TBR Football

Ally McCoist has been discussing Tottenham’s summer transfer business and made a surprise claim about one of their additions this summer.

Spurs made five new additions over the summer, with Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani and Kota Takai all arriving in North London.

The North London club made a strong play to back their new head coach, Thomas Frank, in the transfer window and look to have made a solid addition.

But Ally McCoist claims that Spurs’ best addition wasn’t actually any of the players they signed.

Ally McCoist claims Thomas Frank was Tottenham’s best signing

McCoist believes that Frank was actually Tottenham Hotspur’s best signing of the summer.

The former Scottish international is confident that the 51-year-old will do special things at Spurs, despite their defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.

McCoist also claims that the Lilywhites had an impressive transfer window, naming Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso as astute signings.

“I see Spurs having a good season,” said Jeff Stelling, to which McCoist replied: “I don’t disagree, the result at the weekend was obviously a disappointment.

“But listen, the fact of the matter is, we’ve seen enough for Bournemouth already this season, particularly in that opening game against Liverpool, that they’re more than capable of beating anyone on their day.

“But if you throw in Mathys Tel and Danso, who will certainly take part, I think they’ve had a good window. I’m not sure it’s the best window, but I definitely think they had a good window.

“I tell you what, their best signing might be their manager; he might just be the best signing they’ve made in a number of years. I think he’s a terrific coach, terrific manager, and he’ll do really, really well.”

Ranking Tottenham’s five summer signings

TBR Football ranks Simons as Spurs’ best summer signing, having captured one of Europe’s best U-23 talents from under the noses of Chelsea.

James Maddison’s injury initially looked like a major blow for Tottenham, but in Simons, they might have actually landed an upgrade who has the potential to keep improving.

Kudus’ arrival from West Ham could be one of the signings of the summer, with the Ghanaian international making a flying start to the season.

Tottenham’s signing of Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich was an astute move from the Lilywhites, as they signed a player with great experience.

Meanwhile, Kolo Muani offers great cover for Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, given the pair have such poor injury records.

Tottenham Hotspur had a frantic deadline day dash in a bid to bring in a new forward for Thomas Frank’s squad.

Tottenham ended up signing Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain in what will be a straight loan deal with no option or obligation to buy.

Following Dominic Solanke’s worrying injury update, Spurs opted to move for a number nine instead, despite Thomas Frank saying Tottenham wouldn’t sign a striker just days prior.

But before moving for the Frenchman, Spurs attempted to sign another attacker; however, their bid to sign the player was rejected.

Tottenham had bid rejected for Ademola Lookman

Tottenham Hotspur saw a loan bid rejected for Ademola Lookman in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

TBR Football understands that Lookman was open to joining Tottenham, but the Lilywhites were seemingly unable to agree on a deal.

The North London club made a loan offer with an option to buy, but Atalanta were not interested in such a structure for the winger.

Bayern Munich were also firmly in the race for the 27-year-old, but their offer for the Nigerian international didn’t even get a response from Atalanta.

Inter Milan were the club closest to signing him, having offered a loan with an obligation to buy for 42 million euros. Atalanta are believed to have valued the player at around 50 million euros.

Romano told his YouTube channel: “Bayern tried for Ademola Lookman, a loan with a buy option at 28 million euros. Atalanta, I am told, didn’t even reply to the bid from Bayern.

“Atalanta had a loan with an obligation offer from Inter. At the end of July, Inter Milan offered 42 million euros, plus three in bonuses, but Atalanta said no. In the industry, maybe for around 50 million euros, maybe the player could have been available.

“He was an option for Tottenham, I can tell you that, before going all-in for Randal Kolo Muani, Tottenham considered the possibility of going for Lookman. Different players, of course, one is a winger and one is a striker.

“But Tottenham wanted to do a similar deal, maybe a loan with a buy option, but Atalanta said forget about that.

“Bayern tried with an official, which was rejected, Tottenham thought about this possibility, but there was not even a chance, and so Lookman at the moment is staying at Atalanta.”

Tottenham will wait to sign Savinho in January

Before Lookman, Tottenham’s top target for the left wing role was Savinho, but Pep Guardiola blocked his move to North London.

Tottenham were willing to offer £69m for Savinho, but City never opened doors for the Brazilian to leave the club, despite him being keen.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham could return for Savinho in January, which means that their rejected bid for Lookman could be a blessing in disguise.

Frank will now have to make do with one of Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel or Wilson Odobert as his left-sided attacker until the next window.

Tottenham Hotspur snapped up Randal Kolo Muani on transfer deadline day, but one expert has some reservations over his arrival.

Tottenham Hotspur wanted attacking additions before the transfer deadline, and managed to bring in two impressive signings.

Xavi Simons joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig on Friday as Thomas Frank finally landed a new playmaker.

Tottenham had suffered frustration on that front, with Morgan Gibbs-White staying at Nottingham Forest and Arsenal winning the race for Eberechi Eze.

The push for attacking improvements didn’t end with Simons, though, as Tottenham landed Randal Kolo Muani in the final hours of the window.

Kolo Muani joins Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and arrives after an impressive spell with Juventus last season.

Julien Laurens on Randal Kolo Muani to Tottenham Hotspur

PSG paid big money for Kolo Muani in 2023, but his time in the French capital has not gone to plan.

Kolo Muani never really clicked under Luis Enrique and managed just eight goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances.

Juventus took Kolo Muani on loan in January and the move to Italy worked wonders for the French international, as he bagged 10 goals in 22 games.

The 26-year-old now heads to North London to bolster Tottenham’s attack, but French football expert Julien Laurens has his doubts.

Speaking on ESPN, French football expert Laurens suggested that Kolo Muani is a good player and a ‘good kid’, highlighting his ability to run and press.

Laurens thinks signing Kolo Muani on loan is ‘not a bad deal’ for Tottenham, and he also praised the forward’s mentality.

However, Laurens questions whether Kolo Muani ‘moves the needle’ for Tottenham, believing that he wouldn’t have changed the game against Bournemouth last weekend.

Laurens noted that Kolo Muani is not clinical or particularly technically gifted, and may not be the man to improve Spurs in the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain were happy to move Kolo Muani on, with Laurens suggesting that he simply wasn’t able to perform as Luis Enrique wanted in attack.

“It’s not a bad deal for Spurs,” said Laurens.

“He’s a good player, he’s a good kid, really. Not the most clinical, not the most gifted technically too, but he started well at Juventus, he can play in different positions, he runs, he can press, he’s got the right mentality… but I’m not sure how much him arriving at the club, and yes, there is Richarlison and Solanke, and I can see him playing ahead of them if he does better and he takes his chances, I’m just not sure how much this moves the needle for Spurs in this huge season where they will be back in the Champions League.

“As we saw against Bournemouth, they were so inoffensive. I’m not sure Kolo Muani, if you bring him in instead of Richarlison in the team that lost to Bournemouth, changes this.

“I don’t think Luis Enrique really ever wanted him, it was very much the club… ‘let’s bring the Paris kids back to Paris’, because he’s Paris born and bred, and that was the idea at the time. Kylian was still at the club, and Kolo Muani and Mbappe are close friends, I think that played a part as well.

“Very quickly, Luis Enrique and, to be fair, everybody else, realised that he just could not do the things that Luis Enrique wanted from his number nine,” he added.

Randal Kolo Muani takes rare Tottenham Hotspur shirt number

Kolo Muani excelled in his last loan move and would love to replicate his Juventus form in a Tottenham shirt.

The Frenchman’s shirt number at Tottenham has already been confirmed, and it’s one we don’t see very often.

Xavi Simons landed his dream shirt number by taking Son Heung-min’s number seven shirt, but this is the first time Kolo Muani has worn number 39, according to Transfermarkt.

Transfermarkt also note that there have only been nine players to wear number 39 at Tottenham in the Premier League era.

Gavin Kelly, Andy Barcham, Jonathan Woodgate, Danny Rose, Adam Smith, Alex Pritchard, Cristian Ceballos, Shayon Harrison and Japhet Tanganga are the only players to don number 39 for Spurs.

Kolo Muani will join that list and will hope to enjoy more success in a Spurs shirt than the majority of players mentioned.

Dejan Kulusevski has been missing from Tottenham Hotspur’s squad since April, and his return from injury won’t be happening anytime soon.

Kulusevski suffered a knee injury against Crystal Palace last season, and the issue saw him miss the Europa League final back in May.

The North London club were forced to react in the transfer window by targeting a new number ten, which saw Tottenham eventually sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

Spurs were dealt a second major injury blow as James Maddison also suffered an ankle issue, which also required him to undergo surgery.

Despite the arrival of Simons, Tottenham Hotspur will be eager to have Kulusevski back as soon as possible, but the latest update on his injury isn’t particularly positive.

Dejan Kulusevski’s injury return could come in December

Dejan Kulusevski remains ‘months’ away from making his injury return, having undergone surgery on his knee, according to Football.London.

The winger is currently still in rehab after patella surgery and is not expected back until the latter stages of 2025.

At this moment in time, December looks to be the most realistic target for the Swede, barring a quicker-than-expected recovery.

Recently, Kulusevski posted an image of himself in the gym at Hotspur Way, with the caption: “Your favourite player’s player soon back.”

Despite missing the last few games of the season, Kulusevski still managed to finish sixth in the Premier League for chances created with 65.

The Swedish international was a hugely important player for Tottenham last term as he produced more assists than any other player in all competitions.

Frank will be gutted to have lost Kulusevski for so long, given his ability to drive the ball forward and play through the middle or on the right side of Spurs’ attack.

What James Maddison said about his injury

Maddison is likely to miss the majority of the 2025/26 campaign after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery.

It is a devastating blow for the 28-year-old, who had the chance to play Champions League football for the first time and the World Cup at the end of the season.

The former Leicester City man now faces a race against time to return from injury, but given the competition for places in the England squad, his hopes appear to be over.

Maddison wrote on his Instagram: “Lowest low I’ve ever had. Heartbroken at the fact that this injury has occurred at this time in my career.

“With the Super Cup tomorrow, the Premier League season on the horizon, the exciting Champions League campaign, and it being a World Cup year for England, it all feels very, very cruel, but nevertheless, the ACL reconstruction surgery was successful.”

Jamie Carragher has been speaking about some of Tottenham Hotspur’s summer business and has been impressed by one of their top additions.

Thomas Frank will be delighted with the five new arrivals in his first transfer window at Spurs, with the club spending around £160 million on new players.

Tottenham signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day to top off their incomings and add to Frank’s attacking options.

But Jamie Carragher has his eye on another Spurs signing who he believes will be a big success in North London.

Jamie Carragher thinks Xavi Simons will be a hit for Tottenham

Carragher is confident that Xavi Simons will be a hit signing for Tottenham Hotspur, having watched him live for the Netherlands youth teams.

The former Liverpool defender claims that his son played against the former PSV Eindhoven star, and he got the sense that he’s a player with a lot of talent.

Carragher has also suggested that the 22-year-old’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could spell the end for James Maddison. Maddison is currently injured and underwent surgery on his knee this summer.

Carragher told Sky Sports: “Xavi Simons. I watched Xavi Simons play against my son in the summer for Holland, and I was in a seat really close to the pitch, and you really get a good feel for a player.

“He’s got great quality, real good ability, listen, I’m going to say hit. He’s going to Spurs, could be the end for Maddison.”

Tottenham signed Simons for £52m from RB Leipzig last week after Chelsea pulled out of talks over a deal to bring him in.

TBR Football understands that Frank impressed Simons following their chat and the Dutch international opted to sign for the Lilywhites.

Roy Keane questions Tottenham signing Mohammed Kudus

Roy Keane has questioned the signing of Mohammed Kudus at Tottenham, given how poor he was at West Ham United last term.

The former Manchester United midfielder is hopeful that the 24-year-old proves him wrong and believes that he now has a ‘nice platform’ at Spurs.

Keane told Sky Sports: “I wasn’t sure at the start of the season, but he’s had a half-decent start. Not convinced, I have to say, but it would be nice if he surprised me.

“The game is about proving people wrong and if I’m not sure about him, he’s got a nice platform now at Spurs. But at his previous clubs, I’m unconvinced.”

Yoane Wissa was one of the biggest movers on transfer deadline day.

Indeed, the former Brentford striker made a £55m move to Newcastle on the final day of the transfer window.

This transfer came as Alexander Isak headed to Liverpool and a striker slot opened at St James’ Park.

Wissa is getting settled in the north east, and he’s taken part in a quickfire Q and A session to help fans get to know him better, and he’s made an interesting claim about a former Tottenham player during this question and answer video.

Yoane Wissa names the best player he’s ever worked with

Wissa was asked a number of questions about his career so far after signing for Newcastle.

One thing the striker was asked was to name the best player he’s ever shared a pitch with.

Wissa has played with a number of talented players in his career so far, such as Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney.

However, according to the striker, the best he’s ever played alongside is none other than former Tottenham midfielder, Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen and Wissa played together for a short time at Brentford, and even though he may have been past his very best at that point, Eriksen was brilliant for the Bees.

Christian Eriksen’s stats for Brentford

Eriksen only played for Brentford for a short period, but he made a serious impact in that time.

Many thought Eriksen’s Premier League days were over after his £17m move to Inter Milan, and many feared his career was over after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

However, the Dane made a triumphant return to the English top-flight with Brentford in 2022, and his stats from that time were simply brilliant.

Wissa only played a handful of games with the midfielder, but even in that short space of time, he could tell how special he was.

TBR Football understand Tottenham made an attempt to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

Spurs and Crystal Palace had already engaged in talks over the signing of Eberechi Eze – which looked set to materialise for a sum of £68m until Arsenal hijacked the move.

Tottenham and the Eagles also discussed a loan deal for Manor Solomon on transfer deadline day, before the south Londoners pulled the plug late on and the Israel international later joined Villarreal instead.

TBR Football can now share details of another discussion between Tottenham and Crystal Palace involving Adam Wharton.

Exclusive: Tottenham made approach for Adam Wharton along with Manchester United

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has been told that both Tottenham and Manchester United asked about the England international in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

We understand neither Wharton nor Crystal Palace were looking to entertain a move, with the central midfielder focused on making the England squad for the World Cup and having a strong season with the Eagles.

Sources add that Chelsea and Real Madrid had conversations about the Crystal Palace No.20 in August, but both sides were met with the same response as Tottenham and Manchester United – who watched Wharton play against Chelsea recently.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich and PSG are also believed to be following Wharton – an £18m signing from Blackburn in January 2024 – closely.

Bailey told TBR Football: “Wharton is one of those generational players where Europe’s big clubs are in regular contact – they don’t want to miss out.

“Palace are firm in their response, they never entertained the prospect of a departure this summer and they made that known.

“I am told the player himself and his people are aware of the interest, but there are no signs of him wanting to leave. He is focused on having a full season with Palace and making England’s World Cup squad. That’s it.

“Palace and Wharton know if he continues his progress there will be big moves in the future, but that is for then and not now.”

Adam Wharton gesture said it all

When the aforementioned Eze found himself in the spotlight, Sky Sports sent reporters to sniff around the Crystal Palace training ground to investigate.

Gary Cotterill also caught a glimpse of Wharton, who tapped the Crystal Palace badge after overhearing Sky Sports speculating about his future as well.

It may have just appeared to be a cheeky gesture from the 21-year-old, but it aligns with how he genuinely feels about Crystal Palace at this moment in time.

Xavi Simons has been discussing his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, having since returned to the Netherlands for the international break.

Simons has been named in Ronald Koeman’s Dutch squad for World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania.

Last week, Simons completed his transfer to Tottenham, who moved with great speed to get the deal done within a matter of days.

The Dutch international finally gets the chance to play Premier League football, and he has already told Thomas Frank his preferred position.

Xavi Simons wants to play in number ten role for Tottenham

Xavi Simons has revealed that he wants to play in the number ten role for Tottenham Hotspur after signing last week.

The 22-year-old featured mostly off the left for RB Leipzig last season, but he also made 15 appearances in the number ten spot.

For the Dutch national team, Ronald Koeman has been playing on the right side of the attack, which highlights the youngster’s versatility.

When asked about his preferred position, Simons told AD Sportwereld: “I prefer playing at number ten, you know that.”

The North London club had been searching for a new attacking midfielder all summer after losing James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for sustained periods due to injury.

Tottenham tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, only for him to end up signing a new contract with Nottingham Forest.

Next, Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze, but Spurs eventually opted for Simons after Chelsea left the race.

What Micky van de Ven told Xavi Simons about joining Tottenham

Simons has also revealed that Micky van de Ven helped convince him to sign for Tottenham. The Spurs defender is also on international duty with the Netherlands.

The former PSG and Barcelona academy star claims that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium also influenced his decision, as his younger sister loved the stadium.

“Micky van der Ven already said, ‘We need you, so come here.’ And that’s what happened. My sister is 11; she’s more focused on other things than football, but she really loved Spurs’ stadium.

“I’m looking forward to playing against the best players in the world in that stadium,” added Simons.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur held talks even on transfer deadline day in the hope of resurrecting a deal to sign Savinho.

At the start of August, TBR Football was made aware that Tottenham had been offered the chance to sign Savinho and loved the idea of bringing in the Brazilian.

However, following weeks of negotiations, Pep Guardiola blocked Savinho’s move to Tottenham, and the deal failed to materialise.

The North London club were ready to break their £65m transfer record to bring in the 21-year-old, but City have stood firm and kept him for now.

Exclusive: Tottenham could return for Savinho in January

Tottenham Hotspur could return for Savinho in January, having been so eager to sign him from Manchester City, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

According to reports, Tottenham were prepared to pay £69m for Savinho, which would have broken their current transfer record.

The Brazilian international was also believed to be keen on the move to North London and had been pushing to make the deal happen.

Asked whether Spurs could revisit the situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “The fact that Tottenham were willing, in theory, to break their transfer record for Savinho tells us everything.

“There were still some talks on Monday morning, Spurs still had a little hope of trying to persuade City to sell.

“The player wanted the move, he was impressed with Spurs, and they were impressed with him – they liked his attitude, and him wanting the move is always a green flag to a club.”

Crucially, it could now depend on how much the winger plays under Guardiola in the coming months. Currently, he has missed the start of the season with a minor knock.

“I think there is a real chance Spurs revisit this one, but much will depend on the coming months and how much he features for City,” added Bailey.

Thomas Frank faces left-wing dilemma until January

Thomas Frank will now need to find an alternative option to play at left wing until the transfer window re-opens in January.

Brennan Johnson disappointed at left wing against Bournemouth, which left fans even more frustrated that they didn’t sign another attacker on deadline day.

Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert are the most obvious candidates from the squad to fill that role, while Randal Kolo Muani could also play there.

Xavi Simons is another option for the left wing spot, having featured there for the majority of last season at RB Leipzig.

Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Randal Kolo Muani on transfer deadline day in what could prove to be an underrated signing.

TBR Football understands that Daniel Levy played a key role in signing Kolo Muani, with the Frenchman holding a lot of respect for the Spurs chairman.

Tottenham tried to sign Kolo Muani back in January, however, the 26-year-old instead opted to join Juventus on loan.

The striker’s return to Juve fell apart in the final stages of the window, and Tottenham Hotspur were able to capitalise by bringing him to North London.

Randal Kolo Muani impressed by talks with Thomas Frank

Randal Kolo Muani has revealed that his chat with Thomas Frank convinced him that a move to Spurs was the right option for him.

The French international admitted that he already knew Frank ‘really well’ and how the Danish head coach sold him the project in North London.

Kolo Muani told SpursOfficial: “I already know (the manager) really well, we’ve spoken previously. He told me about the project and it really appealed to me.

“Now I think it’s up to me to show all my qualities out on the pitch.”

Frank had to break a transfer promise to sign Kolo Muani, with the 2022 World Cup finalist having turned Spurs down just seven months prior.

But it’s clear that Frank is more than happy to welcome the former Juve and PSG star to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs needed another striker after learning that Dominic Solanke’s injury could be worse than initially feared.

Why Thomas Frank is excited to work with Randal Kolo Muani at Tottenham

Frank has revealed that he is excited to work with Kolo Muani at Tottenham, given the qualities he can bring to the team, along with his experience and versatility.

The Frenchman has already played in some massive occasions, including knockout Champions League ties and the World Cup final.

Frank told TottenhamHotspur.com: “He’s a good age, in the prime of his career, has good qualities that will suit both us and the Premier League, and gives us a different option in the final third, being able to play out wide and through the middle.

“We are all excited for what Randal can add to the squad, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Kolo Muani will be hoping to make his debut for Spurs against West Ham United in the first Premier League match back after the international break.