TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur haven’t had the best of seasons amid inconsistency, injuries and far too many poor results.

However, Spurs are still very much in the picture for silverware this season, having reached the Europa League semi-finals.

Tottenham have also shown they can beat anyone on their day, and they have a young team that should develop into a superb unit over the coming years.

There has also been some particularly exciting news at Tottenham that has led to praise from many fans along with Spurs cult heroes Robbie Keane and Michel Vorm.

Robbie Keane and Michel Vorm applaud Lucas Bergvall’s new Tottenham contract

On Tuesday, Tottenham announced that Lucas Bergvall had signed a new contract at the club that runs until 2031.

Bergvall has been one of the big success stories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this year, developing into a superb midfielder.

Now, he is contracted to Spurs until the new decade, and the news has gone down well with plenty of people, including Keane and Vorm.

Both players posted applause emojis in response to two of Tottenham’s Instagram posts celebrating Bergvall’s new contract.

Tottenham fans were also buzzing about Bergvall’s new contract, with one calling it the best news of the season.

Glenn Hoddle previously hailed Bergvall’s development, saying it normally takes young players two seasons to get where the Spurs gem has got to in less than one full campaign.

What Lucas Bergvall has said about his new Tottenham contract

Bergvall’s new contract comes in wake of an impressive first campaign in England following his arrival last summer from Djurgarden.

The 19-year-old admitted he’s been through a learning process both on and off the pitch since joining Spurs, but says he’s thrilled to have committed his future to the Lilywhites.

“I’m really excited and really grateful to everyone who has helped me and I’m excited for this journey to continue,” he told the official Tottenham website.

“It’s a club with great ambitions, I’m really enjoying being here and playing for this amazing football club.

“I’ve learned a lot. Coming to a new country, a new culture, of course I had Deki (Dejan Kulusevski) helping me a lot in the beginning.

“But still, living on your own, making food and everything… it’s not only to be a footballer to train every day, it’s everything around it.

You have to take care of the car, the house or apartment… everything really, so I think I’ve developed a lot as a person as well as a player.”

Tottenham Hotspur could be set for a big summer of change and Ange Postecoglou might not be the only senior figure who leaves the club.

Cristian Romero wants to leave Tottenham amid interest from Spain and there’s also speculation over the futures of several other players.

Spurs are trying to sell Richarlison and it’s clear that Daniel Levy and Johan Lange will be overseeing a lot of change.

Of course, judging by Tottenham’s position in the Premier League table, change would be very welcome.

Tottenham are considering a Mauricio Pochettino return this summer — someone Levy thinks could be well placed to succeed with their young squad.

And perhaps Pochettino might end up working with a player who Spurs have been in pursuit of for some time.

Tottenham still interested in Conor Gallagher this summer

According to Give Me Sport, Tottenham are still interested in a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.

Tottenham were seriously interested in Gallagher whilst he was still a Chelsea player, only for him to ultimately opt for a move abroad.

According to the report, Spurs could explore a move for Gallagher in lieu of Atletico’s interest in Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur.

If the Spanish club approach Tottenham about the duo, it’s thought that Spurs could ask about Gallagher, who only joined Diego Simeone’s side last summer.

That being said, TBR Football recently revealed that Tottenham wanted to start contract talks with Bentancur given that they were aware of the growing interest in the midfielder.

Bentancur has been impressing behind the scenes at Spurs this season and it would appear that the north Londoners are reluctant to lose their experienced midfielder.

Gallagher might be reluctant to join Tottenham

Gallagher was described as a ‘leader’ whilst at Chelsea, a player who often wore the captain’s armband.

Atletico paid £33m to sign the England international according to reports, and it has to be considered whether the midfielder would actually want to return to England.

Gallagher has made 42 appearances for Atleti in all competitions this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

And in truth, joining Tottenham might not look like the most attractive proposition right now, a club in crisis somewhat.

Therefore it might be a much better solution for Spurs to simply resist any interest in Bentancur, providing that the midfielder is happy to stay and contribute to the club’s rebuild.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window in a bid to enjoy more fruitful seasons next time round.

Tottenham and Manchester United are considered two of the Premier League’s traditional big six, but neither are anywhere near that position this season.

Spurs are currently 16th in the table, while Man United are 14th and, though both are in the Europa League semi-finals, there’s a lot of work to be done at both clubs.

Both Tottenham and Man United have recently been linked with River Plate prodigy Franco Mastantuono.

Fabrizio Romano has now made a big claim about the Argentine youngster in wake of his superb free kick in the Superclasico.

Fabrizio Romano deems Franco Mastantuono ‘one of the best talents in the world in this moment’

Mastantuono has already made 55 competitive appearances for Argentine giants River Plate despite being just 17 years old.

Spurs are said to have made contact with River Plate to find out whether they would be willing to cash in on Mastantuono and how much money it would take.

Man United have also been linked with Mastantuono, and Romano, speaking in his latest YouTube video, touched upon interest in the player from the Red Devils and Chelsea.

Romano spoke in wake of the teenager scoring a superb free kick in the win over Boca Juniors as he deemed him one of the best youngsters in the world right now.

“I wanted to say something on one of the best talents in the world in this moment, Franco Mastantuono’s talent and release clause,” said Romano.

“This Franco Mastantuono, what a goal he scored against Boca Juniors on a free kick, but this boy is really special, his left foot feels something really, really special.

“There is a clause there, something around £40-41million plus taxes, so the clause is there and this probably the only way to convince River Plate to sell Franco Mastantuono.”

Romano then spoke of Real Madrid having held talks over Mastantuono, but they’ve not proceeded despite talks because they’re not happy with the package on offer.

The transfer insider then continued: “English clubs interested in Mastantuono – Chelsea, (Man) United, all these clubs are well informed on the situation of Franco.

“So it will be one to watch for sure, but is an open race because you need to pay the clause, you need to convince the player, and you need also to reach an agreement with the agents.

“So it is a deal that needs a big structure before saying it’s done.”

What Franco Mastantuono could bring to the Premier League

It’s rare to see a 17-year-old footballer on the fringes of an elite club’s first-team, but when such a player is already past 50 appearances for said club, that suggests he’s a superstar in the making.

Mastantuono has not only made 55 competitive appearances for River Plate and has an Argentinian Supercup to his name, but he also has seven goals and five assists for the club.

The teenager has mostly been playing as a No. 10, though he can also feature on the right wing and has been utilised on the left wing twice in his career.

Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig has likened Mastantuono to Colombia icon James Rodriguez and gave him a perfect 10 out of 10 for “world-class potential”.

He has been deemed a ‘creative player with excellent technique on the ball, mobility, short-dribbling, and good short-mid through passing ability’.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a nightmare season in the Premier League, one that could well see them finish in the bottom five.

Spurs have impressed at times in the Premier League this season, claiming some impressive results against the likes of Manchester United and Aston Villa.

However, Tottenham have really struggled of late, and their last match saw them lose 5-1 at Liverpool, whose victory confirmed them as title winners.

Les Ferdinand has now spoken about two Spurs youngsters who played at Anfield and admitted he felt sorry for them.

Les Ferdinand felt sorry for Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in Tottenham loss at Liverpool

Ferdinand, the latest guest on the Seaman Says podcast, spoke with the panel about how many changes Ange Postecoglou made for the trip to Liverpool.

The Tottenham manager made eight changes, with an eye on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first-leg meeting against Bodo/Glimt.

Ferdinand admitted he felt sorry for Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall for being up against such strong opposition without much senior guidance.

“I felt for the two boys in Gray and Bergvall in the middle of the park,” said Ferdinand. “Because that was always going to be tough for them against those.

“You know, you want to see youngsters get an opportunity, you know what I mean, but… sometimes you need them with a senior player, especially in a game like that.”

However, Ferdinand did acknowledge that both players have clocked up a lot of senior minutes this season.

“Both of them have played a lot of games this season,” he said. “I know Gray has played a lot as a centre-back.”

Where Tottenham see Archie Gray playing in future

Seaman asked Ferdinand where Gray normally plays, to which he said Tottenham see the youngster as a midfielder.

“He played right-back for Leeds a lot,” said Ferdinand. “But they see him as a midfield player.

“But then he was playing centre-back – so it’s all a good learning curve for him!”.

Gray is one of the most exciting young players in English football right now.

Indeed, some have argued that Gray might just be the biggest English talent since Declan Rice.

And considering how well he has done in his maiden season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become a superstar at N17.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sell Richarlison this summer amid interest from his old side Everton, TBR Football can reveal.

Richarlison has scored five goals in 18 appearances for Tottenham this season, one that has been disrupted by injury.

However, following the arrival of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer, opportunities up top were always going to be more difficult to come by for the Brazilian.

Richarlison is also able to operate on the left, but Spurs have recruited Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel who are also vying for that role.

That being said, Everton are interested in re-signing Richarlison, although the forward’s wages could cause an issue.

Tottenham might loan Richarlison to Everton

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Tottenham would ideally like to sell Richarlison this summer, although a loan approach from Everton might be more likely.

Spurs want a sale and will push for obligations in a deal, however, talks have not got that advanced just yet.

There is an understanding that a loan move would be more realistic for Everton owing to the Brazilian’s wages, and David Moyes’ side would be happy to do it.

Everton do have to be wary of their PSR restrictions this summer as they also want to improve other areas of their squad too.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin might leave Everton for free, but the club are keen to bring in one or two statement signings to mark the switch to their new Bramley-Moore Dock home.

And given Richarlison’s rich history at Goodison Park, the Brazilian would surely fit the bill.

Richarlison isn’t keen on Saudi Pro League

Of course, Richarlison arrived at Tottenham from Everton in a £60m deal in 2022, a significant signing under Antonio Conte.

However, Spurs would now be open to Richarlison leaving the club, even if a new manager comes in.

On his part, Richarlison has never been convinced about leaving Tottenham for Saudi Arabia — a move that’s often been on the table.

Richarlison wants to be Brazil’s number nine at the World Cup and he recognises that a move to the Saudi Pro League wouldn’t help that ambition.

The Brazilian realises that if the likes of Joao Pedro, Rodrigo Muniz and Evanlison are doing a good job in the Premier League then that could push them above him in the pecking order.

Therefore, it’s clear that Richarlison will want to be playing regular minutes, something Everton would be able to offer.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; Tottenham could finish one place above the relegation this season but also win only the second trophy of the ENIC era.

In many ways, that typifies the duality of Tottenham’s ownership. Daniel Levy and the English National Investment Company (ENIC) do some things very well, others very badly.

That’s why there are a lot of swing voters when it comes to opinions on how the club has been run since the takeover from Alan Sugar in 20011.

Tottenham haven’t won anything for 17 years but still have admirers in the world of football finance for their sustainable approach to business and the way they have scaled the club commercially.

But while revenues continue to boom, ENIC and Levy can no longer cling onto the fact the club is financially self-sufficient.

For the very first time, recent years have seen Spurs’ owners put money into the club to cover costs. ENIC have injected £132.5m via share issues since 2022.

Operating losses meanwhile have totalled £126m in the last two years, which is about mid-table by the standards of the Premier League, where most clubs lose money.

The accounts are complex, however, and that £126m figure looks a lot better if you strip out depreciation on the stadium, which is a non-cash expense but hits the balance sheet at about £70m per season.

On the flip side, Spurs pay around £30m annually in interest and have invested heavily in the transfer market with nothing to show for it, unless Ange Postecoglou’s side go on to win the Europa League.

Last season – when they had no lucrative European football – they burned through cash, spending about £95m more than they eared throughout the business.

To cut a long story short, the underlying numbers are solid but it’s the football side of operations that is letting the side down, both in terms of pride and business.

That’s why, with Levy seeking out fresh investment in Spurs, fresh blood could see the club become a genuine contender.

Officially, Spurs have been on the market since April last year, when Daniel Levy set out plans for fresh investment in a statement introducing the club’s accounts.

This year’s accounts did not address the search for investment. However, that is not believed to indicate a U-turn from ENIC, who have been looking for buyers privately for far longer than one year.

Qatari sovereign wealth, private equity funds and NFL franchise owners are among the names who have been linked with with a full or partial takeover of Tottenham.

Last year, it was reported that Amanda Staveley of Newcastle United fame had raised around £500m and was looking to invest in Spurs, which suggests that a minority deal is more likely.

It is said that Levy values Tottenham at about £3.75bn, which has allegedly deterred some investors.

Soon, another factor will come into play.

A new regulator for English football will soon be passed into law, with a bill currently making its way through Parliament and expected to be up and running by 2026.

Among other duties, the regulator will have the power to introduce a new owners’ and directors’ test, essentially giving them a veto for takeovers.

As reported by City AM, the man ordained to head up the regulator, David Kogan, is a Spurs fan.

Kogan has previously advised the Premier League and its broadcasters in TV rights negotiations, as well as the EFL and UEFA, and has an impressive CV spanning media, marketing and politics.

Impartiality will – obviously – be key for the regulator, but it can’t hurt to have someone who understands Spurs in a position of power.

And if Levy does budge from his asking price, Kogan could be the executive who rubber-stamps the deal.

Financially, how badly does Daniel Levy need Spurs to win Europa League?

It’s not quite do-or-die for Spurs in the Europa League, where Bodo/Glimt will be their opponents in the semi-final first leg on Thursday.

However, last season’s accounts show how significant the drop-off in revenues can be when there is no European football played in N17.

Daniel Levy rightly points out that rising commercial revenues have supplemented the lack of European revenue, but their cash position shows that it isn’t enough to eliminate the shortfall.

Winning the Europa League would, of course, ensure qualification for the Champions League, where English clubs benefit from the new format and a UEFA distribution system that favours them.

But despite two seasons of heavy spending in the transfer market, Spurs probably need to revamp their squad this summer, which won’t come cheap.

Without Champions League revenues, it will almost certainly be a sell-to-buy situation.

Tottenham are on the hunt for a new manager.

Ange Postecoglou seems set for a departure regardless of what happens in the UEFA Europa League, after Sunday’s 5-1 defeat at Anfield saw Tottenham match their record number of defeats in a Premier League season with 19.

Worryingly, there are still four games remaining.

Spurs already have some ideas of who could replace the Australian.

Tottenham approached Oliver Glasner – although that situation involving the Crystal Palace boss has gone quiet – before Spurs then opened talks with Niko Kovac of Borussia Dortmund.

Now, there has been an update on the latter.

Niko Kovac is happy at Borussia Dortmund

Der Westen have now provided an update on Niko Kovac after the approach from Tottenham.

The German news outlet state that Kovac is comfortable at the Signal Iduna Park, and his employers are ‘highly satisfied’ by what he has provided since replacing Nuri Sahin in January.

Finally, Der Westen describe the 53-year-old moving to Tottenham as a development which is ‘unlikely’ to happen, this summer at least.

Likeliest option to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham

If Kovac – who has been called “world class” – is unlikely to replace Postecoglou, who is likely to?

A number of managers have been linked, such as Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, Fulham boss Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

However, all of those sides are in the top half – Brentford aside, just – and have a good chance of qualifying for Europe this season, so we cannot envisage any taking charge of Spurs in this state.

Scott Parker has been linked to Tottenham, and in our view, the man who made 63 appearances for Spurs is a likely candidate to replace Postecoglou, having played for the club and also worked as manager of the U18 side, while acting as an ambassador for the north Londoners too.

Of course, the Londoner will be eager to continue his work at Burnley after securing promotion to the Premier League, but his connection to Tottenham make us feel he is the likeliest option at the moment.

Unfortunately for Ange Postecoglou, his Tottenham Hotspur side have had to face Liverpool four times this season.

Tottenham beat Liverpool in one of those four matches — the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, but otherwise it’s been three wins for Arne Slot’s side.

In those trio of victories, Liverpool have netted 15 goals in total, a number which is as impressive for Slot’s side as it is worrying for Spurs.

In truth, Spurs have been hopeless in the Premier League this season and that partly explains why Tottenham plan to sack Postecoglou in the summer.

But from Liverpool’s point of view, they are only just getting started under Slot, a Dutchman who immediately endeared himself to the Anfield faithful.

That being said, Postecoglou actually praised Liverpool immediately after full-time on Sunday when speaking to Sky Sports.

The Tottenham manager said that Liverpool were ‘worthy champions’, admitting that it was almost impossible for his Spurs side to compete once Slot’s team went ahead in front of their home fans.

Postecoglou said: “Credit to Liverpool. They’re worthy champions – they’ve been outstanding all year. It was really hard for us. They proved to be too good.

“We were going to face a highly motivated team and so it proved. We started the game okay and tried to make it as hard as possible.

“We’re making a lot of changes to our team on a weekly basis. It’s affecting our fluency and consistency, and we’re paying the price for that.

“In the first half, what was really disappointing was the manner in which we conceded the goals. I thought we were actually well in the game and had our moments going forward.

“Once they went in front it was really difficult, with the crowd behind them, to get back into the game.

“In the games we’ve been blown away by Liverpool, we’ve been fairly depleted. We’ve obviously rested a few, which I think we needed.

“The lads who played have come through okay, which is what we needed.”

Liverpool wanted Postecoglou before Slot

Of course, it’s interesting to think that Postecoglou was linked with the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp announced that he would step down almost a year ago.

At the time, the former Celtic manager was enjoying a much better time in N17 — his stock was pretty high after a seriously impressive start to the 2023/24 season.

However, Liverpool fans will probably be quite content that FSG ultimately opted for Slot, whether or not they seriously considered Postecoglou..

In terms of Sunday’s match itself, Jamie Redknapp was blown away by one Liverpool player in the home side’s 5-1 win.

A remarkable achievement for Slot’s side in their first season, who looked poised to attack the summer transfer market.

Jack Grealish is expected to become one of the most in-demand players in the upcoming transfer window, with several clubs reportedly vying for his signature.

Grealish first rose to prominence at Aston Villa, where he captained the club and played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2019.

His performances soon caught the eye of Manchester City, who signed him for a record-breaking fee of £100m.

Despite being part of the Man City side that won the historic treble including the Champions League, he has not been able to justify his price tag at the club.

Grealish has made just 30 appearances across all competitions this season, starting only 15 of those games, showing his diminished role in the squad.

With City now open to selling him, several clubs are circling, including Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham emerge as serious contenders for Jack Grealish

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are one of the two serious contenders for Jack Grealish’s signature, with Newcastle being the other.

The report adds that Man City are willing to cash in on him for a fee in the region of £38-43 million.

However, Grealish’s wages could pose a problem for Tottenham, with chairman Daniel Levy known for maintaining a strict wage structure.

A move could hinge on the player’s willingness to accept a pay cut to reignite his career.

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has already backed Grealish to join Spurs, suggesting he would thrive with regular football in North London.

Why Jack Grealish could be a great signing for Tottenham

Despite his struggles at Manchester City, Grealish remains a top-class talent, as evidenced by his time at Aston Villa.

He was the heartbeat of their attack, racking up 32 goals and 41 assists in 213 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Villa’s promotion and subsequent survival in the Premier League.

With the club not looking to sign Timo Werner on a permanent deal and Heung-min Son’s long-term future at the club also uncertain, Grealish could end up being a great signing for the North London club.

Unlike Guardiola’s highly structured system—which often restricted Grealish’s freedom to run at defenders—a move to Tottenham could offer a more fluid, attacking environment, better suited to his strengths.

Whether a move materialises remains to be seen, with several factors at play, including the future of Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

Nevertheless, a fresh start could be exactly what Grealish needs to rediscover his best form.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a difficult season, to put it mildly.

Admittedly, Spurs could still end this season with a first major trophy since 2008, but in terms of their Premier League form, they’ve been dismal.

Tottenham are in the semi-finals of the Europa League but they’re also at risk of finishing in the bottom five for the first time ever in the Premier League era.

Despite their domestic woes, there have been some positives for Spurs this season, with a solid young core and a number of more experienced players doing well.

One Tottenham player in the latter camp has been described by Ange Postecoglou as a real “pro” who “does everything right on and off the field”.

Ange Postecoglou says Pedro Porro ‘does everything right’ at Tottenham

Postecoglou, speaking ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, was asked about Pedro Porro.

The £40million defender has been a mainstay for Spurs this season and Postecoglou was asked how the player has managed to stay consistently solid and fit.

“He’s a pro,” Postecoglou replied, as per football.london.

“He looks after himself, he does everything right on and off the field, but also he’s got the type of body that is resilient to the amount of intensity and game-time he’s had.

“It is a credit to him. It is not just that he’s playing, he has kept to a really good level all year and has been a mainstay for us in a defence where I hate to think of how many defensive partners he’s played with.

“Four goalkeepers and upwards of 10 different defenders that he’s played alongside, he’s kind of been a constant.

“He’s been brilliant for us. From the moment I arrived he’s got a great personality, got great enthusiasm and passion for the game. I think that is why he gets the most out of himself all the time.”

What the future holds for Pedro Porro at Tottenham

Like most Premier League clubs, Tottenham have PSR to consider when it comes to their transfer budget.

Porro has been an ever-present for Spurs in an injury-hit season, but his spot is now being targeted by Djed Spence.

Spence made the most of his opportunity at left-back whilst Destiny Udogie was injured in recent months.

Now, the former Middlesbrough man is in contention to start on either side of Postecoglou’s back line.

This has led to Spurs entertaining the possibility of selling Porro for more than £50million this summer, according to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Manchester City have kept tabs on Porro’s progress and are in need of a new right-back to replace Kyle Walker this summer.

Meanwhile, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also believed to see the Spaniard as a real option for their respective projects.