TBR Football

In a devastating blow for the England international, James Maddison left Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season friendly with Newcastle United on crutches.

James Maddison started on the bench for Tottenham but entered the game as a second half substitute for Archie Gray.

However, just 10 or so minutes after coming on, Maddison was soon laid on the pitch in agony, clutching the same knee he injured last season.

After the game, Thomas Frank gave an update on Maddison’s injury, and all the early signs are quite worrying in regards to Maddison playing for Tottenham in the near future.

And following Spurs missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest despite interest from Tottenham, Frank could have an issue in the number 10 role.

Tottenham should turn to Jack Grealish after James Maddison knee injury

Earlier in the summer, Spurs were interested in signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

However, with Arsenal now leading the race for Eze, that ship looks to have sailed in N17.

As a result, Tottenham have been linked with Jack Grealish, who is free to leave Manchester City this summer owing to his limited chances under Pep Guardiola.

Jack Grealish is available for loan, and a move to bring the former Aston Villa star to north London for the season might now be very sensible for Spurs.

And in that regard, Tottenham legend Harry Kane made some interesting comments about Grealish all the way back in 2021, ones which perhaps explain why the midfield maverick deserves a chance to prove his worth at Spurs.

Speaking on The Overlap about Grealish playing at the Euros, Kane said: “I love Jack, just love Jack as a player. Fantastic.

“From when he came in and I started training with Jack, we just had a real connection.

“He sees the game a lot how I see it in terms of how he passes, how he moves, always looking forward, always rapping balls in, trusting your team-mate to have the touch and be able to handle it.

“He’s a real player and one who’s going to be very special for the future.”

Jack Grealish might not be the right fit for Thomas Frank

Manchester Evening News have recently reported that Grealish could be available for £40m this summer if an interested side sought a permanent move.

And that would of course be a big discount on the £100m Man City paid Aston Villa for his services in 2021.

But even with that considered, TBR Football Tottenham correspondent Jamie Brown was personally unsure about a move for Grealish, listing his own reservations.

Brown said: “When Tottenham targeted Gibbs-White, it was clear the type of number ten Thomas Frank was after — a player who can create but also a player who can press from the front and bring energy to Spurs’ midfield.

“Firstly on Grealish, I’m not entirely convinced he’ll recapture his form from his Aston Villa days, following what was another disappointing season at Man City, with just three goals and five assists.

“Then you question whether he’d bring the work ethic that a player like Gibbs-White would have done if the deal had gone through.

“He’s a good player but not sure he’s the type of midfielder Frank would enjoy.”

Tottenham Hotspur now need to replace Son Heung-min following his final game for the North London club.

After 10 years and 454 matches, Son has played his final game for Tottenham in what was an emotional send-off in his home nation of South Korea.

Son has established himself as the most lethal finisher in football since 2014, so sorting a replacement will be a tricky task for Johan Lange and his team.

Thomas Frank could find an internal solution to replace Son, but if they are to dip into the transfer window, here are five players TBR Football believes they should target.

Rafael Leao

Tottenham could launch an audacious attempt to land Rafael Leao, who’s been called ‘one of the best players in the world’.

Fabio Paratici knows Leao well, and the Italian director could play a key role in any move for the AC Milan forward.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a strong campaign at the San Siro as he netted 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances for Milan.

The Rossoneri missing out on the Champions League means they could be forced into a sale, and Spurs should at least be making a push to sign him.

Rodrygo Goes

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham have held talks with Rodrygo Goes through intermediaries.

The Brazilian has indicated that he would be open to a move to North London, given his desire to be playing regular football ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Spurs are keen to make a statement at left wing following the departure of Son and signing the Madrid star would certainly represent a marquee addition.

Liverpool and Arsenal also want Rodrygo, so actually bringing the 24-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be tricky.

Alejandro Garnacho

TBR Football understands that Alejandro Garnacho is on Tottenham’s list of targets, with the Argentine free to leave Manchester United this summer.

The 21-year-old has fallen out with Ruben Amorim, and the Red Devils are now believed to be open to offers worth around £40m.

Last season, the winger still managed to match Son’s goal tally of 11 goals, and he is keen to remain in the Premier League with his next move.

Frank’s assistant coach, Justin Cochrane, worked with Garnacho at United, and his good relationship with the player could help bring him to Spurs.

Ademola Lookman

Tottenham have been linked with Ademola Lookman since at least 2018 and he has been through a lot since then.

The winger has gone from Everton to RB Leipzig to Fulham to Leicester and then finally to Atalanta, where he has exploded into life.

The winger netted an extraordinary hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to become a contender for the last Ballon d’Or.

Lookman handed in a transfer request on Sunday, but he looks set to remain in Italy and move to Inter Milan, so that deal could be tricky to hijack.

Kenan Yildiz

A surprise name for the left wing could be Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, and this is where Paratici’s expertise on the Italian market could come into play.

The Turkish international has established himself as one of the best wingers in Serie A, but for the right offer, perhaps Juventus could be tempted to sell.

Son Heung-min has played his final match for Tottenham Hotspur after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

On Saturday, Son revealed that he would be leaving Tottenham following 10 years at the North London club.

As first revealed by TBR Football, LAFC have been in talks to sign Son and now a deal is close to being finalised with Spurs.

The 33-year-old will remain in South Korea whilst the rest of the team return to London, and after his final game in a Spurs shirt, the club’s players have been hailing their now former teammate.

Tottenham players hail Son Heung-min after his final match

Tributes from Tottenham Hotspur players have been pouring in for Son Heung-min as he completes his final match in Spurs colours.

After 10 years and 454 matches for the Lilywhites, the curtain falls on Son’s time at Spurs with his final competitive game seeing him lift the Europa League trophy.

Son has been the most lethal finisher in football since 2014, and Tottenham will find it very tricky to replace such a key player.

Thomas Frank could find an internal solution to replace Son, although the Lilywhites may opt to dip into the transfer market.

But in the meantime, Spurs’ stars have been taking to social media to react to Son’s departure after ten years at the football club.

Pedro Porro wrote on his Instagram: “My Captain. I can’t thank you enough for your help and guidance since I’ve been here. A big part of the reason why I am so happy here is because of your support, along with the memories we’ve made together in this squad.

“With what you mean to this club, you are the true example of a top professional, and you leave Tottenham not only as a legend, but also as a brother to all of us. Best of luck mi amigo

Pape Matar Sarr was also full of praise for the South Korean: “To a Tottenham Hotspur and Premier League legend, thank you for your leadership and all of the memories, my friend. Seeing how much you mean to this club has been so inspiring for me, and being a part of the journey has been an honour.

“I’m happy that you leave Spurs as a winner and wish you the best of luck on your next chapter. Thank you, Sonny.”

Richarlison: “Sonny, it’s going to feel a bit strange looking to the side on the pitch and not seeing you there. You are not only a great friend but also an example of a professional, a leader, and a human being.

“You made history wearing the Spurs shirt, and I’m so happy that I was able to win such an important title alongside you. You truly deserved it! May your future be filled with great joy, health, and success. It was an honour! I’m sure our paths will cross again. Thank you!”

One of his former long-time teammates, Kieran Trippier, also had some nice words for him: “Good luck on your next chapter. It’s been a pleasure to share the field with you.”

Son Heung-min’s final interview as a Tottenham player

Son has just given his final interview as a Tottenham player following what was an emotional day in his home country.

The 33-year-old admits that Spurs will always be in his heart, and now, he will be watching the club as a supporter.

Speaking about the 10 years, Son told SpursOfficial: “Incredible. It was incredible. It’s gone so fast, the 10 years, some beautiful moments, and I can only think about the beautiful moments.

“Spurs will always be in my heart, and I will cheer you as a family member, so all the best, guys.”

Newcastle United took on Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly, where Harvey Barnes was a talking point among Geordie supporters.

In a game with Mathys Tel shocker, Harvey Barnes bagged Newcastle’s goal against Spurs, and it was a classic finish from the Englishman.

He picked up the ball on the left-hand side of the penalty box, cut in on his right foot, and fired a trademark finish into the bottom corner.

Newcastle supporters know this all too well and showered him with praise on social media.

Newcastle fans on Harvey Barnes

Barnes impressed fans with his Spurs showing. They took to X to comment on the winger.

‘Harvey Barnes, when he’s fit, can be an absolutely lethal winger, man,’ a first put.

Another states: ‘Harvey Barnes could prove to be especially useful this season.’

‘Harvey Barnes is one of the best players and I won’t hear a bad word spoken about him,’ another writes.

Some fans even stated that he’s now a better player for Newcastle than Anthony Gordon is.

‘Harvey Barnes will start at left wing next season over Anthony Gordon for Newcastle, in my opinion! Maybe it’s an unpopular shout, but I can’t see Gordon start over Harvey Barnes right now’, one more adds.

The 27-year-old, if he can stay fit, will play a vital role for the Geordies this season, with his career at St James’ Park not necessarily reaching the heights it probably can.

Harvey Barnes stats vs Tottenham

Some good stats on the afternoon epitomised the winger’s performance.

Barnes now needs to do what he hasn’t been able to on Tyneside – and that’s find consistency in fitness. Easier said than done, but Newcastle fans know what kind of player they have on their hands.

It was an afternoon to forget for Mathys Tel in Korea following his display against Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur face Newcastle United in their fourth game of pre-season, marking Son Heung-min’s final game for the club.

But it was the miss from the Frenchman which has attracted much attention from the fanbases of several different opposition clubs.

Mathys Tel’s bad miss for Tottenham

It was a moment to forget for Mathys Tel as he missed one of the clearest chances he will get, having gone face to face with Nick Pope.

The 20-year-old was sent racing through on goal after he out-muscled Matt Targett to get on the end of Brennan Johnson’s pass.

The attacker attempted an audacious fake effort to trick Pope, but the England international wasn’t fooled and remained on his feet.

Pope then kept himself big and his outstretched leg managed to deny the French youth international his first goal of pre-season.

Tel impressed Tottenham staff behind the scenes, which made the club want to pursue a permanent deal for the attacker.

Tottenham signed Tel for £30m earlier this summer from Bayern Munich following his six-month loan spell in which he helped the team win the Europa League.

Thomas Frank is a fan of Tel, but there is a lot of work to be done before the Frenchman hits his best form in a Spurs shirt.

Mathys Tel slammed for shocking miss vs Newcastle

Following the miss against Newcastle United, opposition fans from Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG gave their thoughts.

The teenager had plenty of interest from various English clubs to get his signature when the German club made him available back in January.

Various Premier League clubs wanted Tel before he made a move to Spurs in quite a dramatic turn of events.

During the game, fans took to X to share their thoughts on Tel’s shocking miss against the Premier League side.

Manchester United were linked with Tel before his move to Spurs and a Red Devils fan said: “Thank goodness we didn’t sign Mathys Tel.”

Meanwhile, a Bayern fan expressed his delight at the sale of Tel: “Mathys Tel had one of the cleanest breakaways you’ll ever see and ended up shooting the ball into Pope’s legs. Don’t worry, Bayern fans, we made a good sale.”

This Chelsea fan added: “Mathys Tel actually missed this chance. I’m very glad we didn’t sign him.”

A fan of Spurs’ Super Cup opponents, PSG, was also left stunned by Tel’s miss: “Huge opportunity for Mathys Tel who completely missed in a one-on-one, alone, with the Newcastle goalkeeper.”

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of a player who was controversially voted “flop of the season” just two months ago.

Spurs have had a moderately busy summer on the transfer front, making several signings as they gear up for their return to the Champions League.

Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai are now all on Tottenham’s books and available for selection.

Tottenham are now set to sign a defensive midfielder who will look to bounce back at N17 after a difficult 2024/25 campaign.

Joao Palhinha was voted Flop of the Season

It looks like it’s only a matter of time before Tottenham welcome Joao Palhinha to the club after Spurs struck a loan deal with Bayern Munich.

TBR Football first revealed Tottenham’s interest in Palhinha three weeks ago, and now Spurs have secured the services of the Portuguese midfielder.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham have signed Palhinha on a season-long loan with an option to buy the midfielder.

While Premier League fans know how good the Portuguese can be on his day – he was a diamond for Fulham – things sadly didn’t go to plan for him at Bayern.

Bayern paid £47million for Palhinha last summer, but the 30-year-old went on to make just 17 Bundesliga appearances.

German outlet Kicker runs a player poll every season in which Bundesliga footballers get to vote on a number of categories, such as best coach and best player.

However, the category that gets the most attention is “Flop of the Season” and Palhinha sadly got the most votes.

With 216 players voting for the biggest flop, Palhinha received 13.4 per cent of the total vote, more than anyone else, as relayed by GiveMeSport.

Other big names featured on the list, with Julian Brandt in second with 10.2 percent of the votes, and Victor Boniface, Deniz Undav and Xavi Simons completing the top five.

Why this is the best time for Tottenham to sign Joao Palhinha

When it comes to the stock market – indeed, any type of market – the overriding principle is ‘buy low, sell high’.

Palhinha did so well during his time at Fulham that there was speculation doing the rounds that he was worth around £80million.

He was linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, and eventually joined Bayern, one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Although things didn’t work out, the fact his stock is relatively low at present means the opportunity to sign him is there, and Tottenham have swooped.

Palhinha will also have a point to prove, so he’ll be even more hungry to show what he can do at N17.

Dejan Kulusevski was considered a flop at Juventus when he joined Tottenham, but that’s certainly not how he would be described nowadays.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has given Yang Min-Hyeok some tips so he can also become a star at Spurs and potentially follow in his compatriot’s footsteps.

On Saturday morning, Tottenham fans in the UK and Europe woke up to the sad news that Son will be leaving Spurs this summer.

Son made his decision public at a press conference on Saturday, ahead of Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle in South Korea on Sunday.

Tottenham currently have two South Koreans on their books, but that number is set to go down to one once Son leaves.

There are high hopes for Yang, who signed for Tottenham last summer and joined up with Spurs after completing the season with Gangwon FC.

Son, speaking to reporters on Saturday, shared some advice for his young compatriot.

Son Heung-min tells Yang Min-Hyeok to ‘just focus on what’s in front of him’

When asked what tips he would give Yang Min-hyeok, Son Heung-min said, as per football.london: “I’m very happy to see young players come up and develop in Europe.

“I’m very proud to see Yang fight for a position in the squad.

“As for tips, I’d like to see Yang experience things on the field and not think too much or too hard. Just focus on what’s in front of him.”

Meanwhile, Spurs manager Thomas Frank said of Yang: “He is a good promising young player with good talent and he needs to keep working hard and keep trying to improve and develop.

“He’s not been playing for that long and a role model like Sonny must be fantastic for him.”

Yang was awarded the K-League’s Young Player of the Year award, along with a place in the K-League Best XI for the 2024 season.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, where he made 14 appearances and registered two goals and one assist.

The first South Korean ever to play for Tottenham – and it’s not Son Heung-min

Although Son is by far the most successful South Korean to play for Tottenham – indeed, he is widely considered the best South Korean footballer of all time – he’s not the first to ply his trade for Spurs.

The first South Korean player to play for Tottenham Hotspur was Lee Young-pyo, who joined the club in August 2005 from PSV Eindhoven for around £1.5million.

Lee, a left-back who won 127 caps for South Korea, made 92 competitive appearances for Tottenham and was part of the side that won the League Cup in 2008.

Lee went on to join Borussia Dortmund in 2008 for a fee of around £350,000, and he also played for Al-Hilal and Vancouver Whitecaps before retiring in 2013.

TBR Football can exclusively reveal the favourites to sign Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the player decides where he wants to play next in the world.

Son Heung-min revealed on Saturday that he would be leaving Tottenham in the coming weeks as a new challenge beckons.

Son’s contract is set to expire in 2026 and he was not guaranteed the captaincy next season, with Thomas Frank admitting he was still considering his options.

Los Angeles FC are frontrunners to sign Son, and TBR Football can also reveal the stage they have reached in pursuit of the Tottenham star.

LAFC agree terms in principle with Son Heung-min

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that terms between LAFC and Son have been agreed in principle.

However, the deal is not done, with talks with Spurs needing to be finalised.

As we revealed back in July, Son was told earlier this summer that he could leave Tottenham, and talks with LAFC have been ongoing ever since.

LAFC allowed Olivier Giroud to return to France in July and that freed up a designated player spot – and Son soon emerged as their top target.

We understand Son and Spurs had contractual obligations which meant they could not part ways until after their pre-season tour of Asia.

In addition, Son was happy to be on home soil before announcing the next chapter of his career.

The leagues Son Heung-min has turned down as LAFC lead chase

TBR Football understands Son has opted not to remain in Europe despite interest from Germany and Italy.

The Saudi Pro League is also in the picture, but the MLS is firmly in pole position as things stand.

“Son is going abroad,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football. “He does have interest from back in Germany, as well as Italy I am told, but he is set to leave Europe.

“The Saudi Pro League have interest and have spoken to him but I am told that talks with LAFC and MLS are advanced to the point that things like Son’s salary have been agreed upon.

“MLS really see Son as a huge coup and are getting a player with a lot of football left in him and that is exciting.

“Meanwhile, LAFC think they could be bringing in the league’s top player in the shape of Son.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has spoken about Son Heung-min in the wake of the Spurs captain confirming he will leave the club this summer.

Son announced his decision to leave Tottenham on Saturday, ahead of Spurs’ friendly meeting with Newcastle United in South Korea the following day.

Son is set to bring the curtain down on a glittering spell at Tottenham that has yielded over 450 appearances, 173 goals, 101 assists, and the Europa League trophy.

Spurs will now have to think about Son’s succession on the left wing, and Frank shared who is in line to take on the role after the South Korea captain departs N17.

Thomas Frank, speaking at his pre-match press conference, named three players who are under consideration to play on Tottenham’s left flank.

Brennan Johnson was the first name Frank mentioned to step in, while Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel are also in the picture to replace Son Heung-min.

“First and foremost, when a great player is leaving a team other players have a chance to shine,” Frank said, as per football.london.

“Brennan Johnson is a player who could play on the left.

“Also I think that Wilson Odobert did well against Arsenal and can play on the left and also Mathys Tel is a flexible player.

“I think we have some young promising players that hopefully can step up and take over from Sonny in the future.”

Who Tottenham could sign to replace Son Heung-min

TBR Football recently confirmed that Tottenham are looking at several alternatives to Morgan Gibbs-White, and two of these players have considerable experience on the left flank.

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho is one of the options for Tottenham, having become surplus to Ruben Amorim’s requirements at Old Trafford.

TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Tottenham Hotspur have got the signing of Joao Palhinha over the line.

TBR Football first revealed Tottenham’s interest in Palhinha three weeks ago, and now Spurs have secured the services of the Portuguese midfielder.

Palhinha wants to return to London after struggling to break into Vincent Kompany’s side over the course of the 2024/25 campaign.

Bayern paid £47million for Palhinha last summer from Fulham, but the 30-year-old went on to make just 17 Bundesliga appearances.

TBR Football can confirm what Tottenham have in store for Palhinha at N17, what he thought of Thomas Frank, and which player is now expected to leave to make room for Palhinha.

Tottenham hope Joao Palhinha can become key player for Thomas Frank

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Palhinha has signed for Tottenham and that the deal is done, with the announcement likely to come on Saturday.

The deal is a season-long loan with option to buy, and Tottenham will be paying Palhinha’s salary.

Spurs hope Palhinha will quickly win a regular starting spot and become a key player for Thomas Frank.

Palhinha’s arrival means an outgoing is on the cards and, as we have mentioned previously, it is likely to be Yves Bissouma.

“Spurs are really happy to get Palhinha – they loved him at Fulham and to get him now just 12 months on is huge for them,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.

“Palhinha was won over by Thomas Frank as soon as they talked, am told they are delighted to be working together.

“There are real high hopes that Palhinha comes in and becomes a key cog in Frank’s team – and they think he will.”

What Joao Palhinha will bring to Tottenham

Premier League fans will be familiar with Palhinha’s credentials as the player made a name for himself as a superb defensive midfielder at Fulham.

“Pal is an animal in that defensive midfield role,” Harry Kane said of Palhinha in a 2023 press conference.

“I’ve had many battles against him. He tackles, he intercepts, he reads the game really well – so he’s a great addition.”

Palhinha isn’t afraid to get physical or put a foot in, and this is exactly what Tottenham need in a midfield that was overrun far too often last season.