The Boy Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window.

He’s in the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace, and they are under pressure to sell him. They are demanding €50 million for the defender as per Fichajes, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to pay up.

Guehi is a player in demand

They have already expressed interest in signing the player, and they will face competition from Chelsea and Newcastle. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham are ready to pay the asking price. They need a quality central defender, and the 25-year-old will help them improve. Guehi has been described as an ‘absolute gem’ in the past.

He has shown his quality in the Premier League consistently, and he helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season. He will look to try out a bigger challenge now and fight for league titles. The move to Tottenham could be ideal for him. It could be the ideal step up in his career. They will be able to offer him Champions League football and the platform to fight for trophies.

They managed to win the UEFA Europa League season, and they need to keep improving the squad if they want to win more trophies.

Marc Guehi asking price could be an issue

However, the asking price could be an issue. €50 million for a player will be available on a free transfer next summer might come across as too expensive. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can convince the Eagles to accept a reduced fee.

Under normal circumstances, paying €50 million for a player of his quality and experience would be ideal. However, his contract situation has to be considered. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

That was a fine strike from Pape Matar Sarr, who was quite the live wire for Tottenham, achieving a 95% passing accuracy, in addition to his fine, instinctive strike.

One concern had to be Brennan Johnson, who served up the sort of appearance that was glossed over last term, with plenty of goals. Just 4 touches in his 28 minutes, and Frank, unlike Postecoglou, didn’t suffer it. The former Nottingham Forest player needs to buck his ideas up.

A fine win, and just what the doctor ordered. Next up are Newcastle United.

A solid result for Thomas Frank in his first North London Derby, albeit played under unusual circumstances in South East Asia, as opposed to England’s capital city.

One might be right in suspecting that the Premier League will have taken note of the success of the initiative, and we may see this idea revisited in the future as part of the division’s fixture list.

Spurs got little wrong against a fierce rival, and the goal from Pape Matar Sarr was a joy to behold.

We face Newcastle United in Korea on Sunday (noon UK) before our final pre-season match against FC Bayern in Munich on Thursday, 7 August (5:30 pm UK).

Then it’s to Udine, Italy, to face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on 13 August (8 pm UK) before our Premier League opener against Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 16 August (3 pm UK).

Transcript of the press conference

(00:00:00):

And just on the numbers tonight,

(00:00:01):

very delighted to announce a new record for a live attendance at a Hong Kong

(00:00:05):

football match,

(00:00:05):

(00:00:06):

Two days ago, three days ago, 49,704.

(00:00:07):

So for our total attendance over two matches, 99,679.

(00:00:10):

Huge thanks to all the clubs and the Hong Kong Football Festival.

(00:00:12):

Now let’s throw it to the room.

(00:00:13):

Thank you all.

(00:00:14):

Thomas, well done.

(00:00:15):

To the front row, please.

(00:00:31):

Hi Thomas, congratulations.

(00:00:32):

Your first North London derby win.

(00:00:33):

I mean,

(00:00:34):

we’ve seen a lot of videos of the team doing this real kind of defensive work,

(00:00:37):

kind of throwing each other around,

(00:00:39):

trying to stop the ball games and mini goals,

(00:00:41):

things like that.

(00:00:42):

How much does that kind of a match like this, the rewards are kind of reaped?

(00:00:46):

Yeah, that’s very, very pleasing, of course, because…

(00:00:50):

I think I’ve also been very clear this was not friendly.

(00:00:53):

It felt like a competitive match.

(00:00:55):

I think if you saw it, it was competitive.

(00:00:56):

If you played in, it was very competitive.

(00:00:59):

But some of the bits we’ve been working hard on is the combination of the defensive

(00:01:05):

organization.

(00:01:05):

So high pressure, middle and low.

(00:01:07):

So there are clear principles,

(00:01:08):

but also that desire to keep a clean sheet because that makes you have a big

(00:01:15):

opportunity for winning football matches.

(00:01:17):

Just going to ask you about that goal as well.

(00:01:19):

Pat Matassar’s goal.

(00:01:19):

What did you make of it?

(00:01:21):

An unbelievable goal.

(00:01:23):

Fantastic.

(00:01:25):

Fantastic.

(00:01:26):

Well taken.

(00:01:27):

All the credit to Papa.

(00:01:28):

He’s impressed me, I must admit.

(00:01:31):

He’s been really good in the last four weeks.

(00:01:35):

Hi, Thomas.

(00:01:37):

You just mentioned that it wasn’t friendly.

(00:01:39):

It was a very competitive game.

(00:01:40):

So how big a moment is this for the team psychologically?

(00:01:44):

I think for the team, we are building together.

(00:01:50):

I think this was,

(00:01:52):

you know,

(00:01:53):

all the positive results or performances you can get just reinforce the messages we

(00:01:57):

try to get into the players and the team fielded.

(00:02:00):

And I think that desire to defend was good, I think, in general.

(00:02:04):

I think first half in general, we played a very good first half overall.

(00:02:07):

Second half, I felt we defended a bit too much.

(00:02:13):

But that was good.

(00:02:14):

And then I think as I said, pieces were good as well.

(00:02:16):

I think we defended very well, but also very dangerous.

(00:02:19):

I noticed in the first half that you and Justin were calling players over a lot

(00:02:22):

during breaks in play and giving them instructions.

(00:02:24):

Just wondered what you could tell us, what you were actually telling them.

(00:02:28):

There was a few different bits that could be in our phase one building up,

(00:02:34):

maybe with Mickey a little bit lower,

(00:02:36):

so there was an out ball that way,

(00:02:37):

or it could be when we went a little bit longer,

(00:02:39):

Lubitschers should be a little bit higher,

(00:02:40):

so small tactical instructions.

(00:02:44):

Hi Thomas,

(00:02:45):

this trip was arranged before you came to the club,

(00:02:48):

so if the club come to you next season and say,

(00:02:51):

would you consider Hong Kong for pre-season again,

(00:02:53):

what would your response be?

(00:02:54):

Yeah, definitely.

(00:02:56):

It’ll be a yes.

(00:02:57):

I’ll definitely consider that.

(00:03:00):

I think everyone who have arranged this has been top.

(00:03:05):

Just either sell out tonight,

(00:03:08):

fantastic fans,

(00:03:11):

everyone making it feel like an extremely competitive match.

(00:03:14):

It was very important for everyone.

(00:03:17):

So all the things that had to be arranged well, it’s just been perfect.

(00:03:22):

So, yeah, very pleased.

(00:03:23):

How is it as an environment in terms of preparing for a season as well,

(00:03:27):

in terms of performance,

(00:03:29):

so the facilities you have and everything that goes with it?

(00:03:32):

I think that’s been good.

(00:03:33):

Very good hotel.

(00:03:36):

The training pitch has been good, which is important.

(00:03:38):

And then, of course, the stadium pitch here in the stadium.

(00:03:45):

Hi, Thomas.

(00:03:46):

Just wanted to ask you,

(00:03:47):

just being out here and experiencing a game of that magnitude and just being around

(00:03:51):

the city and seeing the fans and things,

(00:03:53):

does it sort of help you,

(00:03:53):

I don’t know,

(00:03:55):

acclimatise to the job you’ve taken on,

(00:03:57):

just the sort of size of it,

(00:03:59):

the magnitude of it?

(00:04:01):

Yeah, definitely.

(00:04:02):

I think I have a good idea, but you don’t really know before you step into it.

(00:04:09):

And I think see how important it is for the fans.

(00:04:13):

You know, all the fans that are waiting every day for us in the morning and in the evening.

(00:04:18):

The fans that came to the Open training, the fans that were here at the game.

(00:04:22):

You understand more and more,

(00:04:24):

first and foremost,

(00:04:25):

how big a club Tottenham is and also the importance of the club.

(00:04:33):

Sorry, I’m going to try to ask one more.

(00:04:35):

You’ve spoken before about Mohamed Koudas’ unpredictability.

(00:04:39):

Now that you’ve worked with him for a few weeks,

(00:04:40):

just wanted you to tell us a little bit more about him and in a game like this,

(00:04:44):

what he kind of offers to the team.

(00:04:46):

Yeah, I think he was really good today, Koudas.

(00:04:50):

I think his hold-up play and taking care of the ball,

(00:04:53):

getting out of tricky situations,

(00:04:55):

his one-on-one skills,

(00:04:58):

creating opportunities for the team,

(00:05:00):

I think was top class.

(00:05:01):

Yeah.

(00:05:02):

And on top of that, I think he’s working extremely hard.

(00:05:06):

There was one recovery run from a set piece where he was sprinting all the way back.

(00:05:09):

I can’t remember which one Arsenal player it was.

(00:05:12):

And then won the ball back.

(00:05:13):

And that just helped the team so much.

(00:05:15):

So he will make a lot of the fans be very excited with his offensive actions.

(00:05:22):

And he will also help the team defensively.

(00:05:26):

Sorry Thomas, just one quick one.

(00:05:27):

Dominic Solanke, how close is he to coming back?

(00:05:32):

It’s getting closer.

(00:05:34):

You’ll see if it’s close enough for Newcastle.

(00:05:38):

If not, I’m positive for Bayern.

(00:05:41):

Hi Thomas,

(00:05:42):

if it’s okay I just want to ask you about one,

(00:05:44):

he’s an Arsenal player now,

(00:05:45):

but Christian Norgard,

(00:05:47):

so we had a big embrace with him at full time.

(00:05:50):

How happy are you to see him kind of getting this opportunity with the Champions

(00:05:53):

League club and are you surprised at all that he’s made that step?

(00:05:58):

No, he’s a little bit emotional.

(00:06:01):

I’ve known him since he was 15 and I think he’s 31 now and I’ve been coaching him

(00:06:08):

(00:06:10):

So I can say that I know him pretty well.

(00:06:14):

So this is the first time I played against him and he probably played for me more than…

(00:06:20):

(00:06:23):

So it was a bit strange to see him in the other team.

(00:06:28):

He’s a top player.

(00:06:29):

I understand why Arsenal went for him.

(00:06:30):

I’m so happy that he got this great opportunity late in his career.

(00:06:38):

Hello, Thomas.

(00:06:39):

After the game is over,

(00:06:41):

when the sports players greeting with the fans,

(00:06:44):

there was a moment that Romero putting the armband on Son’s arm.

(00:06:49):

Actually, I saw that.

(00:06:50):

And then you said that before you didn’t decide anything about captaincy yet.

(00:06:58):

So was there any update or is it still TBC?

(00:07:03):

Yeah, that is to be confirmed.

(00:07:07):

I haven’t taken a decision yet,

(00:07:08):

so I like to understand the group and the players a little bit more.

(00:07:13):

I know I need to make a decision before the first official game against PSG in the

(00:07:17):

Super Cup,

(00:07:18):

and of course I will do that.

(00:07:20):

So it’s natural that both Romeo and Son are captains, so I kept it like it was.

(00:07:28):

Great, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much.

(00:07:29):

Thank you very much, Tomas.

(00:07:30):

Safe travels.

(00:07:31):

Thank you, guys.

(00:07:32):

Thank you very much.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz.

The 24-year-old was excellent for Fulham last season, and he scored 11 goals in all competitions.

Muniz offered to other clubs

He is being offered to multiple clubs this summer, and his representatives have been in touch with Tottenham as well. They have been made aware of his availability, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to come forward with an offer to sign him.

They need more quality in the attacking unit, and the 24-year-old could share the goal-scoring burden with Dominic Solanke. Muniz is a proven performer in the Premier League, and he could make an instant impact at the London club.

Fulham have been trying to agree on a new deal with him since April, but they have not managed to reach an agreement yet. The player’s representatives believe that he deserves a lucrative contract, and therefore they are offering his services around, with the hope of securing a suitable offer for their client.

“Fulham have been talking to Muniz about a new deal since April, but nothing has been agreed,” Graeme Bailey told TBR Football.

“His people fully believe he is worthy of fresh terms and whilst they are not done, it is no shock that other clubs are being made aware of his potential availability.”

Rodrigo Muniz could be tempted to join

Tottenham have an exciting project, and they will be able to offer him Champions League football next season. They are likely to be an attractive destination for the striker. It will be interesting to see if they can secure an agreement with Fulham.

The Cottagers rate him highly, and they will not want to lose him. Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled him as a “proper quality striker” last season. He is one of their best players right now, and selling him will not be an option for Fulham.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing the Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke this summer.

According to a report from Voetbal International, the defender is valued at €50 million (£43m), and he wants to secure a move away from Brighton this summer. They were prepared to offer him a lucrative contract and make him their highest-paid player ever. However, the Dutchman is looking for a fresh challenge.

Jan Paul van Hecke could fancy a Spurs move

The opportunity to move to Tottenham could be exciting for him. They need more quality and depth in the defensive unit, and the 25-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition. He has shown his quality in the Premier League with Brighton, and he can succeed at a higher level as well.

Tottenham will be able to offer him UEFA Champions League football for the next season. They need more depth on the side, and the 25-year-old could complete their defensive unit. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven had their fair share of injury problems last season, and Tottenham need more options at their disposal.

Van Hecke has played alongside Van de Ven for the Netherlands, and the Tottenham star might be able to play a key role in facilitating the transfer.

Newcastle United are keen on the 25-year-old defender as well, and they have made enquiries. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an official proposal to get the deal done.

Thomas Frank wants Tottenham to sign star who is busy orchestrating summer exit

Can Tottenham get the deal done?

The asking price is quite steep, and Tottenham will probably hope to sign him for a reasonable amount of money. The defender will certainly hope that the two clubs can finalise an agreement quickly.

He will look to sort out his long-term future and focus on his football.

The fact that the player wants to leave Brighton this summer will certainly be an advantage for clubs hoping to sign him. They will look to use that to their advantage and negotiate a more reasonable deal.

Tottenham Hotspur have now resurrected their move for the French international striker Randal Kolo Muani.

They are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old attacker, and Daniel Levy wanted to sign him last season as well. Tottenham failed with their approach to get the deal done back then. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal across the line this time around.

Spurs, Man United & Newcastle want Randal Kolo Muani

According to a report from Footmercato, Manchester United and Newcastle United are on the player as well. He needs to sort out his long-term future quickly, and the move to England could be ideal.

He is unwanted at PSG, and they are looking to get rid of him permanently. The player was on loan at Italian club Juventus last season. The European champions want to sell the player this summer, but the Italian outfit are hoping to sign him on loan again with an obligation to buy. Kolo Muani scored 10 goals in 22 games for Juventus.

Tottenham are looking to take advantage of the situation and get the deal done. They need more creativity and goals in the final third, and the French International could be a useful acquisition. If he manages to regain his peak form, he could be an asset for them.

He has shown his ability in Germany in the past, and there is no doubt that he has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in English football.

Premier League move would be ideal for Kolo Muani

Kolo Muani is at the peak of his career, and he needs to play regularly at a high level. The move to the Premier League could not be better timed for him. With the World Cup coming up next year, he will look to cement his place in the French national team starting lineup. Regular football in the Premier League could help him.

Meanwhile, Manchester United need an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Both players were too toothless in the attack last season, and Kolo Muani could share the goalscoring burden with them.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the capture of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old Portuguese international struggled for regular game time at the German club last season, and he is looking to move on in search of regular playing time.

Spurs close in on Palhinha

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the deal to take him to Tottenham is almost done.

The transfer is in the final stages now, and the midfielder will join Tottenham on loan with an option to buy. He has already agreed on personal terms with the North London club.

The return to the Premier League could be ideal for him. He played some of his best football in England with Fulham in the past, and he will look to make an instant impact at Tottenham.

Tottenham were locked in talks to sign Palhinha for two weeks.

Tottenham need Joao Palhinha

The North London outfit needed to bring in a quality defensive midfielder. Yves Bissouma was quite underwhelming last season. The Portuguese international could prove to be an upgrade. He will not only help him tighten up at the back, but he will also allow the attacking players to operate with more freedom.

The 30-year-old could help Tottenham improve at both ends of the pitch. He has extensive experience in Premier League football, and he will look to hit the ground running in England.

Tottenham will look to fight for a place in the top four next season, and they will look to do well in the cup competitions as well. They need to tighten up defensively, and signing the 30-year-old is a step in the right direction.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can improve the other areas of their squad before the window closes. If they can add more goals to the side, they could do really well next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford during the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Thomas Frank wants to sign the 28-year-old striker. Meanwhile, there have been reports that the player is trying to force an exit from Brentford this summer.

Wissa wants a summer exit

Newcastle United are keen on the player, and the striker has informed the London club that he wants to join Newcastle. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to enter the race for him. It could be a lucrative opportunity for him if Tottenham come calling.

He would get to join a top team, and he would get to reunite with his former manager as well. Frank managed to get the best out of the DR Congo international at Brentford, and he could unlock his best form at Tottenham as well.

Tottenham could use Yoane Wissa

Tottenham need a quality striker who can find the back of the net regularly. Wissa could prove to be the ideal partner for Dominic Solanke, who has failed to find the back of the net regularly. Wissa scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, and he is at the peak of his career. This is the right time for him to join a big club. The move to Tottenham would be ideal for him. He would get to prove his qualities in the UEFA Champions League with them as well.

The player is determined to complete a summer transfer away from Brentford, and that will certainly become a major boost for Tottenham. They will hope to sign him for a reasonable amount of money.

If Tottenham can get the deal done, it could sort out their goal-scoring problems for the upcoming campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha during the summer transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have been in talks with the midfielder’s representatives for two weeks, and the midfielder is now open to joining them.

Joao Palhinha needs a fresh start

Palhinha wants to play regularly, and the North London outfit will be able to provide him with that opportunity.

He has not been able to live up to the expectations at the German club, and he was not a regular starter for them last season. Tottenham are looking to sign on loan this summer, and it remains to be seen whether the German champions are prepared to sanction his departure.

Tottenham have recently signed Mathys Tel permanently from Bayern after a six-month loan spell, and the German outfit might be open to a similar deal for Palhinha.

The Portuguese international needs a fresh start, and a move back to the Premier League would be ideal for him. He was outstanding for Fulham, and he has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League with Tottenham as well.

Spurs need to replace Bissouma

Yves Bissouma could be on his way out of the club, and the Portuguese International could be the ideal replacement. He has the quality and the experience to play for a big club like Tottenham, and he knows the league well.

Tottenham will be able to provide him with Champions League football next season, and that will be an added attraction for the midfield. It remains to be seen whether the two parties can get the deal across the line quickly.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, but he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur.

According to a report from Give Me Sport, Manchester United are circling for the 23-year-old central midfielder, but he is holding out for a move to Tottenham instead. The player is keen on a move to the north London club.

Ipswich Town have submitted a £20 million offer to sign him, and Middlesbrough have already accepted the offer. The player has been permitted to secure a move away from the club, but he has not made a definitive decision on his future yet. He is waiting to find out whether Tottenham will come in for him.

Tottenham could use Hayden Hackney

Tottenham need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 23-year-old would be the ideal long-term investment. If they match the offer from Ipswich Town, they should be able to get the deal across the line. £20 million is a reasonable amount of money for a player of his potential, and he could justify the investment in future.

He will help Tottenham control games from the middle of the park, and he will look to add creativity to the side as well. He has been described as a “super player” in the past. He has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League, and he could establish himself as a key player for Tottenham.

Man United keen on Hackney

Meanwhile, Manchester United need more quality in the midfield as well. The 23-year-old has the qualities to develop into a useful player for both teams, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be quite exciting, and both clubs could provide him with the platform to showcase his qualities at the highest level.