tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Luca Williams-Barnett among duo set for Tottenham contract after ‘outstanding’ academy developments

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Luca Williams-Barnett among duo set for Tottenham contract after 'outstanding' academy developments - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Luca Williams-Barnett is one of the most promising talents to emerge at Tottenham in recent years.

Williams-Barnett made his Tottenham debut in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster in September, in a three-minute cameo and regularly stars for the youth team.

He is definitely on the radar of Thomas Frank, and even made the first-team bench for the senior Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.

Now, his progress looks set to be rewarded, with Spurs keen to keep him around at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham set to tie down two youth gems after Slavia Prague scenes

John Wenham, who is an expert when it comes to the youth teams in N17 has shared an update on professional contracts for Williams-Barnett and Tynan Thompson after the UEFA Youth League win over Slavia Prague.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The duo were both among the goals as Tottenham’s youth brushed the Czech side aside with a 9-1 victory on 9 December.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “We had a fantastic win on Tuesday in the UEFA Youth League, beating Slavia Prague’s Under-19s 9-1.

“What was notable about that was Slavia Prague, at the academy level, are no mugs, they have beaten Arsenal and scored five goals against them this season.

“They have also had some other impressive results, and they are a decent side, but when I saw Tottenham’s team on the day, I mentioned it as soon as the team news came out, it looked incredibly stacked, in terms of five or six England youth internationals in the team.

“You have got Luca Williams-Barnett, Luca scored five goals on the day, he is not a striker, which sort of tells you the level he is playing at right now.

“He is playing at a level similar to Mikey Moore, who is on loan at Rangers now, where he is completely dominant in youth football.

“Tynan Thompson grabbed a hat-trick, another player that Thomas Frank has already looked at in pre-season, Jun’ai Byfield was back after his broken hand, he was rewarded with a professional contract for the first time.

“They have qualified for the knockout stages, they finished ninth in the 36-team table, some big teams have not qualified, the likes of Bayern Munich, Napoli, Juventus, Newcastle and Arsenal are out of the competition.

“Tottenham will fancy themselves, for me, they are probably a striker and a centre-midfielder short at that level, for me to confidently sit here and say I think we will win that competition, but I think they will go far, purely based on they have got some outstanding talents.

“Really promising from Tottenham at the moment, and the fact that Byfield signed a new contract, I believe professional contracts are in the offing for Williams-Barnett pretty imminently and Thompson as well.”

Tottenham need to give Williams-Barnett an opportunity

The likes of Williams-Barnett and Thompson need to know that there is a route to first-team football in North London.

They are clearly far too good to be playing youth football long-term, and Frank needs to hand them more chances in the near future.

The fact that they seem willing to sign new deals to remain in N17, suggests that they have been assured that there will be opportunities to progress.

‘It’s over for Brennan Johnson’ as Tottenham advanced talks update emerges for January

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
‘It’s over for Brennan Johnson’ as Tottenham advanced talks update emerges for January - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Brennan Johnson’s time at Tottenham looks to be in its final throes as the curtains start to come down on 2025.

Johnson, 24, has struggled to maintain a spot in Thomas Frank‘s starting line-up this season, despite being the match-winner who won Spurs the Europa League title back in May.

The Wales forward has started just six times in the Premier League, averaging only 44 minutes per game across his 13 total appearances.

As a result, it’s starting to look as though Johnson could be leaving Tottenham, especially with the North London club putting irons in the fire to add to Frank’s attack in the upcoming January transfer window.

Tottenham line up Yan Diomande as Brennan Johnson replacement

In the summer, Ademola Lookman was one of many targets that Tottenham looked at to bolster Frank’s firepower.

MORE SPURS STORIES

And with the winter transfer window now less than three weeks away from opening, Spurs have started to take an interest in RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

It was reported earlier this month that Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Diomande, who has scored seven goals and supplied four assists in 15 appearances for Leipzig this term.

However, Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg claimed on Friday that while Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the clubs keen on signing the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international, “there are no concrete or advanced talks” at this stage.

Plettenberg adds that due to Diomande having four-and-a-half years left on his contract and that there’s no release clause in his deal with Leipzig, the Bundesliga club will want at least £87.7million for the ex-Leganes attacker next month.

How Diomande outclasses Johnson in just about every area

He’s 19 and he’s only played 25 times in senior club football, but it’s clear that Diomande is a huge talent that Spurs have to be getting on board.

Although Johnson will go down in Tottenham’s history as the player to end their 17-year streak without any silverware, it’s been clear for a while that the ex-Nottingham Forest man isn’t the kind of player that they should be relying on if they want to bring the glory days back to North London.

Let’s face it, not long ago, Spurs fans were heralding Gareth Bale and even Son Heung-min for starring on their wings. Johnson won’t ever be on the same level as them, unfortunately.

But Diomande does have the potential to.

Both players can play in the same positions: either wing or up front.

Diomande has largely played down the right-hand side for Leipzig this season, with him scoring a hat-trick in his last appearance on the German club’s right wing when they beat Frankfurt 6-0 at the weekend.

In that 87-minute loan appearance, the Ivorian has outscored Johnson for the whole season, with the Welshman not netting since he scored in Tottenham’s win over Manchester City back in August.

It’ll no doubt be a big outlay for Spurs to sign Diomande, with Leipzig wanting what they reportedly do for the teenager and also the interest in him potentially sparking a bidding war.

Selling Johnson to offset the cost of buying him could be an option at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as there’ll no doubt be takers for Johnson in the Premier League.

£10m-a-year deal ‘incomparable’ for Tottenham as ‘strange’ new behind-the-scenes arrival emerges

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
£10m-a-year deal 'incomparable' for Tottenham as 'strange' new behind-the-scenes arrival emerges - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham look to be taking a step forward in their attempts to secure a naming rights deal for their stadium.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been open since 2019, but the North London club are yet to secure a lucrative windfall for the state-of-the-art arena.

Tottenham are set to hire Alex Scotcher, who secured a £10million deal for Everton for their Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to Matt Law.

However, John Wenham has hit out over that appointment, labelling the appointment as a “strange” development.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham deal is not comparable to Everton’s

Tottenham have already been blasted for hiring Todd Kline, who failed to put a naming rights deal in place, despite that being his main job.

However, Wenham was also baffled by the report that Spurs are set to hire Scotcher, claiming that the situations of Spurs and Everton are not comparable in the slightest.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “There was a story last week by Matt Law, saying that Tottenham have brought in the chap that did Everton’s deal, I mean Everton’s deal was quite unique, that is a really localised law firm that have obviously got some partners who support the club.

“They are probably paying £10m a year, Tottenham aren’t going to accept a figure that low, it is incomparable to compare a localised Everton-supporting law firm basically, with what Tottenham can attract.

“Tottenham Stadium that hosts huge boxing fights, Beyonce, NFL, the two clubs are not comparable, I know Everton fans won’t like me saying that, but that is the reality, we rocked up to the Hill Dickinson this year and pummelled them 3-0.

“I found that story a bit strange, he might have some expertise, but Tottenham’s deal won’t be anything like Everton’s, as a minimum, Tottenham are probably looking for double that, and over a much longer period than what Everton have secured.”

How much would Tottenham want for naming rights deal

It is understood that Tottenham want between £20-25m for a company to have their brand emblazoned on the stadium.

That is perfectly reasonable, given the fact that the Toffees are getting £10m, and the Lilywhites are the bigger club, in a better position at the moment.

The N17 outfit are in the Champions League, the biggest and most lucrative competition in club football, and average attendances of over 60,000.

The fact that they also host prestigious events, such as other sports and concerts, only serves to justify that figure even more.

Whether they can achieve it, that is another matter entirely.

Tottenham tipped to accept ‘crazy’ Cristian Romero exit deal after big-money contract agreed

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham tipped to accept 'crazy' Cristian Romero exit deal after big-money contract agreed - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Cristian Romero could soon be on his way out of Tottenham.

Romero has struggled with injury at Tottenham this season, but has continued to play a key role under Thomas Frank in recent weeks.

The Argentina international showed his best as Romero scored two against Newcastle United to seal a draw away at St James’ Park.

Romero still has a red card streak at Tottenham and can represent a risk when he’s on one at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

There are still more positives than negatives about Romero, but that could result in a big-money exit in the near future.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Cristian Romero could still leave Tottenham after new contract

Julian Alvarez wants Romero at Atletico Madrid in a move that seems like a match made in heaven under Diego Simeone.

The 27-year-old is undoubtedly the sort of player who thrives under the Argentine head coach in the Spanish capital.

Spurs fans may have fears over losing the defender to the LaLiga giants due to those country links and the comments from Alvarez.

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has suggested that supporters need not worry, as Romero would only leave if a massive offer came in.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “He’s only just signed a new contract, Romero.

“He signed an improved deal in the summer, and it’s made a big difference to his wage packet.

“He’s one of the highest-paid players at Tottenham, so it won’t be cheap to get him out. If Atletico think he’s going to walk out, they’ll have to think again.

“He’d cost £60million-70m.

“The fact that he’s Argentinian and Diego Simeone’s Argentinian will have nothing to do with it. If Spurs don’t want to sell, then he won’t go unless a crazy offer comes in, that is what it will take.“

Tottenham can’t afford to lose Romero for any fee

The Lilywhites have struggled this campaign, even with Romero in the side, so losing him would be a sizable blow for Frank and Co.

The Argentine is the captain and raises the level of everyone around him, and is undoubtedly worth the £70m that Spurs could demand.

Tottenham would be struggling if he were to leave, but could face trouble should Atleti come knocking and attempt to turn Romero’s head.

It will be interesting to see what happens, but there is no doubt that the North London club have the defender’s future in their hands.

Tottenham prepare for Antoine Semenyo transfer with player exit already lined up

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham prepare for Antoine Semenyo transfer with player exit already lined up - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Thomas Frank could potentially revolutionise the Tottenham attack by signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

The North London outfit spent a significant sum signing the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons in the summer, and ENIC are expected to go again in January.

Frank expects Spurs to be active in the winter transfer window, and it will be interesting to see who they will end up signing.

It would be surprising to see some exits in the coming weeks, with the likes of Yves Bissouma linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but one departure may open the doors for Semenyo.

Brennan Johnson linked with Tottenham January transfer

Crystal Palace have identified Brennan Johnson as a target ahead of the winter transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The news outlet reports on 12 December that the Eagles are considering a move for the Wales international from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It’s been claimed that the 24-year-old right-winger is among the several options the South London outfit are keeping tabs on to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad.

While there’s no mention of the type of deal Palace would look to pursue, the North London outfit should demand a fee up front to let the £47.5million signing leave.

Spurs are one of the teams that have Semenyo on their radar, and room may soon open up in the squad and wage books to sanction the Ghana international’s arrival.

Thomas Frank will love fantastic player at Spurs

Tottenham can show their belief in Frank by signing Semenyo, and they may be willing to trigger his £65m release clause as soon as January.

Frank has already lauded the 25-year-old, and last season, the former Brentford boss said, “Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play. He’s a fantastic player. I think he’s been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season.”

It’s clear the Danish manager holds the Ghanaian forward in high regard, and he could potentially even play as a number nine for Spurs as they struggle for a consistent centre-forward.

With Ghana not going to AFCON, a deal for Semenyo surely won’t be complicated by national team commitments, and his situation will be one to keep an eye on.

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham in Premier League predicted by supercomputer

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Supercomputer predicts outcome of Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham in Premier League - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Supercomputer predicts outcome of Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham in Premier League

Tottenham are looking for three wins in a row under Thomas Frank when they travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Slavia Prague has given Frank some optimism ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

Frank had been under pressure after a dismal run of form in the Premier League, with losses suffered to Chelsea and Fulham significantly dampening the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Lilywhites are currently 11th in the Premier League, and Sunday’s meeting may represent their best chance of securing three points for the rest of 2025, with Liverpool and high-flying Crystal Palace still to come before the turn of the year.

Tottenham predicted as slight favourites to beat Nottingham Forest

Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Brentford last time out means they are looking to win consecutive league games for the first time since August.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, despite losing six consecutive Premier League games against Spurs between 1998 and 2024, Forest did the league double against them last season.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Tottenham are predicted to edge past Sunday’s opponents.

Only bottom side Wolves (nine) have failed to score in more different Premier League games than Nottingham Forest this season (eight).

With Tottenham turning a corner in the last week, they have the perfect opportunity to close the four-point gap on the top four with a win at the City Ground.

Although Tottenham haven’t won any of their five Premier League away games when conceding against Nottingham Forest, they have a striker in Richarlison who is bang in form.

Richarlison undoubtedly set to play huge role in Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest

Richarlison has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other Tottenham player this season (eight – six goals, two assists).

The Brazilian has had a hand in 18 goals (17 goals, one assist) in his last 24 league starts for Spurs.

Richarlison has come under fire for his work rate off the ball at times, although his goals against Man United and Man City have proved to be crucial.

Despite being linked with a move away from N17, the forward can prove his worth once more with a performance in a match that could prove to be a huge turning point in Spurs’ season.

Joao Palhinha axed as starlet handed start – Tottenham predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Joao Palhinha axed as starlet handed start – Tottenham predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham are preparing for a trip to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

Forest will play host to Spurs, with the home side hoping to get back to winning ways domestically after defeat to Everton last time around.

Both sides secured mid-week wins in Europe, with Tottenham securing a 3-0 win against Slavia Prague, while the Reds won away to Utrecht.

Mohammed Kudus was on target against Prague and will be keen to add to his Lilywhites tally in a return to league action at the City Ground.

Thomas Frank has a selection dilemma on his hands, but could be set to leave Joao Palhinha out of his side in the East Midlands.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Joao Palhinha could be dropped vs Nottingham Forest

Palhinha put in a positive shift against Slavia Prague, but against a more defensively minded side, he could face the axe away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Portugal international may drop to the bench, while the backline could remain intact against Forest after Champions League victory.

Guglielmo Vicario made five saves last time out and could be set to start with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero ahead of him.

Djed Spence could be in line for another start after his three chances created and six defensive actions last time around, with Pedro Porro potentially set for a spot on the right.

Lucas Bergvall could be the man named to potentially replace Palhinha, with the Portuguese midfielder’s 27 per cent walking time likely to cause problems against an industrious Forest side.

The Sweden international is a true starlet for Spurs and needs to be afforded more regular minutes, especially against sides that require breaking down.

Randal Kolo Muani could start for Tottenham

If Bergvall is to come in, it makes total sense for him to feature alongside his partner in crime, Archie Gray.

The Englishman started last time out and could link up with Xavi Simons in midfield again, after the Dutchman’s stellar display against Slavia Prague.

The attacking midfielder covered the most ground on the pitch with 11.0 km, while also being the most fouled player on the pitch.

Simons will be aiming to score again and also create chances with Wilson Odobert and Kudus, potentially set to feature once again from the start.

Richarlison could drop to the bench to accommodate the return of Randal Kolo Muani, who created one chance in just 22 minutes in North London.

Tottenham coach on verge of quitting for manager’s job elsewhere

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham coach on verge of quitting for manager’s job elsewhere - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham assistant Matt Wells is set to be named the manager of MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Wells has been the assistant manager at Spurs since 2023, when he was promoted to the role by Ange Postecoglou.

Yet, despite Postecoglou being sacked by Tottenham, Thomas Frank decided to keep the 37-year-old in the role.

Now, according to The Athletic on 12 December, the coach will move to the MLS to take over Colorado Rapids, becoming one of the youngest managers in the division.

Matt Wells set to end Tottenham stay

Wells has long been associated at Tottenham.

The former midfielder once came through the North London club’s academy, but never made his first-team debut after being hampered by injuries.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Nevertheless, this did not affect his future in the footballing industry, with Wells then concentrating on becoming a coach.

After briefly working in Spurs’ academy under Parker, he then followed the former Tottenham midfielder to Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge before eventually returning to the North London club.

Now, Tottenham are set to lose another assistant manager, just like how they lost Ryan Mason to West Brom in the summer.

The report explains that Colorado Rapids interviewed a number of candidates, both domestic and abroad, but ultimately landed on Wells, who has been aligned with the Rapids’ early offseason moves.

Loss of Wells is deeply concerning at Spurs

Within months, Spurs have now lost two highly promising coaches in the English game.

This is extremely concerning, especially with the uncertain future of Frank at Tottenham.

Either Wells or Mason could have gone on to become a top manager at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and now their talents will be used at other clubs.

This is an issue that has to be sorted out as soon as possible, or it could lead to the North London club going backwards.

Tottenham set to decide Brennan Johnson’s imminent future as London rivals circle

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham set to decide Brennan Johnson’s imminent future as London rivals circle - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

In search of regular starts, Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson could depart Thomas Frank’s squad in the January transfer window.

The Welsh international was a vital part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans last term, scoring 18 goals in 51 matches, including the winner in Tottenham’s Europa League triumph over Manchester United.

Since Spurs signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, though, Johnson has lost his place on the right flank, only starting four of their last 13 top-flight matches.

As a result, Johnson could leave Tottenham in January, and a Premier League rival have already shown an interest in his signature.

Crystal Palace have shortlisted Brennan Johnson

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Crystal Palace have shortlisted the Spurs speedster as a potential option to rival Ismaila Sarr.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Oliver Glasner is looking to beef out his attacking options, arguably seeing the 24-year-old as the perfect player to flourish in his counter-attacking system.

The report doesn’t say whether the Tottenham hierarchy are willing to sell Johnson midway through the season, although the player could prefer a switch to South London.

Johnson would have more opportunities to start for the Eagles, and with them challenging for Champions League qualification, the project is appealing.

Tottenham already looking for Johnson replacement

Spurs signed Johnson for around £47.5million and would arguably be looking to recoup most of, if not all of what they paid Nottingham Forest in 2023.

The Welsh international sees his contract expire in June 2028, so whilst Tottenham are under no pressure to sell, their January transfer plans suggest they could sanction his exit.

Tottenham have been linked with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, the exciting, teenage winger who is currently lighting up the Bundesliga.

Diomande could move ahead of Johnson in the pecking order, while links to Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman could also spell bad news for the Frenchman.

So, if Spurs do manage to sign someone early in the window, then it wouldn’t be a shock to see Johnson leave the club.

Yves Bissouma transfer update as clubs eye major discount on 'confident' Tottenham exit deal

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
‘Confident’ Yves Bissouma transfer update as clubs eye major discount on Tottenham exit deal - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

‘Confident’ Yves Bissouma transfer update as clubs eye major discount on Tottenham exit deal

Tottenham expect to be able to do a deal for Yves Bissouma to leave in the January transfer window.

Spurs are planning to offload Bissouma in the New Year having completely fallen out of favour under Thomas Frank.

The Dane left the former Brighton midfielder out early this season as punishment for persistent lateness, and following an injury blow on international duty with Mali Bissouma appears to have been filmed inhaling laughing gas for a second time in as many seasons.

Tottenham are prepared to trigger the 12-month extension in Bissouma’s expiring contract if they can’t do a deal in the winter window, but clubs are already showing interest and Spurs back themselves in moving him on.

Nice and Marseille eye Bissouma move

The Times reports that even if Tottenham have to do a deal for “significantly” less than the £25 million they paid Brighton for him in 2022 they are “confident” in securing an agreement for him to leave.

MORE SPURS STORIES

French clubs are said to be circling with both Nice and Marseille named as monitoring the situation while it is also noted that both Everton and West Ham were interested in the summer, although Bissouma‘s former Seagulls boss Graham Potter has since been sacked at the London Stadium.

In addition it is possible that Fenerbahce could re-enter negotiations, having pulled out of a deal over fitness concerns back in August.

Tottenham must not waste time on perfect Bissouma deal

There clearly doesn’t look to be a way back into the fold for Bissouma as long as Frank is in charge, and while the Dane has shown signs of that not necessarily being long term as sack questions began to bubble up last month it may be that a change of environment is needed for the player anyway.

If any clubs put anything that isn’t completely derisory on the table for him next month Spurs would likely be best off taking it and drawing a line under the matter as quickly as possible.

Holding on for a marginal increase in fee when there are various complicating factors probably risks being more of a distraction than anything.

It may be that news coming out at this stage indicating the club are prepared to trigger the contract extension is more geared towards strengthening their negotiating position than any real longer-term plans, but if his time at Tottenham is up it would be better all round to get it all done early so the recruitment figures can focus on strengthening Frank’s options.