TBR Football

Fabio Paratici’s return has led to chatter already commencing as to possible Tottenham transfers, and Jamie O’Hara has named his dream addition.

Tottenham confirmed the appointment of Paratici on Wednesday afternoon after his 30-month ban from FIFA came to an end over the summer.

The Italian director has already had one very successful spell in North London, having played a key role in signing the likes of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie.

Jamie O’Hara now thinks his first signing of his second spell at Spurs is clear, and he has called for the former Juventus director to make his move.

Jamie O’Hara wants Fabio Paratici to sign Antoine Semenyo for Tottenham

O’Hara has urged Fabio Paratici to sign Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo for Tottenham Hotspur following his return.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham remain very keen on Semenyo, but a move in January is highly unlikely at this stage.

The Lilywhites are also likely to face strong competition for his signature, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid all known suitors.

“Where do they need to strengthen?” O’Hara was asked, to which he replied: “Semenyo, go and buy Semenyo. That’s it.

“He is for me, that’s it, Semenyo is the player, he’s the player that we should go and buy for me, he’s fantastic.

“Xavi Simons is having to play on the left. We want Xavi Simons playing in the middle. If you go and sign us a Semenyo, I think then Tottenham are not far off being a really, really good side.

“If I look at one place and I go, that is a player that we need. That is a player I want at Tottenham. Semenyo is top class.”

Thomas Frank is a big fan of Semenyo, and he will have been gutted that Spurs didn’t push a bit harder to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Jamie O’Hara is so impressed by Pape Matar Sarr’s Tottenham recovery

When discussing Paratici’s top Tottenham signings, O’Hara admitted that he wasn’t sure about Pape Matar Sarr when he first signed.

But this season, Sarr has been a true revelation, following his slow start to life in North London.

“Oh, it’s a hit. Yeah. At the start, I was a bit wasn’t sure if he was good enough. He was a bit rash, but he was young,” O’Hara told Sky Sports.

“This season for me, he’s shown that he is a top player and his energy in midfield, his bite, you know the modern the modern game now, where you’ve got to be up and down, you’ve got to be everywhere. I think he’s a massive hit.

Tottenham Hotspur now have a full-back they can rely on who plays in the mould of former star Kieran Trippier – with Darren Bent waxing lyrical over one of Thomas Frank’s stars.

Tottenham have made a solid start to the Premier League season, currently sitting in third and losing just one of their seven games to fourth-placed Bournemouth.

Five goals conceded means they’ve got the joint-second best defence in the division, a far cry from last year’s tally under former boss Ange Postecoglou.

A lot of their hard work has come through their defence, which has largely been watertight – and Darren Bent believes that Djed Spence deserves a lot of praise for his performances with the Tottenham icon stating that he would take him in his England squad due to his likeness to Kieran Trippier.

Djed Spence is Tottenham’s latest full-back success after Kieran Trippier comparison

Spence joined Tottenham in 2022 after a solid campaign at Nottingham Forest, though he only made four Premier League outings in his first half-season at the club before being loaned out.

In fact, it wasn’t until last season that Spence finally became a part of Tottenham’s first-team squad, helping them win the Europa League for their first major trophy in 17 years.

Spence has since become a regular for England, and with two international caps to his name, a World Cup place now seems in the offing.

And Bent, talking on talkSPORT on Wednesday, has stated that Spence could be England’s new Trippier due to his ability to play on either side of defence. He said: “Djed Spence is another one who I think definitely, when I do my [England] squad later.

“I’ll just give you a little inkling, he’s in it.

“Djed Spence I think, and the reason why, I feel like he’s our new Trippier.

“Left and right full-back, he can play. If we have [a] left-back problem, get Djed Spence in there. Right-back you can do that as well.“

If Spence can continue his solid form until the end of the season, that could see him find a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Djed Spence offers Tottenham something different to Kieran Trippier in a new era

Trippier was a solid performer in Tottenham’s golden era under Mauricio Pochettino.

Helping them record four consecutive Champions League qualification campaigns, the Manchester City academy graduate was also a part of Spurs’ run to the 2019 final, as well as being an England regular in that time.

Although failing to win a trophy in north London before Trippier left for Atletico Madrid in 2019, the Bury-born star was a responsible player under Pochettino and his ability to play on either side of defence bailed them out plenty of times.

The 25-year-old has taken on that baton now.

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic has been impressing so much on loan at Hamburger that several Bundesliga clubs are showing an interest in a permanent deal.

Hamburger fans have been so impressed by Vuskovic since the defender has come into the team, and the German club’s results have also picked up.

Following his strong start, the German media have nicknamed him ‘Air Vuskovic’ after he won a stunning 18 aerial duels in one match against Union Berlin.

Vuskovic scored HSV’s first Bundesliga goal since 2018 with an excellent towering header as he demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess.

Tottenham Hotspur will be delighted with the 18-year-old’s progress in Germany, but given just how good he has been, the North London club could face a battle to keep him.

Exclusive: Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig keen on signing Luka Vuskovic

Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are both showing a strong interest in signing Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Thomas Frank’s team are firmly against the idea of selling the teenager, although it could be interesting to hear the player’s verdict.

Earlier this week, Vuskovic said he left Tottenham to play regular football, with the pathway in North London rather blocked by Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Vuskovic is competing with Van de Ven and Romero for his spot in the team, which is no easy task given the quality of the duo.

Romero recently committed to a new deal at Spurs, meanwhile, Vinai Ventaksesh is talking to Van de Ven about a new contract.

When asked about Vuskovic’s future, Bailey told TBR Football: “Vuskovic is playing very well in the Bundesliga, and it is no shock that his performances are turning heads.

“RB Leipzig and Dortmund are both in the market for a new defender in 2026, and Vuskovic is very much on their radar.

“Spurs love the player and have no intention to sell, but let’s see what the player thinks. Is there a pathway for him at Tottenham with Romero and Van de Ven in place? Currently, it’s hard to see one.”

Tottenham are considering recalling Vuskovic in January, although the defender’s latest comments suggest he’s happy at HSV.

Tottenham want to sign a left-sided centre-back in January

One position Tottenham remain intent on signing in January is a left-sided centre-back to act as cover for Van de Ven.

Kevin Danso is currently Spurs’ only fit centre-back option to cover the two starters, hence why the Lilywhites are considering bringing back Vuskovic.

Radu Dragusin remains expected to leave Tottenham, with Fabio Paratici having already done work on trying to offload him.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal fans will be shocked by who Eden Hazard thinks is the better dribbler between Eberechi Eze and Mohammed Kudus.

Both attackers have made strong starts to their careers at their new clubs since making their switches across the capital to North London.

Of course, the Arsenal winger nearly became Kudus’ teammate, only for the Gunners to controversially swoop in and steal him from Spurs’ clutches.

Following the impressive performances from Kudus and Eze, Eden Hazard has weighed in on the debate as to which player is the better dribbler.

Eden Hazard picks Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze over Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus

Hazard has picked Arsenal winger Eberechi Eze as the better dribbler ahead of Mohammed Kudus from Tottenham Hotspur.

When asked to pick between the Spurs attacker and Arsenal’s new forward, Hazard told the Premier League: “Ohhh, Eze is good. I like Eze.”

Arsenal are delighted with Eze’s start to life at the Emirates Stadium, with his performances helping Mikel Arteta’s side to sit top of the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe thinks Kudus has become Tottenham’s main man, even just a few months after making his debut.

The Spurs star has very impressive dribbling stats this season; however, the Chelsea legend believes Eze is actually better than him.

Hazard is clearly a big fan of Eze, also picking him over Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Florian Wirtz, but not Cole Palmer.

Mohammed Kudus will dispute Eden Hazard’s Eberechi Eze at Arsenal claim

Kudus will certainly have something to say about Hazard’s claim that Eze is a better dribbler than him, given his stats this season.

The 24-year-old has averaged more successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season than any other player.

Kudus has completed 30 dribbles this season, which is 12 more than any other Premier League player and 22 more than Eze.

Alan Shearer believes Kudus’ dribbling has made him unstoppable following his scintillating display against Leeds United.

Just before the October international break, Kudus opened his account for the season with a goal against Leeds.

Thomas Frank will now hope that the strike at Elland Road can be the catalyst for his new winger to explode into his best form

Lucas Bergvall has undoubtedly been one of the best Tottenham Hotspur signings in recent years, and he is nominated for a prestigious award.

Tottenham paid just £8.5m for Bergvall in January 2024 to bring the talented teenager to North London, and last season, the midfielder announced himself to Europe.

Bergvall, who has ‘ridiculous potential’, is now one of the top young talents on the continent and has continued into the 2025/26 campaign.

Following his impressive first year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the teenager is up to win a prestigious award, and it’s a testament to the work of Johan Lange.

Johan Lange’s top signings, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, are Golden Boy nominees

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray have both been nominated to win the Golden Boy award for the best U23 player in Europe.

The two young talents were both brought to North London by Lange, who deserves huge credit for taking a chance on them.

But it’s been quite the opposite, with Spurs’ newly promoted sporting director having to take a fair amount of stick from the club’s supporters, who have questioned some of his additions.

Fabio Paratici’s return to Tottenham was celebrated by fans, but they should actually be rather pleased that Lange has remained and will work alongside the Italian.

Lange was very hot on Bergvall’s potential; meanwhile, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Gray look to be coming into their own following a strong start to the season.

Another of his signings, Yang Min-hyeok, is starting to impress on loan at Portsmouth, and he looks like another top young talent.

Tottenham’s academy is also looking exciting, with Luca Williams-Barnett, Jun’ai Byfield, and Tynan Thompson all getting first-team experiences.

The Dane’s eye for talented youngsters is clear, and keeping him as a key part of the club’s technical set-up is a great decision for Spurs.

Vinai Venkatesham on Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici’s Tottenham roles

Vinai Venkatesham has confirmed that Lange and Paratici will be working in unison, with the latter focusing on transfer windows, players and loans. Whereas Lange will be tasked with looking after the academy, scouting and performance analysis.

Venkatesham revealed to the club’s official channels: “We have the benefit of both Johan and Fabio. We’ve got the benefit of both of their skills. And as I said, both of their expertise and both of their experience.

“So in terms of Johan’s areas of focus, he’ll be focused on, scouting. He’ll be focused on performance, he’ll be focused on football insights, he’ll be focused on performance analysis.

“He’ll also be focused on the academy. Fabio will be more focused on players, the transfer window and the loans and pathways department. So they have different focuses, but the reality is they will work together on everything.”

Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic continues to go from strength to strength, with his latest display for Croatia U-21 showing he’s got a new trick up his sleeve.

Since making the loan switch to the Bundesliga, Vuskovic has been outstanding at Hamburger and is quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s best young talents.

TBR Football even understands that Tottenham have considered recalling Vuskovic, given their need for a new central defender in January.

But for now, Vuskovic seems content at HSV, and ultimately, Spurs will be cautious of hampering his development were he to return by not playing.

During the October international break, the teenager was in action for Croatia U-21, and he even pulled out a new skill from his locker.

Luka Vuskovic could become Tottenham’s free-kick taker

Luka Vuskovic has just proved that he can now take free-kicks after coming close to scoring for Croatia U-21s in their win over Ukraine.

From just outside the penalty area, the 18-year-old sent his effort crashing onto the far post and the ball was then turned home on the rebound by Leon Grgic.

Last season on loan at Westerlo, the defender scored seven goals, as he showed his impressive qualities in the attacking third of the match.

Vuskovic is already very good in the air, and the defender has now shown that he can also produce from dead-ball situations.

Thomas Frank has been big on set pieces since arriving at Tottenham Hotspur, so he will love to see that Vuskovic could be a candidate to take free-kicks when he returns from his loan.

Tottenham appointed set-piece coach Andreas Georgson to ensure that they are maximising their potential from these situations.

The defender’s ability to attack corners could also be a trait which Frank and Georgson will be licking their lips at the prospect of working with.

Luka Vuskovic could prove to be an even better signing than Lucas Bergvall

Tottenham thought they did well signing Lucas Bergvall for just £8.5 million back in January 2024, but Vuskovic actually has the potential to overtake him.

Despite only being 18, the teenager is already one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, and his physicality is just insane.

The North London club will hope that Vuskovic can follow a similar path to William Saliba by enjoying several loans before returning the ready-made version.

Fabio Paratici has made his long-awaited return to Tottenham Hotspur, and his arrival has caused quite a stir in North London.

On Wednesday afternoon, Tottenham confirmed the reappointment of Paratici as the sporting director at the football club.

There was quite a shake-up in the boardroom at Spurs over the summer, with newly appointed CEO Vinai Venkatesham eager to bring Paratici back.

Fabrizio Romano has now been discussing the return of the Italian director and how important his return could be for Thomas Frank’s team.

Fabio Paratici is ‘really appreciated’ by many at Tottenham

Romano has revealed that Fabio Paratici is ‘really appreciated’ by many at Tottenham Hotspur, and his return is a major boost for the club.

Paratici made some great signings at Tottenham during his first spell at the club, including the likes of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.

So the former Juventus director is already well known by many members of Spurs’ squad and most of whom hold him in high regard.

Romano told his YouTube channel: “Really important news for Tottenham because Fabio Paratici, who is also really appreciated by many of the fans, people at the club, players as well, what he did at Tottenham is really important.

“Creating the crucial part of the squad we see right now playing in the Champions League, winning a trophy with the Europa League. Some of the best signings in recent years at Tottenham are thanks to the work of Fabio Paratici, now back in control.”

Paratici will be welcomed with the £100m invested by ENIC into Tottenham, and they will be hoping he can use the money wisely to improve the squad.

Vinai Venkatesham on Fabio Paratici’s work behind the scenes at Tottenham

Venkatesham has revealed that Paratici has long been working behind the scenes at Tottenham and played a key role in the appointment of Frank.

The 53-year-old also issued the North London club with advice during the recent summer transfer window, which saw the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons sign.

Venkatesham explained to Tottenham Hotspur’s official channels: “Fabio has been working for the club as a consultant, so he has been giving us advice, for example, during the transfer window and also during the process we appointed Thomas. So it’s new, but in some ways not completely new.”

Given the success of the summer window and Frank already showing his quality, it’s clear that Paratici is already off to a great start.

Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are widely regarded as the best defensive duo in the Premier League.

The Brazilian and the Frenchman have made 123 appearances together for the Gunners, impressively conceding just 115 goals in that time while helping Arsenal to 81 wins and 19 draws.

As formidable as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are – however – Ally McCoist believes the pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero at Tottenham is more important.

Ally McCoist says lack of squad depth at Spurs makes Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero more “vital” than Arsenal duo

Discussing the defensive duos for TNT Sports on YouTube, the man born in Bellshill labelled the Tottenham double act as more important than Mikel Arteta’s duo, purely due to the lack of cover Thomas Frank has at his disposal.

McCoist said: “The two centre-backs for them, Van de Ven and Romero. Vital, I think the two centre-backs are vital. We’re speaking of the boys at Arsenal, but it’s arguably more so at Spurs because I don’t think they’ve got the cover that Arsenal have.”

The 63-year-old is spot on.

If both Gabriel and Saliba were to suffer serious injuries, Arteta could still name a pairing of Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, or even Piero Hincapie and Ben White in the centre of defence.

With regard to Tottenham, Frank would have to pair Kevin Danso and Archie Gray together if Romero and Van de Ven were absent at the same time, or the 32-year-old Ben Davies, representing a significant drop in quality compared to what Arsenal can fall back on.

Why Mikel Arteta broke up the partnership in 2023

Arteta actually dropped Gabriel – who has impressed Eberechi Eze with his aerial prowess – at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, fielding White next to Saliba instead as the South American watched from the bench.

The Spaniard claimed it was a tactical decision in the media, although Charles Watts told The Daily Briefing something different.

Arteta dropped Gabriel after the Brazil international had his head turned by interest from Saudi Arabia – according to the respected journalist – and only restored him to the starting XI once the defender regained full focus on Arsenal.

Arsenal fans will be pleased he did regain that focus, as the 27-year-old has since developed into one of the best defenders in Europe.

Thomas Frank has made a strong start to life at Tottenham Hotspur, and Jamie Carragher has noticed one aspect in which they have already improved.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 win away at Leeds United just before the October international break saw the Lilywhites climb into third place in the Premier League.

Next up is Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Thomas Frank will be hoping his team can build on the momentum from the win at Elland Road.

The new Spurs boss has brought a great level of detail with him to North London, and one of his tactics has already been spotted by Jamie Carragher.

Jamie Carragher has spotted Thomas Frank’s long throw-in tactic at Tottenham

Carragher has noticed that Frank has brought with him to Tottenham a long throw-in tactic, something which his team at Brentford were renowned for.

Over the summer, Tottenham appointed Andreas Georgson as their new set-piece coach, and he has already transformed Spurs’ fortunes from these situations.

Spurs have scored just two set-piece goals in the Premier League this season, although they now look so much more threatening.

Destiny Udogie let the Frank tactic slip as he posted a video on social media in the dressing room with a board which read: ‘Long throw audition’.

Speaking about it on the latest episode of the Overlap, Carragher explained: “You know, Thomas Frank, when he came in at Spurs this summer. So, he must have done something on TV, and there was a board behind him with information about the day, and one of the items was ‘throw-in auditions’.

“So all the players used to be, so he’s coming new to the club, there was like a note so people would see who has the long throw, basically, yeah, that’s what it was.”

Recently, Arsenal has led the way in showing the importance of being strong from set pieces, and now many clubs are trying to follow suit.

Kevin Danso and Lucas Bergvall have been appointed Tottenham’s throw-in takers

Kevin Danso and Lucas Bergvall have both been appointed as Tottenham’s throw-in takers, which has been made clear this season.

Danso has a very impressive throw-in, which he first implemented in the Super Cup final against PSG.

The Austrian’s long throw caused the European champions all sorts of problems on the night in Udine, but of course, right now, Danso isn’t a regular starter for Spurs.

Bergvall also has a very impressive long throw and is often the player tasked with these set-piece situations for Frank’s team.

TBR Football understands that Antoine Semenyo does, in fact, have a release clause; however, it will not be active in January.

In the summer, Semenyo penned a new deal with Bournemouth, which includes a release clause, although the details on how much the clause will be worth remain unknown.

TBR Football can also reveal that the winger’s previous deal, signed in 2024, is almost certain to have also included a clause, but this new deal saw that increased, along with a substantial pay rise.

The 25-year-old is one of the most in-form players in Europe right now, which has also seen him become one of the most wanted stars across the continent.

Exclusive: Tottenham and Manchester United remain hugely keen on Antoine Semenyo

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Tottenham Hotspur remain hugely keen on Antoine Semenyo.

However, following the North London club’s recent recruitment summit, a move for him in January is not on the cards, given Bournemouth’s firm stance.

Thomas Frank really wanted Semenyo over the summer, but the Cherries ended up pricing Spurs out of a move for the forward.

Manchester United also remain very interested in signing the Bournemouth attacker, despite recently recruiting the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

As TBR Football has previously revealed last month, several clubs are keen on Semenyo, including Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus.

Atletico have been watching the 25-year-old particularly closely, given that a replacement for Julian Alvarez could soon be required.

Speaking about the winger’s situation at Bournemouth, Bailey told TBR Football: “We don’t know too many details on Semenyo, but it has not been confirmed he does have a clause; they were inevitable to come out given so many clubs have been asking about him.

“Bournemouth insist they will not be selling in January, which, of course, they can in theory, but we have to presume they will stick to that.

“They value the player at well over £70 million anyway, and that would be tough in the January market.

“Come the summer, the expectation from around the Vitality is that they will sell, but when he does go, it will be a club record.”

Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo would be the dream wing duo at Tottenham

Tottenham are surely dreaming of pairing Mohammed Kudus with his fellow countryman next summer in what could be a lethal duo on the wings.

Frank was eager to sign the Bournemouth star back in the summer and he will be gutted to see how well he has started the season.

The Ghanaian duo recently fired the Black Stars to World Cup qualification as they topped Group I in CAF qualifying.

Kudus netted the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Comoros to fire Ghana into the draw for next summer’s World Cup in North America.