TBR Football

Since the ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2019, the business brains behind the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have courted an ultra-lucrative naming rights deal.

Initially, Daniel Levy wanted £25m per season. But six years on, Levy has been forced out of his position as chairman and Tottenham are still without a name above the door for their 62,850-seat home ground.

Under the self-funding model favoured by ENIC, that’s a lot of revenue to miss out on every season. And for Thomas Frank and Fabio Paratici, it’s money that could be invested on new signings and wages.

For what it’s worth, Levy always maintained that having the Spurs brand directly associated with cultural icons like the NFL, Beyonce, Formula 1, Anthony Joshua and others who came to town meant that, while Spurs were still actively looking for a naming rights deal, they could afford to wait for the right partner.

Whether or not that was a face-saving exercise as a succession after commercial big wigs tried and failed to secure a deal that met Levy’s standards, we’ll let you decide. But as Brand Finance valuation director Hugo Hensley framed it in exclusive conversation with TBR Football earlier this year: “There are lots of Beyoncé fans, but how many are looking for a Premier League club?”

There have been false dawns in the past, and TBR Football is aware of several brands who, at various stages, thought they were very close to striking a deal only to be knocked back at the eleventh hour.

However, last month saw the first concrete steps taken towards a deal. Incidentally, it came barely two weeks after Spurs parted company with Levy, although he still holds a significant stake in the club.

Tottenham announced that Sports Illustrated Tickets would become the first member of a new commercial initiative: ‘The Collective’. In a 12-year deal, Sports Illustrated agreed to sponsor the East Stand, through a variety of activations, including signage and a new hospitality club.

And in new details, the industry publication SportBusiness has revealed that Spurs plan to have similar sponsorship deals in place for all four stands within 18-24 months and, crucially, they will then turn their attention to a naming rights arrangement for the whole stadium.

SportBusiness spoke to Spurs’ chief revenue officer Ryan Norys for their piece. He told them that they are looking at potential partners in the consumer products, technology and high net worth sectors.

“We’re identifying how we authentically integrate brands into these spaces without taking away from the design, the architecture… You don’t want it to become a billboard,” said Norys.

It was also revealed that the MetLife Stadium’s segmented approach – where an umbrella naming rights deal works in tandem with four gate partners in HCLTech, Verizon, Moody’s and Bud Light – has been an inspiration for the new approach.

Even without a naming rights deal, Spurs have been riotously successful in the commercial department since moving into their new digs.

Annual revenue from sponsorship, merchandise sales and events has quadrupled since their last match at White Hart Lane and stood at £255m at the last count.

But not everyone in football finance is confident in Spurs’ segmented approach to stadium naming rights that the new Spurs regime, overseen by Vinai Venkatesham, is using.

Speaking exclusively to TBR Football, Richard Busby – CEO of commercial consultancy BDS Sponsorship – Spurs’ strategy said: “Having a number of primary partners below a title sponsor is nothing new, but four is quite a low number. It’s normal to go for between six and eight – and sometimes more.

Busby is an expert in the naming rights field, with his firm having worked on Coventry City’s deal for their stadium and the Transport for London Cable Car’s brand partnership with Emirates among others.

“The problem will come if they are negotiating with primary sponsors in the consumer, tech or high net worth areas as that will make it very difficult to get a stadium naming rights deal from any of those sectors. Naming rights and primary sponsors will all expect category exclusivity.

“A cardinal rule of sponsorship is sell the top of the pyramid first and then primary sponsors afterwards.”

Heung-min Son has made a brilliant start to life in the MLS, but he may well need a new home, temporarily at least, in the New Year. For Spurs, the temptation to bring Son back will be massive, but it would be the wrong move.

After ten years with the club, 173 goals, and one Europa League trophy, Son departed Tottenham this summer to move to America.

Naturally, Spurs were reluctant to lose Son, but the legendary Korean star was ultimately sold for around £20m to LA FC.

He’s already bagged nine goals and added three assists in ten games for his new club. Suffice it to say Son is thriving away from Tottenham, and the Lilywhites are doing pretty well without their former captain, too.

So, when the transfer window opens in January and Son needs a short loan move to keep himself sharp, the two parties should not be tempted into allowing emotion to cloud their respective judgements.

Heung-min Son could return to Spurs, but he shouldn’t

Just this weekend, Son promised he would return to Tottenham to bid a proper farewell to the fans. He left the club this summer with his last game actually being played in his native South Korea, so he’s not had a chance to bow out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The most obvious solution to this would be for Spurs to arrange a friendly against LA FC — much like what happened with Harry Kane and Bayern Munich. But, naturally, there are many who believe a loan move for Son in January would be a win-win for all involved.

For me, a Spurs fan, the idea of Son turning out in a Tottenham shirt again is highly tempting. However, when I think with my head instead of my heart, I realise it’s not a good idea.

From a Tottenham Hotspur perspective, it’s important to remember this is a new project under Thomas Frank. With fresh blood in the dugout and on the pitch, and even big changes in the hierarchy with Daniel Levy moving on, this is not a time to be looking backwards.

TalkingPoints

Poll: Should Spurs sign Heung-min Son on loan?

Towards the end of his time at Tottenham, Son was struggling for fitness and form, and it’s safe to say his impact on the pitch was limited. To bring him back now, at a time when players like Mathys Tel are trying to find their feet, would not be in the best interests of anyone.

What you’d get from a month-long return for Son would be a wave of nostalgia, the odd cameo appearance here and there, and a nice goodbye. You’d also have a player Frank would feel almost obliged to play, limiting game time for other players who are a more permanent part of the burgeoning Spurs project.

Instead, it would be far more shrewd to put all of the focus on finding a new attacker in January who can carry Tottenham forward for the long-term. Leave Son’s legacy where it is: as the captain who delivered Tottenham’s first trophy in 17 years, rather than bringing him back for one last swansong that may or may not pay off.

Thierry Henry’s brief Arsenal return proves it’s not worthwhile

Spurs only have to look at their fierce rivals Arsenal for an idea as to how this could all play out. The Gunners took Thierry Henry back on loan in 2012 for a brief spell during the MLS off-season, and they only got 162 minutes out of him. He didn’t start a single game.

Granted, Henry scored two goals in seven games, including a winner in the FA Cup third round. But, at that time, Henry was a signing Arsenal needed just as much as they wanted.

It’s also worth noting, Henry’s return came around four-and-a-half years after he first left the club. It was a symbolic and cathartic move as much as it was a footballing decision.

The opposite is true of Tottenham. They don’t really need Son, hence why they sold him just three months ago. Let’s be honest, no one would be mad if he did come back, but it’s just not the right play at this moment in time for a club looking to break into a new era.

TBR Football understands that Juventus are ready to sell Dusan Vlahovic in January, and Tottenham Hotspur are showing an interest in the striker.

Juventus were keen to move Vlahovic on in the summer, but despite interest from a host of clubs, including former boss Max Allegri at AC Milan, a deal could not be agreed.

During the summer transfer window, Juventus signed Jonathan David and Lois Openda, which means the 25-year-old’s importance has decreased.

Now, heading into the January transfer window, Juventus are talking to clubs about a possible deal, including Tottenham Hotspur.

Sources: Juventus want £20m for Dusan Vlahovic, Tottenham are interested

Juventus will make Dusan Vlahovic available for just £20 million in January, and this appeals to Tottenham, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

As TBR Football previously reported, both Tottenham and Chelsea are keen on Vlahovic, but there is also interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Juve’s issue is that the striker is free to sign a pre-contract with clubs from abroad, with the Serbian international out of contract next summer.

Obviously, they can’t stop him from signing a pre-contract, but whilst that has not happened, there is a chance he could move in the January window.

TBR Football confirm that Juve are now open to a deal in the New Year, and this is where Spurs could hold an advantage.

Most of the other clubs keen on Vlahovic are thinking summer free transfer, meanwhile, the North London club are open to a deal in January.

Fabio Paratici, who just returned to Tottenham, is a big fan of the 25-year-old and is making a deal in January a possibility.

Thomas Frank has concerns over Tottenham’s strikers

Spurs could well be on the hunt for a new number nine in the winter window, given the fact that Thomas Frank has concerns over his current options.

Richarlison and Mathys Tel have struggled to find any sort of rhythm when given their chances, and Dominic Solanke has been missing with an ankle injury.

Randal Kolo Muani, formerly of Juventus, is yet to make an impact at Spurs, although he did show signs of promise away at Everton.

Guglielmo Vicario has become a rather divisive figure at Tottenham Hotspur, with question marks as to whether he’s good enough to be the first choice.

Against Everton, the 29-year-old enjoyed a strong afternoon between the sticks as he kept a sixth clean sheet of the season.

Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven’s brace of headed goals and Pape Matar Sarr’s late goal ensured that Tottenham Hotspur won to climb into third place.

Following what was an impressive afternoon from the Italian international, Gary Neville has been giving his honest take on Spurs’ goalkeeper.

Gary Neville thinks Guglielmo Vicario has really improved at Tottenham

Neville has admitted that Guglielmo Vicario has really improved at Tottenham, having been initially unsure about his ability.

David Moyes singled out Vicario as one of the key reasons why Spurs were able to beat Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The Italian shot-stopper prevented 1.2 goals against the Toffees, making two crucial saves to ensure the Lilywhites kept a clean sheet.

“They did things certainly last season were thinking they weren’t capable of doing, and that’s being reliable when they’re not playing well,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“Can they withstand pressure? Can they soak up teams putting balls into their box? They did that today. I think they defended really well.

“The goalkeeper looks a lot better. There were times when I wasn’t 100 per cent on him, but I just think there is an element of him looking a lot more solid than he has been.”

TBR Football understands that Thomas Frank is a fan of Vicario and opted to stick by his experienced number one amid recent criticism.

Meanwhile, Alan Shearer named him in his Premier League Team of the Week, stating: “Made two incredible saves to deny Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, protecting Spurs’ 2-0 lead before they got their third goal in an excellent win at Everton.”

Guglielmo Vicario’s extraordinary week at Tottenham

Vicario has just enjoyed an extraordinary week at Tottenham following his superb display away at AS Monaco.

The goalkeeper was awarded Man of the Match for his performance in the French principality, as he made eight saves in the Champions League.

Vicario also prevented a total of 2.68 goals against the Ligue 1 side to ensure Frank’s team didn’t leave empty-handed.

Mikey Moore has not had the easiest of times, leaving Tottenham on loan to join Rangers, but in Danny Rohl’s first game at Ibrox, the youngster finally showed real promise.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham have been worried about Moore’s loan, given his lack of minutes and the constant scrutiny he was facing.

The Scottish giants have had a very challenging start to the season, with Russell Martin being sacked and Danny Rohl coming in to replace him.

It’s not been the most ideal atmosphere for the Tottenham Hotspur loanee, but in Rohl’s first league match, the teenager impressed the club’s supporters.

Rangers fans are full of praise for Mikey Moore vs Kilmarnock

Rangers fans were full of praise for Mikey Moore following his performance against Kilmarnock as he impressed off the bench.

The forward was introduced at the break and helped Rangers to find two goals to defeat Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox.

Some supporters believe that this could finally be the youngster’s breakthrough in the Scottish Premiership and think it was his best performance in a Rangers shirt.

During the October international break, Moore scored a hat-trick for England U-19s, which will have given him a big confidence boost.

The teenager certainly played with a lot of confidence against Kilmarnock and appeared to flourish in a new central role under the German manager.

After the game, Rangers supporters took to X to share their praise for the youngster and hope that he is finally about to kick on at Ibrox.

One fan said: “I’ve been very critical of Mikey Moore, but when he came off the bench, he showed he’s not a winger but more an inside forward or number 10. His contribution, movement and all-around play was much, much better.”

“Mikey Moore is showing why he’s got such a big reputation. He’s been excellent. Looks to suit Rohl’s style of play,” claimed another fan.

There was yet more praise for the Spurs loanee: “Actually got to see glimpses of a half-decent Mikey Moore today. This Danny Rohl man is a magician.”

Finally, another supporter stated: “Mikey Moore was playing like he was enjoying himself. Good performance when he came on.”

Rangers are next in action on Wednesday, and there will be hope that the England youth international will get a chance to start away at Hibernian.

Tottenham must recall Jamie Donley from Stoke City

Jamie Donley is another big hopeful at Tottenham; however, his loan spell at Stoke City has not gone as planned.

Donley, who was praised by Pep Guardiola last season, has been struggling to break into the team at the bet365 Stadium.

The midfielder has played just 77 minutes in the Championship this term and has been an unused substitute in the Potters’ last ten matches.

Tottenham need to think about recalling him in January and sending him elsewhere for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.

Son Heung-min is loving life at LAFC following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, and he has just won an award from the MLS.

Son has been thriving in the MLS since making the switch, swapping London for Los Angeles, producing a remarkable goal-scoring record in the States.

The 33-year-old has nine goals and two assists in ten MLS appearances and has taken the league by storm in the two months he has been there.

The South Korean captain has now scooped up an individual award, which just shows the quality he still possesses after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

Son Heung-min wins MLS Goal of the Year

Son Heung-min has won the MLS Goal of the Year for his superb free-kick that he scored against FC Dallas back in August.

In just his third match in the USA, the Tottenham legend found the back of the net from just outside the penalty area, leaving the goalkeeper no chance of reaching his effort.

Son rarely got the chance to take set-pieces during his time in North London, and perhaps that was a mistake given his Goal of the Year-winning strike.

The South Korean legend is already one of the MLS’s biggest talents and is gearing up nicely for next summer’s World Cup in North America.

The MLS season is due to end in December, which could mean that Son becomes available for a club in Europe to sign on loan, just like David Beckham did all those years ago.

Just recently, Son wants to say farewell to Tottenham fans properly and is keen to make his return to London in the near future.

Son Heung-min also beats Cristiano Ronaldo to individual award

Earlier this month, Son also won the award for the 2025 Best Footballer in Asia, beating off competition from his fellow countryman Lee Kang-in from PSG.

The former Spurs captain’s heroics in helping win the Europa League saw him also beat Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished in third place.

The award has been dominated by Son since its inception in 2013, with the South Korean star winning it on 10 occasions in 13 years.

The veteran will certainly be aiming to win it again in 2026 with a strong performance in what could be his final World Cup campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial away win at Everton, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both hailing one unsung hero after the match.

Micky van de Ven scored two headed goals in the first half to help secure three points and move Thomas Frank into third place in the Premier League.

The North London club became the first away team since its opening to beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, winning 3-0.

Of course, Van de Ven received a lot of the headlines after the game, but he and Cristian Romero were both full of praise for one Spurs star in particular.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero hail Kevin Danso

Van de Ven and Romero have both taken to social media to praise Kevin Danso’s display in Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Everton.

Jamie Redknapp called Danso ‘immense’, and for just £20 million, Spurs have secured themselves a bargain signing.

The Austrian defender is getting a run in the team right now with Romero sidelined with an injury, and he’s really stepped up during this spell.

Both of Spurs’ central defenders described him as ‘top’ on his official Instagram account, and his display certainly deserved the adulation.

The former Lens star was crucial in helping Spurs keep their seventh clean sheet of the season in what should have been a tough fixture.

Against the Toffees, the 27-year-old completed 18 clearances, won six of his six duels and didn’t commit a single foul during the match.

But despite Danso’s strong performances, Spurs will be hoping to have Romero back soon, with the Argentine set to return against Chelsea next weekend.

Kevin Danso proves why Tottenham’s transfer strategy must change

Last season, Spurs’ depth at centre back was exposed when Van de Ven and Romero were both out, with the young Archie Gray often being paired with 22-year-old Radu Dragusin.

However, with Danso now in the squad, the importance of having experienced players ready to come in instead has been highlighted.

The Austrian international’s seniority has meant that he’s had no issue being brought in from the cold and stepping up almost instantly for Frank’s team.

Too often in the past have Spurs been heavily reliant on youngsters filling in, forcing talents like Gray and Dragusin to step up and perform week in week out.

Micky van de Ven was the hero for Tottenham Hotspur at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Gary Neville has been singing his praises.

Tottenham Hotspur are the first team to win away at Everton’s new stadium as they defeated the Toffees 3-0 to move up into third place in the Premier League.

A first-half brace from Micky van de Ven allowed Spurs to get a real grip on the clash before Pape Matar Sarr later sealed the win in the closing stages.

After the game, Gary Neville spoke about the ‘great’ Van de Ven and the big improvements which he has made to his game this season.

Gary Neville hails Micky van de Ven’s goal-scoring record

Van de Ven has taken his game to the next level by adding a threat from set-pieces to his arsenal, suggests Neville.

The 24-year-old has five goals in 13 games across all competitions for Thomas Frank’s team this season, making him the team’s leading goal scorer so far.

Van de Ven’s importance to Tottenham is clear and has only increased with the defender adding goals to his game.

Speaking about the Dutch defender, Neville told the Gary Neville Podcast: “He’s always looked great, Van de Ven. You just look at him with that left foot and the way he strides forward and his presence.

“But you know, five goals from set pieces, you start to add that to your game as well, and Danso did well alongside him.”

Currently, as TBR Football exclusively revealed, Vinai Venkatesham is prioritising Van de Ven’s new contract to reward him for his superb performances.

Romero has already signed a new deal, so if Spurs can get Van de Ven locked down too, their defence will be set for quite some time.

Troy Deeney admits Micky van de Ven and Tottenham surprised him vs Everton

Meanwhile, Troy Deeney has admitted that Tottenham surprised him against Everton by going away to Merseyside and winning.

The former Premier League striker has named the Spurs star in his Team of the Week, picking him ahead of Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

Deeney told BBC Sport: “Any centre-half who keeps a clean sheet and gets two goals has to go in the team for me.

“I wanted to put Gabriel in, but I just thought Van de Ven’s performance was very good in a game where I thought Spurs could struggle. They’ve been poor the last couple of weeks, and it’s a huge win for them as well.”

Tottenham Hotspur stormed to victory on Merseyside with several of Thomas Frank’s players really stepping up against Everton.

For the first time since its opening, the away team won at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Tottenham Hotspur defeated Everton 3-0 to climb up into third place.

Micky van de Ven’s two first-half headers from set pieces fired the Lilywhites into the lead before Pape Matar Sarr sealed the three points late on.

The Dutch defender will rightfully take a lot of the plaudits for his brace, but Jamie Redknapp has been full of praise for another Spurs star against the Toffees.

Jamie Redknapp hails the ‘immense’ Kevin Danso vs Everton

Kevin Danso had an ‘immense’ game against Everton, according to Redknapp, who thought the defender really stepped up with Cristian Romero missing.

Romero is currently sidelined with an injury, which has meant that Danso has finally been handed his chance to shine in the meantime.

Romero’s importance to Tottenham has already been made very clear, but fortunately, the North London club signed Danso back in January.

Tottenham paid £25 million for Danso, which Redknapp has suggested is a bargain given the current state of play in the transfer market.

After the game, Redknapp told Sky Sports: “I thought he was immense. And when you haven’t got your captain, your leader, you need someone who’s going to step up. And that partnership looks really good.

“When you look at the current market, £20 million from Lens is not that expensive. He’s quick, he’s aggressive.

“He’s not always, it depends if you want to play a back three, obviously you have three really strong centre backs, but he just adds so much to your team, he looks like a really solid citizen.”

Meanwhile, Ashley Young also hailed the Austrian international, adding: “When you come into the Premier League, it’s a tough ask.

“Unless you get used to it straight away, it’s going to be hard, whether they’re playing in a back three or back four, you’ve got to adjust.

“At times last season, it was tough, but I think he’s stepped up really well in place of Romero and the partnership between him and Micky van de Ven today was fantastic.”

Kevin Danso records remarkable stats vs Everton

Danso was defensively excellent against Everton, as he managed 18 clearances, which is the most made by a Tottenham player in the Premier League since Jan Vertonghen.

The defender also won six of his six duels during the win on Merseyside to help Spurs keep a vital clean sheet.

Without a doubt, Romero’s passing is a miss for Frank’s team, but Danso more than makes up for it with his superb ability to defend the box.

After nine matches, Spurs have the joint second-best defensive record in the Premier League, and the 26-year-old has been key towards their big improvements at the back.

Thomas Frank has admitted he’s been watching Arsenal closely for their set-pieces this season – which currently sees them sitting top of the Premier League – but he’s admired Mikel Arteta’s work in that department for some time now.

Frank saw his Tottenham side emerge 3-0 victors against Everton on Sunday afternoon, with Micky van de Ven’s double and a Pape Matar Sarr goal sealing the win.

Tottenham’s game followed their bitter rivals Arsenal’s victory on Super Sunday, with the Gunners edging past Crystal Palace thanks to an Eberechi Eze strike.

One thing both clubs had in common in their victories, though, was the power of a dead ball – something Frank reflected on after the game.

Thomas Frank on Arsenal and Tottenham set-piece successes

Speaking post-match to the BBC, Frank said how “crucial” set-pieces are becoming in the Premier League, and that he’s taken notice of just how well Arsenal are utilising them.

He said: “Set-pieces are so crucial. We all see it; there’s more and more focus on it. Right now, Arsenal are on track for the title from set-pieces. So it’s a key area.

“I said from the beginning we want to focus hard on it, and we scored two very good goals. The boys competed excellently in our box.”

Arteta’s side have been dominant from set-pieces this season. Eze’s goal against Crystal Palace means Arsenal have now scored eleven set-piece goals in the Premier League – more than eight teams have managed in total.

Arteta himself claimed earlier in the week that he’s had an “obsession” with set-pieces for around a decade.

He said: “Ten years ago I said it’s a massive thing to do that (master set-pieces). I started to have a vision and tried to implement a method, and to be surrounded by the best people to deliver that.

“I went to City with the best manager in the world and I could see where we could have improvements. It was clear because at some point I was doing that (working on set-pieces) and I wasn’t the best person in the world to do it.

“So if I’m not the best person in the world to do it and have the best method to do it, there are ways to improve it. And you could see that straight afterwards when it started to happen.

“But it’s not about being only obsessed with that. It’s the eagerness to constantly find ways to develop your team, to evolve your team, and to give your players more tools to be more unpredictable and, especially, more efficient.”

Thomas Frank admired Mikel Arteta’s tactics at Brentford

It isn’t just this season that Spurs’ manager has taken notice of his fellow north London boss’s methods. While at Brentford, Frank hailed Arsenal as the best set-piece team in world football.

Speaking in 2024, he said via the Premier League: “Arsenal are the best set-piece team not only in the Premier League but in the world right now. They are so aggressive and well-coached – but we are also good at set-pieces and we will be ready.”

Frank and Arteta may differ in many ways, but one thing they certainly share is a love for the art of a set-piece – and both sides reaped the rewards on Sunday.