TBR Football

If Cristian Romero leaves Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, he will be remembered as a hero for his Man of the Match performance in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Considering Ange Postecoglou decided to opt for an uncharacteristically pragmatic approach against United, the Tottenham centre-back’s lionhearted display is one of the key reasons why Spurs’ block was impregnable on the night.

Romero seemed set to join Atletico Madrid after having reportedly held talks with Diego Simeone as well.

While Tottenham were ready to sell Romero, whose season has largely been impacted by injuries and unconvincing displays, perhaps their openness seemed justified.

But Cristian Romero reminded the world in the Europa League final that on his day, he can perform at elite levels and emerge as one of Spurs’ standout players.

Fabrizio Romano says Daniel Levy will make it ‘difficult’ for Cristian Romero to leave

Much like any chairman, Daniel Levy will be proud that he has a player of the World Cup winner’s ilk on his books.

Romero discussed his future at Tottenham after reigning supreme in Bilbao by not clarifying whether he has decided to stay or leave in the summer.

However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Daniel Levy will make it harder for Romero to leave Tottenham after winning the Europa League: “Now, with Tottenham beating Manchester United in the Europa League final means that they will be in the Champions League, so the feeling around the project and also that the chairman of Tottenham will make it even more difficult for some of the more important players to leave Tottenham this summer. One of them is for sure Cuti Romero.”

Fabio Paratici could return to Tottenham and Romano emphasised that he would be keen to reunite with the 27-year-old: “As mentioned, Cuti Romero was one of the players he [Paratici] wanted, had him at Juventus, first signing him from Genoa, then the player went to Atalanta, Tottenham signed the player from Atalanta, now he remains an absolutely crucial player for Tottenham.”

“Now, Romero is out of contract in two years and it’s going to be a situation to follow because at the moment, there are no conversations ongoing to extend his contract but for sure now, Daniel Levy will try his best to keep Cuti Romero despite strong interest especially from Spain.”

Ange Postecoglou wants Romero to stay at Tottenham

Even Real Madrid are interested in signing Romero from Tottenham and while the player might appreciate Daniel Levy’s willingness to keep him, playing at a truly elite club might appeal to him.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s point of view, he would be hoping that Levy makes the former Atalanta colossus’ potential exit as difficult as possible as he would like to keep him.

Postecoglou said via BeanymanSports: “Look, I think Romero is absolutely important to keep at this football club. You just saw the way he’s been and he hasn’t been fully fit, to be fair to him with his toe but you’ve seen he’s a winner and you saw that in all the big games we’ve had.”

“The lads certainly respect him very highly and he makes them taller, walk a bit taller, so, yeah from my perspective, it is a no-brainer.”

“If he goes, who do you replace him with? There’s not too many out there like him, so it’d be very important for the club to try and retain him and retain him for the longer term I think.”

Tottenham fans sent a clear message to Daniel Levy about Ange Postecoglou during their match against Brighton.

The mood around the club has quickly changed after their Europa League triumph on Wednesday night, despite the club sitting 17th in the table.

The 1-0 win over Manchester United not only ended their 17-year trophy drought but also marked their first major European trophy since 1984.

Fans have not seen eye to eye with their manager for most of the season, with Ange even clashing with Tottenham fans on several occasions.

However, it seems winning a trophy has changed everything. And early in the game, Tottenham fans made their feelings clear.

Tottenham fans make Ange Postecoglou feeling clear with early chants

Spurs fans arrived at the stadium in full voice, still buzzing from their Europa League triumph.

And while Ange Postecoglou’s future at Spurs remains uncertain, fans wasted no time making their feelings clear to Daniel Levy about what they think about Ange staying.

Journalist Alasdair Gold revealed what the fans were heard singing just three minutes into the game. He reported on X: “Just three minutes in and the South Stand are singing Ange Postecoglou’s chant loudly and it quickly spreads around the stadium.”

Gary Neville backs Ange Postecoglou to stay at Tottenham

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has backed Postecoglou to remain at Tottenham after his massive achievement.

It was previously reported that Paratici has drawn up four-man shortlist for Tottenham, as he prepares to replace Ange in the summer.

But Neville believes the club will likely want to keep him now. Speaking on a recent episode of It’s Called Soccer podcast, Neville said: “From a Tottenham perspective, I don’t know. I think you’re right, I think they will more than likely try to keep him now because of what’s happened, but he’s had some horrific stick.

“The Tottenham fans have been harsh at times towards the players and him. Maybe he will think he’s had enough. I think it was a special moment for him.

“If they lost that, there’d be no doubt that they would sack him, wouldn’t they?

“Maybe he looks at that and thinks ‘I won’t wait for you, I’ll take control of my own destiny and take on a challenge somewhere else’.

Southampton fans could be heard attempting to wind up the Arsenal away support at St Mary’s by singing about their bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

It’s been a season of mixed emotions for the Gunners who have enjoyed a strong Champions League run and another Premier League title charge, but ultimately come up short in both competitions.

Down the road in N17, it’s been a similar case, with Tottenham Hotspur having had a torrid domestic campaign, but in Europe, they ended their long wait for silverware.

The Saints’ supporters were quick to remind the Arsenal players and supporters of that fact on an afternoon where spirits were high on the South Coast despite their relegation from the top flight.

Southampton goad Arsenal with Tottenham chants

Southampton fans could be heard chanting, “Tottenham Hotspur, they’ve won more than you,” to the Arsenal supporters in the away end. St Mary’s then attempted to wind them up even more by singing, “second again, allez, allez!”

The final day of the Premier League season is often spent by fans enjoying themselves and Southampton’s home support were certainly doing that by goading the away end.

Arsenal have now gone five years without a trophy and will have been frustrated not to have ended that wait this season. Next season, there is a sense of win or bust for Mikel Arteta’s project in North London with a busy summer window ahead.

Instead, they had to watch their neighbours, Tottenham, clinch their third Europa League title. Brennan Johnson’s goal against Manchester United in the final won the trophy for the Lilywhites and end their 17-year wait for a trophy.

Southampton’s Tottenham chants should motivate Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board need to use Spurs’ Europa League win and the Saints fans mocking them as motivation to ensure next season is different. The Gunners are so close to success, but are missing the final few pieces.

Arsenal are hoping to sign an elite-level striker this summer. Viktor Gyokeres appears to be Arsenal’s number one target at this stage. Arsenal are also looking at Nico Williams amongst others as they want an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

Following Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic Europa League final victory against Manchester United, David Beckham issued a message to the North London club.

Spurs defeated Beckham’s boyhood club, Manchester United, 1-0 as Brennan Johnson netted the only goal of the game in Bilbao. The Lilywhites lifted the trophy for the first time since 1984 and their first piece of silverware since 2008.

The current Inter Miami president had family members who were supporters of the North London club and he sent the club a message during their trophy parade in N17.

David Beckham’s message to Tottenham after beating Man United

Former Manchester United player David Beckham has revealed his grandad would be ‘one proud man’ after Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League.

Beckham’s grandfather was a Spurs supporter before the 52-year-old’s dad, Ted, decided to support Man United and he followed suit.

Beckham replied on Spurs Official’s Instagram, writing: “My grandad would be one proud man @SpursOfficial. Congratulations.”

Beckham’s grandfather would have seen the last two UEFA Cup wins Tottenham produced in 1972 and 1984. Spurs became the first club to win the competition in 72′ and then won it again against Anderlecht, beating them over two legs.

When David Beckham trained with Tottenham Hotspur

Many Spurs supporters will remember when David Beckham trained at the club’s old training base back in January 2011.

The former England captain spent several weeks training with Harry Redknapp’s squad as he looked to build up his fitness during time off in the MLS.

The then 35-year-old was still contracted to LA Galaxy and he would have trained and he would have trained with players such as Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will both be playing Champions League football next season and are both in need of elite upgrades in the attacking areas.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs certainly need to consider improving their attack as, despite winning the Europa League, their form in the Premier League has been quite abysmal.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s team have come up short yet again in the Premier League title race and require greater firepower in attack.

One player who could be available for transfer this summer is Brighton and Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma, who could be perfect for both North London clubs.

Tottenham and Arsenal should consider £42m Kaoru Mitoma move

Bayern Munich are targeting a move for Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and have been told a move could be possible for just £42 million, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The Seagulls are keen to keep the winger, however, top clubs are circling and could make it very tricky for them to keep hold of him.

TBR Football revealed back in February that Mitoma was open to leaving Brighton and that he was keen to play in the Champions League.

Tottenham and Arsenal would find it tricky competing with Bayern should the German champions make their move, but both Premier League clubs should be targeting the 28-year-old if he’s available for just £42m.

The Japanese international has been an outstanding performer over recent times in England’s top flight, with his manager Fabian Hurzeler describing him as a “special talent”.

Mitoma, who has been targeted by Saudi, has long been threatening to earn a big move away from the South Coast and this could be the summer it finally happens for him.

The Bundesliga currently looks like his most likely destination, although Spurs and the Gunners should at least be testing the waters to see if a deal is possible.

Kaoru Mitoma’s stats compared to Son Heung-min and Gabriel Martinelli

Mitoma could transform the left winger spot for both teams, offering an upgrade on Son Heung-min and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brighton forward has matched Son’s goal tally having played fewer matches than the South Korean captain and beaten Martinelli’s goals.

Should the winger be added to a team with better players, his numbers could continue to improve – Postecoglou and Arteta should both be keen on him.

Tottenham beat Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night to end their 17-year trophy drought.

A scrappy goal in the first half from Brennan Johnson proved to be enough for Ange Postecoglou’s side, earning Spurs their first European title since 1984.

Despite a difficult Premier League campaign that saw them drop to 17th, Postecoglou kept his promise and delivered a trophy in his second season in charge.

What was shaping up to be a miserable season for Tottenham fans has now turned into one of joy and celebration, as evidenced by the open-top bus parade celebrations on Friday.

What James Maddison did during Tottenham’s parade celebrations

James Maddison quickly became a fan favourite after arriving at Tottenham in 2023, not just because of his performances on the pitch, but also due to his personality off the pitch.

And fans would love him even more after his antics during the title celebrations.

As Spurs fans began chanting “Are you watching Arsenal, are you watching Arsenal?” during the parade, Maddison was the only Spurs player seen joining in with the fans, a moment that instantly went viral among the fanbase.

Tottenham can say they’ve had a better season than Arsenal

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season.

They were considered Liverpool’s closest rivals in the title race at one stage, but Arne Slot’s side ended up running away with it, winning the league by a commanding 15-point margin.

Arsenal also enjoyed a fantastic Champions League campaign, thrashing Real Madrid on the way to the semi-finals, where they lost to PSG.

Tottenham, in contrast, have had a miserable domestic season, having lost 21 games (so far) and in doing so, Postecoglou set an unwanted record at Spurs.

However, in Europe they were fantastic, as they went all the way to win the tournament. Tottenham also set an unbeaten home record, something no other English team managed this season.

Arteta has been slammed for his comments about which club had the better season.

While there will always be different opinions, the simple fact is that Tottenham won a major trophy and Arsenal didn’t.

For many, that would be enough to crown Spurs’ season as the more successful overall.

Tottenham Hotspur are Europa League champions, and while the celebrations from that triumph are still ongoing, behind the scenes, Tottenham are in a strange situation.

Indeed, Ange Postecoglou was set for the sack heading into this summer, but after winning the Europa League, it’s increasingly more difficult for Daniel Levy to justify sacking the manager.

However, Spurs do still sit 17th in the Premier League and there’s clearly something not quite right at the moment.

Speaking on The Tottenham Way Podcast, Tom Allnutt has been discussing Ange Postecoglou’s future at Spurs, and he’s shared an interesting insight into how the Spurs squad now feel about their manager.

How Tottenham’s squad feel about Ange Postecoglou

According to Allnutt, there is a split in the Tottenham squad on Ange Postecoglou.

The journalist says there are three or four players who are very much behind the manager, while three or four other players are in the opposite camp.

However, the majority of the squad are somewhere in the middle, not completely behind the manager, but not entirely against him either.

“I think that is revising history. Like, the way we have seen some players play in the last few months, well, to be honest, we’ve heard and we know, I think there are, you know, some players in the squad who had checked out with Ange, and he had checked out with them. Yes, players will say things, of course, because they get asked questions,” Allnutt said.

“And I think, I have no doubt, there are three or four players who are very strong on Ange. There are probably three or four at the other end of the spectrum. There are quite a lot of other ones in the middle.”

Managers who were sacked after winning trophies

Ange Postecoglou has just delivered Tottenham their first trophy in 17 years, and it does feel harsh to sack the Australian at this point.

However, other managers have been in similar situations in the past only to lose their jobs, despite better performance in the league as well.

Simply put, finishing 17th in the table as Tottenham is unacceptable, and while it would be a difficult decision to make, Daniel Levy would be totally justified if he decided this was the end of the road for Postecoglou at Spurs.

The Tottenham squad are still split on their manager by the sounds of things, and that’s not a great footing heading into next season.

It may be time for Tottenham to reset and go forward under a new manager in a fresh direction.

Harry Kane is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers in football history.

Kane is a world-class player, he’s England’s record goalscorer, he’s Tottenham’s record goalscorer, and now, he can even call himself a Bundesliga champion.

Harry Kane is an incredible forward, and speaking to Goal, the Bayern Munich star has been building what he believes to be the ‘perfect’ striker made up of a number of key attributes.

Kane has played with and against some remarkable strikers over the years, but when he was asked to name the best finisher he’s ever seen, he gave an interesting answer.

Harry Kane names Jermain Defoe as the best finisher he’s seen

Kane was asked to name the best finisher he’s ever seen when building his perfect striker.

Kane has played on the same pitch as the likes of Luis Suarez, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in recent years, but according to the England captain, Jermain Defoe is the best finisher he’s ever seen.

Defoe was a brilliant striker for Tottenham for a long time, and at just £9m, he’s one of the best signings Spurs ever made as well.

Defoe doesn’t quite match up to Kane statistically, but he was still a fantastic finisher.

Harry Kane’s perfect striker

Kane made some other interesting claims as he built his perfect striker.

The England star, inevitably, picked Kylian Mbappe for his speed, while Edinson Cavani and Peter Crouch also got special mentions here.

Kane may be a Bayern Munich player these days, but there’s clearly still an element of Tottenham bias at play here as Defoe and Crouch got special mentions.

Of course, Defoe and Crouch were both brilliant at finishing and heading, but it’s something of a stretch to suggest they’re the best of all-time in these respective categories.

Superstar players such as Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba certainly belong in these sorts of challenges, but Defoe and Crouch are much more left-field picks, clearly born from Kane’s love for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur have ended a difficult season on the highest of notes as they secured their first trophy in 17 years along with Champions League qualification.

Tottenham can’t finish any higher than 14th in the Premier League table and there’s a good chance they could finish 17th in the table, just one place above the relegation zone.

However, none of that matters, because Spurs have won the Europa League and, as a result, will play in the Champions League next season.

And despite Tottenham’s struggles in the league, they have shown they can comprehensively beat anyone on their day, suggesting the club is on the right track.

Chris Sutton has now made a confident prediction regarding where he thinks Spurs will finish in the top flight next season.

Chris Sutton confident Tottenham will finish in Premier League’s top six next season

Sutton, speaking on BBC 606, spoke about both Tottenham and Man United in the wake of their Europa League final clash.

He described losing the final as a “catastrophe” for Man United.

Meanwhile, Sutton spoke of how the benefits for the winners will extend into next season thanks to Champions League qualification.

Sutton then said he was “absolutely certain” that Tottenham would finish in the top six at the end of the 2025/26 season.

“Because the winner – Champions League football, the money which comes with the Champions League,” said Sutton.

“The loser, it’s a catastrophe because, you know, the lack of finance which they will get in.

“But the recruitment is going to be key for Manchester United over the summer.

“Same for Tottenham, but I’m absolutely convinced Tottenham will finish in the top six next season.”

How much money Tottenham could make from winning the Europa League final

Tottenham’s immediate financial reward for winning the Europa League outright is around £10.9million in prize money from UEFA.

However, this pales in comparison to how much Spurs stand to make as a consequence of winning the Europa League next season.

Tottenham are guaranteed to earn £16million just for reaching the group stage of the Champions League, according to BBC Sport.

However, this could climb to about £50million with additional prize money awarded based on league position and for victories and draws.

The report then says Tottenham would also be able to generate millions from tickets, broadcasters, and sponsors.

The additional pulling power of being able to promise Champions League football to potential new signings will also stand Tottenham in good stead when it comes to the summer transfer window.

Tottenham finally ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League on Wednesday night.

A first-half Brennan Johnson goal sealed a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the final, earning Spurs their first European title in 41 years.

Despite a difficult domestic campaign that saw Spurs sit 17th in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou kept his word, delivering silverware in his second full season just as he had promised.

Ange’s future at Tottenham was uncertain going into the final, with certainty that he would be sacked if they lost the final.

But with the manager ending Tottenham’s trophy drought, there are suggestions that he has done enough to save his job for now.

Gary Neville on Ange Postecoglou’s future

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has now suggested that Postecoglou might rethink his future at Tottenham due to the criticism he and his players have faced from fans.

Although he believes the club will likely want to keep him, Neville noted that the harsh treatment could lead Postecoglou to leave on his terms, potentially opting to quit on a high and look for a new challenge elsewhere.

Speaking on the latest episode of It’s Called Soccer podcast, Neville said: “From a Tottenham perspective, I don’t know. I think you’re right, I think they will more than likely try to keep him now because of what’s happened, but he’s had some horrific stick.

“The Tottenham fans have been harsh at times towards the players and him. Maybe he will think he’s had enough. I think it was a special moment for him.

“If they lost that, there’d be no doubt that they would sack him, wouldn’t they?

“Maybe he looks at that and thinks ‘I won’t wait for you, I’ll take control of my own destiny and take on a challenge somewhere else’.

Fabio Paratici could decide Ange Postecoglou’s future

Several changes are expected at Tottenham this summer, not only in player transfers but also within the club’s hierarchy.

Spurs are reportedly set to reinstate their former managing director, Fabio Paratici, who is expected to take charge of the managerial replacement decisions going into next season.

It was previously reported that Paratici has drawn up four-man shortlist for Tottenham, as he prepares to replace Ange in the summer.

Reports suggest that Paratici has recommended Francesco Farioli, the former Ajax manager who recently left the Dutch club, to Daniel Levy.

Tottenham’s shortlist also includes current Premier League managers like Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva, as well as former Barcelona boss Xavi.

However, as Neville noted, the club is likely to continue backing Postecoglou, especially after he delivered a major trophy, which top managers in the club’s recent history have failed to achieve.