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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg left Tottenham to join Marseille on a permanent deal this summer.

The Ligue 1 side initially signed Hojbjerg on loan last summer with an obligation to buy for £17million, which was triggered at the end of May after all the conditions were met.

The Danish midfielder’s departure marked the end of a near five-year spell in North London, during which he was both lauded for his work rate, leadership, and defensive qualities.

However, he was equally criticised for his lack of mobility and finesse on the ball in the middle of the park, and became somewhat of a scapegoat at Tottenham.

A move was beneficial to both parties, but Spurs could unwittingly be about to sign a player with a very similar profile following the latest update.

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Spurs target move for Joao Palhinha

As reported by The Telegraph (24 July), “sources in Europe” believe that Spurs are in good stead to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich this summer.

The Portugal international has failed to impress Vincent Kompany in Germany, despite signing for Fulham just over a year ago, resulting in just nine starts in all competitions for the Bavarian club last season.

Nevertheless, Tottenham have lacked a suitable holding midfielder for some time, and it has become a key area that Thomas Frank has wanted to address this summer.

As such, Spurs are looking at Palhinha, whose last performance for the Bundesliga Champions came in Bayern’s 1-0 defeat to Benfica in the Club World Cup in June.

The 30-year-old started the match at the base of the midfield, taking 57 touches in the first half and recording a 94 per cent pass accuracy [Sofascore].

However, the former Fulham man was hooked at the break as he simultaneously completed zero per cent of his attempted dribbles, ground duels, or long balls, while losing possession six times.

This will be a red flag for Spurs, as Palhinha is elite at defending and led the way for most tackles in the Premier League in both seasons he was with the Cottagers.

However, on the ball, he is far less assured and lacks creative passing or dribbling ability.

There is a fear that Palhinha’s profile is very similar to Hojbjerg’s, and that his deficiencies will manifest in a very similar way to the former Spurs midfielder’s, which would not be well received by the Lilywhites.

Palhinha risk is worth taking for Spurs

While Palhinha has some flaws in his game, they are outweighed by his qualities, specifically in Tottenham’s case.

The combative midfielder would bring a lot more defensive cover to a Spurs team whose midfield was bypassed far too easily in countless games last season.

He would also bring plenty of invaluable experience to the young squad, many of whom will be getting their first taste of UEFA Champions League football.

If Daniel Levy can go against his principles and secure a loan deal with an option to buy for Palhinha, then it would be a very sensible signing for Tottenham, at least in the short term.

Daniel Levy has pulled off another surprise for Tottenham as he looks to back Thomas Frank.

Levy made promises to support his new manager and made a couple of direct moves for high-profile attacking players in Mohammed Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, ever since Nottingham Forest stepped in to delay the approach for the latter over two weeks ago, the Lilywhites have worryingly reverted to being dormant in the transfer market.

Levy will be aware that there is still work to be done on the squad, and looks set to break the club’s record transfer spent on signing Dominic Solanke last summer.

Spurs bid over £60million for Illia Zabarnyi

Tottenham have been linked with Illia Zabarnyi this summer as they are cautiously preparing for life without Cristian Romero, whose future at Spurs is far from assured.

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The 22-year-old signed for Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023 for around £20million, and has gone on to become a hugely important player for the Cherries.

The Ukraine international has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but the seaside club are reluctant to let him leave after already losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to Liverpool.

Nevertheless, it was revealed by Duncan Castles on the Transfers Podcast (22 July) that Tottenham have made a bid worth over £60million for Zabarnyi, which would break Spurs’ club transfer record.

Castles said, “Guidance from Bournemouth is that Tottenham have offered £61million for the player, which is owner Bill Foley’s asking price, and which would represent a new club record transfer fee for Tottenham, exceeding the initial £55m with £10m of variables that they paid Bournemouth for (Dominic) Solanke last summer.”

The player is thought to want to join PSG, and Bournemouth and Tottenham may have to work together to convince the centre-back to accept a move to North London instead.

His signing would be a coup for both Frank and Levy, and shows that the latter has seen some sense and identified the importance of adequately replacing vice-captain Romero.

Zabarnyi is very close to a perfect replacement for Romero

Romero’s qualities, including his ability to break lines with his passing and aggression in defending, are unrivalled. The World Cup winner’s leadership is also a huge asset to Spurs and would be difficult to replace.

However, Zabarnyi is five years younger than the Argentinian and has shown almost equally impressive composure on the ball, which was a key feature in Bournemouth’s success under Iraola.

He is also one of the quickest and most athletic central defenders in the Premier League, while his injury record since joining the Cherries has been virtually impeccable.

Defensively, the youngster still has some room to improve, but he has already got two years of top-flight experience in England under his belt.

Zabarnyi is clearly not yet on Romero’s level, but he possesses all the attributes to become an elite centre-back, and is as close to a perfect replacement as Spurs could hope to find.

Tottenham Women are looking to bounce back this season after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.

Spurs finished 11th in the WSL, and while they were 10 points above Crystal Palace at the bottom, it was a poor finish.

As a result, Martin Ho has now been appointed as Tottenham Women’s manager as he looks to dramatically increase the standard.

New signings have also been made, with Toko Koga joining Spurs from Feyenoord.

Now, as preparations continue for the new season, the WSL has released the fixture list for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

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Tottenham Women set for early-season trip to Goodison Park

With the Women’s European Championship still ongoing, Tottenham Women will have to wait longer this season to get back underway.

The new WSL season is not set to begin until 5 September, when holders Chelsea host Manchester City.

The FA (25 July) have confirmed that Spurs will play West Ham at Brisbane Lane for their opening match, which will take place on Sunday, 7 September.

Following this, Tottenham will travel to Everton for gameweek two, which will take place at Goodison Park.

This is set to make history, as it will be Everton Women’s first match at the famous ground since officially moving in this summer.

Ho will need a good start at Spurs

Now that the start of the campaign is edging closer, it is vital that Ho gets off to a good start at Spurs.

After a disastrous 2024/25 campaign, it is vital that those memories are quickly put behind them with early victories.

Luckily, Tottenham’s start isn’t awful, with only Man City away being a significantly difficult test.

Hopefully, further additions will now come through the door to help ensure that the 2025/26 campaign is more memorable for the right reasons.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.

Luka Vuskovic has become one of the main talking points at Tottenham over the last few weeks.

The Croatian youngster has finally arrived in N17, having previously confirmed his move as a 16-year-old back in 2023.

Vuskovic caught the eye in Tottenham’s pre-season win over Reading, and that has prompted plenty of speculation as to where his immediate future may lie this term.

Thomas Frank will be keen to stamp his own image on the squad, and it’s possible that his desire to bring changes ahead of the upcoming campaign could see the centre back in line to play a part in the first team.

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Vuskovic could secure Championship loan within next 14 days

Tottenham will have been hugely encouraged by Vuskovic’s recent display, and that performance has prompted suggestions that he could be ready to become a squad player at his new club.

He was unable to join Spurs until he turned 18, but the starlet could now be in line to play an immediate role for his club.

However, there is also the possibility that another loan move could be viewed as the best course of action for the former Hajduk Split man, given the development that his other stints away have provided him so far.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the North Londoners will reach a decision on Vuskovic‘s immediate future within the next few weeks.

“I would imagine that if there’s a possibility to loan Vuskovic out, I don’t think he’d go abroad again,” King said.

“I think he’d certainly be with a top Championship club if he were to go anywhere.

“It’s games that make players, it’s not sitting on the bench. So, let’s see how the pre-season tour goes; he’s obviously on that, and then you’ll get a good idea of where he’s at.

“The Championship starts on 8 August, and the Premier League the week after, so I’d have thought there will be a full bearing there within the next 14 days, to see exactly what Spurs want to do with him.”

Vuskovic is ready to play a part for Tottenham

Vuskovic is one of Spurs’ brightest young talents at the minute, and now could be the perfect time for him to make the step up to become a genuine first-team player.

He has spent time in the Polish and Belgian top flights in the last couple of campaigns, but he now appears set to be a major part of Frank’s plans as pre-season continues to unfold.

The Danish boss will be keen to distance himself from the Ange Postecoglou regime, and one of the ways he may look to do that is by integrating several youngsters to provide depth.

The likes of Radu Dragusin have struggled on the fringes of the squad, and Frank may decide that now is the perfect time to replace them and bring fresh options into the fold.

Tottenham winger Manor Solomon is facing an uncertain future in North London.

Solomon spent last season on loan at Leeds United and performed superbly as he helped fire the Whites to the Championship title.

The winger was not fancied by Ange Postecoglou but may have been handed a lifeline at Tottenham following the Australian’s dismissal.

Thomas Frank now has the 26-year-old at his disposal if he wishes to use him, but while the Dane’s transfer stance has become clearer, Solomon could still be headed for the exit door.

Solomon wants Tottenham chance before exit

Solomon has been linked with a return to Leeds, but no move has yet materialised, and there is now an air of uncertainty surrounding the Israel international.

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Leeds Live have reported (24 July) that Solomon has suffered an injury setback, which kept him out of Tottenham’s victory over Reading.

It is also reported that Solomon wants to be given a chance in pre-season before deciding on his future, and that Frank is open to giving him an opportunity.

However, his injury could put this in jeopardy if he is not able to return quickly to join Tottenham’s tour in Asia and make an instant impact, and he may also find that his potential move to Leeds also collapses.

Solomon could lose out on Leeds move

If Solomon waits longer to decide on his future, but is put up for sale anyway, he could find himself in a difficult position, as Leeds may no longer want him back.

Daniel Farke’s side are reportedly pursuing Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, and he is likely to be Solomon’s replacement on the left wing.

Solomon may now find that injury disrupts his pre-season, meaning he does not get a proper chance to impress Frank, leading to the exit door at Spurs, but without the option of returning to Leeds, in what could be a chaotic end to the window.

The attacker must now consider moving on quickly to secure his future at another club or hope that his injury heals in time for him to perform at his best in pre-season.

This story includes exclusive opinion from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.

Thomas Frank arrived at Tottenham with calm after the Ange Postecoglou whirlwind finally tailed off.

It was not known how Daniel Levy would back the Dane, but judging from recent developments, he is going to spend big.

Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham for £55million and is looking like he could be a solid acquisition for the Lilywhites.

While Spurs’ pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White has stalled, the fact that Tottenham attempted to trigger the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s £60m release clause is encouraging.

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Levy to spend big for Frank with Gibbs-White in sight

Levy has been criticised by Tottenham supporters for his lack of spending, but he seems to be changing his approach.

Spurs have already spent north of £100m and do not seem to be done in the transfer window.

Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has provided insight on their spending.

“I think that would have been part of the stipulation, and of course they’ve had to pay to get Frank as well, haven’t they?” Plumley said when asked if the recent spending is due to the arrival of Frank.

“It’s a big outlay, whichever way you put it, but he wouldn’t have been signing that contract without assurances they were going to invest in the squad, and of course, he’ll have his targets, and that’ll be part of the plan.

“It certainly goes hand in hand with signing a new manager in any club, but certainly again with where Tottenham have been last season, and then obviously now going into the UEFA Champions League, it all goes hand in hand.

“And, it certainly stands to reason that they would have started to be more active in the market once that manager deal was done.

“The question mark now is how active are they prepared to be, and do they get Gibbs-White, do they have to pivot? What’s their kind of budget?

“It seems that they’re willing to spend a significant amount of money to back Frank.”

Tottenham and Levy are not done yet in the transfer window

While Spurs have already carried out substantial business, they have the matter of the Champions League to prepare for.

When all his players are fit, Frank possesses a team brimming full of talent, but he must plan for injuries and other factors.

Tottenham could still land Gibbs-White, and they will have their eyes on more significant signings before the season starts.

Son Heung-min has established himself as a Tottenham legend, but he could leave this summer.

The winger joined Spurs 10 years ago and has since become one of the best attackers in the Premier League, and captained the Lilywhites to Europa League glory.

Son’s performances did decline last season though, and at 33, he is beginning to lose the sheer speed which made him so deadly in his prime.

A move to the USA to play in MLS could now be on the cards for the South Korean, and a mutual stance over his future is becoming clearer.

Thomas Frank to speak to Son imminently

LAFC are keen on signing Son and making him one of their star players, which will bring his time in European football to an end.

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It has been reported that Son could even terminate his contract to facilitate the move, but nothing is yet decided, and he could end up staying at the club.

Fabrizio Romano has now reported that LAFC have made an official proposal to Son, and that he and Spurs will consider it before deciding to accept or reject it.

Son will speak to Thomas Frank as soon as possible in order to clarify his future, and if the new manager is willing to let him leave, Spurs will not stand in his way, and the decision will be up to the player.

Either way, a decision on whether Son will exit the club is now imminent.

Spurs could let Son leave

Son is Tottenham’s highest earner, and he could now fall down the pecking order as Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus could start on the wings.

The 33-year-old’s disappointing campaign last season may be the start of a decline, and an exit on a high note following the Europa League final could be the best move.

This could allow Frank to take Spurs in a fresh direction, while also making room on the wage bill for more reinforcements to arrive.

Son could then join LAFC as a key player and potentially earn a pay rise, making this a win-win situation for all parties.

The winger has made 454 appearances for Spurs in a truly legendary spell, and will go down as one of the best players in the club’s Premier League history.

Tottenham have confirmed the loan departure of defender Ashley Phillips, who has rejoined Stoke City.

Phillips spent last season on loan at the bet365 Stadium and stood out as a key player with some impressive displays.

Tottenham now have a surplus of centre-backs, meaning that there was no room for the 20-year-old to make his mark in the first team in the upcoming campaign.

The defender will now receive regular opportunities in the Championship, and Spurs will have the additional benefit of a small financial boost with Phillips departing.

Tottenham to save money on Phillips’ wages

Stoke will cover Phillips’ wages during the season, which will mean Spurs enjoy a saving while he is out on loan.

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The 20-year-old is on a salary of around £20,000 per week (Capology), which works out at around £1.04million per year.

With Phillips on loan until June 30, 2026, Spurs will save the vast majority of these wages, at around £1m, but while this is a small bonus, there is a bigger picture.

Tottenham now have increased depth at centre-back, and this could mean Phillips departs permanently next summer, but if he continues to perform well, this will only increase his value.

Where Phillips ranks among Tottenham’s highest earners

Cutting the wage bill where possible may be on the agenda this summer, to make room for new signings, as well as removing any underperforming players on huge contracts.

Son-Heung min is the club’s highest earner, on around £200k-per-week, and the Spurs captain is in talks over an exit after a disappointing season.

Phillips ranks near the bottom of the wage bill but is ahead of other players in his age group. Yang Hyeok-min, Dane Scarlett, Alfie Devine and Mikey Moore are all on much lower salaries than the 20-year-old.

The defender would clearly be wasted on the bench as a fifth or sixth choice option, and a loan is the best move considering all factors.

The centre-back rejected other offers to return to Stoke after his fine campaign last season, in which he made 39 appearances across all competitions.

Thomas Frank is keen to finalise transfer deals ahead of Tottenham’s pre-season tour in Asia.

Tottenham announced an extra friendly match against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday (26 July), hours before they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton.

The double-header will allow Frank to give at least 22 players plenty of minutes, helping him better pinpoint which areas he would like to strengthen this summer.

The Dane already has his eye on a few targets that he will be hoping to swiftly get over the line, as Tottenham News brings you the latest updates from N17.

Tottenham could make a move for Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo’s reluctance to sign a new deal at Manchester United could open the door for Tottenham to swoop in for the England international.

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The United academy graduate has less than two years left on his current contract and is still settling into Ruben Amorim’s system.

Given that the 20-year-old last upgraded his deal in February 2023, he is currently on relatively low wages, reportedly around £25,000-a-week.

Spurs’ superior financial standing means they are better placed than the Red Devils to offer Mainoo favourable conditions and tempt the talented midfielder to move to North London.

LAFC make offer for Son Heung-min

Los Angeles FC are pushing to sign Son Heung-min this summer and have made an offer to Tottenham for their iconic captain.

The 33-year-old is open to a move after donning the Spurs shirt for a decade and guiding the Lilywhites to their first major European trophy in 41 years.

Tottenham are equally open to the move once they return from the pre-season tour in Asia, with Frank remaining coy over Son’s future in his first press conference last week.

Daniel Levy working to bring Joao Palhinha to Spurs

Daniel Levy is looking to make Joao Palhinha the first player in his thirties to join Tottenham for a transfer since Fernando Llorente in August 2017.

The former Fulham player has not had an easy ride since signing for Bayern Munich last summer, making just nine starts in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions last season.

Spurs have lacked a solid number six, but Frank would first have to sell one of his current midfielders to facilitate a move for Palhinha.

Levy is likely to seek a loan deal with an option to buy, rather than a straight transfer, but will still be deviating from his recent policy of signing younger players with potential to develop in N17.

This article includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar.

Tottenham are reportedly in pursuit of Real Madrid attacker Rodrgyo in this summer’s transfer window.

Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has assessed the Brazil international’s hamstring issues from last season ahead of a potential medical.

The Los Blancos winger missed eight league games last season, but managed to score six goals and provide as many assists.

Spurs may take a closer look at Rodrygo’s hamstring injury

Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Tottenham, but no offer has been made yet by the North London club.

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Discussing the state of play with Rodrygo exclusively with Tottenham News, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, shared his verdict.

“The club may take a closer look at his hamstring injuries from last season to see if there’s any recurring pattern or increased wear outside of acceptable risk,” he said.

“He did miss quite a few league games, so that’s not ideal.

“It may take some time for him to adapt to the Premier League as well, given the increased tempo and physicality.”

Tottenham should sign Rodrygo if presented the opportunity

Rodrygo’s potential signing would be a game-changer for Tottenham, injecting world-class quality into their attack.

The 24-year-old Real Madrid star offers versatility across the front line, thriving as a winger or central forward.

His pace, dribbling and clinical finishing, honed in high-stakes La Liga and Champions League matches, would add a different dynamic to their attack.

With Real Madrid open to a big-money move, Rodrygo’s youth and proven pedigree make him a transformative addition for the Lilywhites’ ambitions.

It remains to be seen if Daniel Levy and the owners will be willing to sanction the move and pay what Madrid want.