TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur sent Mikey Moore on loan to Rangers, but Gers manager Russell Martin already finds himself under immense pressure.

All Tottenham Hotspur youngsters now dream of becoming a first-team superstar like Harry Kane.

That journey is not an easy one, but Tottenham have some exciting talents for the future.

Daniel Batty was involved in training last week and could be one to watch following his move from Manchester City earlier in 2025.

Mikey Moore is another top prospect in the Tottenham ranks, but his loan move to Rangers is proving to be a little tricky.

Chris Sutton on Tottenham Hotspur teenager Mikey Moore’s time at Rangers

Moore is highly regarded at Tottenham and has been tipped as a star of the future.

Thomas Frank is a big fan of Moore, but sent him on loan to Rangers to gain first-team experience in Scotland.

Moore has failed to convince Rangers fans so far, and Spurs may be concerned about the winger’s situation in Glasgow.

Russell Martin is under enormous pressure just weeks into the season, having inexplicably managed to start the season without a win in his first five league games.

Pundit Chris Sutton has now suggested that he was excited to see Moore in action, having been dazzled by his cameos at Tottenham.

Sutton told BBC Radio Five Live’s Monday Night Club that Rangers is a ‘toxic’ place for players like Moore, with young players ultimately carrying a ‘burden’ amid poor results.

Sutton even questioned whether those young players can recover from this terrible start, with Moore facing criticism from angry Rangers fans.

“It’s a really difficult place to play. Rangers have recruited a fair few young players, and the environment to play in is toxic,” said Sutton.

“Another player who’s gone to Rangers from down south, who I was really excited about, to see how he’d do, Mikey Moore, the young Tottenham talent.

“I think from the cameos we’ve seen of him, you’re thinking ‘blimey’. I really feel sorry for the young players because they are carrying such a burden on their shoulders, and these are young players; it’s affecting their careers.

“It will be interesting to see whether they can come back from that,” he added.

Harry Kane can still be Mikey Moore’s inspiration at Tottenham Hotspur

Reaching Kane’s level is almost impossible, but he can be of inspiration to Moore.

This loan move at Rangers may not see him become a star overnight, and he may yet be sent back to North London in January if he doesn’t find form.

Martin’s future will be key as well, and any potential sacking could impact Moore’s time at Ibrox.

One loan move does not define a player’s career, though, and Kane is proof of that after disappointing loans at Norwich City and Leicester City.

Kane went on to become a global star and one of the finest players in the world, bouncing back from those loan spells.

Moore could do the same down the line, but he will first look to kick on and help Rangers turn a dismal start to the season around.

Mohammed Kudus has enjoyed a bright start to life at Tottenham, but the club can’t turn down the opportunity to bring in one wonderkid looking to follow in his footsteps.

Spurs signed Mohammed Kudus for £55m from West Ham in July, and the forward has hit the ground running in North London, making a positive impression under new boss Thomas Frank.

Kudus was even backed by Dominic Solanke to produce lots of “special moments” this season, having already showcased the flair which made him a firm favourite during his time with the Hammers.

But football moves on quickly, and clubs will always be on the lookout for talented young players capable of making an impact both now and in the future.

Spurs look to have unearthed a real gem in Ghanaian wonderkid Prince Amoako Junior, and he may well have the potential to go on and become even better than Kudus.

Prince Amoako Junior could be better than Mohammed Kudus

Tottenham target Prince Amoako Junior is enjoying a breakthrough season at Nordsjaelland, having made the move across from the Right To Dream academy, which helps young African players looking to make a professional career in football.

That academy has produced several talents, including Kudus, Simon Adingra and Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Junior is now walking the same path as Kudus, who spent eight years with Right To Dream himself before joining Nordsjaelland in 2018, and he has already attracted big-name Premier League interest.

A left winger by trade, Junior has made a name for himself by regularly cutting inside onto his stronger right foot and taking plenty of shots. He is wowing in the senior team and has become a regular, playing over 600 minutes in the Danish Super League so far this campaign.

Junior has four goals and one assist to his name from his eight league appearances at the time of writing, including a goal and an assist on his debut, and he looks ready-made for the Premier League.

He was named by CIES Football as one of the best U-20 forwards outside of the top five leagues in the world, and there are countless reasons why.

The teenager has a sharp eye for goal, an impressive turn of pace and, perhaps most importantly, natural flair on the ball, which is guaranteed to get supporters out of their seats. There is, of course, room for development, but he would be a cost-effective and low-risk option for Tottenham.

The upside, of course, is that he could eventually go on to surpass Kudus’ achievements.

Arsenal and Tottenham want to sign Prince Amoako Junior

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea, via BlueCo, have scouted Junior in person.

Manchester City, via City Group, Newcastle United, Brighton and Brentford also watched Prince as he scored the winning goal for Nordsjaelland in their 1-0 victory over FC Midtjylland.

There is also interest from LaLiga, with Real Madrid circling.

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Marseille are keeping tabs on Junior, too.

Spurs face fierce competition in the race to sign the wonderkid, but they must make sure they snap him up.

Junior would slot neatly into the first-team right from the off, and the move would make perfect business sense for a club determined to challenge for more trophies.

Tottenham Hotspur will have come away from the summer transfer window feeling pretty pleased with their business, however, one of their key targets has just scooped up an award.

Thomas Frank signed five new players for his squad, with Xavi Simons signed for £52 million from RB Leipzig as the headline addition.

Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani and Kota Takai were among the other arrivals at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham Hotspur were keen to add one more attacker to their squad, and they could be left rueing their failure to land one of their top targets.

Nico Paz named Serie A Rising Star of the Month

Como midfielder Nico Paz has been named Serie A Rising Star of the Month following his impressive start to the new campaign.

The 20-year-old managed one goal and one assist in his first two matches in August, which included a stunning free-kick against Lazio.

The former Real Madrid star added to his tally for the season over the weekend with a late equaliser against Genoa.

Over the summer, Tottenham had a £61m bid for Paz rejected after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who instead joined Arsenal.

Spurs always faced an uphill battle trying to land the youngster, given the fact that Real Madrid have a buyback option on the midfielder.

TBR Football understands that Real Madrid want to bring Paz back to the Spanish capital next summer, and the Spaniard also appears keen on a return.

Tottenham ended up with Simons, so whilst they will be disappointed to have missed out on Paz, they will be delighted with their alternative option.

Thomas Frank reacts to Xavi Simons’ Tottenham debut

Frank admitted that he was impressed with Simons’ debut for the North London club in their 3-0 win over West Ham United.

The Dutch international set up Pape Matar Sarr’s opening goal of the game at the London Stadium and produced a lively performance on the left wing.

Speaking after the game, Frank told the media: “I think he was promising, I like what I saw from him.

“I like that he took initiative on the ball. Every single time he had the ball, he tried to create something, and I think he had a wonderful assist for the first goal from the corner.

“Worked hard as well – so I think it was a good debut.”

TBR Football understands that Real Madrid are keen and ready to battle with Premier League sides over a player who has only just arrived in Europe.

Ghanaian teenager Prince Amoako Junior joined Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in the summer from their famed Right to Dream academy in Accra.

The academy has previously produced the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Simon Adingra.

Now, the 18-year-old winger, whilst only playing a handful of games, has had scouts flocking to watch him in action in recent weeks as word spreads of his huge potential.

Exclusive: Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea target Prince Amoako Junior

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea, via BlueCo, have been to watch Prince Junior.

Meanwhile, Manchester City via City Group, Newcastle United, Brighton and Brentford also watched Prince over the weekend, as he scored the winning goal in Nordsjaelland’s 1-0 win over FC Midtjylland.

Prince, a right-footed inverted left winger, has four goals to his name from his first eight games of the new Danish Super League season.

TBR Football can also confirm that the interest is not just coming from England. Spanish giants Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Prince, along with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Marseille.

Indeed, TBR Football has been told by sources across Europe that Prince is one of the most talked-about young players on the continent at this moment.

Despite only moving to Nordsjaelland this summer, it is believed that some clubs are already weighing up the prospect of a January deal ahead of a potential move in the summer of 2026.

Prince Amoako Junior listed as one of top U-20 forwards in non-big-5

CIES Football have listed Junior as one of the best U-20 forwards outside of the top five leagues in the world.

The 18-year-old has been ranked fourth following what has been a great start to the season for him in the Danish top division.

Playing just his first season of senior football, the teenager is making a quick impression, and it’s no wonder Europe’s top clubs are chasing him.

After just eight matches, the winger is already six goals behind Kudus’ total of Super League goals for FC Nordsjaelland.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a tremendous start to the new Premier League campaign with several individuals standing out for Thomas Frank’s team.

The North London club made it three wins from four over the weekend as they emphatically saw off West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall secured the three points for Spurs in what was an impressive performance.

But Alan Shearer believes that one Tottenham Hotspur star really stood out, and the former Newcastle United striker has been raving about him.

Lucas Bergvall hailed by Alan Shearer

Shearer has hailed Bergvall for his display in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over West Ham on the weekend.

The Premier League legend believes that he showed ‘unbelievable technique’ for the second goal of the afternoon in the London derby.

Cristian Romero played a remarkable pass to pick out Bergvall’s run, but the Swede still had plenty to do, and did impressively well to loop his header over Mads Hermansen.

Shearer told the Premier League: “Showed unbelievable technique with a header to put Spurs 2-0 up and then set up Van de Ven for their third to seal a derby win at West Ham.”

Bergvall became Tottenham’s youngest scorer since Dele Alli to find the back of the net in the Premier League.

Jon Dahl Tomasson has been criticised for not playing Bergvall for Sweden during the latest international break, during which the national team earned just one point from two games.

Swedish fans were also so impressed with the teenager and couldn’t believe he didn’t play a single minute for them over the latest round of fixtures.

Alan Shearer has been impressed by Thomas Frank’s Tottenham

Shearer has also been so impressed by Thomas Frank’s start to life at Tottenham and claims they look ‘totally different’ from last term.

First and foremost, the Lilywhites look well organised in defence, which is a complete difference from life under Ange Postecoglou.

“Spurs look a totally different side to the one that lost 22 times last season. Three clean sheets and three wins in their first four matches is an impressive start for head coach Frank.”

Thomas Frank made some tremendous signings during his first summer at Tottenham Hotspur and Pedro Porro is already a big fan of one of them.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under Thomas Frank, having won three of their first four Premier League matches.

The North London club won 3-0 against West Ham over the weekend, with Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall scoring the goals.

After the game, Porro took to social media to hail one of his new teammates following his display at the London Stadium.

Pedro Porro calls Xavi Simons ‘magic’ after Tottenham debut

Pedro Porro has taken to Instagram to call Xavi Simons ‘magic’ following his debut for Tottenham against West Ham United.

Simons is already quite a popular figure at Tottenham, with Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus all joining Porro in praising him.

The youngster clearly enjoyed his first appearance in the Premier League, writing on his Instagram: “A day to remember…”

The Dutch international enjoyed a successful first appearance in Spurs colours at the London Stadium, registering his first assist already.

The 22-year-old delivered a wicked cross into the back post from a corner, which picked out Sarr, who nodded the ball home to give Spurs the lead.

Simons started on the left rather than in a more central role, which was quite a surprise, given the team’s need for a number ten.

The midfielder will be hoping to make his first European appearance for Spurs when they face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Clive Allen hails Xavi Simons’ Tottenham debut

Tottenham legend Clive Allen also hailed Simons’ first appearance for the North London club and his first assist for the club.

The 22-year-old looked so good to watch at the London Stadium, gliding across the pitch and keeping the ball moving.

Allen told SpursOfficial: “Really positive performance, I think this was worked on, Pape Sarr completely unmarked at the back post, it has to be a perfect delivery, and it was spot on.

“He glides across the ground, he moves the ball, he’s always got it under control on the outside of his foot, you can see the way he’s drawing in defenders – they’re scared to go in and challenge, but of the way he can release it.”

Tottenham Hotspur are back in the Champions League, where they will face Villarreal, and Cristian Romero is looking forward to facing a close friend.

Tottenham host Villarreal in the Champions League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, two and a half years after their last appearance in the competition.

Romero was shown a red card against AC Milan in North London in what proved to be one of Antonio Conte’s final matches in charge of the club.

But Spurs are now in a much healthier position as a squad, and Romero is buzzing for the chance to be back playing in Europe’s elite competition.

Cristian Romero on facing Juan Foyth and Villarreal

Cristian Romero has admitted that he is looking forward to facing Villarreal defender Juan Foyth in the Champions League.

The Argentine never crossed paths with his compatriot at Tottenham, but the pair are well acquainted from their time together with the national team.

Romero and Foyth were both part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad back in 2022 and have played for the national team since the youth level.

Speaking ahead of the match, Romero told the media: “I know him really well. We played together in the U-20s and U-23s. We managed to spend time together in the national team.

“He is a great guy and a top player. He was here as well, so it will be a special game for him.”

TBR Football understands that Unai Emery wanted Foyth at Aston Villa in the summer, however, Villarreal opted to keep the 26-year-old, and he will now return to face his former side.

Back in 2021, Tottenham sold Foyth to Villarreal after he made just 32 appearances for the North London club.

Cristian Romero on signing a new Tottenham contract

Romero signed a new Tottenham contract over the summer, having been impressed following talks with Thomas Frank.

The defender is now fully committed to playing for Spurs and is enjoying his time playing under the new manager.

“I never said I wanted to leave the club. Nothing came from me in that effect. It is important what the manager and president say,” added Romero.

“I am very happy here, it is like a family. I like the manager. I like the way we work, the way we train. Things can always improve, but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here.”

The return of the Champions League for 2025/26 brings with it some old faces in the competition, as Tottenham and Villarreal are back in the top flight of European football.

While it was a dismal Premier League campaign, Tottenham won the Europa League, which earned them passage into this season’s Champions League.

It’s an opportunity that didn’t seem likely for most of the year, but it’s one they must now take with both hands under the guidance of Thomas Frank.

Their first test will be at home against La Liga outfit Villarreal, who earned the fifth Champions League spot in the division last season.

As both teams look to attack the league phase, hopeful of adding some early points to the board, it looks set to be an even contest.

So, with that said, here’s a look at everything you need to know ahead of Tottenham vs Villarreal.

Tottenham and Villarreal meet in gameweek one of the Champions League this season, with the match in north London set for Tuesday, September 16.

The clash is scheduled for an 8pm (BST) kick-off.

Live stream for Tottenham vs Villarreal

Tottenham’s clash with Villarreal won’t be available via traditional broadcast, as it will only be available through Amazon Prime Video.

A valid account and Prime subscription are required, along with a smart device such as a phone, computer or TV that can stream the match.

Who is the referee for Tottenham vs Villarreal

UEFA have confirmed that Rade Obrenovic will be the referee in charge of Tottenham vs Villarreal, joined by Jure Praprotnik and Grega Kordez as his assistants, as well as David Smajc as the fourth official.

VAR will be in operation, as Bastian Dankert is in charge, joined by Alen Borosak.

Tottenham have six main injury concerns to deal with before their opening Champions League match of the campaign.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin all have long-term issues, which will keep them out for a little while longer.

Dominic Solanke and Yves Bissouma are potential doubts, having missed the past few matches, while it is uncertain when Kota Takai could be back in action.

Villarreal have several injury issues, as Gerard Moreno, Willy Kambwala, Pau Cabanes and Logan Costa have long-term concerns.

Former defender Juan Foyth could line up against Tottenham in another return to the club.

Tottenham vs Villarreal prediction

Tottenham and Villarreal look like two evenly matched teams on paper, in a clash that could set both of them up for a successful campaign.

Spurs may have the edge with that little bit of star power they have, with summer signing Xavi Simons looking to make an impact, along with Randal Kolo Muani.

Add to that the fact they are at home, and it all suggests a narrow win for the Lilywhites.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur sent officials on a scouting mission to France to watch AS Monaco take on Auxerre in the Ligue 1.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under their new manager, Thomas Frank, with three wins from four.

Spurs produced an impressive 3-0 win over West Ham United over the weekend, with goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall sealing a precious three points.

But the Lilywhites are already considering adding to the Dane’s squad and have gone to watch three players from AS Monaco.

Exclusive: Tottenham send scouts to watch Maghnes Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara

Tottenham sent scouts to watch Maghnes Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara over the weekend, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Akliouche was a target for Tottenham over the summer, with the North London club having looked at signing another attacker after Xavi Simons’ arrival.

The North London club held internal talks about signing the winger during the summer window, but a move for him never materialised.

The 23-year-old attacker could now be back on their radar following their scouting trip to Auxerre.

Vanderson was also a target for Tottenham over the summer, as they considered adding a full-back to their squad.

The North London club have left themselves short in this area, with Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence their current options.

Tottenham are considering signing a new right-back over a left-sided option, given the fact that Spence is now viewed as a left-back.

Camara is the third Monaco option being considered, with Pape Matar Sarr already well acquainted with him from the Senegalese national team.

Tottenham’s target Akliouche has ‘outrageous potential’, people in football have told David Ornstein.

The journalist confirmed that Spurs were looking at him in the summer, along with Savinho, who was also on Tottenham’s list of targets.

Ornstein told The Athletic FC podcast: “If they pursued a deal for somebody like him (Akliouche), I speak to a lot of people in football who think he’s going to be one of the best attacking midfielders around and has outrageous potential.”

The North London club could well return for another attacker in January, but that will depend on how Frank’s squad is looking heading into the second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur were so impressive against West Ham United, but Troy Deeney claims that one player led them to victory in East London.

Thomas Frank’s side recorded a third win of the season, thrashing the East London club 3-0 at the London Stadium.

Goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall secured a precious three points for Tottenham Hotspur.

Troy Deeney was impressed so much by one player who didn’t get on the scoresheet, but still played a crucial role in the win.

Troy Deeney hails Cristian Romero’s display vs West Ham

Deeney has been full of praise for Cristian Romero’s performance against West Ham and named him in his Premier League Team of the Week.

Tottenham fans also hailed Romero’s display, as the defender played a key role at both ends of the pitch for the Lilywhites.

Speaking about the Argentine defender, Deeney told BBC Sport: “Another one that drives standards. He was a beast against West Ham and delivered a real leader’s performance.

“He helped everyone else be that little bit better and stronger. It is something you look out for from a fellow professional.”

Romero set up Bergvall’s goal against West Ham with a sensational pass from deep, which expertly picked out the young Swede, who nodded the ball home.

The defender should have had a goal of his own, however, Jarred Gillett controversially ruled out Romero’s header following an alleged foul on Kyle Walker-Peters.

The 27-year-old is quickly becoming such a vital player for the North London club ever since he took the armband over from Son Heung-min during the summer.

Troy Deeney says Pape Matar Sarr has improved so much under Thomas Frank

Another player who impressed Deeney was Sarr, who he believes is improving so much under Frank at Spurs.

The midfielder has started every game for Tottenham this season and is already one of the first names on the team sheet, which is quite different from last term.

“Under Thomas Frank, Sarr seems to have got a bit more freedom to go forward. He showed high energy and was bursting past people,” added Deeney.

“I know he is young and has more to do, but he seems transformed and is getting better and better.”