TBR Football

Luca Williams-Barnett is one of the most exciting young talents emerging at Hotspur Way, and his fine form has continued.

Last season, the 16-year-old netted 20 goals in 23 matches for the U-18s and has now been promoted to the U-21s. Williams-Barnett was in Tottenham’s Europa League squad for games against Galatasaray and Roma.

Over the summer, Williams-Barnett signed a new deal with Tottenham, despite several top clubs showing an interest in snatching him.

The teenager and his family had no intention of leaving Spurs this summer and now he will get to prove himself playing U-21 football.

Spurs’ academy star made his debut in Premier League 2 on Monday evening, and it’s fair to say it couldn’t have gone much better for him.

Tottenham fans call Luca Williams-Barnett ‘best academy product’

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been raving about the performance of Luca Williams-Barnett in the U-21s’ 5-3 win over Sunderland.

Wayne Burnett’s side impressed in their first game of the season and were comfortable winners at the Eppleton Colliery Football Ground.

Williams-Barnett, who’s been called ‘spectacular’, scored his first competitive goal for the U-21s as he made it 4-1 to Spurs just before the hour mark.

The 16-year-old poked from close range to cap off what was an impressive display from the talented young star.

Williams-Barnett featured in the number ten role against Sunderland, which is his favoured role, but he can also play out on the left.

After the match, Spurs fans took to X to share their thoughts on the Spurs academy star and praise him for his goal for the U-21s.

One fan said: “Williams-Barnett just looks so impressive playing for the U-21s!”

“Luca Williams-Barnett might be our best-ever Academy product. We’ll see” claimed another fan.

There was further praise for the youngster, with another fan adding: “Williams-Barnett is the one. Better than any I’ve seen at that level.”

Finally, another fan called for him to be given first-team opportunities next season: “Get this kid into the first team. Needs a couple of cup appearances.”

Tottenham have very high hopes for Williams-Barnett and will hope that playing a year of U-21 football will be great for his development.

He is the best talent Spurs have produced since Mikey Moore, who is currently on loan at Rangers, where he assisted on his debut at Ibrox over the weekend.

Tottenham U-21s’ best three talents after Luca Williams-Barnett

Jun’ai Byfield is possibly the biggest talent to watch in Spurs’ academy, having also signed a scholarship with Williams-Barnett over the summer.

The 16-year-old is a very impressive young central defender, is comfortable in possession, and has already impressed at youth level for England.

Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny has been a good pick-up from Chelsea, with Spurs signing the 19-year-old from the Blues back in January.

The midfielder got two assists against Sunderland, having managed to score twice during pre-season against Bromley and Enfield Town.

Tynan Thompson stunned Thomas Frank and his coaching staff with an assist in Spurs’ second game of pre-season against Wycombe Wanderers.

The Danish manager gave minutes to several youngsters towards the end against the League One team and he set up Pape Matar Sarr for Spurs’ second goal.

TBR Football understands that Ademola Lookman’s entourage and intermediaries are making calls and talking to teams.

The Nigerian forward was set to remain in Serie A and join Inter Milan, but that deal has now collapsed and he is looking for alternative options.

Lookman handed in a transfer request at Atalanta earlier this summer in a bid to force through an exit away from the Italian club.

The 27-year-old was close to securing that move away to Inter, but suddenly, that is off the table, and talks have started with other clubs.

Exclusive: Ademola Lookman tells Tottenham and Arsenal he’s back on the market

Ademola Lookman has had conversations with Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa in the last 48 hours, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands.

The winger’s camp have been in contact with these five Premier League clubs to inform them that his move to Inter Milan is off and he is again on the market.

Lookman has been on the list of all of those clubs mentioned at some point this summer, but in recent weeks, he has been prioritising a move to Inter Milan.

Andrea Berta made contact with Lookman earlier this summer, as revealed by TBR Football, and he could suddenly reemerge as a target. Tottenham’s interest in Lookman dates back to at least 2018.

However, the Italian giants would not pay over £43 million, but that, in theory, would not be an issue for any English side. The African Player of the Year could now be an option.

“Lookman is hugely disappointed not to move to Inter, his head was in Milan and he put in a transfer request, which in itself is quite rare nowadays,” Bailey told TBR Football.

“But his people are looking at options and there are teams, big teams, in England who would be interested.

“Tottenham’s move for Savinho has stalled, Arsenal still haven’t got their new left winger, and Chelsea haven’t finalised the Garnacho deal yet.

“City might yet need to replace Savinho whilst Aston Villa have just sold Jacob Ramsey – it is not hard to see why Lookman’s people are in contact with these Premier League clubs.”

Ademola Lookman could be perfect for Tottenham or Arsenal

Following the departure of Son to LAFC, Tottenham are looking for a new face of their project under Thomas Frank.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sell Leandro Trossard to help fund their hunt for a left winger and Lookman may just be a great fit.

The 27-year-old enjoyed another stellar season in Italy last term as he managed 20 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances for the Nerazzurri.

Lookman struggled in England during spells at Charlton, Everton and Fulham, but now he looks to have developed into one of the top performers in Europe.

The Thomas Frank era got off to the best possible start this weekend as Spurs beat Burnley 3-0 on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Spurs were brilliant against the Clarets on Saturday, and the man of the hour was Richarlison.

Thomas Frank really rates Richarlison, and his faith is being repaid as he scored two goals on the opening day, including a fantastic overhead kick.

Speaking on The Weekend Wrap, Glenn Hoddle has been discussing Richarlison’s performance vs Burnley, and he says the Brazilian looks like a new player.

Richarlison looks like a new player

Hoddle spoke about the striker and his recent form.

Richarlison was very good against PSG last week, and he was even better against Burnley on Saturday.

The pundit says that Richarlison is like a new player at the moment, noting how much better he looks already.

“Richarlison, playing the best I have seen him play in the Spurs shirt and he’s carried that through to the first league game.

“I like the way he held the ball up. If Spurs can keep him fit, Solanke works hard, but he needs a rest every now and then.

“Richarlison played a lot on the left, but I see him more down the middle really. You can dovetail those two, for me, he’s a real added bonus, it’s like we have a new player with the last two performances.”

Strikers’ records under Thomas Frank

Richarlison is already showing a new lease of life under Thomas Frank, and that’s not all that surprising.

Indeed, Frank does have a knack of getting the best out of his attacking talents, as shown by the stats of many of his players at Brentford.

Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa all played the best football of their careers under Frank, and now, Richarlison will be hoping to do the same.

Dejan Kulusevski is one of Tottenham Hotspur’s best players.

The Swede was one of the shining lights in the Premier League in what was an otherwise disappointing campaign under Ange Postecoglou last season.

Thomas Frank will love Kulusevski, but unfortunately for the new Spurs boss, the 25-year-old has been out injured since May.

Now, there’s an update on his injury.

Sweden manager says Dejan Kulusevski will not be fit for September’s international games

Dejan Kulusevski missed the Europa League final due to his injury.

That must have been heartbreaking for the former Juventus man, who would’ve loved to have played against Manchester United in Bilbao.

An official timeline has not been released by Tottenham, but in June, Kulusevski claimed that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery and didn’t rule out returning to action in September.

With the international games coming up early next month, Sweden would love to have their star attacker back, but unfortunately for them and Tottenham fans, Kulusevski is not ready yet.

Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has revealed that his side’s World Cup Qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo will be ‘too early’ for Kulusevski.

“I have had a lot of contact with Kulu; he will not be available,” Tomasson told Fotbollskanalen in Sweden.

“He is injured and is trying to get back. He is doing well, but it is too early.”

Dejan Kulusevski will not return to action until ‘late 2025’

Having Kulusevski back in September would’ve given Tottenham a big boost, but that looks unlikely now.

The Evening Standard have revealed that the Sweden international is only expected to return from his injury in ‘late 2025’.

That is probably why Tottenham are pushing hard to sign Eberechi Eze in the coming days, and talks are ongoing with Crystal Palace to strike a deal.

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to finally close a deal to sign Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze following years of tracking the player.

Since at least 2018, Tottenham have been targeting Eze during his time at Queens Park Rangers in West London.

It’s a move that has been a long time in the making, but following Thomas Frank’s request to sign Eze and James Maddison’s bad knee injury, Spurs hope to finally land him.

In a bid to ensure the deal gets over the line, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has taken control of talks and held discussions with Crystal Palace on Monday.

Eberechi Eze to Tottenham has a ‘high percentage’ of getting done

Fabrizio Romano believes that Eberechi Eze’s move to Tottenham Hotspur is now 85 percent likely following the latest round of talks.

Levy and Steve Parrish held talks on Monday to try to reach an agreement over the 27-year-old, with confidence growing that an agreement would be reached.

Eze’s £68 million release clause has now expired, with Spurs having tabled an offer worth £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons, and there is a feeling that “a deal can be closed soon”.

Romano told “High percentage because today there was a meeting between Daniel Levy and the president of Crystal Palace, Steve Parrish, negotiating for the operation. I’ll give you 85 percent.

“Eze wants to play Champions League with Tottenham, and the player wants to reach an agreement with Tottenham.

“He won two titles with the South London club, and he now wants to leave, he’s also told the coach Oliver Glasner.

“It is being negotiated because today Tottenham offered £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons, so a deal that can be closed soon with a lot of confidence of signing.”

The Lilywhites won’t be facing competition from their North London rivals, with Arsenal dropping out of the race for Eze to focus on other targets.

Crystal Palace bid for Christos Tzolis to replace Eberechi Eze

Palace have submitted a bid of around £26 million for Club Brugge midfielder Christos Tzolis to replace Eze, according to Mike McGrath.

The Belgian club want closer to £34.5 million to sell the player, who already has five goal contributions in seven matches this season.

The 23-year-old is not the only player being lined up, as TBR Football understands that Bilal El Khannouss wants to play for Palace.

Glasner has held positive talks with the Leicester City player about a move to South London, where European football is now on offer.

Everton, Leeds United and West Ham are all showing an interest in the former Premier League star, but the Eagles are at the front of the queue.

Tottenham Hotspur are on the hunt for a new defender, and Marc Guehi is a name that the Lilywhites have on their list of targets.

Thomas Frank is keen to add to his defensive options this summer and the Crystal Palace man is a player that Spurs are targeting.

Guehi is not the only Palace player Tottenham are targeting, with talks ongoing over a deal for Eberechi Eze, and this is starting to look likely to happen.

Now, the Lilywhites have made their move for the England international and received a firm response from the 2025 FA Cup-winning captain.

Marc Guehi only wants to join Liverpool despite Tottenham’s offer

Tottenham Hotspur have made Marc Guehi a ‘very good’ offer to join, however, the defender only wants to move to Liverpool, according to Paul O’Keefe.

TBR Football understands that Liverpool are intent on signing Guehi, whether that be this summer or next, given the uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield.

Tottenham bid for Guehi in January, but Crystal Palace decided to reject their £70m offer and his valuation has almost halved since then.

O’Keefe told Last Word on Spurs: “The word from within Palace, my Palace contact, is saying that it’s Liverpool or bust. But he did say that Spurs’ offer to him on personal terms was ‘very, very, very good’.

“But I think it might be a case with Marc that if he doesn’t get his Liverpool move, then he’ll stay the season and see it out, then go on a free.”

Palace could lose Eze to Tottenham and will not want to lose their captain during the same summer, although that could mean losing him for nothing.

Frank has just received a big boost in defence with Cristian Romero signing a new contract with Tottenham, but he remains intent on signing one more defender.

Tottenham told Piero Hincapie is not for sale

O’Keefe claims that Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is Tottenham’s top summer target for the defence.

Frank is keen on a move for the defender and there is a belief that he could be a great fit, given he is a left-footed defender.

But Fabrizio Romano has explained that the deal for the defender will not be easy because the German club deem him not for sale.

Tottenham Hotspur opened the season with a 3-0 win over Burnley, but Thomas Frank is still in the market for signings.

Thomas Frank is off the mark as Tottenham Hotspur boss after a 3-0 opening-day victory over Burnley.

Spurs have received more good news, with captain Cristian Romero penning a new contract to stay in North London.

Signings are still on the radar, and Tottenham are chasing Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham have also targeted Savinho, with Manchester City’s stance on a deal now emerging.

Sources: Manchester City shut the door on Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur

Reports last week suggested that Savinho was uncertain on his City future amid interest from Tottenham.

TBR Football understands City were tempted to cash in on Savinho, but have now shut the door on a move.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Savinho has now been told that he won’t be leaving the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham have also been informed that Savinho will be staying put, with City unwilling to sell a player Pep Guardiola wants to keep.

Tottenham’s interest coming so close to the end of the window is a factor, but it was Guardiola’s stance which was ‘key’ to Savinho staying.

“Savinho has been informed that the deal is a non-starter. I believe it was possible, but with just a few weeks left, it is not ideal,” said Bailey.

“Also, as we reported, Pep Guardiola did not want to lose him, and I am told that was key. The hierarchy were open to a deal, but they wouldn’t simply go against Guardiola,” he added.

Savinho set to miss Tottenham Hotspur clash

City’s decision comes just days away from Tottenham’s visit to the Etihad Stadium for their second game of the season.

Spurs won’t face Savinho, though, with the Brazilian facing ‘a few weeks’ on the sidelines, as Guardiola told the Manchester Evening News.

The Brazilian picked up an injury against Palermo in pre-season and missed Saturday’s 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Savinho will therefore miss the Tottenham clash this weekend, but has clarity over his future as he looks to return from injury in the coming weeks.

Nottingham Forest have clashed with both Crystal Palace and Tottenham this summer.

There is beef between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest after Evangelos Marinakis allegedly complained to UEFA about a breach of multi-club ownership rules, which ended up seeing the Eagles drop into the Conference League and the Reds replace them in the Europa League.

Nottingham Forest also threatened Tottenham with legal action after Spurs made an approach to sign Morgan Gibbs-White. The England international later signed a new contract at the City Ground.

In light of these disagreements, Nottingham Forest fans could be heard bellowing out a new chant during the 3-1 win over Brentford on Sunday.

What Nottingham Forest fans chanted about Tottenham and Crystal Palace

During the Premier League clash on Sunday, supporters were heard singing: “Marinakis, Marinakis, he hates the Tottenham, he hates the Palace, Forest are magic.”

Spurs do not meet Nottingham Forest until December – by which point the situation may have settled down – although Crystal Palace take on the Reds much sooner.

This Sunday sees Nottingham Forest travel to Selhurst Park for a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, which comes just days after the Eagles have to play Fredrikstad in a Conference League play-off on Thursday.

This was initially Nuno Espirito Santo’s problem before UEFA passed it on to Oliver Glasner and boosted Nottingham Forest into the Europa League.

How Tottenham failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White despite triggering release clause

Going back to Tottenham, many are confused about how Tottenham failed to sign Gibbs-White despite triggering his £60m release clause.

The Athletic claim that Nottingham Forest believe Spurs did not activate “aspects of the clause beyond the £60m fee” despite the England international actually wanting to join Tottenham.

A meeting with Marinakis in Portugal is then said to have changed his mind, and Gibbs-White proceeded to phone Thomas Frank to offer an apology about the way the situation developed.

Nottingham Forest may well have made two new enemies in Crystal Palace and Tottenham, but there is no doubt that Marinakis is a fierce defender of the Reds.

TBR Football can confirm that talks between Tottenham Hotspur and Cristian Romero accelerated last week and over the weekend, the agreement was finalised.

As exclusively revealed by TBR Football on Friday, Tottenham were keen to renew Romero’s contract and make him their highest-paid star.

The Argentine defender is very happy with Thomas Frank and also pleased that Daniel Levy has stuck to his word.

Romero had been keen to join Atletico Madrid as he wanted to try a new challenge, but he’s always loved his time in North London.

Sources: Thomas Frank convinced Cristian Romero to sign a new Tottenham contract

Cristian Romero always insisted that he would sign a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur if they were showing intent on and off the pitch, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

After being appointed captain, Romero praised Frank and thanked him for handing him the responsibility of being the leader of the team.

The World Cup winner has held positive talks with Spurs’ new boss since he arrived in N17, and meanwhile, the club has shown intent in the transfer window.

Tottenham are trying to sign Savinho and Eberechi Eze, in addition to Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha.

Bailey told TBR Football: “I am told that during his interview for manager, Thomas Frank made it clear that he saw Romero as a key player. Indeed, he did not believe anyone within the squad was more important than him.

“Whilst he is getting huge money, Romero insisted throughout that he would only sign if Tottenham were making the right noises about their future and they have clearly done that.”

After signing his new deal, Romero told SpursOfficial: “I’m very happy here in the club. For me this club is the best in the world.

“The last two weeks, first as captain and now signing the contract with the club . For me, it’s a fantastic decision.”

Thomas Frank wants Rodrigo Bentancur to renew his contract next

After agreeing deals for Romero and Djed Spence to renew their contracts, Frank is keen for Rodrigo Bentancur to be offered a new deal.

Frank has been impressed with Bentancur since making the switch across the capital and is hoping the 28-year-old will commit his future to Spurs.

The midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Spurs are ready to offer him a new bumper deal.

Frank is quickly proving himself to be a popular figure in the Spurs dressing room, with both Romero and Spence praising him after signing their new deals.

Djed Spence has committed his future to Tottenham Hotspur after signing a new long-term contract with the North London club.

Last week, TBR Football revealed that Tottenham were in talks with Spence over a new deal and now the Lilywhites have confirmed that he is staying.

The 24-year-old has made a very promising start to the season with impressive performances against Paris Saint-Germain and Burnley.

The defender has been key for Thomas Frank, given that he can cover both right-back and left-back, with Destiny Udogie currently sidelined.

Now, Spence has been discussing life under the new Spurs manager and what the Danish head coach has been telling him.

Djed Spence hails Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Djed Spence claims that Frank has been ‘really good’ with him since arriving at Tottenham Hotspur and has given him confidence to play well.

During pre-season, Spence impressed against Bukayo Saka in Spurs’ 1-0 win over Arsenal in Hong Kong.

That was certainly a sign of what was to come, as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also failed to get the better of him and was subbed off early.

Speaking about Spurs’ new boss, Spence told SpursOfficial: “The new manager has been good with me, he speaks to me a lot and gives me confidence. I think that’s very important for a player.”

Spence also added that he is hoping to win another trophy with Spurs following last season’s Europa League triumph.

Tottenham were within touching distance of winning the UEFA Super Cup before PSG found a late equaliser and then won on penalties.

Discussing his aims for the season, Spence claimed: “Definitely win a trophy, play as many games as I can and just win.”

Spence, who Mikey Moore called ‘rapid’, will surely have his eyes firmly fixed on a starting spot in Thomas Frank’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Tottenham also working on Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur’s contracts

Spence’s deal is not the only contract Spurs are attempting to sort, with deals for Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur also being worked on.

TBR Football understands that Romero has held positive talks with Frank over his future at Tottenham after being appointed captain.

The North London club would be willing to make the World Cup winner their best-paid player and are keen to get his future tied down.

Frank wants Tottenham to renew Bentancur’s deal as he has been impressed by the midfielder since making the move across the capital.

The 28-year-old has just one year remaining on his current deal, and Spurs will need to make a decision soon over offering him a new contract.