tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Daniel Levy has outdone himself after bringing a top striker from Leeds United to Tottenham.

Levy has had a difficult summer, particularly after the fiasco with Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, he has also done some shrewd business.

Tottenham and Leeds have done plenty of business in recent seasons, which includes Manor Solomon spending last season on loan at Elland Road, and have once again conducted a transfer between them.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Tottenham signs Oliver Boast from Leeds

Tottenham recently announced that Oliver Boast has joined the academy from Leeds.

MORE SPURS STORIES

And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has only good things to say about Boast.

“This is a massive signing,” Wenham said.

“Boast played against Tottenham at an Under-16 tournament last season called the Nationals.

“All the parents I spoke to on the back of that said to me that Leeds have got this striker called Boast who’s a really top player, like, really good. He’s got the right sort of arrogance about him as well, that he’s going to make it, and he’s pushing himself really hard.

“So, I think it’s massive for Tottenham to get the England youth international striker through the door.”

https://x.com/Lilywhite_Rose/status/1947675830794260488

Boast could climb the ranks quickly at Tottenham

There is no doubt that Boast has the talent to become a key player for the Lilywhites in the future.

At Leeds, he quickly climbed through the ranks to become a regular for their Under-18s last season despite still being a schoolboy. Impressively, he made his debut for the Whites’ Under-21s aged just 16.

Thomas Frank was always eager to integrate youngsters into the ranks while at Brentford. Thus, if Spurs’ last couple of pre-season games are anything to go by, Boast will be training with the first team in no time.

Tottenham are set to face Newcastle on Sunday as Thomas Frank’s impressive pre-season campaign continues.

The Dane stunned spectators with his team’s performance during their 1-0 win against Arsenal on Thursday (31 July). While a little touch and go toward the end, it was a solid defensive and praiseworthy attacking showing in Hong Kong.

But Frank is far from done and could shock once more when Tottenham take on Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday (3 August).

Fans will be expecting another spectacle from beginning to end, and with the players he has at his disposal, it is on the Spurs coach to deliver.

Team News

Barring a few surprises, the Dane should have more or less the same squad that defeated Arsenal at his disposal.

MORE SPURS STORIES

James Maddison returned to the pitch against the Gunners as a substitute during the closing minutes of the confrontation. As such, he can be expected to see more game time when Spurs take on the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke was sidelined against Arsenal due to a minor ankle injury, but could return in time for the match on Sunday.

Dejan Kulusevski is once again ruled out and should not return in time for the new season. While Manor Solomon, Kota Takai and Destiny Udogie have not travelled due to injury problems and Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett, and Mikey Moore are back at Hotspur Way exploring potential loan moves.

Predicted Tottenham lineup

The Dane is expected to start another strong lineup to ensure a Spurs victory against a difficult Newcastle side.

Guglielmo Vicario should retain his starting spot in goal with Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso as his centre-back duo, which gives Cristian Romero a little rest after a solid performance in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are set to form Tottenham’s fullback duo for the confrontation.

The midfield is arguably the most important aspect to get right, and Frank is set to amass a formidable unit.

Yves Bissouma should start after coming off the bench earlier this week, while Pape Matar Sarr could link up next to him following his absolute screamer from the halfway line against Arsenal. This leaves Lucas Bergvall to slot in after impressing the manager since returning from injury.

Mohammed Kudus is expected to keep his place on the right wing while Mathys Tel could act as his partner-in-crime on the left. Richarlison is set to complete the attack after a strong display against the Gunners.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle

After an incredible display against their North London rivals, there is every chance that Spurs will walk away with another win against Newcastle.

Despite having little time to implement his ideas, Frank is already getting his team to attack and defend as a unit. Kudus has been a stand-out in this regard, helping out massively going forward and tracking back at any given moment.

Tottenham are currently showcasing the perfect level of ball progression and attacking prowess, while are confident when defending set pieces and deterring intense attacks. Facing a Newcastle team who will be without their star man in Alexander Isak should help Spurs to snag a win on the day.

Therefore, Tottenham News are predicting a 2-1 victory for Spurs in a game which should see Frank celebrating another victory as manager.

Tottenham Hotspur have been edging towards completing the signing of Joao Palhinha over the last few days.

The former Fulham midfielder excelled in the Premier League during his previous two-year stint, but things haven’t worked out for him at Bayern Munich after his big-money move last summer.

Tottenham have been in talks with Bayern over a potential loan deal for Palhinha, as they look to offer him a way out of Vincent Kompany’s side.

Thomas Frank’s squad is already well-stocked for central midfielders, but with the likes of Yves Bissouma potentially on the way out of N17, the Portuguese could be the perfect replacement.

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

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham to announce Palhinha on Saturday as medical booked in

Tottenham have made great progress in their bid to sign Palhinha, and it now looks as though his return to the Premier League has become a formality.

The 30-year-old is set to undergo a medical in Germany on Friday (1 August), with Spurs having reached an agreement with the Bundesliga giants over an initial season-long loan deal, according to the Daily Mail (1 August).

The agreement also includes an option which allows them to buy the midfielder for a fee of around £26million, which could become a bargain if he performs well.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the transfer could be announced as early as Saturday (2 August), and also moots a potential falling out between Palhinha and Kompany.

“If he (Palhinha) passes his medical, then I’d imagine it will be announced tomorrow,” King said.

“He’s a good player, and maybe he’s fallen out with Kompany at Bayern, because it seems strange that they’d let a player of that calibre go.

“But, it’s obviously more than we know.

“Palhinha has got a lot of ability, and it can only be a positive for Spurs to sign a player of that level.”

Palhinha will provide valuable experience for Spurs

Palhinha’s arrival should definitely provide something a little bit different for Spurs.

The Lilywhites have made a habit of predominantly trying to target younger players over the last few windows, and while that makes sense from a business point of view, it has left them lacking experience and leadership at times.

Palhinha is a player who has been there and done it in the Premier League, and Frank could find it very helpful to have a player of his level of nous at the club.

The Portuguese should be able to lead by example for the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr within the midfield ranks.

It’s should be a very shrewd piece of business from Tottenham, and it would be no surprise to see them activate that option to buy at the end of his loan tenure.

Tottenham could look to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo to strengthen their squad this summer.

Daniel Levy will be looking to dig straight back into the window after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

With the return of the Premier League only a few weeks away, the Tottenham Chairman will want to give Thomas Frank the best possible chance of succeeding moving forward.

As a result, signing Kalimuendo could be the perfect opportunity to get the ball rolling once again.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham unlikely to land Kalimuendo this summer

Kalimuendo, who is under contract with Rennes until 2027, has been linked with Tottenham.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – doesn’t see this move materialising.

“I don’t think Tottenham are going to sign another striker during this window,” Wenham said.

“But I think if we do add someone, it’ll be someone with the ability to play off the wing as well as up front. With the permanent signings of Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel, Will Lankshear grabbing the first goal of the Thomas Frank era, and Jamie Donley’s involvement, I just don’t see the space for another striker at the moment.

“I think we’re quite well stocked in those positions, and I expect departures before any more players come in. Therefore, I’d ruled that one out. I presume this story has just been put out there to drive up interest in Kalimuendo.”

Richarlison could remain at Tottenham

With each passing hour, it becomes more difficult to imagine Richarlison leaving Hotspur Way this summer.

The Brazilian has travelled with the squad for the pre-season tour and could put up performances which convince Frank of his importance.

Now that it seems that Spurs will likely not be pursuing a move for a striker, Richarlison could have slithered out of a departure for now. While his recent injury record is a concern, his passion has redeemed him in the eyes of many Tottenham fans.

As a result, his continuation at the club could be welcomed by supporters in the coming days.

Yves Bissouma could be moved on from Tottenham in the coming weeks after three years in North London.

The midfielder has struggled to find consistency since his move from Brighton and has failed to live up to his expectations.

Bissouma, who only has a year remaining on his contract, having failed to impress Thomas Frank during the preseason, the Lilywhites could look to cash in on him.

The Mali international has attracted interest from Juventus this summer, and could see his Spurs exit sealed in the coming weeks after the latest developments.

Palhinha arrival could spark Bissouma exit amid Frank preference

Joao Palhinha’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now looks imminent.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Lilywhites are in need of a holding midfielder, with both Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur struggling to operate in that role.

The print edition of The Sun (page 52, 1 Aug) claims that Palhinha’s arrival could spell the end for Bissouma’s time in North London.

Frank prefers to play with two more deeper lying midfielders, and having preferred the combination of Lucas Bergvall and Bentancur against Arsenal, a new addition can only be bad for Bissouma’s Spurs future.

Palhinha is set to arrive on loan from Bayern Munich, and Tottenham are expected to cover his salary.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also revealed on X (31 July) that there is a £30million option to buy included in the deal.

The buy option will cast more doubt on Bissouma’s situation, and the Mali international should look elsewhere before facing the potential of being forced out of North London.

Palhinha is a much needed boost to Tottenham’s window

Spurs looked like they were on course to turn their approach to transfers around during a 24-hour period in which they signed Mohammed Kudus and triggered Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause.

However, legal issues with Gibbs-White’s deal meant it didn’t go through and the Lilywhites were back at square one again.

Frank is still short of a holding midfielder, which Palhinha would help solve, and the Portugal international will give Daniel Levy hope that he can kickstart Spurs’ transfer window again.

Thomas Frank might need to shed some extra weight now that Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with Tottenham.

Tottenham have a squad that is almost overflowing with talent in certain areas. This is a positive and a negative for Frank, who will need to make some big decisions in the coming weeks.

The past couple of preseason games have indicated the vision Frank has for the Lilywhites. One that attacks and defends as a unit, which was demonstrated during Spurs’ 1-0 victory against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday (31 July).

But with Kolo Muani now linked with Spurs, the important choices are far from over at Hotspur Way.

Mathys Tel to be axed for Kolo Muani

As reported by Santi Aouna via X (31 July), Tottenham want to sign Kolo Muani, with talks underway for the French international.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Negotiations between Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have stalled for now, which has given Spurs the perfect opportunity to enter through the back door. Thus, if the striker does land at Hotspur Way, one player will need to make way, and Mathys Tel seems to be the likeliest option.

Richarlison has one foot out of the door already, while Dominic Solanke and Kolo Muani can co-exist on the pitch together.

Meanwhile, Kolo Muani and Tel have similar profiles. Tel can play as a centre-forward and is comfortable on the flanks, while his fellow Frenchman has also had stints in both positions. This makes him more likely to be axed to make way for Kolo Muani either as a rotational option or in the starting lineup.

This would hardly be the desired outcome for the club, given that Tel was signed on a permanent contract from Bayern Munich earlier this summer. But as the more established player, Kolo Muani offers a market opportunity too good to pass up on.

https://x.com/Santi_J_FM/status/1950919674734276689

Tel could be loaned out

If Kolo Muani lands at Hotspur Way, it will become increasingly difficult for Tel to get minutes under Frank.

The potential departure of Son Heung-min on the surface seems to aid the issue, one less person that the young talent will need to compete against. However, as Wilson Odobert demonstrated against Arsenal, he is just as lethal on the left as he his on the right wing.

With Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus comfortable on the right, Odobert could even start for Spurs on the left wing. This leaves Tel in a tough situation, which could see him be loaned out midway through the season to continue his development.

Therefore, this will be one to watch as the forthcoming season progresses.

Tottenham are striving to spend substantial funds ahead of the new Premier League season.

While Daniel Levy has been criticised for his lack of investment, he has taken a different path this summer.

Spurs landed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55million, but are looking to add even more quality to Thomas Frank’s side.

Tottenham’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White did not bear fruit, but ambition was shown to trigger his £60million release clause.

Off the pitch, the North London club are also making ground after recent news involving Man United.

MORE SPURS STORIES

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

Tottenham to generate funds with Atlius8 agency

Levy has hired the Altius8 agency, which was founded by former Man United employees who left Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival.

Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has provided insight into the deal.

“There’s a fascinating subplot to this when you look at those two clubs and look at the season that they both had, and then that Europa League shootout final for the Champions League, with Spurs obviously winning that one,” he said.

“Clubs are always trying to take advantage of other clubs’ struggles, but I think that again, with Spurs and what happened with them last season.

“If you’re going to sign an agency to support with generating bigger commercial deals, there’s firmly a Champions League factor within that because that is absolutely where the money is at the highest level of European football, and that is the competition.

“So if you’re going to make a move to hire that sort of agency to support you with driving commercial deals, you’re looking at part of that subplot.

“Well, we’re in the biggest competition in Europe now, so we’ve got to leverage that. We’ve got to extract every little bit of value that you can out of it.

“That’d be what’s in the back of this in terms of the way it’s come about and where Spurs are going to be next season to drive some of that further.”

Levy still has deals to do for Spurs in transfer window

While the business so far has been encouraging, Tottenham will want more names in before the transfer deadline.

Although the North London club have time, the Premier League season is just a couple of weeks away.

If Spurs want to make progress on last season, then more deals are necessary for Levy to elevate his status.

Dominic Solanke has been absent from Tottenham’s preseason due to injury worries.

The striker has missed much of Thomas Frank’s first preseason in charge as a precaution due to a minor ankle injury.

Solanke’s first season in Tottenham colours didn’t go to plan for the former England international, with a lack of form and injuries holding him back.

Given Frank’s push to sign new attackers to bolster Spurs’ forward line, Solanke could find his playing time limited next campaign.

Randal Kolo Muani could take Solanke’s place

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Should the striker sign for Frank’s side, Solanke could find his gametime limited in the famous white shirt.

Spurs are looking to hijack the deal for Kolo Muani.

Both Juventus and the forward are keen for a reunion in Turin after his successful loan spell. However, negotiations have stalled between PSG and the Old Lady, and given Juventus’ uncertain financial situation, the Lilywhites are reportedly looking to hijack the deal, with talks now underway.

The move would give Frank a major decision to make up front, with Richarlison or Solanke surely bound to be moved on should they complete the signing.

Solanke and Kolo Muani could play up front together

Spurs are clearly keen to explore their attacking options this summer after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, there have been very few rumours linking Solanke with a move away. Therefore, Frank could choose to play the pair together.

Solanke’s physical dominance, as well as Kolo Muani’s red-hot pace, could be the perfect recipe for Frank to replicate what he managed to do at Brentford with Bryan Mbuemo and Ivan Toney.

‘I expect no issues with Zabaryni’s Tottenham medical’ if deal progresses – Doctor

Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi ahead of Ligue 1 side PSG.

The 22-year-old centre-back was ever-present for the Cherries last season, impressing under manager Andoni Iraola.

He missed only two league games for Bournemouth, which were due to a suspension and not injury issues.

This article includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist.

Zabarnyi lauded for perfect injury record ahead of potential transfer

The Ukraine international is not expected to face any issues clearing his medical this summer, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham want to sign Zabarnyi ahead of Champions League winners PSG and are willing to pay the £60million the Cherries are demanding. (RMC Sport, 30 July)

Dr Brar told Tottenham News: “He missed just two games last season and that was due to a suspension, so he had a perfect injury record.

“That’s a good look for any club looking to sign him.

“He’s also got adequate Premier League experience under his belt and at 22, will only get better.

“I expect no issues with his medical.”

Tottenham may only sign Zabarnyi if Cristian Romero leaves

Zabarnyi is a strong long-term replacement for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero due to his Premier League-proven attributes.

His physicality, aerial dominance and ball-playing skills align with Thomas Frank’s demands, making him a seamless fit for Spurs’ aggressive defensive style.

Zabarnyi’s near-perfect attendance in Bournemouth’s ninth-place 2024/25 campaign and his partnership with Dean Huijsen highlight his reliability and potential to develop into a top-class defender.

However, with Romero’s future now stabilised after Atletico Madrid’s interest cooled, Spurs are unlikely to pay Bournemouth’s £60million valuation for a backup.

Spurs already have Micky van de Ven being a regular starter and the Cherries defender is unlikely to be fine with playing second fiddle.

Spending such a sum on a reserve defender doesn’t align with Daniel Levy’s prudent transfer strategy, especially with Zabarnyi reportedly favouring a move to PSG.

How much Palhinha deal could cost as Tottenham in talks with Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich star Joao Palhinha has been linked with a move to Tottenham this summer.

With news of Morgan Gibbs-White signing a new deal at Nottingham Forest, Tottenham can now turn their attention to other targets.

Spurs had been linked with a move for Palhinha earlier in the summer, though the noise quietened down.

However, Thomas Frank’s side now look to be returning to Bayern Munich with a potential loan move pending for the Portuguese international.

Tottenham will potentially pay all of Palhinha’s weekly wage

There is still expected to be some outgoings at Tottenham this summer, with Juventus showing an interest in signing Yves Bissouma. This could open the door for Palhinha to sign for Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The midfielder has shown that he can perform in England after his time with Fulham; however, his move to Munich hasn’t worked out.

With Palhinha now unwanted in Bavaria, Spurs are in talks over a potential loan deal [The Athletic].

According to Capology, Palhinha earns £8.65million a year at Bayern Munich.

Should Tottenham sign the 30-year-old on loan, the Lilywhites would likely have to cover all of his base salary, which means any deal would cost at least £8.65m, plus a potential loan fee.

Munich had been looking for a transfer fee of £21m for Palhinha, but with a lack of suitors, it is looking more likely that the midfielder will head out on loan.

The German giants paid over double the £21m asking price for the Portuguese star to bring him in last summer, but are clearly willing to take a loss on Palhinha in a bid to get him off their books.

Palhinha to disrupt Tottenham’s midfield

Last season, the Spurs midfield grew too comfortable.

The North London outfit struggled in the Premier League due to several fitness issues and should go into the 2025/26 campaign with better squad depth.

Their lack of competition last season led the likes of Bissouma to take his place in midfield for granted, and whether he leaves or not in the coming weeks, he must improve.

Bissouma has failed to live up to expectations and perform consistently in N17, and replacing him with Palhinha seems like a no-brainer.