TBR Football

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a club legend when age starts to catch up with them.

Indeed, we’ve seen it countless times over the years. Chelsea released John Terry after years of great service at Stamford Bridge, while even Steven Gerrard had to leave Liverpool towards the end of his career.

Tottenham have had to get rid of some great players in recent years as their age has become a factor.

Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were both sold as they entered their 30s, while Hugo Lloris was frozen out.

Now, Heung-Min Son is in a similar situation.

The Korean is 32 years old now, and Son has been heavily criticised this season and some have even called for Son to be sold.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Gabriel Agbonlahor has been discussing Son’s situation at Tottenham, and he’s suggested that Spurs are in a similar situation to Manchester City with Kevin De Bruyne.

Tottenham have their own Kevin De Bruyne situation

Agbonlahor spoke about Son and his decline.

The pundit says that it looks like Son has lost his pace, claiming that it may be time to move on, in the same way City may move De Bruyne on now.

“I look at a player like Son. Son has been an outstanding player hasn’t he for Spurs? At his best, the pace he has, but watching him over the last season and a half. He’s not showing that electric speed. He’s 33 in July, is it time for Spurs to move him on?” Agbonlahor said.

“Kevin De Bruyne is moving on at Manchester City, and it’s a similar sort of scenario.”

Kevin De Bruyne and Heung-Min Son’s decline in numbers

Son and De Bruyne are two all-time Premier League greats, there’s no doubt about it.

Indeed, Son was a world-class player in his pomp, but, as he approaches his 33rd birthday, you have to admit he’s a waning force.

The same goes for De Bruyne, and, unfortunately, the numbers do show that these two players’ trajectories are only headed in one direction.

Son isn’t a bad player by any stretch of the imagination. He’s still having some sort of an effect on Tottenham’s attack.

However, the numbers don’t lie, Son isn’t quite at the level he once was when he was winning the Golden Boot and while it may not be time to sell the attacker, it’s certainly time for Spurs to find a way to be less reliant on his abilities in the attack.

The days of Son being Spurs’ main man may soon be over.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero’s future is up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Argentina international is Spurs’ vice-captain and one of their most important players. However, injuries have really troubled him this season.

Romero was not happy with how Tottenham looked after his injury, and he publicly praised the help he received from his national team to get back to full fitness.

Now, there has been some speculation about his future, with Atletico Madrid interested in signing Romero in the summer transfer window.

But, could a return to Italy be on the cards?

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti responds when asked if he wants to sign Cristian Romero

Inter Milan are one of the best teams in Italy.

Simone Inzaghi has made the Nerazzurri a force in the Serie A again, and they are once again the favourites to win the Scudetto this year.

Inter legend Javier Zanetti is the vice-president of the club right now, and the Argentine has his compatriot Lautaro Martinez leading his side’s line.

Following Argentina’s brilliant win over Brazil this week, reporters jokingly asked Zanetti if Martinez had asked him to sign Romero for Inter Milan.

The legendary full-back admitted that he is a big fan of the Tottenham star, but he also claimed that Romero would be ‘very expensive’ this summer.

He told TyC Sports: “It’s not easy because we are talking about very expensive players. The club’s sustainability is a challenge for everyone and a fundamental aspect.

“Romero is a complete defender. I was saying before the interview that Argentina can rely on a defender who knows how to play, who marks well, is focused and is a leader.

“I really like him a lot. He’s one of those old-school, complete defenders. He has proved to be a key player for Argentina.”

Romero’s stance on leaving Tottenham

Romero will enter the final two years of his contract at Tottenham this summer.

TBR Football exclusively revealed in February that Spurs are ready to pay Romero more money than Son Heung-min to convince him to stay.

But, there has been no agreement between the two parties yet.

However, TBR can reveal that Romero has not decided on his future yet and is still assessing his options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Playing Champions League football appeals to Romero – Inter and Atletico Madrid can both offer him that. Spurs will have to win the Europa League in order to make it into Europe’s elite club competition.

If that doesn’t happen, there’s every chance Romero will look for a new club this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur delivered the biggest news story of the final day of the winter transfer window when they signed Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich.

Tel’s move to Tottenham was the big talking point of transfer deadline day as he performed a U-turn and joined Spurs on an initial loan deal.

The 19-year-old has made seven appearances for Spurs and has netted once, though he’s yet to get off the mark in the Premier League or Europa League.

Fabrizio Romano has now shared how Tottenham insiders feel about the prospect of signing Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern.

Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham see Mathys Tel as a big part of their project – but there’s a catch

Romano has claimed that Tottenham see Tel as someone who could ‘absolutely’ be part of their project.

However, the transfer insider says Spurs are not rushing into a decision yet amid their ongoing Europa League campaign.

The Europa League is now Tottenham’s only pathway to European football next season due to their lowly league position and exiting both domestic cups.

The winner of the Europa League would qualify for the Champions League, which would have a big impact on Spurs’ summer budget and their pulling power.

“This remains the message, Tottenham consider Mathys Tel as a player who can absolutely be part of the project in the future,” Romano wrote on GiveMeSport.

“Then we have to see again, also in this case, financially, how Tottenham want to advance in the summer.

“At the moment, I can guarantee that Tottenham are fully focused on the present, because obviously the Europa League is too important for them, before deciding on the budget, on what’s going to happen next season.

“It’s similar to Manchester United. If you have the chance maybe to play Champions League football next season, everything can change. And so, financially, you can do way more things.”

What Ange Postecoglou plans to do with Mathys Tel at Tottenham

Earlier in March, Ange Postecoglou said Tel has “done as well as he possibly can” considering the circumstances at N17.

The Tottenham manager backed the ‘extraordinary’ Tel to flourish once the injury situation eases and once he can deploy him where he thinks he’ll be best – on the flanks.

“It’s fair to say we’ve put a lot on a very young player and introduced him to our league,” Postecoglou told reporters.

“I remember Lucas [Bergvall] was a similar one at the beginning of the year. He struggled a little bit in certain games, especially in Europe.

“He struggled a couple of times but over time we’ve seen him flourish.

“I’m sure once we can get Dom [Solanke] back in and hopefully Richy [Richarlison] not too far in the future, we can use him in the way we want to.”

Tottenham need to revamp their squad this summer.

Indeed, if this season has taught us anything about Spurs, it’s that many of their players simply aren’t good enough at this point.

Heung-Min Son has been heavily criticised at times this season, but perhaps Spurs’ biggest problem is in the midfield.

Yves Bissouma has been poor for most part this season, while Rodrigo Bentancur hasn’t been much better either.

Spurs need some fresh impetus in the midfield, and according to Dean Jones, speaking on the Ranks FC Podcast, help could be on the way.

The journalist says that Tottenham could well be in for Lille’s Angel Gomes this summer, naming the north London club as the most likely team to sign the England international.

Tottenham are favourites to sign Angel Gomes

Jones shared what he knows about Gomes and his potential move this summer.

Gomes will be a free agent come the end of the season, and according to Jones, Spurs are the team most interested in doing a deal for the England ace.

“But yeah, the main spot for him, the team that’s been after him the longest is Tottenham. They were even trying to strike a deal in January to just secure it. They would have paid a fee for him to just get it in the bank.

They didn’t manage to do that, which surprises me a little bit. I was told at the time that Angel Gomes just wanted to keep his options open. Didn’t feel the need to rush into that decision, but they’ve continued to talk about it.”

“And certainly, avenues are still open between Tottenham and Gomes to go ahead

“I do believe that Tottenham are the most likely club to get this done if he comes to England. Now, it’s worth bearing in mind, he does have offers outside of England too. I haven’t been given any firm names on who they are, but I’m told he has very good profile clubs interested in him from Spain and Germany.”

Manchester United academy players who joined Tottenham

Tottenham could offer Gomes a return to English football a few years on from his release from Manchester United.

Interestingly, Gomes wouldn’t be the first United academy graduate to ultimately end up playing for Tottenham.

Sadly for Gomes though, other players who have followed this sort of path haven’t fared too well.

Frazier Campbell didn’t amount to much at Tottenham after joining directly from United, while Zeki Fryers is a long-forgotten Premier League figure at the age of just 32.

Interestingly, Pierluigi Gollini was on Manchester United’s books as a youngster too before a loan move to Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping that they can use two of their best young talents in order to win the race for one of the Championship’s best teenagers.

Following what has been a pretty catastrophic Premier League campaign, Spurs know they will need a strong summer transfer window in order to get back on track.

But, the North London club seem intent on continuing to sign Europe’s best young talents and this time, they are looking to the second tier of English football for their next target.

Tottenham hopeful of persuading Chris Rigg to join

Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful that they can persuade Chris Rigg to join them ahead of the competition for his signature, according to The Northern Echo.

Sunderland are expected to receive many offers for the 17-year-old in the summer with the youngster becoming very highly rated by Premier League clubs.

Ange Postecoglou’s side think they can point to Djed Spence and Archie Gray as EFL stars who have been given opportunities to develop in the English top flight.

Spence is currently being tipped to play for England, meanwhile, Archie Gray is now seen as one of the best talents in the Premier League.

The Australian has given plenty of game time to the likes of Gray, Mikey Moore and Lucas Bergvall who have all turned into top players even at such a young age.

Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with Rigg showing that Spurs are likely to face strong competition to get him.

Chris Rigg compared to Tottenham legend Paul Gascoigne

Former England international Carlton Palmer claims that Rigg is the best young talent to come out of the North East since Tottenham legend Paul Gascoigne.

Palmer also claims that the Black Cats would also value the teenager at around £20 million, given just how good he has been in the Championship this season.

When speaking about Crystal Palace’s interest in him back in November, Palmer told Football League World: They will have to break the bank to get him, Sunderland won’t sell him for £20 million, they are top of the league and looking to get back to the Premier League, so if they’re going to sell Chris Rigg it will be for a lot more than £20 million.

“If he continues in the same form, and I don’t make this too fine a point, the last player to come out of that neck of the woods with that sort of talent was Paul Gascoigne, this boy is in that class, so Sunderland are not going to sell him on the cheap.”

Southampton have hardly troubled anyone in the Premier League this season.

The Saints currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League with only nine points from 29 games – winning just twice.

Southampton are even on track to beat Derby’s record as the worst Premier League side in history, with the Rams team of 2007/08 mustering just 11 points.

Despite their struggles on the pitch, Southampton have still found a way to frustrate Tottenham and other sides after a decision was made over Tyler Dibling.

Tottenham and others left frustrated as Southampton put £100m price tag on Tyler Dibling

The Telegraph now report that Southampton’s lofty valuation of the England U21 international is frustrating the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City, as well as other unnamed Premier League clubs.

In fact, it is said the Saints actually want just over £100m for Dibling – using the £100m fee Manchester City spent on Jack Grealish as a reference point.

Tottenham are said to have made the 19-year-old a priority target this summer and enquired about the winger during the winter transfer window, while Manchester United, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have all scouted the teenager this season.

Dibling – who Theo Walcott likened to Gareth Bale – has scored four goals and provided two assists in 30 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

What Tottenham think about Tyler Dibling deal

TBR Football understand Tottenham feel they are favourites to sign Dibling this summer.

Sources state that the Southampton No.33 is eager to join Spurs – who have placed a real emphasis on signing top young talent in recent times, such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Dibling is also understood to have no intention of signing a new contract at Southampton, with his current terms expiring in July 2026.

Therefore, the Saints might need to adjust that £100m asking price this summer if no bids arrive, or else they risk losing the Exeter-born wonderkid for nothing in 2026.

After the tumultuous season they have endured, Tottenham Hotspur almost cannot afford to make mistakes in the summer transfer window.

Injuries piling up and Ange Postecoglou’s tactics might be cited as reasons behind Spurs’ woes but so can their improper squad-building over the past few years.

Tottenham are ready to sell Yves Bissouma, a player they signed as recently as in 2022 which sums up why the roster at Postecoglou’s disposal might not have been fit for purpose.

Radu Dragusin has been recommended to leave Tottenham and his disappointing displays this season have summed up why the Lilywhites should have always steered clear of signing a centre-back who clearly does not fit their system.

On Monday, TBR Football revealed that Tottenham are interested in signing Noni Madueke — another potential move that looks questionable to say the least.

Tottenham should steer clear of Noni Madueke move

Madueke has impressed in flashes and there is no denying that Chelsea have a player in the former Tottenham academy graduate.

But Chelsea have been happy to move Madueke on as far back as in September.

The Blues’ reasons for doing so are understandable as the England international is far too inconsistent — with his primary flaws being poor decision-making in the final third, unreliability in terms of his production and being overtly direct.

In the Premier League this season, Madueke has just seven goals and three assists — a tally that should discourage Tottenham as Brennan Johnson — a right-winger who is already struggling in North London has nine goals and two assists.

While John Terry pinpointed Madueke’s improvement this season and there has certainly been one from the previous campaign, he has largely failed to impress since his £30 million (BBC Sport) move in 2023. Tottenham fear Heung-min Son is over the hill and considering the 32-year-old is not getting any younger, Spurs’ priority should be to try and sign an heir to him — even if that is on the opposite flank to shoulder the burden of producing consistent goals and assists.

Madueke is just 23 and perhaps one day, he could become a top player but Tottenham should avoid taking uncalculated gambles that could further sink their project under Ange Postecoglou.

Better wingers Spurs can actually sign over Noni Madueke

The Barnet-born wideman started the season on fire but his dip in form is indicative of the fact that he is yet to become the potential superstar Chelsea would have hoped he would morph into.

Besides, Tottenham are already targeting a few wingers who can be classed as better players than Madueke.

One of them is Tyler Dibling, who is keen to join Tottenham. Another name that springs to mind is Bryan Mbeumo, who Ange Postecoglou loves and would like to see donning a Spurs shirt.

Leroy Sane is on Tottenham’s radar as well and it is believed that the Bayern Munich speedster has not ruled out any options as he could leave Germany this summer. Eberechi Eze is a Tottenham target as well and while he is not a traditional winger, he has often impressed as a wide playmaker — making it four wingers who can be classed as superior players to Madueke.

Johan Lange should bide his time in deciding the wide forward he wishes to sign as a cracker of a signing in such a position could transform this Tottenham side.

Croatia’s manager, Zlatko Dalic, has just made an exciting claim about the future of Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic.

Vuskovic continues to impress as the defender netted his eighth goal of the season with his first for Croatia’s U23 as he scored against Thailand U23.

Next summer is when Vuskovic will finally join Tottenham, which will be two years on from when they paid £12 million to sign him at the age of just 16.

Now, Croatia’s manager has been discussing the youngster and has made a claim about him which proves why he is so highly rated.

Luka Vuskovic is under consideration for the next Croatian squad

Zlatko Dalic says that Luka Vuskovic is under consideration for Croatia’s next squad with the national team in need of defenders.

Following his team’s defeat to France in the Nations League, the Croatian manager was asked about how impressed he’d been by the teenager’s form and wether he could be a solution to the nation’s defensive issues.

When asked about the Tottenham defender being included in the next Croatian squad, Dalic told the media: “It’s too early, we’re still thinking by the game with France, we have three months to prepare these things.

“He’s definitely a player we’re focusing on, we played the last 15 minutes in Paris with three defenders, we have good solutions there.”

Could Luka Vuskovic be the answer to Tottenham’s Cristian Romero replacement?

TBR Football understands that Ateltico Madrid are targeting a move for Cristian Romero, and the defender is keen to play Champions League football next season.

In addition to Atletico, Real Madrid are also interested in signing Romero and the North London club look set to face a tough battle to keep him.

Romero’s departure would leave a big hole in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, which Spurs will need to fill, but the replacement could be Vuskovic.

The 18-year-old has already shown he is ready to play at the top level having been one of the best defenders in the Belgian Pro League this season.

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham would make Romero their highest earner if he agreed to sign a contract extension but the World Cup winner’s future is uncertain as his current deal runs out in two years.

The worry for Spurs is that the Argentine has seemed discontent for a while, with Romero famously calling Tottenham’s ownership out for their lack of ambition in the transfer market.

Romero seemingly called out Tottenham’s medical staff as well after crediting his national team for helping him recover from a hamstring injury that kept him out for months.

Now, an update has emerged around Cristian Romero’s future amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

Cristian Romero assessing future as Atletico Madrid plot move

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has been informed that as things stands, Romero is assessing his future and his sights are not set on signing for any club in particular.

But Atletico Madrid have entered the fray to bring the former Atalanta centre-back to the Spanish capital and are one of the many clubs keen on securing the 26-year-old’s services.

Romero eyes Champions League football at Tottenham, which looks impossible at this stage of the season and a factor that has held him back from extending his contract. But Atletico Madrid are ready to offer the Tottenham defender the chance to play in Europe’s elite competition next season.

Even Real Madrid are interested in signing Romero but he is not at the top of their shortlist as they plot a move for Dean Huijsen this summer.

For Ange Postecoglou, the prospect of losing Spurs’ vice-captain would be a devastating blow as he is one of the best players at the club and a leader in the dressing room.

What Tottenham plan to do about Cristian Romero’s future

TBR Football understands that Tottenham’s plan is to hold fresh contract talks with Romero once again.

After months of uncertainty, it now appears as if Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

Liverpool supporters have been willing their homegrown star to sign a new deal at Anfield, however Alexander-Arnold now seems on the verge of a move to Spain where he’ll play alongside Jude Bellingham.

Alexander-Arnold will follow in Steve McManaman’s footsteps and perhaps the full-back should pay close attention to some of the former Liverpool’s man’s reflections on that famous move.

That being said, if the 26-year-old does leave, Richard Hughes and his team will need to find a swift replacement, even if Conor Bradley is bustling with talent on the sidelines.

And on evidence of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United, Arne Slot needs to find a full-back who can somewhat replicate Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and passing on the right.

Bradley is an excellent full-back, but he’s not in the same mould.

Pedro Porro could be Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold fix

All that considered, perhaps Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro could actually be a surprise solution for Liverpool.

As expected, it’s difficult to find a similar full-back profile to Alexander-Arnold in world football, he’s not a typical defender by any means.

But Porro, who arrived at Spurs for £40m back in 2023, is arguably the most creative option available to Hughes and his transfer team.

At a simplistic level, Porro is one of the only well-established full-backs around who can somewhat come near to the Liverpool man’s xG and xGA per 90.

And when diving deeper into Porro’s passing, he does come close to the progressive passing distance that Alexander-Arnold manages each game too.

Unfortunately, Porro’s attacking qualities are also accompanied by some questionable defensive decisions, but Alexander-Arnold has always been similar and Slot has built a system which covers for those weaknesses.

Three replacements for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

In reality, Porro would appear as an immediate downgrade on Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool, but that’s going to be the unfortunate reality of most who would come to replace the England international.

Perhaps Liverpool fans will still favour Jeremie Frimpong – a name who is often linked to the Anfield.

But the Dutchman is very different stylistically to Alexander-Arnold, meaning Slot’s plans would be heading in a different direction.

In terms of alternatives to Porro, Quentin Merlin (22) of Olympique Marseille and Anthony Caci (27) of Mainz would also be similar alternatives, albeit ones who may take longer to adapt to the Premier League.

It’s no easy situation to solve if Alexander-Arnold leaves, but Liverpool should be in a strong financial position to find the right replacement.