurs, much will depend on which division they finish in!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for Karl Darlow from Leeds United at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper will be out of contract in the summer, and they are hoping to secure his signature on a free transfer. He could be a useful player for them, but it would be an underwhelming signing for the club. They need someone who can start for them regularly and improve the team.

Spurs need a better keeper than Karl Darlow

Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky have not lived up to expectations, and Tottenham need to aim higher. It remains to be seen whether they can get a deal done for the Leeds United goalkeeper in the coming weeks. Darlow has started 17 league games for Leeds this season, and he has done reasonably well.

According to a report from The Telegraph, they are also interested in signing Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. It seems they are looking to add more depth and experience to the team without spending much money. However, they need to bring in top-quality players if they want to compete in the UEFA Champions League regularly and fight for trophies.

Can Spurs plug the gaps in their squad?

The fans will expect the club hierarchy to show ambition in the summer. This has been a disastrous season for them, and they are still fighting for survival in the Premier League. If they can stay up, they need to invest in quality players who can help them bounce back strongly. There are multiple gaps on the team, and they will need to be filled in the summer.

Darlow could be excited about the possibility of joining the London club at this stage of his career. This could be the final opportunity to join a top team. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Rob Pickering is the Chief Technology Officer at the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. His X biography says “all Tweets my own and are no way endorsed by any employer or organization I’m affiliated with“, which presumably was a sentence he felt very passionately about when he began posting this week.

It began with a post heralding products which he was clearly very proud of. Packed with the usual industry buzz words, Rob was purring at the results of his labour.

The Trigger: Tottenham recently launched two new club/stadium apps (splitting a previous single app—one focused on club news/content/ticketing/SpursPlay, the other on stadium specifics) plus a revamped website for the club and stadium. Pickering posted a positive update on LinkedIn, calling it a bold step toward their “Customer 360” vision and digital transformation. There were also earlier posts about the new online store (shop.tottenhamhotspur.com).

The only slight issue that Rob had distanced himself from was the business of the football team being under serious threat of relegation. Opta models have put the probability in the 16-33% range at points, though not the absolute highest among bottom teams), which would be a historic disaster for a club with one of the world’s highest squad valuations (around 9th globally) and massive revenues from their stadium.

Fan Reaction: Many Spurs fans viewed the timing and tone as tone-deaf or arrogant, given the team’s poor 2025/26 Premier League season performance. Comments accused him of not understanding football fans (“read the room”), with some heated exchanges. Posts on X called out his comments as belittling fans.

A recent ESPN analysis by Ryan O’Hanlon, “How bad analytics built a Tottenham team that might get relegated” argued that poor use of data and metrics in recruitment and squad-building is a core reason for their collapse, beyond managerial chaos (they’ve cycled through Ange Postecoglou → Thomas Frank → Igor Tudor → Roberto De Zerbi in under a year).

Not really something one should decide to not factor in, to anything that’s club related.

This was pointed out by a number of LinkedIn heavy hitters, and here’s one such example:

Alas, Rob made the classic mistake of believing he could win with a critic online, and decided to attack.

Deletions: Pickering removed the main announcement post(s), related updates, and his heated replies to comments after the backlash escalated.

One user noted it involved “his stupid f_______ app” and referenced him as a relative of the internet meme “Ronnie Pickering.”

Just when ENIC thought it was as bad as it could get… Rob said, ‘hold my beer’.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing up a summer move for James Trafford from Manchester City.

The 23-year-old is behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order, and he might need to leave the club in order to play more often. According to reports via CaughtOffside, Spurs and Chelsea would be willing to provide him with the exit route.

James Trafford was exceptional before the Man City move

Trafford has shown his quality with Burnley, and he has impressed with Manchester City in his limited appearances as well. Trafford kept 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship matches last season. He could prove to be a superb addition for Tottenham. They might need to replace Guglielmo Vicario in the summer.

The Italian has been inconsistent and has a glaring weakness when dealing with aerial balls. Trafford has no such obvious weakness, and he has a higher ceiling. He could develop into a top-class Premier League goalkeeper with regular game time.

Trafford has already been hailed as a ‘world-class’ keeper by former Tottenham star Scott Parker, who managed the player at Burnley.

Trafford could fancy a Spurs move

The opportunity to join Spurs will be exciting for Trafford. He would get regular game time at a high level, and it would help him fulfil his potential. It remains to be seen whether Manchester City is prepared to let him leave. They will not be able to provide him the starting spot ahead of Donnarumma, and it would make sense for them to cash in on the player.

The 23-year-old English goalkeeper is too good to sit on the bench at Manchester City, and he needs to explore other opportunities in the summer. Chelsea could be an attractive destination for him as well. It remains to be seen when he will eventually end up.