TBR Football

Ange Postecoglou has had a lot of problems at Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Spurs have lost more games than they have won in the Premier League so far and are currently 11th in the table. They are closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top.

One of the biggest reasons why Tottenham have underperformed this term is because of their injury issues. They have had several players out over the last few weeks.

Among those is Ben Davies, who has been at Spurs for over 10 years.

Ange Postecoglou does not see Ben Davies as a left-back at Tottenham anymore

Davies joined Tottenham from Swansea in the summer of 2014.

The Welshman, hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Graham Roberts on X, has played 341 games for the North Londoners over the last decade, and nearly two-thirds of those appearances have come at left-back.

That is Davies’ natural position, but the 31-year-old has played close to 100 games as a centre-half for Tottenham as well.

That is where Postecoglou has mostly used him since he took charge of Spurs, and Football London have now explained why.

The outlet revealed that the Australian ‘does not see’ Davies as a left-back anymore.

That is why Tottenham are on the market for a new left-back in the January transfer window. They want someone to come in and help Destiny Udogie in that role.

Davies suffered a hamstring injury during Tottenham’s defeat at the hands of Bournemouth earlier in December.

Postecoglou claimed a week later that the Welsh defender’s injury was not as bad as they initially thought and he could be back in action before the New Year.

On the 18th of December, Postecoglou hinted that Davies could be back in a week, along with Mikey Moore who has also had to spend a while on the sidelines.

The Athletic have now confirmed that Davies has returned to training.

It’s unlikely that Spurs fans will see him back for the game against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, but he is expected to return for the clash against Wolves on Sunday.

It goes without saying that Archie Gray is one of England’s most talented young players.

Archie Gray declined a chance to join Manchester City in the summer as Pep Guardiola’s side honestly told him that he would not get guaranteed game time, which prompted him to opt for a move to Tottenham Hotspur — a testament to the hype surrounding his name and the wise head on the 18-year-old’s shoulders.

Ange Postecoglou lauded Gray for how well he has fared since heading to the Tottenham, especially in recent weeks while playing as a makeshift centre-back.

The teenager first made his name at his boyhood club Leeds United, a club his father Andy Gray, his grandfather Frank Gray and his great-uncle Eddie Gray have all played for.

The Tottenham midfielder’s younger brothers Harry, Charlie and Jacob also play for Leeds’ academy.

Naturally, the youngster is influenced by Leeds as a whole and when quizzed about his idols, he named an Elland Road hero.

Archie Gray says he idolised Leeds United icon Luchiano Becchio

In an interview with Stadium Astro, Gray named Luciano Becchio, who is Leeds’ sixth-highest goalscorer in their history with 87 goals as one of his two footballing role-models growing up.

The Spurs wonderkid said: “Probably, when I was younger, I didn’t get to watch him play much because he was towards the end of his career when I was a really, really young kid, someone I used to watch all the time was Luciano Becchio.”

“I was a ball boy at Leeds and I got to see him pretty much every game and even if I saw him now, I saw him a few times last season and I was like, woah, that’s Becchio. Obviously, probably doesn’t remember me as a ball boy but watching him, he was a great player.”

The second player Gray revealed he always looked up to was the one and only Lionel Messi.

“But probably one in general, I’ll probably just say [Lionel] Messi for what he’s done in the game and I can’t describe how good he is.”

The Englishman seems like a student of the game, with Archie Gray hailing William Saliba by naming him in his dream five-a-side team despite the Frenchman being an Arsenal player.

Archie Gray revealed his father’s reaction to leaving Leeds United for Tottenham

Having such a strong connection to Leeds as a club, Gray become a hometown hero after playing for the first team.

Coming up from the ranks and witnessing several of his family members play for the club, the highly-rated technician’s connection to the Whites is bound to always remain strong.

But Archie Gray’s dad approved the move to Tottenham and so did his grandad, despite their affiliation towards Leeds.

“At the start of the window, I didn’t really know anything about [a transfer to any club] and I was content to stay at Leeds but as soon as I heard Tottenham were coming in, I was like, ‘I need to go there.’

“It’s a huge club and my dad said that too. He came to my room one morning and said ‘look, you’ve got to go to Spurs. It’s a massive club’.”

“My grandad was saying it as well, he’s obviously done pretty well in his career, and he said at some point you’ve got to go to one of the biggest clubs in England and he thinks now is the right time and he thinks Spurs is a massive club as well.”

While Gray pounced at the chance of signing for Spurs, his love for Leeds remains evident, as exemplified by his admiration for Luciano Becchio to this day.

Tottenham Hotspur would like to sign a new striker in the January transfer window.

Spurs decided against signing a replacement for Harry Kane in the summer of 2023, when the England international left them for Bayern Munich.

Ange Postecoglou spent big money on Dominic Solanke in the last transfer window and the 27-year-old has done a good job so far, directly contributing to 15 goals in 23 appearances.

That is a great return, but Spurs could do with a backup striker to fill in for Solanke when he’s unavailable or needs a break. They have now been linked with a forward from La Liga.

Tottenham are following Vitor Roque

Vitor Roque made a lot of headlines when he joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023.

The teenager is a fantastic prospect. He is very highly rated by many in the game and has the potential to become a superstar one day.

However, things did not work out for Roque at Barcelona, and the Catalans sent him out on loan to Real Betis in August.

Roque has scored six times for Betis so far this season, and his performances have attracted interest from Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.

Estadio Deportivo have revealed that Spurs are closely following Roque, who they describe as ‘one of the most promising forwards in the world’. Postecoglou even sent scouts to watch him play against Rayo Vallecano before Christmas.

The report says that Spurs scouts did not miss any details about Roque and will continue to follow him. But, there is a problem.

Tottenham’s chances of signing Roque will actually depend on Real Betis – not Barcelona.

Tottenham have a problem in their pursuit of Vitor Roque

Tottenham definitely have the financial power to get Roque.

Spurs were really keen to sign him before he moved to Barcelona. Tottenham were even ready to triple Roque’s wages to convince him to join them.

No move materialised then and unfortunately for Tottenham, a deal to sign him is far from straightforward now as well.

That’s because the report claims that Roque’s loan at Betis could actually be extended until the end of next season.

The Verdiblancos have an option to sign him permanently as early as next summer if they want to. Or, they could just keep him on loan until 2026 and get him then for a pre-agreed fee with Barcelona.

The report says that even though Tottenham are interested, Spurs have no say in any potential deal. Roque, for his part, is focused on Betis and wants to succeed there.

Tottenham Hotspur look like they are in need of bolstering their squad in the January transfer window.

James Maddison addressed Tottenham’s injury woes as a key reason why they are struggling after his side’s 6-3 walloping at the hands of Liverpool.

Ange Postecoglou discussed Spurs’ injuries as well to remind critics of the dire situation they find themselves in terms of their squad as a whole. Tottenham will be hoping to seize upon any potential market opportunities in the winter window.

Ben Godfrey is a player who the Lilywhites have been linked with.

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Godfrey as well and so are the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Crystal Palace, who Atalanta are unwilling to sell.

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs not keen on Ben Godfrey January move

However, Football.London have reported that Tottenham do not consider Godfrey a target in the January transfer window.

Ange Postecoglou was quizzed about the prospect of signing the former Everton defender, with Godfrey once praised by Carlo Ancelotti as well.

Ahead of Tottenham’s clash against Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou played down the speculation via HaytersTV: “Sorry? We’re starting naming players, are we?”

“Let’s wait till after Christmas for that.”

Postecoglou joked: “Thanks, we’ll just see mate, I’m kind of hoping, I’ve been really good this year because I’ve got a fair Christmas list for Santa so we’ll see what I get.”

While Tottenham supporters might note that Ange Postecoglou did not fully discount the links to Godfrey, it seems like the club have not targeted him in the first place.

With Micky van de Van and Cristian Romero’s injuries set to keep them out until the start of next year, it would make sense if Spurs were targeting the addition of another centre-back.

Tottenham need depth at centre-back

The £10 million (BBC Sport) man has not played much football at Atalanta so far.

Making no starts for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season, Godfrey must be frustrated in Bergamo.

While Tottenham seemingly have no interest in trying to attract the former Everton colossus into a return to the Premier League, they are in need of depth at centre-back.

Both Van de Ven and Romero are quite injury prone while Radu Dragusin has struggled to impress and Ben Davies remains upgradeable.

Whether Tottenham loosen their purse strings and invest in the winter window remains to be seen.

Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur are looking for new signings in the January transfer window.

Spurs are currently 11th in the Premier League table – they have lost more games than they have won in the English top flight so far this campaign.

Things need to change on the pitch for Spurs, and Postecoglou is desperate for reinforcements once the winter window opens.

Now, Tottenham have been linked with a striker who is being courted by several other clubs across Europe.

Tottenham are ‘interested’ in signing Randal Kolo Muani from PSG

Randal Kolo Muani is expected to be one of the biggest names on the market in January.

The Frenchman, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a £77 million deal in 2023 (Goal), has failed to live up to the expectations in the French capital.

TBR Football exclusively revealed early in November that PSG will allow Kolo Muani to leave the club in January, and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in his services.

We also revealed just nine days ago that Arsenal had stepped up talks to sign Kolo Muani, who has scored just two goals all season for the French champions.

Now, Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Tottenham are among the clubs interested in signing the striker in the January transfer window.

Premier League leaders Liverpool have ‘gathered information’ about Kolo Muani as well.

Plettenberg tweeted: “Randal Kolo Muani is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain during the winter transfer window. Concrete talks with potential teams about a loan deal are ongoing. PSG would like to include an obligation to buy. Currently, there is a strong chance he will move to the Premier League.

“Understand Liverpool have gathered information, but nothing further has happened yet. Manchester United are monitoring the situation, but MUFC do not currently expect a transfer to happen in January.

“Tottenham and RB Leipzig are interested. More teams keen on him.”

Kolo Muani was actually Tottenham’s ‘priority’ target in 2023

Before Kolo Muani joined PSG, he was a star at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists in all competitions in his final season at the Deutsche Bank Park.

In the summer of 2023, Tottenham lost Harry Kane. The Spurs icon left North London and joined Bayern Munich in that window.

Ange Postecoglou wanted a replacement, and it was claimed at the time that Kolo Muani was Tottenham’s ‘priority’ target to replace Kane.

However, the Frenchman decided to join PSG then. Sadly, that move has not worked out for him.

Tottenham have missed out on their fair share of transfers over the years.

Some of these scenarios work out for the best, and some are painful.

Eden Hazard almost joined Tottenham under Harry Redknapp but Daniel Levy wouldn’t pay the money.

Hazard would’ve been a transformational signing at Tottenham, but, sadly, a deal couldn’t be done.

Meanwhile, Saido Berahino almost joined Spurs during his prime, but that deal collapsed – leading to the rise of Harry Kane at Spurs, so that worked out for the best.

Another player who almost signed for Tottenham a few years ago has since gone on to score over 100 career goals in multiple leagues. In fact, this player even had a medical at Spurs at one point.

Moussa Dembele almost joined Tottenham

Back in 2012, Tottenham signed Mousa Dembele from Fulham. The Belgian midfielder became a star at Spurs, and, a few years later, they tried to repeat the trick.

Indeed, in 2016, Spurs tried to sign Moussa Dembele from Fulham – the French striker this time.

A deal was all-but agreed in the January transfer window, but, according to MyLondon, Dembele failed a medical at the eleventh hour.

The French striker would eventually join Celtic that summer, before spells at Lyon, Atletico Madrid and in the Saudi Pro League.

Dembele was meant to join Spurs for just £6m, but he eventually moved for £30m when he joined Lyon.

That £30m fee was worth it too as Dembele scored tons of goals for Lyon.

Tottenham seriously missed out here, and Dembele could have been a real gem of a signing from Fulham.

Indeed, during this time, Spurs did struggle for a backup striker. They had the likes of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Vinicius at certain times, while Tottenham even tried to sign Troy Deeney, but Dembele likely would’ve been a great option.

Tottenham signings from Fulham

Spurs missed out on Dembele from Fulham back in 2016, but they have raided the Cottagers on more than a few occasions in the past.

Indeed, Spurs often like to pinch Fulham’s top talents, and while they didn’t get their hands on Dembele, they did take a few other Fulham players over the years.

All in all, this list is quite hit-and-miss.

Mousa Dembele Mark 1 was a top player for Spurs. In fact, Dembele was incredibly underrated during his time at Spurs.

Meanwhile, Clint Dempsey only lasted at Tottenham for one season, while Ryan Sessegnon had bad luck with injuries.

Sessegnon had a good spell under Antonio Conte, but, sadly, he spent most of his time at Spurs in the treatment room.

Sean Davis and Steed Malbranque were trusty servants for Spurs too.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have often competed to bring the best European talents to their half of north London over the past few decades.

In fact, there are even a lot of players who have made the switch between Arsenal and Tottenham, with Sol Campbell being the first name to spring to mind.

Others include William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor, even if the latter made his switch via Manchester City.

It’s a rare scenario, although it’s much more common for a player to reject a move to either N5 or N17 in favour of the other, just like happened with William Saliba in 2019.

William Saliba kept Arsenal promise despite Tottenham’s better offer

Although Saliba had verbally agreed a five-year-deal to join Arsenal from St-Etienne, Spurs made a late bid of their own.

Told by Guardian Sport, Saliba’s move to Arsenal was actually delayed because of Tottenham’s late interest.

On their part, Arsenal were always confident that Saliba would keep to his word and choose a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Although, Spurs did actually offer a marginally better deal for the 18-year-old at the time.

Both deals were for the same initial fee – €30m (£25m) – but Tottenham were willing to provide better add-ons.

Why did William Saliba reject Tottenham to join Arsenal?

Without specifically mentioning Spurs, Saliba revealed why he chose to join Arsenal in an in depth interview with the club in 2022.

Saliba explained that there was ‘no decision’ to make when he heard that Arsenal wanted him, explaining how much he idolised the club growing up.

He said: “When I was growing up I watched all the Champions League games. I couldn’t watch the other games because we didn’t have all the channels, but that was the first time I watched Arsenal, in the Champions League.

“Then I had an Arsenal shirt when I was about seven or eight years old. I loved watching Arsenal.

“I had Henry on the back – he was the one I looked up to the most. I loved watching him.

“Arsene Wenger was the manager, so there were a lot of French connections with Arsenal.

“I remember watching the big Champions League games, against Barcelona I remember, but the other games too.”

“This is a special club. You know that when Arsenal is interested in you, you are going to be very happy.

“There was no decision to make – you don’t need to make a reflection – it was an easy choice. As soon as I knew Arsenal wanted me, I wanted to come here.”

Tottenham have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, recording some incredible wins but also falling to some shocking defeats.

Spurs have not only beaten but outright thrashed the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa this term.

However, Tottenham have also lost to teams in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, such as Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.

It can be said that Spurs have committed the biggest transfer blunder of 2024, because of how obvious it was at the time and how they still made said decision.

Tottenham failure to sign centre-back proves damaging

The blunder in question is that Tottenham didn’t bring in any reinforcements at centre-back in summer, even though they looked short at the time.

Indeed, Postecoglou was questioned about Spurs’ failure to bring in a new central defender just after the transfer window shut, as per the Evening Standard.

It was pointed out to the Tottenham manager that the squad had three senior centre-backs at the start of last term: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Eric Dier.

A year on, Radu Dragusin replaced Dier, but there were still just senior three central defenders in their ranks, plus Ben Davies as an auxiliary centre-back.

“I don’t think we’re in the same position,” Postecoglou said. “Radu is a different proposition for us… I think we’re in a much different position than we were last year.”

The Tottenham manager also said he was wary of blocking the pathway of Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic, neither of whom are at Spurs at present.

A few months on, and Tottenham’s decision not to bring in a new centre-back has left them severely depleted in this position with injuries taking their toll.

First-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, along with Ben Davies, are currently on the sidelines.

As a result, Postecoglou has been forced to use 18-year-old Archie Gray in defence alongside Dragusin, who is yet to fully convince at N17.

Tottenham have lost a lot of points this season in part due to their defence being such a mess, and things may not have been so bad had they just brought in some reinforcements in summer.

Not the only Tottenham transfer blunder

Another Spurs transfer blunder – albeit not as bad – came in the form of re-signing Timo Werner on loan.

The Germany international returned to N17 in the summer from RB Leipzig with an option for Tottenham to buy.

Although Spurs’ players and staff were pleased to have Werner back, he has failed to deliver for the club.

Indeed, he was even criticised by Postecoglou in mid-December for failing to reach the required levels during a period of crisis for the club.

Although Tottenham didn’t sign him permanently or agreed to an obligation to buy, they are reportedly still paying his full wages.

Tottenham Hotspur will be on the market for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Spurs have lost more games than they have won in the Premier League this season and are currently 11th in the table. That is simply not good enough.

Injuries have definitely been a factor, but Tottenham should still be doing a lot better. At this rate, there’s no way they will make it into the top four.

Ange Postecoglou knows he needs to strengthen in the winter window, and some fans want him to sign a new goalkeeper in January.

Whether Tottenham will sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window

Guglielmo Vicario is Tottenham’s number one, but the Italian suffered an ankle injury following the game against Manchester City.

Scans revealed that he had to undergo surgery, and Vicario has been out of action since.

Fraser Forster has stepped in for Tottenham, and the veteran has pulled off a few unbelievable saves. He kept Spurs in the game at times.

However, Forster has made a few mistakes recently, and his struggles while playing out from the back have led to fans urging Postecoglou to sign a new goalkeeper in the winter window.

Fabrizio Romano was asked about Spurs’ plans to sign a new goalkeeper in January. The journalist has claimed that the North Londoners are set to stick with Forster.

When asked if Postecoglou’s recent praise for Forster was honest or if he was just being nice, Romano replied on the Men in Blazers podcast: “No, I can guarantee he’s being honest.

“To be fair, I was also asking the same question to my sources because I had the same doubts, but I’m told he’s being honest.

“I think Tottenham will not sign a goalkeeper in the January transfer window. That’s what I’m told.”

Tottenham are eyeing a move for a Brazilian goalkeeper in 2025

As things stand, Tottenham will not sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window, but that stance is likely to change in 2025.

Reports have claimed that Postecoglou wants to replace Forster next summer – he wants a goalkeeper who is a lot more comfortable on the ball.

Spurs are already on the lookout for a new keeper, and it has been reported that John Victor of Botafogo is on Tottenham’s wish list.

The Brazilian has made a great name for himself in his home country, and he is being monitored by quite a few clubs in Europe, including Manchester United.

It remains to be seen if Victor is the one Postecoglou will go for next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a difficult season so far.

Spurs are still alive in all competitions and their dream of lifting silverware is not dead yet. However, they are currently 11th in the Premier League and ninth in the Europa League tables. Their opponents in the semi-final of the EFL Cup, Liverpool, just battered them 6-3.

Things aren’t looking great for Tottenham, especially with all their injuries. That is why the January transfer window is so important.

Fabrizio Romano has now shared what Spurs are planning to do when the window opens on New Year’s Day.

Tottenham want to sign a new attacker because Timo Werner is ‘not performing’ as expected

Tottenham re-signed Timo Werner on loan in the summer after having him at the club in the second half of the 2023/24 season.

The German has always had his struggles in the Premier League. He wasn’t great during his time at Chelsea and struggled back home in Germany since returning as well.

However, Ange Postecoglou saw something in Werner to sign him for Tottenham – not once, but twice – on loan from RB Leipzig.

Sadly, things have not worked out for the German. Postecoglou has publicly criticised Werner as well, calling his performance against Rangers in the Europa League as ‘unacceptable’.

Now, Romano has revealed that Tottenham are in the market for a new attacker in January because Werner is ‘not performing’ at the level that Spurs expected.

He said on the Men in Blazers podcast: “Tottenham will do something, especially in the offensive positions to add one more player there where Richarlison has been injured, Timo Werner is not performing as they were expecting.

“So, I think Tottenham will do something there.”

Tottenham’s option to buy Timo Werner permanently

When Tottenham decided to bring Werner back for a second loan spell, they negotiated a very affordable clause that would allow them to sign him permanently in 2025.

Spurs have an option to sign Wener for just £8.5 million once his current loan deal ends.

However, following Romano’s update and Postecoglou’s public criticism, we would be shocked if Tottenham decide to trigger that clause next summer.

Reports have even claimed that Tottenham are open to letting Werner leave in January.

However, with all the injuries, we think Postecoglou will hold on to the German until the end of the season. He will be sent back to Leipzig then.