TBR Football

Crystal Palace maverick Eberechi Eze is a player who has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur for ages now.

Tottenham have a concrete interest in signing Eze, with Manchester United and Napoli also being admirers of the Englishman.

Additionally, Tottenham have held internal talks about signing Eze, who would certainly help bolster their attack instantly.

The good news for Spurs and his suitors is that there is a release clause worth £68 million in the Palace talisman’s contract, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Surprisingly, no club decided to snap Eberechi Eze up in the summer, who seemed destined for a move away from Selhurst Park after having impressed as an impact substitute during Euro 2024.

Since then, the former Queens Park Rangers has knuckled down and helped Crystal Palace sit comfortably in 12th place in the Premier League table after they were initially battling relegation.

But in the summer, it seems like the signing of Eze will be high on Tottenham’s to-do list.

The 26-year-old has all the traits to become a star under Ange Postecoglou — being technically gifted, an X-factor in the final third and tactically flexible.

Eberechi Eze deal “difficult” for Tottenham due to complicated release clause

But Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the signing of Eze is not so easy to complete, citing his complicated release clause as the barrier standing in Tottenham’s path.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “He’s on Spurs’ list since 2023, he’s always been highly rated at the club.”

“But the release clause is very expensive and the payment for the clause is not allowed in three, four years as usually happens, so that’s what makes the deal difficult and there are more clubs also keen.”

The Lilywhites’ priority seems to freshening up their forward line, with Tottenham eyeing striker Samu Omorodion as well — making the perceived difficulty of Eze’s deal frustrating for them.

Tottenham were interested in Eze’s signature in January as well — which shows how longstanding their admiration is for the attacking midfielder.

Big blow for Ange Postecoglou who requested Eberechi Eze signing

The best advice for the English giants would be to keep pursuing a deal for the versatile forward.

Players like Eze are not made available too often, keeping in mind that he is also Premier League-proven.

Ange Postecoglou’s top target is Eze and the latest news surrounding his future will be a blow for him.

Tottenham will likely be assessing the payment structure in the deal to make it a reality.

But it seems easier said than done and in fairness, any top club like Spurs should have alternatives in place ahead of the summer transfer window.

Unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur, star defender Cristian Romero has only played 14 games this season, with only 12 of those appearances coming in the Premier League.

Romero played 34 games during Ange Postecoglou’s first season at Tottenham, only missing three matches owing to injury – as many as he did through suspension.

However, the Argentinian has succumbed to more than one injury this season, and he’s currently plotting a careful comeback from a hamstring injury that he suffered at the tail end of last year.

After returning from a foot issue to face Chelsea at the beginning of December, Romero lasted just 15 minutes before he needed to be withdrawn – a match in which Spurs also lost Micky van de Ven to injury.

Some Tottenham staff feel Van de Ven was rushed back in particular, a difficult situation for the club all round.

Tottenham were well aware that Argentina would call-up Cristian Romero

That being said, on the eve of his return, Romero has now been called up by Argentina for their World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil later this month, and the Telegraph have now provided more insight into that decision.

Understandably, Tottenham fans might have been both frustrated and concerned to hear news of Romero’s call up, who hasn’t been fit for his club for so long.

However, it’s a decision that has been well communicated with Spurs, and the north Londoners have given their blessing for the centre-back to go.

Via the report, insiders at Tottenham have pointed out that the club have close contact with the national federations of their players, meaning a surprise call-up would be very unlikely.

Spurs were fully expecting Romero to be called up by Argentina, and the good news for fans in N17 is that the defender is in contention to feature in Thursday’s squad against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

Cristian Romero might be ready to face AZ Alkmaar

Before Argentina’s games, which take place on March 21 and March 26, Tottenham will still play four more times explaining why Romero could be fit to start for his country.

Perhaps it’s unlikely that Postecoglou will start Romero immediately in the Netherlands this week, but he’ll be a valuable option on the bench and a strong presence in the traveling group too.

Of course, Spurs now have Kevin Danso available for the knock-out stages of the Europa League, lessening the need to rush Romero.

It was previously believed that Postecoglou needed to win the Europa League to save his job in north London.

Given Tottenham are currently 13th in the Premier League, there’s little prospect of securing European football next season unless they can win the competition.

Mathys Tel has spent enough time to have a fair idea about how his Tottenham Hotspur teammates operate on the pitch.

For instance, Tel raved about James Maddison’s “crazy” technique and admitted that he would love to be as brilliant as the Englishman is with the ball at his feet.

Mathys Tel has also played several minutes with some of his other big-name teammates such as Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski at Spurs and must know why they are truly special players.

But it is off the pitch where the Frenchman will take time to get to know them.

Having signed on deadline day from Bayern Munich, the 19-year-old must still be familarising himself with his teammates at Tottenham.

The only player at Spurs who he knows well is Wilson Odobert, who Tel is good friends with.

Mathys Tel says he “especially” wants to get to know Heung-min Son at Tottenham

But the reason behind Tel and Odobert’s friendship even prior to them pairing up at Tottenham is because they have played with each other at youth level for France. The Spurs winger must certainly be helping his countryman settle into life in N17.

But in fairness, Tel is enjoying life in London, including the culture which leads Tottenham to believe he could sign for them permanently.

In an interview with TNT Sports, the youngster was asked which one of his Lilywhites teammates he wants to get to know the most.

Tel named Odobert, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma because they can all speak in French but the player who topped his list was Son, as he said: “The French [speaking] players, like Bissouma, Pape, Wilson but especially Son. Son, yeah.”

Tel and Heung-min Son record together at Tottenham

The South Korean is a Tottenham icon and more importantly, Son is a top guy, according to Archie Gray and the ideal candidate to learn off for any youngster.

Son is set to stay at Tottenham, which means Tel could have the adequate time to discover more about his character and approach to the game that has made him a Premier League legend.

The pair’s record in the same side is not the best so far, unfortunately.

But Son and Tel have won two out of the three games they started together against Manchester United and Ipswich Town, only losing 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

While in Tottenham’s 4-0 defeat against Liverpool, the latter came off the bench.

But having not even assisted each other once, Tel and Son should spent time trying to work on their chemistry on the pitch especially and in turn, off the pitch as well.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be gearing up for a significant summer of investment to improve Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Right now, Tottenham’s recruitment team is built up with more than one voice at the top – with all of Scott Munn, Johan Lange and of course Daniel Levy having a say on who is signed for Postecoglou.

But although he still often helps Spurs on a consultancy basis, Fabio Paratici had to resign from his role as sporting director back in 2023 after being handed a 30-month ban by FIFA.

However, that worldwide ban is now set to end at the end of June, when Paratici is hoping to immediately return to a familiar role.

And owing to his success whilst at Tottenham, a lot of supporters in N17 would probably enjoy the prospect of the Italian returning to the club.

Fabio Paratici has spoken to Tottenham’s Premier League rivals

However, according to Tuttosport in Italy, it is now looking ‘difficult’ for Paratici to return to Tottenham, even if he maintains a good relationship with the club’s owners.

The report details how Paratici is actually now being considered for a position at AC Milan even if there is more than one candidate for the job.

However, Paratici is also said to be in talks with other Premier League sides, news which may be alarming to Spurs fans.

But the former Tottenham man is said to have a strong desire to return to work to Italy, and therefore Milan is a very appealing option to the 52-year-old.

Who are Fabio Paratici’s best signings at Tottenham?

During his association with the club, Paratici is thought to have had a hand in more than 20 signings, with some obviously being more successful than others.

And towards the top of the list, Cristian Romero’s arrival from Atalanta in 2022 should be given a strong mention.

Tottenham paid big-money to sign Romero, but could still end up making a profit on that sum given how much he’s impressed for the club and in particular, his country.

Real Madrid are interested in Romero, and the club do need to sort the defender’s contract situation as soon as possible, with his current deal set to expire in 2017.

Otherwise, Paratici also played a strong part in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur signing for the club – two players who are becoming more and more key for Postecoglou.

Despite only being 19, Mathys Tel has had the privilege of playing alongside a whole host of top players during his career.

One can look no further than Bayern Munich, where the Tottenham striker played alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Mueller to name a few.

Naturally, Mathys Tel would have learned a lot playing with such players that earned him a loan move to Spurs in the first place.

At Tottenham, Tel is training and playing alongside big names like Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison. As Tel could sign for Tottenham permanently, perhaps one of the reasons why he is enjoying life in North London is learning from such senior players who have been there and done that in the Premier League.

Maddison, in particular is one player who is similarly versatile to Tel.

Mathys Tel says he would love to have James Maddison’s technique

The England international is an attacking midfielder by trade but can also play in a deeper midfield role and out wide, as he did for Leicester City during his final season at the King Power Stadium.

Once a young player himself, Maddison also had the pressure to do the business at Leicester and he can show Tel how he can become a player many fear within English football.

Tel is clearly watching Maddison closely, telling TNT Sports that he would love to be as technically gifted as his teammate is.

“Maddison. Every time, his calmness on the ball, his technique is crazy so yes, the calmness on the ball and his technique.”

Even Joe Cole has hailed Maddison for making Tottenham tick and perhaps the main reason why he can do so with ease is due to being blessed with excellent technique.

Tim Sherwood lauded Maddison too by claiming he get into Manchester City’ squad, which goes to show how technically proficient the Englishman is.

James Maddison’s two idols explain why he has amazing technique

In an interview with the Independent, Maddison revealed he likes being a showman while naming Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne as his two idols — which explains why his technique is terrific as the English legends were renowned as being world-class with the ball at their feet.

The Tottenham playmaker said: “It’s not a conscious effort to try and be the showman. That’s just how I play football. That’s just how I am as a person, [when] I go for a roast dinner with my family, I like to be the main man.”

“I would probably say Wayne Rooney was the big one in my childhood. My dad’s favourite player when I was growing up was Gazza. I loved watching players who had a little bit of cheekiness about them; Gazza was a perfect example.”

“They’ve always had that type of player. And that sort of midfielder who wants to be creative and entertain the fans and be a personality. Christian Eriksen in more recent years but since him they probably haven’t had that type of player. I’d put myself in that category, I’m not putting myself on the same level. But I’m that type of player.”

Tel would be hoping that over time, his technique is comparable to Maddison’s.

Ange Postecoglou needs to make something very clear to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven with both defenders close to returning from injury.

Romero has played just once since December before suffering a new injury against Chelsea, meanwhile, Van de Ven’s return against Elfsborg saw him sidelined for another few weeks.

The Argentine has played just 14 times this season and the former Wolsburg defender has featured 12 times.

Postecoglou confirmed Romero and Van de Ven are close to returning, however, he must send them both a clear message ahead of their returns to action.

Ange Postecoglou must prevent Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven joining national teams

Ange Postecoglou needs to have a chat with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven about the pair not linking up with their national teams at the end of the month.

Romero has been named in Argentina’s provisional squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Lionel Scaloni still needs to narrow the squad down before officially announcing the list but the Tottenham defender has been included in the preliminary list.

Spurs supporters will feel rightfully aggrieved that Romero’s first start in months could come for Argentina considering how long they have had to wait for him to return.

The 26-year-old has been back in training for over a week now and will likely be in contention to play some part against AZ Alkmaar if required.

Meanwhile, the Dutch national team have not included Van de Ven in their squad, which is good news for Spurs, but a potential worry in terms of how close he is to returning.

Kevin Danso has softened the blow of Romero and Micky van de Ven’s injuries

Kevin Danso’s arrival at Tottenham in January has certainly helped Postecoglou’s squad with the defender slotting in nicely.

Danso seems to be the perfect fit for Postecoglou’s system given how comfortable he looks on the ball and his recovery speed when playing in a high line.

Radu Dragusin had been struggling to fill in for Van de Ven and Romero, however, the Austrian defender looks to be a really strong alternative.

Despite never kicking a ball for Tottenham Hotspur, young centre-back Luka Vuskovic already has a burgeoning reputation in N17.

Vuskovic will officially join Tottenham from Hajduk Split in the summer, a player who then seems likely to be part of Ange Postecoglou’s first team plans.

The young Croatian is spending the current season on loan at KVC Westerlo in Belgium where he’s already made 26 appearances.

Remarkably the defender has also contributed seven goals in those games from centre-back – a remarkable young talent.

Vuskovic has already earned six caps for Croatia’s under-21s and it seems as if it will only be a matter of time before he’s a full international for his country.

Tottenham are already convinced about Luka Vuskovic’s potential

That being said, journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an encouraging update regarding Vuskovic’s progress on loan and how he’s being seen in north London.

Romano took to X to confirm that Tottenham are ‘happy’ with Vuskovic’s progress following a Man of the Match display for Westerlo in their 0-0 draw with Leuven over the weekend.

The journalist said that Spurs are already confident that they’ve signed a ‘top talent’, one that fans will be excited to arrive in N17.

Romano wrote: “Tottenham are happy with Luka Vuskovic’s development on loan at Westerlo.

“2007 born CB was Man of the Match yesterday and already with +50 professional games… with 11 goals scored.

“Spurs believe they signed a top talent, strongly wanted by former Chief Scout Gabbanini.”

Belgium’s media spot further reason to be excited about Luka Vuskovic

As mentioned, Vuskovic was Westerlo’s Man of the Match in their latest outing, another sign of the youngster’s potential.

And following that performance, Belgian outlet Sporza provided an exciting review of the Croatian’s display, saying he was ‘dangerous up front’ with his heading ability.

They wrote: “Westerlo managed to keep a clean sheet once more, and that was partly thanks to Luka Vuskovic.

“The 18-year-old loanee stood firm on an attempt by Mijatovic and also showed himself to be dangerous up front with a header now and then.”

One area of Tottenham Hotspur’s squad that demands upgrading in the summer transfer window is their defence.

Ange Postecoglou might have no choice but to agree as his Spurs side have shipped 39 goals in 27 games in the Premier League this season.

Conceding 1.4 goals per league game this campaign, Tottenham have been far too leaky at the back — which is one of the reasons why they are languishing in 13th place in the table with two-and-a-half months of the campaign still left to play.

A school of thought is that Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup is too gung-ho to make his side defensively stable.

But it is also important to consider that Tottenham’s backline has been hampered by persistent injuries, which has not made life any easier for them defensively. Dean Huijsen’s camp have spoken to Tottenham as the North Londoners might need a new centre-back to come in due to both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven being quite injury-prone.

But despite having two right-backs in Pedro Porro and Djed Spence on their books, Tottenham were keen on Kyle Walker-Peters’ return as well. Another right-back who Tottenham are interested in signing is Andrei Ratiu, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Tottenham eyeing Andrei Ratiu but Barcelona have met his agents

Ratiu, 26 made his name at last year’s European Championships for his signature blue hair at the time and more importantly, how solid he was for Romania.

This season, the Aiud-born defender has been a mainstay for Rayo Vallecano, who have been La Liga’s ultimate surprise package this season as they sit in seventh place after finishing 17th in the previous campaign.

Ratiu has started 23 out of 26 games in the league for Vallecano this campaign and impressively, Inigo Perez’s side have conceded less than a goal per match when he has started (22).

But aside from Tottenham, even fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in securing the La Liga full-back’s services.

But the worry for Spurs is that Barcelona have already held a meeting with Ratiu’s representatives about signing him — who has a release clause worth €25 million (£20.6 million).

Sporting director Deco was present during the negotiations, with the Spanish giants “following him with great interest.”

Andrei Ratiu stats compared to Pedro Porro and Djed Spence

With Porro plotting a move away from Tottenham, it will be interesting to discover whether Ratiu is viewed as a potential replacement for him.

Speaking of both as well as Spence, who has been terrific in a Lilywhites shirt this season, here is the statistical comparison between all three.

Based on the stats, Spence is the clear standout in some regards — as he makes the most clearances (3.05) and wins the most aerial duels (1.32) per match. Porro, on the other hand completes the most. Porro, on the other hand attempts the most passes (68.44) and makes the most tackles and interceptions (3.5) per game.

However, where Ratiu could particularly help Tottenham is the way he progresses the ball, via progressive carries (3.42 per game) and successful take-ons (1.99 per 90).

With the form the Tottenham target is in as well, he could prove to be a solid option at the back and most importantly, add much-needed depth to an often wafer-thin defence, with Spence also capable of playing as a left-back at a high level.

Amid their issues at centre-back this season, Ange Postecoglou seemingly resisted any temptation to try and recall Ashley Phillips to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

Phillips has made 28 appearances for Stoke City on loan from Tottenham so far this season, another crucial period for his development.

The young centre-back was one of the first players to arrive in the new Postecoglou era back in 2023, and he’s now enjoying his second loan spell away from the club.

On the whole, it seems as if Phillips has had a very promising season for Stoke to date, often being paired with experienced head Michael Rose.

However, Stoke have endured a tough run of results of late which has seen them slip back into the relegation fight – Mark Robins’ side are now only five points ahead of 22nd placed Luton Town.

And whilst it’s understandable that Stoke’s back line has struggled in a run of three games without a win, Phillips in particular has been criticised.

Ashley Phillips enduring difficult run despite promising season for Stoke

As said, this season is another learning curve for the youngster who evidently has a ton of potential, a player who should thrive for Tottenham one day at the top level.

However, in review of his recent display against Watford in a 0-0 draw on Saturday, Phillips was said to be ‘panicking’ under pressure.

That’s according to the Stoke Sentinel who gave Phillips a 6/10 for his efforts.

They wrote: “Got lucky twice after panicking when he had to deal with long straight balls which can undo the other 89-odd minutes.”

And whilst Stoke were able to muster a draw against Watford, they fell to defeat in their previous two matches against Norwich City and then Middlesborough.

Against Norwich, Phillips was given a 5.5/10 rating, saying he failed to take charge for two of the goals Stoke conceded.

And then against Middesbrough, when all of Stoke’s players were rated very lowly, Phillips was handed a 3/10 and accused of ‘ball watching’ by the same outlet.

Ashley Phillips will be ready for Tottenham next season

Of course, there’s no need to be too doom and gloom at all – Phillips is having a strong season as mentioned.

However, there’s clearly still progress to be made for the 19-year-old, who will only improve as a result of these tough experiences.

In total, Phillips has now played 50 games in the Championship which is incredibly encouraging for a defender of his age, a player who Postecoglou seemingly has a lot of faith in.

Tim Sherwood called for Phillips to be recalled amid all the recent injuries in N17, but Spurs should benefit from allowing the youngster to continue to make progress at Stoke.

Stoke’s previous manager complemented Phillips a lot, and it speaks volumes that the youngster has remained in the team despite a managerial change mid-season.

Phillips perhaps hasn’t been at his best of late, but there’s still plenty more to come from the centre-back, who has rarely ever been dropped in his career to date.

After finally arriving from Gangwon FC in January, Tottenham Hotspur decided that it was best for Yang Min-hyeok to spend the remainder of this season out on loan.

Tottenham opted to send Min-hyeok to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for six-months, a side who are languishing in midtable.

Of course, the Championship is renowned for being an incredibly tough division, one that requires a certain physicality as well as technical ability.

And whilst 18-year-old Min-hyeok is well equipped in terms of his ability on the ball, six months at QPR should be invaluable in terms of adapting to English football as a whole.

Fortunately for Spurs fans invested in Min-hyeok’s success, the talented young winger has featured in all six of QPR’s league matches since joining on loan.

The South Korean registered his first assist for the club against Derby County last month, and seemingly only enhanced his reputation despite playing in a loss to Sheffield United on Saturday.

Tottenham youngster Yang Min-hyeok hailed for his ‘crazy’ potential

Min-hyeok started at right-wing for QPR and played 66 minutes in their 2-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Sheffield United.

But despite being replaced just after the hour mark, reviews of Min-hyeok’s performance were incredibly encouraging on the whole.

It’s clear that the Tottenham winger still needs to improve in terms of his physicality as mentioned, but London World still hailed Min-hyeok as one of the most exciting players on the pitch.

Handing the winger an 8/10 for his minutes, the outlet also made a bold claim about Min-hyeok’s potential.

They wrote: “The potential here is crazy. Bullied off the ball for the Sheffield United opener, but that goal was not solely his fault with unconvincing defending.

“Looked a threat every time the ball landed at his feet. Would have had his first QPR goal if found by [Kieran] Morgan.”

For balance, West London Sport were a little more reserved, giving Min-hyeok a 6/10, but they also mentioned his ‘lively’ efforts up top.

“Prone to being nudged off the ball, which is understandable given his size and inexperience, and the first goal came after he was robbed.

“He did look lively going forward though.”

Ange Postecoglou already has a tough decision to make with Yang Min-hyeok

Of course, it is interesting to consider what kind of opportunities Min-hyeok will actually have at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

It seems as if Min-hyeok predominantly thrives as a right-winger and Ange Postecoglou already has both Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski in the position.

Wilson Odobert has also returned in fine form from injury and is more than capable of playing on the right, even if he appears best suited as Son Heung-min’s understudy on the left.

It’s a very competitive area of the squad when all are fit, and that’s without even mentioning the likes of Mikey Moore.

Perhaps a season-long loan in the Championship or in Europe could really benefit Min-hyeok, who is still inexperienced at senior level despite his obvious talent.

But there’s seemingly no doubt that the 18-year-old does have the potential to follow in Son’s footsteps in north London.