The Boy Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles this season continued with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash, adding more pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.

With Spurs currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League and already out of both domestic cup competitions, concerns over Postecoglou’s tenure have grown.

Tottenham hierarchy not happy with Ange Postecoglou

According to TBR Football, Tottenham’s hierarchy has expressed deep concerns over the defeat, making it clear to the manager that the performance and result were unacceptable.

The match itself was a frustrating one for Spurs, with an unfortunate own goal from Lucas Bergvall in the first half being the decisive factor. While Guglielmo Vicario made several crucial saves to prevent AZ from extending their lead, Tottenham struggled to create any significant attacking chances. Their lack of cutting edge in the final third was reflected in their xG of just 0.44 compared to AZ’s 1.57.

Despite the poor run of results, reports indicate that Postecoglou has not been given an ultimatum to win the Europa League to keep his job. However, discussions about a potential managerial change have reportedly taken place, with names such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and Fulham’s Marco Silva emerging as possible replacements.

Winning the Europa League remains Spurs’ only realistic route to securing Champions League football next season and ending their 17-year wait for silverware. Failing to do so could not only result in a managerial change but also jeopardize their ability to retain key players and attract top talent in the summer transfer window.

Before they can focus on the crucial second leg against AZ, Tottenham will need to shift their attention to the Premier League, where they face Bournemouth.

Postecoglou’s side must produce an improved performance in both fixtures if they hope to salvage their season and restore confidence among the board and supporters.

Tottenham Hotspur are making preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window, with Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso emerging as a key target for the club.

As part of the deal that saw Giovani Lo Celso return to Betis last summer, Spurs secured a €25 million purchase option for Cardoso.

With the transfer window drawing closer, speculation is mounting over whether the North London club will exercise the clause to bring the American international to the Premier League.

Former USMNT striker Charlie Davies and pundit firmly believes that Tottenham will activate the option, especially after Cardoso’s impressive displays in La Liga. He pointed out that the midfielder’s recent performance against Real Madrid, where he found the back of the net in a crucial victory, only adds to his growing reputation.

Davies further stated that the 23-year-old midfielder’s ability to perform at the highest level, coupled with his consistency throughout the season, makes him a valuable addition for Spurs.

The pundit considers the pre-negotiated transfer fee to be a bargain, particularly given the player’s current trajectory. While Tottenham already possess young midfield talent such as Lucas Bergvall, he sees Cardoso as someone who could thrive in the Premier League.

Speaking on Call it What You Want podcast, Davies remarked:

“I do. I think they do initiate it. When you score against Real Madrid on top of that, that only helps your stock. It only shows that you’re capable of playing in the biggest matches against the biggest opponents. So, yes, I think it’s probably a clause that is not too crazy either.

“I absolutely see Tottenham taking this because it’s a bargain, I think, given how he’s been able to play this season in La Liga. Yeah, I just wonder how they utilise him. You have a couple of players that maybe… I mean, Bergvall, they have Bergvall, who’s been getting a lot of minutes, the 19-year-old Swedish International.

“I like his game a lot. They’re not like-for-like players, but yeah. I mean, I would love to see him get a crack at the Premier League, but I kind of like the run that he’s on right now with Betis.”

Johnny Cardoso impresses with performances in La Liga

Cardoso has enjoyed steady progress in his career since making his professional debut with Internacional in Brazil. He moved to Real Betis in December 2023 on a five-year contract and has since become a vital player under Manuel Pellegrini, featuring in 32 matches across all competitions while contributing two goals and an assist this season. (Transfermarkt)

Although Betis extended Cardoso’s contract until 2030 last month, signalling their desire to keep him, Tottenham hold the power to complete the transfer if they trigger the purchase option.

As the summer window approaches, Spurs will soon have to make a final decision on whether to bring Cardoso to North London.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on signing the 19-year-old central defender as well.

Akcicek has impressed with the Turkish outfit, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Tottenham. Jose Mourinho has recently labelled Akcicek as a player with “great potential”.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can win the race for his signature.

They need to add more quality and depth to their defensive unit and the 19-year-old could be the ideal backup option for players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for now. He has all the attributes to develop into a key player for Tottenham with the right guidance and experience.

Tottenham currently have four central defenders at their disposal after they signed Kevin Danso on loan in January. However, Romero and Van de Ven have struggled with injury issues. They could use another young defender in the squad.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are keen on the player as well. They are already well stocked in the central defensive unit, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to move for the 19-year-old. They should look to sign a quality full back instead.

As far as Manchester United are concerned, they could certainly use more depth in the squad. Harry Maguire is well past his peak and he will need to be replaced in the near future. The Turkish defender could be the ideal replacement for the England international.

All three clubs will be exciting destinations for the young defender, and it remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

Ange Postecoglou is on record as being comfortable with his set piece coaching, but for a manager on the brink, perhaps this is an area he may wish to review, preferably before we meet AZ in the next leg in the Europa League.

I’ve been watching Spurs for over forty years, and I’ve never seen anything quite as embarrassing as this. Every touch was a blunder, and the final ball summed up the complete dysfunction in the ‘idea’.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old Slovenian striker is one of the finest young talents in world football right now and he has been linked with multiple clubs. Christian Falk has now confirmed to CaughtOffside that Tottenham are among clubs who are interested in securing his signature.

“There are rumours in Germany that there’s a release clause included within this, but I can’t confirm this for certain. I’m aware he’s got a gentleman’s agreement with the club whereby he could leave if Leipzig receive an offer worth upwards of €70m.

“The Premier League is very interesting for Sesko. What I heard is that Arsenal are leading the race. Though, of course, the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool – not Manchester City, as they have Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush! – are also interested.”

Sesko has 17 goals and five assists in all competitions and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Tottenham. He could share the goalscoring burden with Dominic Solanke and add more cutting edge in the final third. The 21-year-old will add physicality, pace and flair to the side as well.

Spurs need more quality and depth in the attacking unit if they want to fight for major trophies and compete in the Champions League regularly. Signing a prodigious young talent like Sesko would be a solid long-term investment. He could develop into a future star.

Tottenham must get rid of players like Timo Werner and Richarlison in the summer, and it will be interesting to see who they replace the duo with. They need a clinical finisher and a dynamic attacker capable of slotting anywhere across the front three.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on the 21-year-old Bundesliga striker as well. The Gunners are reportedly leading the race for his signature. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can beat them to his signing.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison has been linked with the move away from the club at the end of the season.

He has not been able to make the desired impact and joining the club from Everton, and it seems that he could be on his way out of the club in the summer.

Meanwhile, a report from Give Me Sport claims that Everton are keen on bringing him back to the club and they are lining up a summer move for the Brazilian. It remains to be seen whether they can secure an agreement with Tottenham for the player.

Richarlison clearly needs a fresh start and a return to his former club could be ideal for him. He played his best football with Everton before his move to Tottenham and a return to his comfort zone could bring out the best in him once again.

Sputs must cash in on Richarlison

Tottenham paid around £60 million to sign the Brazilian from Everton, and they will be fully aware of the fact that they will not be able to recoup that kind of money for him. They will need to cut their losses on the player and Everton will be hoping to sign the player on a bargain.

It would be ideal for all parties to go their separate ways and it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has stated that Tottenham are not worrying about his future right now and they are focused on finishing the season strongly. They will look to make a decision when the time is right.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League journey hit a stumbling block as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

Despite dominating possession for large stretches, Spurs struggled to find a way through the Dutch side’s compact defensive setup. The decisive moment came in the first half when Lucas Bergvall inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross.

As the final whistle blew, frustration was evident among the travelling Tottenham supporters, who voiced their disappointment with boos and whistles.

While most players acknowledged the reaction without issue, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was visibly emotional, showing his frustration towards the fans.

Thoughts on this?

Vicario is obviously an emotional guy and hates losing. That’s a good thing. His disappointment and anger took over in the moment…

He was obviously wrong to react like this, but it happens… let’s not cancel the guy 🤍

🎥: @mari_mavi5pic.twitter.com/SjJEEmLBDv

— Football Confidential 🌐 (@footballconfid1) March 7, 2025

The Italian shot-stopper, known for his fierce competitive nature, was clearly disappointed by both the team’s underwhelming performance and the reaction from the stands.

Since arriving at Tottenham in the summer of 2023, Vicario has established himself as a key figure in Ange Postecoglou’s squad. The 28-year-old made an immediate impact after signing from Empoli, securing a clean sheet in just his second Premier League appearance against Manchester United.

His consistently strong performances earned him multiple Save of the Month nominations, and in February 2024, he was recognized as Goalkeeper of the Year at the London Football Awards.

Vicario’s resilience has been a defining trait throughout his time at Spurs. Earlier this season, he suffered a broken ankle during a match against Manchester City but remarkably played the full 60 minutes. After spending three months recovering, he made a triumphant return with a clean sheet against Manchester United last month.

Beyond his visible frustration after the AZ Alkmaar loss, Vicario showcased leadership by immediately consoling Bergvall after his own goal, ensuring the young midfielder didn’t dwell on the mistake.

Vicario’s passion embodies the mentality Spurs need to overturn the deficit in 2nd leg and keep their European dreams alive in what has been a challenging season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on the Viktoria Plzen midfielder Pavel Sulc.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has done quite well for Viktoria Plzen and he has the quality to do well in English football as well.

It is no secret that Tottenham need more depth in the midfield and 24-year-old will add goals and creativity to the side. He has 12 goals and 11 assists to his name this season and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be quite exciting for him.

Spurs are one of the biggest clubs in England and the opportunity to join them will be quite attractive for the player. It would be a huge step up in his career and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.

Tottenham currently have James Maddison playing in a similar role but the England international can be quite inconsistent. He has attracted a lot of criticism for his inconsistencies this season and more competition for places will help Tottenham improve as a squad.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham submit an official offer to sign the player. According to Efotbal, they have already enquired about the player.

Meanwhile, they will face competition from Aston Villa who have enquired about the player as well. Both clubs have an exciting project and the 24-year-old will be tempted to join them.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.

Premier League move could be tempting for Pavel Sulc

The midfielder is entering his peak years and he will want to compete at the highest level. The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be hard to turn down.

Tottenham have had a disappointing season this year and they need to improve their squad during the summer transfer window. They need to bring in quality players who will help them improve and the Czech midfielder could prove to be the ideal acquisition for them.

Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on the Fiorentina striker Moise Kean ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Italian international has 19 goals this season and he has attracted the attention of multiple clubs with his performances. According to a report from Give Me Sport, Tottenham have asked to be kept in a loop regarding the player’s future. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign him.

Kean has shown his quality in Italian football and he has the attributes to succeed in the Premier League as well. He has played in England with Everton in the past but he never quite managed to showcase his true potential. He might be keen on taking up another challenge at this stage of his career and a move to England could be attractive for him.

Tottenham need more depth in the attacking unit and signing another prolific goalscorer would be a wise decision.

Kean has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in English football and he knows the league well from his time at Everton. He will look to settle in quickly and make an instant impact.

The striker is still relatively young and he will only improve with coaching and experience. Even if he costs a substantial amount of money now, he could justify the investment in the long term.

Spurs could use Moise Kean

Tottenham need to improve their squad if they want to compete in the Champions league regularly and fight for trophies. The Italian would be an exceptional acquisition and he could take them to a whole new level.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is a player in demand heading into the summer transfer window.

Multiple top clubs are keen on signing the Slovenian international and Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race for him.

According to a report from Caught offside, Tottenham have significant interest in the 21-year-old striker and they could look to make a move for him in the summer. The player has an €80 million release clause in his contract and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to break their transfer record in order to get the deal done.

Tottenham recently paid £65 million for Dominic Solanke and it remains to be seen whether they are ready to spend big money on another striker. They need to improve the other areas of their squad as well.

Sesko would be a quality addition

Sesko has proven himself to be a reliable performer in the Bundesliga and he has 17 goals in all competitions. He is likely to improve further with coaching and experience and he has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League well.

He could prove to be an exceptional acquisition for Tottenham if they can get the deal done. They need more support in the attack and signing another clinical forward could transform them in the attack. They will be hoping to fight for major trophies and someone like Sesko will certainly help them bridge the gap with the top clubs.