tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Yves Bissouma has epitomised Tottenham’s inconsistency during his time in North London.

Bissouma’s arrival from Brighton in 2022 was considered a huge coup for Spurs following the 28-year-old’s exceptional four-year spell with the Seagulls, where he became one of the most dominant central midfielders in the Premier League.

However, things did not go according to plan as Antonio Conte never fully showed faith in the Mali international before he suffered from a serious ankle injury.

A brief resurgence during Ange Postecoglou’s early reign at Spurs offered the Lilywhites some hope, but the following 18 months were marred by numerous indifferent performances and ill-discipline.

With one year left on his contract, Bissouma has been mooted to leave Spurs, but recent developments could incentivise Thomas Frank to take a closer look at the 28-year-old.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Bissouma named Mali’s Player of the Year

While Bissouma has frustrated the Spurs faithful for rarely living up to his talent in N17, he will go down in folklore for his displays in the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League after being brought back from the cold.

Bissouma performed admirably in a double-pivot alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and was a huge part of Spurs’ success in keeping a clean sheet in the final.

He also captained his nation to some important victories over the last year, and as a result, was named Mali’s Player of the Year at his country’s football awards ceremony (21 June).

It was a fairytale end to a difficult year for the defensive midfielder, who only made 16 starts in the Premier League last season.

This late turnaround will give Frank, who is thought to prefer Archie Gray, plenty to think about, and could see the Dane give Bissouma yet another chance to prove himself at Tottenham.

Bissouma could flourish under Frank

For most of Bissouma’s career with the Lilywhites, he was deployed as the sole pivot in midfield and tasked with single-handedly shielding the defence.

He often looked lost and cut an isolated figure, but Frank’s disposition is to play two players close together in the middle of the park.

This could help the Mali captain in numerous ways, as it would give him license to revert to what he is best at and carry the ball through midfield while offering him a helping hand with defensive responsibilities.

As shown in the Europa League final, he is very effective in operating in a more rigid formation, and should he be paired with someone more adept at receiving and passing the ball, he could well rebuild his Spurs career as a vital cog in midfield under the Dane’s tutelage.

Tottenham are weighing up a move to sign West Ham star Mohammed Kudus this summer.

Daniel Levy recently revealed his ambitions for Tottenham to win the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

The appointment of Thomas Frank was the first step in making the 63-year-old’s dream a reality, and the next is adding several additions to the squad in North London.

Tottenham have been linked with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Jarrad Branthwaite, while Kudus has also emerged as a potential option for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham to make lowball offer to West Ham for Kudus

As reported by The Guardian (18 June), Kudus has an £85million release clause in his contract, but Tottenham are thought to be preparing a £50m lowball offer to test the waters.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Transfers between West Ham and Tottenham are not a frequent occurrence due to the rivalry between the two London-based clubs.

Therefore, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – does not expect Tottenham to sign Kudus this summer.

“There is no chance of that deal happening,” Wenham said.

“If West Ham are going to sell Kudus, it isn’t going to be to Tottenham. No player has moved between the two clubs since 2011, and that isn’t going to change now.

“It was a similar thing when we were linked with Conor Gallagher at Chelsea. I just don’t see Tottenham agreeing a deal with West Ham for Kudus. Also, he would potentially be away for AFCON, during which time Tottenham will have a lot of games to play.”

Kudus’ signing could be bad news for Brennan Johnson

If Tottenham and West Ham are somehow able to put their differences aside and agree on a deal for Kudus, that could force Brennan Johnson to consider a future away from Hotspur Way.

The Welshman was Spurs’ top scorer last season and netted the winner in the UEFA Europa League final. As a result, he may feel disheartened by the attempts to bring in reinforcements for the right flank.

Therefore, Johnson will be one to watch as the summer gradually reaches its peak.

Tottenham and Manchester United have been linked with a move for AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka this summer.

Dr Rajpal Brar, an injury expert, has examined his fitness record in recent seasons as he will need to undergo his medical before sealing a transfer anywhere.

Thomas Frank wants Spurs to sign a new defender this summer as he aims to bolster the backline.

Ndicka expected to clear his pre-transfer medical

Dr Brar claims that the Roma centre-back played all league games last season and, with no notable injuries recently, he’s expected to clear his medical.

Tottenham have made an enquiry about Ndicka and Premier League rivals Manchester United have also done the same.

MORE SPURS STORIES

L’Equipe reported on 8 June that it will cost £34million to secure the Ivory Coast international’s services this summer.

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

“He played every league game last season and even otherwise, his injury record is perfect,” he said.

“While adapting to a new league would take some time, he’s expected to clear his medical without any issues.

“A good pre-season will be key for him to be ready to play full matches from the start of the new season.“

Tottenham would strengthen their side by signing Ndicka

Ndicka would be an excellent signing for Tottenham, strengthening their backline with his versatility and experience.

His 183 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and 85 for AS Roma showcase his reliability, while his ball-playing ability and aerial dominance suit Frank’s system.

His pace and physicality address Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities, exposed in the 2024/25 season.

With a £34million price tag, his goals and assists from defence add an attacking dimension, making him a smart addition to bolster Spurs’ top-four ambitions.

Johan Lange survived the sweeping changes made to Tottenham’s hierarchy by Daniel Levy.

Levy confirmed Vinai Venkatesham’s appointment as Tottenham Chief Executive Officer before the end of the season, while Donna Maria-Cullen stepped down, and Scott Munn was reportedly sacked.

Lange’s position as technical director at Spurs looked increasingly precarious, but compatriot Thomas Frank’s arrival alleviated some of the questions looming over the 45-year-old.

Fabio Paratici’s mooted return still threatens to undermine the Dane. Therefore, Lange will certainly welcome the latest news regarding the former Juventus chief.

Spurs maintain contract with Paratici beyond his ban expiring

Levy has made no secret of his admiration for Paratici, and was likely devastated when the 52-year-old was forced to leave his post at Tottenham in April 2023 to serve out a 30-month ban.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Italian football operator has maintained close ties with the North London club and has often been seen at Spurs matches over the last two years.

His ban is due to expire on 20 July, but as revealed by The Telegraph (23 June), Spurs maintain a consultancy contract with Paratici until the end of August.

This means Levy is in no rush to rehire his ally permanently, which will allow Lange to breathe a sigh of relief.

While it is expected that Paratici will continue to aid Tottenham in the transfer window this summer, it gives the former Aston Villa sporting director time to prove his worth over the coming months.

Tottenham summer requires refinement, not reform

Tottenham fans will feel exasperated at the prospect of another rebuild, but wholesale changes might not be needed this summer for it to be a success.

The foundations laid by Ange Postecoglou in rejuvenating the squad mean that Frank has a lot of talent at his disposal and only needs to add a handful of specific profiles rather than conduct an overhaul.

Potential outgoings to key figures like Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min will have a telling impact, but the hierarchy seem to have a clear plan.

Tottenham have targeted a right-sided forward and will need to bring in at least one central midfielder to complement the talents of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, who Frank is keen to work with.

Should Spurs get a couple of marquee signings like Mohammed Kudus over the line, and adequately fill in the potential outgoings, they will be in good stead to tackle the 2025/26 campaign.

Tottenham are dealing with a lot of moving parts as Daniel Levy looks to support Thomas Frank.

Frank will be hoping for significant backing this summer, but Tottenham have been slow out of the blocks.

Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, who impressed for France’s Under-21s, have made last season’s loan deals permanent, but Frank will expect much more work to be done.

As such, potential deals need to be finalised, with Tottenham News rounding up the latest developments in North London.

Fabio Paratici’s consultancy role is ending in August

Fabio Paratici was forced to resign from his position as Tottenham Managing Director in April 2023 following a 30-month worldwide ban being imposed by FIFA, but he maintained close relations with Levy.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Italian had been mooted for a return to a full-time role in N17 following the expiry of his ban (20 July).

However, The Telegraph reported on Monday (23 June) that Spurs are locked into a consultancy contract with the Italian that ends at the end of August.

This development could impact a multitude of things in North London, including Johan Lange’s future as the technical director of Spurs and the futures of players like Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur, both of whom were brought in by the former Juventus man and have been linked with an exit.

Tottenham announce new deal for Molly Bartrip

Tottenham Women are going through an upheaval as Robert Vilahamn was sacked earlier this month following an 11th-place finish in the Barclays Women’s Super League last season.

However, the Lilywhites have officially announced (23 June) that 29-year-old defender Molly Bartrip has signed a new contract until 2028.

It will give the North London club a welcome boost as the centre-back has played every minute of Tottenham’s previous two WSL campaigns.

Richarlison is keen on a move to Galatasaray

Richarlison looks certain to be replaced at Tottenham this summer following recurring injury issues that limited the Brazil international to just 11 starts in all competitions last season.

Frank spoke of his admiration for his fellow strike partner Dominic Solanke during his first interview at Tottenham last week, but omitted any mention of the former Everton attacker.

As reported by Posta (22 June), Richarlison has identified Galatasaray as one of his preferred destinations and is keen to join former Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez in Turkey.

Tottenham are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old, and Levy will want to recoup £20million from the transfer, only one-third of what he invested in the striker just three years ago.

Ellis Lehane will be looking toward the future after signing a new contract with Tottenham.

Tottenham announced on Thursday (19 June) that Ellis Lehane has signed his first professional contract in North London.

This marks the continuation of the Lilywhites’ strategy to invest in young talent following the success of Mikey Moore with the first team last season.

And Lehane will be hoping to follow in Moore’s footsteps as space opens up for him after a confirmed exit.

Jaden Williams to leave Tottenham after 14 years

Jaden Williams has joined Colchester United after his 14-year spell with Tottenham came to an end.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Williams joined Spurs when he was 6 years old and signed his first professional deal in 2023. The forward featured regularly for the Under-21s last season, and will need replacing at that level.

As a result, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Lehane could become a key part of the Under-21s next season.

“There was a lot of reported interest in Lehane,” Wenham said.

“There was interest from the likes of Aston Villa and a few other clubs. Lehane is a good player, a powerful striker who will look to feature regularly for the Under-21s next season, especially after Williams’ departure.

“Hopefully, he’ll continue to impress. He’s big, powerful, and scored 15 goals last season.”

Tottenham could call Lehane to the first team

It has been reported that Tottenham are on the hunt for a centre-forward this summer and could settle for Lehane.

The young striker could become a replacement for Spurs’ Richarlison, who has struggled to find his best form since transferring from Everton.

Indeed, the young star is clinical and can score from almost anywhere in the final third. Meanwhile, Richarlison netted just five times in 20 appearances for the North London club last season.

Furthermore, Thomas Frank had a reputation for developing young players while at Brentford and could look to continue this approach at Tottenham. Therefore, Lehane’s situation will be one to watch once the new season begins.

Brentford are not prepared to let Tottenham target Bryan Mbeumo go without a fight.

Tottenham appear set on milking Brentford dry this summer after snatching Thomas Frank from the Bees.

Since the Dane’s move to North London, several Brentford stars have been linked to Tottenham, none more so than Mbeumo. However, with Manchester United also vying for the forward’s signature, a potential transfer could prove costly.

Brentford want the majority of Mbeumo’s transfer fee up front

Mbeumo is widely reported to prefer a move to Manchester United, but Tottenham remain in the race.

United submitted an offer worth over £50million for the winger at the start of June. However, their advances were shot down by the Bees, who are hoping to recoup a larger sum.

MORE SPURS STORIES

United are reportedly preparing a second bid for the Cameroonian, but are set to face competition from Tottenham now that Frank has joined the Lilywhites.

As reported by The Standard on Monday (23 June), Brentford will be happy to entertain a bidding war between Spurs and United. The Bees are in a strong bargaining position given they hold the option to extend Mbeumo’s contract, which expires in June 2026, by another year.

The report stated that Brentford want to hold out for a fee close to the £62.5m United paid for Matheus Cunha earlier in the summer. The London side also want strong payment terms, which would entail maximising payments up front.

This could be a problem for United, and could explain the delay concerning a second bid. As a result, this hold-up could allow Spurs to swoop in and reach an agreement with Brentford for Mbeumo.

Tottenham will need to act quickly to secure Mbeumo

It is only a matter of time before United agree on personal terms with Mbeumo and strike an agreement with Brentford.

As such, the Lilywhites will need to snap into action. Fulfilling Brentford’s demands does not seem like much of an issue for Spurs, so Levy should begin to work on Mbeumo.

Even if the club comes to an agreement with the Bees, the transfer will fall apart if the winger is not keen on the move. Therefore, Tottenham should begin ramping up their efforts to sign Mbeumo to avoid missing out this summer.

Eberechi Eze could be tempted to snub a move to Tottenham after a recent Crystal Palace development.

Tottenham have long been linked with a move for Eze, who could help Thomas Frank make an instant impact in North London.

The Crystal Palace playmaker’s stock has never been higher after he netted the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City last season.

As a result, his future at Selhurst Park looks uncertain, although the 26-year-old might be more tempted to remain in South London after recent developments.

Crystal Palace could now play in the UEFA Europa League

Tottenham are favourites to sign Eze if the midfielder decides to leave Palace this summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Eze’s goal against City at Wembley not only secured Crystal Palace their first major honour but also helped the Eagles qualify for next season’s UEFA Europa League.

However, UEFA rules prevent individuals from having a decisive influence on more than one club in the same European competition.

Therefore, as John Textor has shares in both Palace and Lyon, the Premier League side are at risk of being excluded from next season’s Europa League.

However, as reported by The Guardian on Monday (23 June), Woody Johnson has agreed a deal to buy Textor’s Palace shares, and a sale to the New York Jets owner is likely to be approved by the Premier League within four weeks.

A decision on Palace’s participation in the Europa League is expected this week, and it is now believed that the latest development will be favourably received by UEFA.

A positive verdict for Palace could come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s transfer plans, as Eze could now be tempted to compete with the Eagles in the Europa League.

There is every chance that the midfielder could still be seduced by a move to Tottenham, where he would be playing in the UEFA Champions League. However, Palace’s involvement in Europe does leave the England international with a decision to make.

Tottenham should push for Eze

Eze is a versatile player who will improve Spurs’ chances in Europe massively next season.

While the Englishman is most comfortable in the midfield, he can also play on the left flank, which would grant Frank several options.

It would be in Tottenham’s best interests to begin negotiations with Palace before the final verdict to ensure that Eze is a Spurs player next season.

Tottenham fans will undoubtedly be delighted if Cristian Romero stays in North London this summer transfer window.

Atletico Madrid have shown interest in the Spurs centre-back, but it remains to be seen whether an agreement can be struck in the coming weeks.

Romero took aim at Daniel Levy after Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Argentine World Cup winner leave soon, but an exit may be blocked until January.

Tottenham to block Romero transfer as Fabio Paratici consulting until end of August

Fabio Paratici is working as a consultant for Tottenham until the end of August, according to The Telegraph.

The news outlet reports (23 June) that the Italian chief will continue to play an active role at the North London outfit under his current agreement, following his resignation as Spurs’ managing director in April 2023 due to allegations of false accounting at Juventus.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It’s been claimed that Paratici could possibly return in a full-time role after his worldwide football ban expires on 20 July, but it remains to be seen whether he will stay with the Lilywhites.

Tottenham signed Romero from Atalanta under the leadership of the Italian chief, and the centre-back’s move to North London has largely been a success, as he played a significant role in winning the Europa League title.

While the 27-year-old has been injury-prone and does lose his temper on occasions, the Argentina international is arguably the best defender in Spurs’ squad.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Paratici block the defender’s exit from the Lilywhites, at least in the ongoing transfer window.

Paratici should insist Levy to keep Romero at Tottenham

Romero’s current contract at Tottenham expires in 2027, and they should look to keep him for another season.

If the centre-back doesn’t extend his stay in North London, then it would make sense to sell him next summer.

Paratici showed faith in the Argentine national when he signed the defender for Spurs, and the Italian chief should push Levy to keep him.

If Tottenham’s former managing director leaves at the end of August, there may be no one to stop the Spurs chairman from selling Romero in January.

Fans in N17 arguably won’t want to see the centre-back leave, but only time will tell where his future lies.

Tottenham Women supporters have received a positive update after a very disappointing season.

Tottenham announced earlier this month that Robert Vilahamn had been sacked after the Lilywhites finished 11th in the Barclays Women’s Super League last season.

As a result, Spurs need to appoint a new manager and will also be looking to bring in fresh faces to the squad. However, it is also important for Tottenham to keep hold of some of their more important players, too, a task which they appear to be making progress with.

Tottenham announce new deal for Molly Bartrip

Tottenham announced on Monday (23 June) that Bartrip has signed a new three-year contract in North London.

The defender has been singled out for her consistency since rejoining Spurs from Reading in 2021.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Bartrip reached a century of games for Tottenham last March and has made 106 appearances in total for the North London club in all competitions.

The 29-year-old is one of four players in the current squad to have surpassed this total.

Tottenham will need to rely on Bartrip next season

Bartrip has played every single minute for Tottenham in the WSL across the last two seasons.

There is nothing more important in football than consistency. While supporters are drawn to players who can perform masterful tricks with the ball, consistent players are the backbone of any team.

Bartrip has not only demonstrated that she can perform at the highest level each week, but is someone the manager can depend on. This will be important to any new manager who arrives at Tottenham.

Furthermore, the Lilywhites will not be planning a repeat of last season.

Bartrip will undoubtedly play a huge role in the team’s collective improvement next season. Not only from the back ordering her defensive line, but also as a leader for the rest of the group.

Therefore, there is little doubt that Bartrip will continue to be an important player for Spurs over the next three years, and agreeing a new contract was an important decision.