TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been full of praise for the role Ange Postecoglou played in getting the Mathys Tel deal over the line.

Tottenham signed Tel on loan with an option to buy for around £45 million following the player’s dramatic deadline day U-turn.

Tel initially rejected Spurs following an agreement with Bayern Munich for £50m but his mind seemed to change following an exchange with Postecoglou.

Spurs fans have now been full of praise for their manager who helped the North London club to land one of their top targets.

How Ange Postecoglou convinced Mathys Tel to sign for Tottenham

Postecoglou played a role in convincing Tel to join having held extensive talks with the forward on the final day of the window.

Daniel Levy flew to Munich for talks with Tel, however, the player told him that he was not convinced of the project sold to him by the North London club.

But when moves to Arsenal and Manchester United failed to materialise, Postecoglou stepped in and presented him with a project which changed his mind.

Tel has also revealed Harry Kane’s glowing review of Tottenham with the former Spurs striker telling him about the amazing facilities and people the club has.

Tottenham fans left impressed by Ange Postecoglou after Mathys Tel deal

Tottenham fans were left super impressed by Postecoglou’s ability to convince Tel to sign for them after initial concerns.

James Maddison was another player Postecoglou convinced to join along with helping Lucas Bergvall to pick Spurs over Barcelona and Radu Dragusin turn down Bayern Munich.

Following the arrival of the Frenchman on deadline day, Spurs supporters took to X to praise their manager’s role in making the deal happen.

One fan said: “Conversations need to be had about Ange Postecoglou. How has he convinced Mathys Tel to sign a six-year contract after he flat-out rejected Spurs?”

“Whatever we all think of Ange, the facts are that the players are 100 percent fighting and backing him and he still has a big pull for talent such as Tel in convincing them to come to Spurs. That says a lot,” added another.

There was yet more praise: “I’ve been highly critical of Ange on occasions, but he really stepped up to convince Tel when the chuckle brothers Lange and Levy couldn’t. Fair play boss.”

“I’d pay good money to listen in on Ange’s convo with Tel that convinced him to join us,” claimed another supporter.

Tottenham had a busy end to the winter transfer window as they signed Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel to complete their business.

Spurs left it late, but, in the end, despite Mathys Tel rejecting Tottenham last week, they got their man.

However, if it was up to Spurs, a lot of their business would’ve been done earlier in January.

Indeed, Tottenham wanted to sign Randal Kolo Muani at the beginning of the month, but, sadly, that didn’t go to plan.

Speaking on Market Madness, Dean Jones has now shared some extra insight into Tottenham’s initial transfer plans, and he says that Patrick Dorgu was actually a name high on Spurs’ list at he start of the month.

Tottenham seriously wanted Patrick Dorgu

Jones shared what he knows about Tottenham’s initial transfer plans.

According to the journalist, Tottenham were knocked back for some key targets early in the window, including Patrick Dorgu.

Dorgu would eventually make a move to Manchester United for £35m later in the window, but before his move to Old Trafford, Tottenham wanted Dorgu.

Fabio Paratici is still heavily involved at Tottenham, so it’s not a shock to see Spurs scouring Serie A in this way.

“It was a month of knockbacks wasn’t it. They were in for Dorgu and they were in for Khusanov. I did a transfer guide and when I spoke to people those two names were like serious targets for Tottenham, obviously Dorgu went to Man United and Khusanov ended up going to City,” Jones said.

Tottenham’s left-back options analysed

Tottenham didn’t end up signing Dorgu in January, and they actually kept their powder completely dry in terms of signing a new left-back.

Indeed, after missing out on Dorgu, Spurs didn’t revisit the left-back market, and that may be a risk from Spurs.

Tottenham really don’t have the best of depth at left-back as things stand.

Destiny Udogie has been injured for a long time now, while Ben Davies doesn’t suit Ange Postecoglou’s style of play in terms of playing at full-back.

Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven is a centre-half by trade, and while Djed Spence has earned praise in recent weeks, he’s not a natural left-back either.

Tottenham should’ve been after a new left-back in the winter transfer window even after missing out on Dorgu.

This is certainly a position Spurs need to address in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Radu Dragusin has suffered an ACL injury and will undergo surgery on his right knee.

Spurs have had a number of injury issues this season. The likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have missed large parts of the campaign already, and that has hurt them.

Dragusin has had to play a lot of football over the last few months, and the Romania international did as well as he could alongside Archie Gray.

However, Dragusin suffered a knee injury during the game against Elfsborg, and Spurs’ worst fears have now come true.

Tottenham star James Maddison sends message to Radu Dragusin after his injury

On Tuesday morning, Tottenham confirmed on their social channels that Dragusin is set to undergo surgery on his right knee after suffering an ACL injury.

The Romania international missed Spurs’ game against Brentford at the weekend because of the same injury, and he was due to see a specialist.

Now, sadly, it has been confirmed that Dragusin’s injury is very serious, and it is unlikely that he will play for Tottenham again this season.

It will be a long road back for Dragusin, but we’re sure he will have the support of everyone at Tottenham – from his teammates to staff.

James Maddison, who has been injured himself recently, reacted to the news on social media.

On his Instagram Story, the Englishman reposted Spurs’ update and wrote: “Be with you every step of the way brother!”

Tottenham may have another big injury problem

Tottenham recruited Kevin Danso in the winter transfer window, so they have a player now who can fill in for Dragusin in the coming months.

But, there could be another problem now.

Van de Ven, who recently returned from his injury, may have suffered another issue and is a doubt for the big game against Liverpool this week.

Journalist Paul O’Keefe said about Van de Ven’s issue: “He didn’t feel right Saturday and told them.

“They decided no risk and further investigations over the coming days. No official word or information on whether something was discovered.”

Although Tottenham Hotspur made significant additions in the final few days of the January transfer window, Ange Postecoglou’s midfield remained essentially untouched.

Rodrigo Bentancur will continue to marshal things in the middle for Tottenham, a player who has become pretty essential for Postecoglou.

Spurs bolstered their defence with the signing of Kevin Danso over the weekend, and their attack will also have an exciting new complexion with Mathys Tel around.

Tel might end up replacing Richarlison pretty immediately as Tottenham’s starting number nine, at least until Dominic Solanke is fit.

But either way, it’s becoming increasingly clear around N17 that Bentancur will be one of the figures around the club who are essential to helping players like Tel settle in north London.

Rodrigo Bentancur is becoming increasingly influential at Tottenham

Football London have just provided an interesting insight into the role Bentancur is beginning to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an update that may have been missed amid all of the deadline day drama.

According to the report, Spurs staff have pointed to Bentancur as a ‘growing presence’ in Postecoglou’s squad recently.

The 27-year-old is now being recognised as a ‘rapidly developing leader’, a player who has been slightly held back by injuries since he arrived at the club under Antonio Conte.

The midfielder is said to be fairly quiet behind the scenes, and yet he is still emerging as a senior figure in what is a young squad under Postecoglou.

Tottenham only have three players over 30 in their squad right now, explaining why there is scope for someone like Bentancur to step up, who does have 67 caps for Uruguay.

Bentancur has already won 10 major trophies in his career

Interestingly, Troy Deeney thought Bentancur has looked annoyed at Tottenham recently, a midfielder who clearly has high standards on the pitch.

Bentancur’s time with Juventus and Boca Juniors was littered with trophies – he’s already won 10 major honours in his career to date.

And in truth, the 27-year-old may have believed that he would have already added to that collection in north London by now, especially given that he arrived under Conte, who was also a serial-winner.

Either way, Spurs have the opportunity to change their history in regards to their trophy wins this season.

And both Danso and Tel have arrived ahead of two vitally important cup ties for Postecogolou and his team, two of the hardest away trips possible in English football right now.

Tottenham Hotspur have every reason to be delighted with their business after reflecting on the winter transfer window.

Mathys Tel’s option-to-buy clause in his loan deal to Tottenham makes the move all the more better.

Meanwhile, loanee Kevin Danso has garnered praise from Ange Postecoglou already and Dominic Solanke reckons Antonin Kinsky has a bright future ahead of him — as Johan Lange has masterminded the additions of three potentially brilliant signings.

But Tottenham’s bid for Marc Guehi was rejected by Crystal Palace — who could have further elevated this Spurs side had their £70 million proposal been accepted.

Guehi is happy to stay at Crystal Palace as the England international is likely to move on in the summer — as several club will be waiting in the wings to sign him.

Marc Guehi has been excellent in a Palace shirt for a number of years and after how he shone for the Three Lions at the European Championship, his reputation has been been further endowed in the masses’ eyes.

Ally McCoist says Marc Guehi would’ve been a “great signing” for Tottenham

Guehi, described as a “leader” by Phil Foden has come leaps and bounds in his career over the past few years and naturally, he has become one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s bid for Guehi was before Danso’s arrival, suggesting how key he was to their transfer plans and how highly they rate the 24-year-old.

Ally McCoist firmly believes the former Chelsea defender would have been a terrific addition to this Tottenham side and would especially have suited Ange Postecoglou’s side if he played in a back three.

McCoist said on talkSPORT: “I tell you who would’ve been a great signing for them but you can totally understand Palace, Marc Guehi would’ve been a great signing for them.”

“I’ve thought about it and I’ve thought that would be a great signing in respect that I would change Tottenham’s shape if they sign Guehi and play the three centre-backs with two wider boys. I’m thinking it would suit Ange [Postecoglou] in the way that he plays.”

Tottenham fans would perhaps agree with Ally McCoist’s judgement, with Jamie O’Hara calling Guehi a “top player” as well. Paul Merson feels Tottenham must sign Guehi as he could have a huge impact on fixing their leaky defence.

Chelsea will try signing Tottenham target Marc Guehi this summer

The potentially worrying news for the Lilywhites is that Chelsea will try signing Guehi this summer — TBR Football have been informed.

Chelsea’s plan was to sign Guehi now but now, they are willing to wait for a few months before trying to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.

With Tottenham languishing in 14th place in the Premier League while the Blues are currently placed fourth, in theory at the very least, a move to West London might be considered a no-brainer for the Englishman.

Tottenham were the architects of deadline day’s headline arrival.

Spurs managed to sign Mathys Tel against all odds – just a week after the Bayern Munich No.39 had initially rejected Tottenham – securing the France U21 international on loan for the rest of the season.

Tottenham also signed Kevin Danso on Sunday before deadline day.

Crucially, Spurs negotiated an option to buy Tel permanently this summer – so the move will not just be a case of helping Bayern Munich restore the value of their depreciating asset.

However – just before midnight – Tottenham actually completed another signing, with an official announcement to follow.

Tottenham signed Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny from Chelsea

Fabrizio Romano revealed at 11:54pm on Monday night that Tottenham had completed the signing of Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny from London rivals Chelsea.

The reliable journalist posted on X (previously known as Twitter): “England U19 international Reiss Russell-Denny leaves Chelsea to join Tottenham with formal announcement to follow on Tuesday.”

So far this season, the 18-year-old has made nine Premier League 2 appearances for the Blues, scoring three goals from central midfield.

Russell-Denny also boasts six caps for the England U19 side, where he has made appearances alongside Arsenal duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Ange Postecoglou could use Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny

The teenager is expected to go straight into the academy at Tottenham, although we wouldn’t rule out the prospect of a senior debut for Spurs before the campaign is over with Ange Postecoglou at the helm.

So far this season, the Australian has proven he is not afraid to use youngsters, relying heavily on the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, who are 18 and 19 years of age respectively.

Of course, their inclusion has mainly been due to an injury crisis, but it still takes a lot of courage for a manager to throw two teenagers in at the deep end like this.

Postecoglou has also placed a lot of trust in Mikey Moore – who is only 17 – while Dane Scarlett and Damola Ajayi were also entrusted to deliver in the recent UEFA Europa League clash against Elfsborg.

Therefore, if Russell-Denny shows his talent at Hotspur Way and applies himself well, he has every chance of making the team.

Tottenham Hotspur might have sealed the most blockbuster signing out of any club across European football on deadline day by securing Mathys Tel’s services on loan until the end of the season.

There is a £45 million option-to-buy in Tel’s loan deal at Tottenham — which gives Spurs the chance to sign the Frenchman permanently if he impresses in N17.

Crucially, Ange Postecoglou convinced Tel to join Tottenham and managed to change the 19-year-old’s mind after he said no to a move to North London until very recently.

While Daniel Levy’s role in signing Tel was getting in touch with Bayern Munich Jan-Christian Deesen and ensuring that there is an option-to-buy in the loan deal.

Mathys Tel told he doesn’t start at Tottenham over Dejan Kulusevski

Tottenham should be very proud that they managed to get such a seemingly difficult deal over the line, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa interested in signing the youngster — and with Bayern encouraging Arsenal to bid for Tel as well. Tel is considered an “outstanding talent” by Harry Kane and it is telling by how much interest he generated.

But Ally McCoist has claimed that Tottenham’s decision to sign another young player in Tel is not the best move as they are in need of a player who would come in and make an instant impact.

McCoist said live on talkSPORT: “It’s very, very unfair for us to sit and pre-judge him right now because he might come in and do well and he might be a great success. But he’s not the profile that you’re looking for right now because we’ve already stated the fact that a lot of Spurs’ recent signings have been younger and look as though they’re planning for the future.”

“Which is fair enough but in that respect, what we would think they would get or be looking to get would be to get kind of an immediate fix and that certainly doesn’t look the case, does it?”

Ally McCoist feels Tel, labelled a “special striker” does not even get into Tottenham’s XI over their £25 million (BBC Sport) Dejan Kulusevski, saying: “No, Kulusevski’s been one of the best players this season, in the league!”

However, other disagree with Jamie Carragher raving about Tel’s move to Tottenham.

How Mathys Tel and Dejan Kulusevski can play together at Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou claimed Kulusveski has been Tottenham’s standout player this season, a claim which Ally McCoist will agree with.

However, Postecoglou going the extra mile to convince Tel, who Kane persuaded to join Tottenham suggests he feels both him and the Swede can play in the same side.

With Kulusveski flourishing as an attacking midfielder this season, the former Rennes forward could easily play alongside him as either a striker or on either flank.

Micky van de Ven missed Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 win over Brentford as Ange Postecoglou and his staff opted to take a cautious approach with the defender.

Van de Ven’s season has been plagued by issues with his hamstring which has meant that he has featured in just 12 matches all season for Spurs.

The Dutch defender played 45 minutes against IF Elfsborg in the Europa League before being withdrawn at the break, although Postecoglou stated that was always the plan.

Now, ahead of the North London club’s huge Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool, Spurs fans have been left sweating over the fitness of the 23-year-old.

Micky van de Ven being assessed by Tottenham ahead of Liverpool

Paul O’Keefe has revealed that Tottenham have been assessing Micky van de Ven ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Thursday.

Van de Ven told the medical team ‘he didn’t feel right’ before the Brentford game and the club opted to take no risks with such a big game just around the corner.

Now, assessments are being made on the issue and O’Keefe revealed on X: “No official word or information on whether something was discovered.”

Tottenham failed to land Axel Disasi on transfer deadline day as the French defender joined Aston Villa on loan instead, meanwhile, they also had a £70m bid rejected for Marc Guehi.

Who are Tottenham’s centre-back options to face Liverpool?

Tottenham fear Radu Dragusin’s season is over after the 23-year-old suffered a bad knee injury against Elfsborg having landed awkwardly.

The Romanian defender joins Cristian Romero on the sidelines leaving Postecoglou with potentially Ben Davies, Kevin Danso and Archie Gray.

The January transfer window is now shut but Tottenham Hotspur were involved until the final moments.

Ange Postecoglou’s side simply needed reinforcements in January. Their unfavourable position in the Premier League table was enough to realise incomings were a necessity at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mathys Tel to Spurs was the big story of the day. After numerous links to a variety of clubs, including bitter rivals Arsenal, Tel decided to follow in Bayern teammate Harry Kane’s footsteps and move to the white side of North London.

Prior to deadline day, Kevin Danso joined from Lens, initially on loan with an obligation to buy, whilst Yang Min-hyeok and Antonin Kinsky also joined Spurs’ ranks.

But alongside the incomings – there were also a few outgoings, in what was quite a busy first month of 2025 for the Lilywhites

So, with that in mind, TBR rounds up all of the deals Spurs did on deadline day and throughout the winter 2025 transfer window to shape the squad at Postecoglou’s disposal.

Tottenham incomings on deadline day for the winter 2025 transfer window

Tottenham outgoings on deadline day for the winter 2025 transfer window

Tottenham did not sell a single player on January 2025 deadline day.

Full list of Tottenham incomings in the winter 2025 transfer window

Every player to leave Tottenham in the winter 2025 transfer window

Johan Lange and his team have certainly been busy on deadline day, with Tottenham Hotspur now closing in on another signing, albeit for their youth team.

Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Mathys Tel already today, a Bayern Munich forward who will definitely add quality to Ange Postecoglou’s options up top.

Spurs sanctioned a loan move for Yang Min-hyeok to join Queens Park Rangers on loan recently, suggesting that added firepower would be arriving.

Such has been the injury crisis in N17, Min-hyeok was one of those regularly making up numbers on the bench of late.

That being said, Spurs’ main issue has been in defence, where several first-team starters have been missing owing to injury.

And it looks as if Tottenham are closing in on signing a Liverpool player who may be able to help in the future.

Tottenham agree deal to sign Luca Furnell-Gill from Liverpool

According to journalist Dan Kilpatrick who was reporting for Standard Sport, Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Liverpool defender Luca Furnell-Gill.

The 18-year-old centre-back has featured five times for Liverpool in the under-18 Premier League, but is yet to get near to a senior squad.

Furnell-Gill is intended to boost the numbers in Spurs’ academy and could be welcomed to the club in a double-deal alongside Manchester City youngster Daniel Batty.

Kilpatrick firmly stated that neither signing would be considered for Postecoglou’s first team squad this season, a comforting message for any Tottenham fan worrying that the signing might end Spurs’ search for one more centre-back after recruiting Kevin Danso.

Luca Furnell-Gill was handed lengthy ban for unsavoury elbow in youth match

Tottenham fans might be interested to know that Furnell-Gill was handed a lengthy ban last year for an unsavoury moment in an under-18s match.

According to the Mirror, the youngster clashed with Manchester United youngster Ethan Wheatley and elbowed his opponent whilst also throwing a punch.

Liverpool’s academy director ended up apologising to United on Furnell-Gill’s behalf, who did regret his actions.

Either way, it will be a fresh start for the promising youngster at Spurs – an exciting place to be for a youngster in the Postecoglou era.

If you’re good enough, you will get a chance at Tottenham right now, something the likes of Mikey Moore are taking full advantage of.