LiveScore

Jan Paul van Hecke has left the Netherlands national team camp over the September international break with an injury, as the center back reportedly had to exit a training session early. He apparently only lasted seven minutes before being seen talking to manager Xavi and sitting on the bench. Van Hecke has now formally withdrawn and will head back to Tottenham Hotspur to recover.

The nature of the injury is unknown, nor is the severity, and he will have about 10 days to rest before Tottenham have to face their biggest opponents of this difficult season yet in Manchester United, who are also struggling, albeit much less so, after an initially brilliant run under Michael Carrick to return to the Champions League.

While Van Hecke's defending has been a bit up and down this season, his quality on the ball has been everything Roberto De Zerbi asked for. Van Hecke is easily the best passing center back in the Premier League by the numbers, and in terms of his actual ball progression in breaking the lines, he has been Spurs best progressive passer.

Sandro Tonali has not looked like a 100 million pound signing yet

One of their other best progressive passers is Sandro Tonali. Although Tonali had terrible performances to start the season against Brentford and Newcastle United, he has quietly but steadily improved his performances. Tonali is also one of the leaders in the Premier League in line breaking passes and passes in the final third, though his actual chance creation and key passes are below average. His defending has been an even bigger highlight, winning the ball more often and showing better instincts than even Van Hecke.

Tonali, though, has not quite dominated games like a 100 million pound player should, and it is telling that a center back is earning more plaudits for his work on the ball than the Italian international is. Should Van Hecke miss time, Spurs do have two other great passing center backs in Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo who can start next to MIcky van de Ven.

At the same time, those players, not even Senesi, are as good at passing as Van Hecke. So if the Dutch international is to miss time with this injury, then that is going to put even more pressure on Sandro Tonali to be that true, larger-than-life presence that Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham Hotspur paid 100 million pounds to Newcastle United to see.

Tonali has shown that he is a capable starter for Spurs, but Spurs are paying him to be a leader and a game-breaking. Without Van Hecke helping out behind him, more responsibility will be on Tonali, and Spurs will need to see that on display against a strong opponent in Manchester United after the break.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Jan Paul van Hecke has suffered an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.

The centre-half is now a doubt for Spurs’ trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10.

Jan Paul van Hecke sparks injury concerns for struggling Spurs

Van Hecke has started every Premier League fixture thus far and has played the full 90 minutes in each outing, with Roberto De Zerbi hoping the Dutchman will – eventually – form a formidable partnership with his compatriot Micky van de Ven.

However, they have yet to do so, as Tottenham remain winless after their opening five games, while they’ve also conceded eight goals in that time.

Prior to the break, Van Hecke scored just their second goal of the campaign when he provided a late consolation header to make it 3-2 in injury time, with Aston Villa sealing a crucial win in North London.

De Zerbi will be sweating over Van Hecke in lead-up to United contest

The 26-year-old sustained his setback during Oranje’s clash with Serbia, and it was confirmed on Wednesday that he had left the team in order to travel back to England and undergo further assessments with his club.

It remains to be seen if he will return to match fitness in time to line up against United, who are navigating fitness concerns of their own.

Patrick Dorgu withdrew from the Denmark squad after appearing to sustain a non-contact injury last Sunday, so he will also have to undergo scans at Carrington in the coming days.

In addition, Noussair Mazraoui was spotted writhing in pain following a collision during Morocco’s African Cup of Nations qualifier aganst Lesotho, so he had to be substituted in the second half.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs keeping a close eye on Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis after his impressive start to life in the Premier League, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Tzolakis has quickly emerged as one of the most closely watched young goalkeepers in Europe following his move to East Yorkshire, with his performances attracting interest from several Premier League and European clubs.

The Greek international joined newly promoted Hull from Olympiakos in the summer in a then club-record deal worth £20million plus add-ons, but we understand his form has already caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

The 23-year-old has kept three clean sheets in the Premier League since his arrival and continued his impressive run of form on the international stage, keeping another shutout for Greece against Germany.

Tottenham are one of the clubs to have watched Tzolakis more than once, with Spurs now keeping him on their radar as they assess their long-term goalkeeping options ahead of next summer.

Tottenham handed Antonin Kinsky a new contract in the summer, but the Czech goalkeeper has endured a difficult start to the campaign.

Sources indicate that there are figures within the Tottenham hierarchy who remain unconvinced that Kinsky is currently at the level expected at the club, leading Spurs to look at potential alternatives ahead of 2027.

READ NEXT – Tottenham to earn MILLIONS from Man City compensation claim as finance expert reveals eye-opening figure

Tottenham add Tzolakis to goalkeeper shortlist

Tzolakis is one of the names being considered by Tottenham, but we understand he is not the only goalkeeper Spurs hugely admire.

Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is another player held in high regard by Tottenham and is understood to be firmly on their radar as they consider their options ahead of next summer.

The Dutch international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading young goalkeepers, and his profile is understood to appeal strongly to those at Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Hull have no intention of making it easy for any club to prise Tzolakis away in the future.

The Tigers are delighted with the goalkeeper and internally believe his capture was one of the best deals completed anywhere in Europe during the summer transfer window.

Hull view Tzolakis as one of the key players who can help them achieve their primary objective of staying in the Premier League, with his performances so far only strengthening that belief.

The club are therefore extremely happy with their investment and see Tzolakis as a major part of their plans, despite the growing interest in his services.

Liverpool also monitoring Hull City star

We can reveal that Liverpool have also been impressed by Tzolakis and are monitoring his development, although there is currently no indication of a move being imminent. The long-term future of Alisson remains a question that the Anfield giants need to answer.

Interest in Tzolakis also extends beyond the Premier League, with European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid both understood to have admired Tzolakis dating back to his time at Olympiakos.

Both clubs continue to track his progress following his move to Hull, with his performances in England only strengthening his reputation.

Tzolakis only arrived at Hull this summer, but his rapid adaptation to the Premier League has already put him firmly on the radar of some of Europe’s leading clubs.

Bayern Munich chiefs and Vincent Kompany are content with their options in central defense this season. They managed to conclude complicated negotiations with Dayot Upamecano earlier this year. Upamecano is now expected to spend the peak of his career at Bayern.

The French defender is the first-choice option for Kompany in the heart of defense. Jonathan Tah and Kim Min-jae are fine options for the second center-back position. Both players have done well under Kompany. Tah arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, while the South Korean central defender has been at Die Roten since 2023. The Bavarian club also has Hiroki Ito as an option in central defense.

Kim Min-jae has faced an uncertain future at Bayern over the last two summers. However, his desire to fight for game time at Die Roten has ensured he has managed to win over the coaches and improve his performances. Rekordmeister changed their stance on his future midway through the last summer transfer window and decided to reject potential offers for him.

Bayern are reportedly planning to sit down with Kim Min-jae in the autumn and discuss a new contract with him. His current contract expires in 2028. The 29-year-old has made a strong start to the new season, which is ensuring there is interest from several clubs.

According to Bild’s Christian Falk (via Teamtalk), Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Kim Min-jae. The North London side had touched base with Kim Min-jae in the summer. The likes of AC Milan and Aston Villa are also interested in the South Korean defender.

Bayern are calm regarding Kim Min-jae’s future

Despite interest from several clubs, Bayern Munich do not have to worry about losing Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender is happy with life in Bavaria. He has wholeheartedly embraced the competition for places in the starting XI.

The 29-year-old center-back’s long-term future in Munich will depend on the outcome of potential contract negotiations. Die Roten may offer him a short-term deal at reduced wages. Negotiations can move quickly if the defender continues to insist on staying in Munich.

Bayern are also monitoring young center-backs in the market to be prepared for a scenario where Kim Min-jae leaves next summer. They have consistently scouted Benfica’s Tomás Araújo, while German media outlets have reported Die Roten’s interest in Finn Jeltsch. Any changes in defense are likely to happen in the summer instead of the upcoming winter transfer window.

Michael Ballack defends young Bayern Munich forward for having strong personality

Bayern Munich star eager to play every game in international break

Bayern Munich star receives big praise from Zinedine Zidane

Augsburg head coach addresses reports linking star with Bayern Munich move

Bayern Munich change responsibilities of key executives

Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily criticised for sanctioning Will Lankshear’s move to Championship outfit Middlesbrough over the summer, alongside the departure of another top talent destined for the top.

The north London club currently sit bottom of the Premier League table after a disastrous start to the 2026/27 season, despite having spent in excess of £300million on new signings.

Indeed, Roberto De Zerbi has been backed more than any other Tottenham manager in recent times, having guided the club away from relegation by the skin of its teeth on the final day of last season.

All areas of De Zerbi’s squad were bolstered, although the addition of an elite striker was clearly a blunder by transfer chiefs, with Spurs scoring their first two league goals of the season against Aston Villa last time out.

One player who could have helped in that regard was Lankshear, who was long-heralded as Harry Kane’s natural successor in north London.

However, Tottenham opted to cash in on the 21-year-old when they sold him to Middlesbrough for £10m in a deal that could rise to £20m with add-ons.

While Spurs have been struggling to find the back of the net in the early stages of the season, Lankshear has been on fire for Boro, scoring eight goals in his first 11 matches for the club.

And Tottenham ‘expert’ John Wenham believes CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have had an “utter disaster” when it comes to how they dealt with Lankshear.

“It does [look silly] when you exclude Richarlison out of choice as well, because it basically means all we have got now is a Dominic Solanke that’s devoid of confidence, Mathys Tel is devoid of confidence either on the left wing or as a striker, and I think Marmoush is better suited playing as a 10 or off the wing than as a striker,” Wenham told Tottenham News.

“We have actually let go of a striker that is bang in confidence, that’s got the correct build to be a striker, especially in a De Zerbi system.

“He’s English, he supports the club, and he’s scoring goals for fun, it doesn’t just look like a mistake, it looks like an utter disaster to have moved Lankshear on.”

DON’T MISS: Will Lankshear told why he was RIGHT to leave Tottenham as club slammed for ‘blocking’ youth pathways

Tottenham also accused of Vuskovic blunder

Meanwhile, Tottenham have also been criticised for letting Luka Vuskovic leave to join Brighton for £46m, plus a further £4m in add-ons to take it up to £50m.

Vuskovic has been in superb form for a Seagulls side who currently sit third in the Premier League table, having been signed as a replacement for Jan Paul van Hecke, who moved to Spurs for £52m earlier in the summer window.

The contrast between the two could not be more stark, with Vuskovic flying and Van Hecke being heavily criticised for his performances for club and country.

And former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has argued that Tottenham were forced to “sacrifice” Vuskovic due to a lack of a “succession plan”.

“It’s early days, and I think we’ve got to stress it is five games in. But there is a feeling that certainly that’s the way it’s going (Brighton better off),” Wyness told Football Insider.

“The weakness from Spurs’ point of view is that they were sacrificing a young generational talent for a 26-year-old who needed to come in because they hadn’t got the succession plan in place for stability in the defence.

“That’s where the fault lies, and it probably is the case that Brighton will have got the better of the deal.

“I think that will probably be the case as we end up at the end of the season and review it. Certainly, we’ve got to believe that’s the case right now.

“It’s the lack of succession, where we know Brighton have been superb in succession planning.

“Here is a gap where Spurs didn’t have the succession planning in place, and now they’ve been made to pay for it, and they’ve had to sacrifice a young generational talent for that.”

Spurs are back in action on October 10 when they head to Old Trafford to face a Man Utd side not in the best of form, with De Zerbi facing the prospect of the sack if results do not improve quickly.

Spurs expert John Wenham believes Tottenham Hotspur made a huge mistake by sanctioning the summer sale of young striker Will Lankshear.

The decision has come under intense scrutiny as Spurs struggle for consistent central attacking output, while the forward hits top form in the Championship.

John Wenham calls Will Lankshear sale an ‘utter disaster’

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham voiced strong frustration over Spurs’ summer squad management, highlighting the questionable depth in the center-forward position following Lankshear’s departure.

“It does [look silly] when you exclude Richarlison out of choice as well, because it basically means all we have got now is a Dominic Solanke that’s devoid of confidence, Mathys Tel is devoid of confidence either on the left wing or as a striker, and I think Marmoush is better suited playing as a 10 or off the wing than as a striker,” Wenham stated.

“We have actually let go of a striker that is bang in confidence, that’s got the correct build to be a striker, especially in a De Zerbi system. He’s English, he supports the club, and he’s scoring goals for fun, it doesn’t just look like a mistake, it looks like an utter disaster to have moved Lankshear on.”

While Tottenham’s front line continues to search for fluidity, Lankshear has made an immediate impact since joining Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old center-back and forward threat has taken to life at Teesside with ease, firing in eight goals across 11 appearances in all competitions.

His prolific streak has established him as one of the most lethal young finishers in the second tier, underscoring Tottenham’s error in allowing him to leave permanently.

Lankshear’s immediate success at Middlesbrough comes as little surprise to those who closely monitored his development in North London.

During his time with Tottenham’s academy, the forward maintained an impressive strike rate, notably claiming the Premier League 2 Golden Boot after scoring 18 goals in 19 appearances during the 2023–24 campaign.

Despite demonstrating natural instincts inside the penalty box, Spurs opted to capitalize on his market value rather than integrate him into the senior squad.

There are over three months until the transfer window opens again for business, but that has now slowed the rumour mill down. Here are the biggest rumours from around Europe.

Cole Palmer remains committed to the Chelsea project, despite continued interest from Manchester United. Palmer has been earmarked as a marquee signing for the Red Devils, with the 24-year-old considered a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes. Despite a mixed start to the campaign at Chelsea, Flashscore are reporting that Palmer remains focused on success at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United are also monitoring Micky van de Ven's situation at Tottenham Hotspur. Ekrem Konur claims Michael Carrick's side and Liverpool are watching things closely, as Spurs struggle under Roberto De Zerbi. Van de Ven signed a new deal in August, and Spurs would demand a world-record £90m fee for a defender.

Liverpool's interest in Van de Ven comes as the Reds consider long-term replacements for Virgil van Dijk. The 35-year-old is out of contract next summer with AC Milan preparing an approach. Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti claims the Dutch defender will move to Milan 'sooner or later'.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly have centre-backs in their sights. Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk has said Kim Min-jae is of interest to the Premier League pair. As a replacement, Bayern are keen on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo.

Finally, Premier League teams hoping to snare Manu Kone from AS Roma will have to pay big bucks. After setting a price tag of around £52m in the summer, the Italians now want closer to £100m. Roma are using Sandro Tonali's transfer to Tottenham as a gauge for that price tag, following Kone's brilliant start to the season, say Gazzetta dello Sport. Chelsea had an approach for Kone turned down late in the summer window as the Blues sought to replace Enzo Fernandez.

"... we felt deceived"!

The calls for deterrent sanctions against Manchester City are growing louder. Leading them is England football legend and former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp.

City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, the verdict arriving after a four-year investigation into their financial practices between 2009 and 2018.

An appeal is expected, and the final punishment remains undecided.

Redknapp managed Tottenham throughout the period covered by the charges, when Spurs were battling City for Champions League qualification.

Spurs finished second in that race in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, while City ultimately booked their place in Europe's most prestigious competition.

Writing in The Sun, Redknapp said: "Manchester City being found guilty of almost all the charges against them is a stunning moment for football. There are many who will feel they have the right to see some wrongs put right, and I am one of them."

He recalled how Spurs went toe to toe with City for those Champions League places: "In two consecutive seasons, 2010-11 and 2011-12, we finished one place short of qualification. In May 2011, the 1-0 defeat to Roberto Mancini's side led to their first qualification, and our dream ended at our own hands."

Redknapp added: "Who knows what would have happened if the people at the federation had been following the rules like everyone else? Tottenham fans will not be alone in feeling they were cheated during those seasons."

Yet he stops short of wanting the Premier League to rewrite the tables or strip City of past titles. "This whole process has been an utter mess, but we are still far from finished with it. Reopening all those past seasons would do serious damage to a league admired around the world," he said.

His conclusion was blunt: "Manchester City need to be punished and to serve as a lesson to others, but it makes more sense for the sanctions to cover the years to come. They must be punished severely, but it would be madness to go back and start meddling with the results of the past."

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza as interest in the young playmaker grows ahead of a potential transfer battle.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, both Premier League clubs have been monitoring the 20-year-old’s performances this season, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa also tracking his progress.

Maza has made a strong impression in Germany since joining Leverkusen, and his technical ability, versatility and attacking instincts have attracted the attention of several top clubs.

Arsenal and Tottenham eye Ibrahim Maza

The Gunners could view the Algerian international as a potential addition to their midfield options. His ability to operate in advanced areas and create opportunities could make him an attractive option for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are also assessing the midfielder as they look to strengthen their attacking options. Maza’s ability to play centrally or wide could give them greater flexibility in the final third.

The 20-year-old has already contributed a goal and an assist for Leverkusen this season, underlining his growing influence in the Bundesliga.

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, with a trusted source revealing the duo have been tracking the highly-rated attacking midfielder.

Maza is quickly developing into one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young attacking midfielders, with his performances for Leverkusen bringing him onto the radar of an increasing number of Premier League clubs.

And our friends over at TEAMtalk understand that Arsenal and Tottenham have both watched Maza this season as they assess his development and potential availability.

Their interest adds to a growing list of English clubs monitoring the Algeria international.

READ: Arsenal make Erling Haaland move after Fabrizio Romano confirms striker plans and Man City FFP guilty verdict

Indeed, TT have previously reported how Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa have all been ‘attentive to his progress’, and that ‘remains the case’.

Maza’s appeal comes from the versatility and technical quality he brings to the attacking midfield positions. He is a player who looks particularly comfortable finding pockets of space in the half-spaces, where he can receive possession, turn and drive at defenders.

There is also an intelligence to Maza’s game, with his awareness and reading of situations allowing him to find space and link play in dangerous areas.

Those qualities have been on display during Leverkusen’s encouraging start to the campaign, with Maza already contributing a goal and an assist.

North London battle brewing for Leverkusen gem

Maza’s form has also translated onto the international stage with Algeria.

The Berlin-born midfielder produced one of his most impressive recent displays on Friday night, playing a decisive role in Algeria’s 3-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Zambia.

Maza scored and provided an assist in the game, further enhancing his growing reputation.

READ NEXT: Man Utd target Tottenham star in £90m deal

At just 20 year of age, his development remains one to watch, but the level of Premier League interest underlines how highly clubs are beginning to rate his potential.

Arsenal and Spurs are now among those assessing the situation, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa continue to keep tabs on a player whose profile is rapidly rising in Germany and beyond.