TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur have landed two important attacking additions in recent days, bringing in both Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani.

Thomas Frank wanted new attacking signings at Tottenham Hotspur, and an exciting double move for Eberechi Eze and Savinho appeared to be on the cards.

Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eze, and Manchester City stood firm on Savinho, meaning Spurs missed out on both players.

With the deadline fast approaching, Tottenham snapped up Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on Friday, swooping in to beat Chelsea to his signature.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani then joined Tottenham on deadline day, handing Frank two important signings in the final third.

Xavi Simons explains Tottenham Hotspur transfer

The signing of Simons is particularly exciting.

Missing out on Eze was a major blow, and Tottenham had to quickly pivot to another number 10.

Simons looked set for Chelsea throughout the summer, but Tottenham were able to pounce and secure a deal in rapid fashion.

Simons now takes the number seven shirt at Tottenham, following in the footsteps of a club hero in Son Heung-min.

The Dutchman will make his debut after the international break and has spoken about his Tottenham move while away with the Netherlands.

Speaking to De Telegraaf and as quoted by Voetbal Primeur, Simons admitted that one person really inspired his decision to join Spurs – his sister!

Simons noted that his family travelled to look at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the deal was done, and his sister’s reaction was ‘amazing’.

Simons noted that his sister ‘made the decision, to a certain extent’, suggesting that he simply had to join Spurs after his sister was left so convinced.

“Before I made my decision for Tottenham, my family went to see the stadium,” said Simons.

“My sister’s reaction was amazing. When she says that… She also made the decision, to a certain extent.

“She’s not really into football, but she’s very happy for me and very supportive. I’m very happy that my family is happy for me too,” he added.

Xavi Simons set for two important international games

Tottenham fans must wait until after the international break to see Simons in action for Spurs, with his debut potentially coming against West Ham United.

Simons will be in international action in the coming days, though, starting with a game against Poland on Thursday night.

Simons often starts on the right flank for the Netherlands, with Liverpool star Cody Gakpo expected to feature on the left.

The new Spurs star will hope to start against Poland and then Lithuania on Sunday, with the Netherlands chasing qualification for the World Cup.

Thomas Frank will be paying close attention to Simons’ displays in the coming days and surely can’t wait to unleash him as a Tottenham player.

Tottenham Hotspur had an incredibly frantic transfer window in which they signed five new players, and Johan Lange has been discussing each addition.

Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani and Kota Takai were the five new players who arrived through the door at Hotspur Way.

Thomas Frank will be delighted with the additions Spurs have made to his squad over the summer, particularly in the attacking areas.

Following the close of the summer transfer window, Johan Lange has reviewed the North London club’s business and was especially pleased with one of their additions.

Johan Lange is confident Xavi Simons will be ‘fantastic’ for Tottenham

Lange is confident that Xavi Simons will be a ‘fantastic’ signing for Tottenham Hotspur and really believes in his quality as a player.

Tottenham missed out on Eberechi Eze, but ended up falling back into a deal for Simons, worth £52 million from RB Leipzig.

Officials at Tottenham believe Simons actually represents better value than Eze, with the club’s technical director suggesting the same.

Lange told Tottenham’s YouTube channel: “I think sometimes if you have bumps along the way, things can turn out for the better… We had a conversation with Xavi, and we saw his desire and determination to join our football club. It was fantastic for us.

“What he has shown so far in his career, from a very, very young age, played together with some of the best players in the world when you really dig into his story.

“The impact he had at Eindhoven, the impact he had at Leipzig in the Bundesliga, and he’s still so young, so when you perform at this level and that age.

“So to bring him to our football club, to bring him into the Premier League, to bring him into a club which has a rich history of producing and seeing players with creativity and flair.

“I’m confident that he will be a great addition to the team and hopefully create a lot of fantastic moments for the fans and for all of us.”

Johan Lange explains what he’s heard about Xavi Simons

Lange has also explained how he received glowing reports on Simons from his former coaches and teammates.

Micky van de Ven is more than likely one of the players who will have spoken highly of the winger, having played with him for the Netherlands.

“The important thing is when you sit with him and you talk about the project, and you see his eyes and desire to be the best version of himself, when we speak about reference from teammates and coaches from clubs, they’re just echoing that he’s a very serious athlete, who wants to train well and try to maximise his potential – that’s the most important thing,” added Lange.

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know him, and we’re looking forward to seeing his determination on a day-to-day basis.”

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for Champions League action, but Mathys Tel seemingly won’t be involved under Thomas Frank.

Premier League action is taking a back seat right now, with the first international break of the season now upon us.

Tottenham Hotspur have gone into the break off the back of a defeat, after losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Frank’s strong start has suffered its first major setback, but the deadline brought a new face to North London.

Randal Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, adding another attacking option to Frank’s ranks.

Tottenham Hotspur fans on Mathys Tel decision

Kolo Muani could make his debut against West Ham United after the international break, and then it’s straight into Champions League action.

Spurs kick off their Champions League campaign against Villarreal on 16 September, as the Spanish side head to North London.

Frank has now named his squad for the Champions League, as seen on Tottenham’s official website.

Kolo Muani and fellow new Tottenham signing Xavi Simons are both included, but Mathys Tel is nowhere to be seen.

Spurs only signed Tel permanently this summer, having taken him on loan from Bayern Munich in January.

The Frenchman showed some promise, but he has played just 19 minutes in two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.

Spurs have now omitted Tel from the Champions League squad, leaving fans completely baffled.

Many supporters ‘feel bad’ for Tel, and believe that his confidence could sink even lower after a difficult start to the campaign.

Some believe that this is a ‘horrible decision’, and believe that new boss Frank may not be too keen on Tel as a player.

Others are questioning the logic in even signing Tel on a permanent basis, believing that Spurs have no coherent strategy in the transfer market.

UEFA B list explained amid Mathys Tel questions

Tel has been left out of Tottenham’s squad, but some fans wondered whether he would be available to be registered for the B list.

Official UEFA rules state that players born after 1 January 2004 can be registered outside of the main squad – if they have been registered for two years uninterrupted.

“A player may be registered on List B if he is born on or after 1 January 2004 and has, since his 15th birthday, been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years, or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club from the same association for a period not longer than one year. Players aged 16 may be submitted if they have been registered with the club for the previous two years without interruption.

Tel ticks the first box, having been born in 2005, but he has only been a Tottenham player in 2025.

That means Tel cannot be registered and will not kick a ball for Tottenham in the Champions League league phase.

Tel must now look to impress in the Premier League and EFL Cup in order to catch Frank’s eye, as well as kicking on in training to force his way into Frank’s plans.

Tottenham Hotspur managed to land one of the most impressive signings of the summer transfer window as they captured Xavi Simons.

Simons looked set to join Chelsea all summer long; however, the Blues failed to follow up on their initial interest, opening the door for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur took the opportunity with both hands and quickly wrapped up the deal, having seen moves for both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze collapse.

The former PSG and Barcelona youth star is now expected to make his debut for the North London club in ten days away at West Ham United.

Thomas Frank’s key role in Xavi Simons’ move to Tottenham

Thomas Frank played a key role in convincing Xavi Simons to join Tottenham by telling him what he needed to improve, according to Alasdair Gold.

The new Spurs boss is believed to take a very direct approach during his talks with potential new signings by breaking down their strengths and weaknesses.

During an interview back in the Netherlands, the Dutch international said that Frank told him things he’s never heard from other coaches.

Gold told his YouTube channel: “He was sold on the project. Thomas Frank played a massive part in terms of presenting everything really well.

“He spoke to us about how these meetings with players, we know what Postecoglou’s were like, everyone raved about the storytelling he would do and the way he charmed them.

“Thomas Frank is a different kind of speaker; he is very honest and direct, he will not only tell you what you’re good at and where you can fit in his team, but also what you need to improve on and what he is going to improve about you, and that is what sold Xavi Simons.”

Just before he signed, TBR Football revealed that Simons had been impressed by Frank and that is why he was ready to make the switch to North London.

Also, during his interview back in Holland, Simons said he wants to play in the number ten role, and he is likely to be granted his wish.

With both Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison sidelined with injuries, the 22-year-old is set to replace the pair, playing in a central role.

Kulusevski is now set to be out until December, which is a huge blow for Frank’s team and puts extra pressure on Simons to hit the ground running.

Xavi Simons on taking the number seven shirt from Son Heung-min

Simons has admitted that it is a “big responsibility” to take Son Heung-min’s number seven shirt, but he is ready to make his own story with the number.

The Dutch international believes that “everyone loves Son” at the club, and he is now ready to wear the iconic number.

Simons told SpursOfficial: “He made his own story with this number, I think he deserved it as well, the way people treat him at the club and the fans. Everyone loves Son.

“Hopefully, I can make my own story with it. I know it’s a big responsibility, but I’m ready to take it and make my own story.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an impressive start to life under Thomas Frank, with Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus the two standout performers.

Kudus is proving to be an astute signing for the North London club, having paid £55 million to sign him from West Ham United over the summer.

Meanwhile, Richarlison has also impressed this season, producing two goals and one assist in his first three league matches.

However, there is one player whose performances are going under the radar so far, and he has actually been key in their strong start to the season.

Guglielmo Vicario has the most saves and prevented goals in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has the most saves and prevented goals in the Premier League this season.

The Italian goalkeeper has made a total of 13 saves and has amassed a goal prevention rate of 2.2, which is the highest this season.

Vicario, who cost Tottenham £17m, kept clean sheets against both Burnley and Manchester City before Bournemouth’s Evanilson scored against him for the first time this campaign.

Frank’s side were fortunate not to have lost more than 1-0 against Bournemouth, with the goalkeeper making five saves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

French media ranked Vicario as Tottenham’s worst player against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, but he has quickly turned form around in the Premier League.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham officials were concerned about Vicario heading into the new season and were assessing potential replacements.

But following a strong start to the campaign, Vicario is quickly proving that he is still a top goalkeeper and a player Frank can trust for the season.

Mohammed Kudus has won the most ground duels so far this season

Kudus has been a real revelation so far for Tottenham on the right side of their attack, and is the only Premier League player to have won over 20 duels.

The Ghanaian international has proven himself to be a player with speed, flair and impressive dribbling ability, making him so hard to dispossess.

Jamie O’Hara slammed West Ham for selling Kudus, and the Hammers’ decision to offload the 24-year-old is proving rather costly so far.

The winger will return to the London Stadium after the international break as Tottenham travel across London to face West Ham.

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.”