TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur look like they will soon be getting at least one new reinforcement in the transfer window.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer targets has just said his goodbyes to his club and is expected to travel to North London very soon.

The North London club haven’t been particularly active in terms of new arrivals; however, that could soon change in the coming days.

Kawasaki Frontale’s farewell message to Tottenham-bound Kota Takai

Kawasaki Frontale bid farewell to Kota Takai after his final match for the club, as he looks set to join Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20-year-old ended his time with the Japanese club on the perfect note, as Frontale defeated Kashima Antlers 2-1.

The young defender once again impressed as he completed more passes than any other player throughout the match, with 57.

Following the win at Todoroki Athletics Stadium, Takai gave an emotional speech in which he said: “I’ve decided to pursue another goal I’ve had since I was little: To play soccer in Europe.

“From now on, I think there will be higher walls waiting for me than ever before, but I would like to make full use of the experiences I have built up until now.”

Frontale played a video montage in the stadium of Takai’s best moments and finished with the message: “To Dare Is To Do.”

Takai joins Tottenham for around £5m in what is being viewed as a bargain signing by sporting director Johan Lange.

Lange identified the player as someone for Spurs to sign, Frank gave Takai’s move the green light, and he will now join his first-team squad.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham beat off strong competition for Takai, as Liverpool, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich had all been to watch him.

Kota Takai due to travel to London next week

Takai was due to travel to London after his final match for Frontale, so all eyes will be on him when the Japanese international arrives at Hotspur Way.

Takai is ‘very highly rated’ following his time in the J1 League, and now he could make his impact in the Premier League.

Frank will want a chance to assess him during pre-season to judge whether he is actually ready for the demands of the English top flight.

But he will add to the array of exciting young defensive talent already at the club, with Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips.

Vuskovic’s stature has already impressed Tottenham fans as the young Croatian defender made his first appearance in Spurs training gear.

Meanwhile, Frank wants to keep Phillips, and Spurs have been rejecting loan offers for the young defender.

Tottenham Hotspur players returned for pre-season training on Saturday as the Thomas Frank era commences.

Luka Vuskovic made his first appearance at Hotspur Way for training almost two years on from his transfer to the North London club.

Tottenham paid £12m to sign Vuskovic back in the summer of 2023, beating off competition from Manchester City to land his signature.

The defender has already made quite an impression at the Spurs training centre following his first session with the first-team squad.

Tottenham fans stunned by Luka Vuskovic’s stature

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left stunned by the stature of Vuskovic, who stands at six feet three despite only being 18 years old.

Thomas Frank will assess Vuskovic over the next month or so before deciding whether to keep him in the squad for next season or to loan him out.

Vuskovic finally became a Tottenham player last Tuesday, having been made to wait almost two years to be allowed to join the Lilywhites.

Tottenham believe Vuskovic is a ‘top talent’ after what was a very successful loan spell in the Belgian Pro League with Westerlo.

The defender’s stature allows him to be quite a threat from set pieces, so it’s no wonder that he managed to score seven times last term for the Belgian club.

He also already has an impressive amount of experience despite his age, having made 67 senior club appearances and earned his Croatian national team debut.

After seeing him for the first time in Tottenham gear, Spurs fans have taken to X to share their thoughts on their latest arrival at Hotspur Way.

One fan said: “I knew he was tall, but his head is literally hitting the ceiling!”

Another supporter was stunned by his height, stating: “Wow! He is super tall!”

There was further shock at his size: “What have they been feeding him? He’s huge.”

Finally, another fan added: “18-year-old beast, great to see him wearing one badge at last!”

Thomas Frank will love Luka Vuskovic

Thomas Frank could actually love Vuskovic, as the defender has shown what a threat he can be from set pieces.

Only three players won more aerial duels than the Tottenham loanee in the Belgian Pro League last season, as he completed 110 with a 72.4 percent success rate, according to Fbref.

Set pieces are a key aspect of a Frank team as Brentford netted 13 times from these situations last season, which was 20 per cent of their goals. Meanwhile, they conceded on just two occasions.

Tottenham have appointed Andreas Georgson, who was a former set-piece coach at Arsenal, and he could help the team to dramatically improve in this aspect.

Then, adding a player like Vuskovic to the mix will only further improve the Lilywhites’ ability from set pieces.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s top targets has now decided that a move to North London is a priority for him, despite interest from Chelsea.

The North London club returned to pre-season training on Saturday; however, they have made just one new addition so far this summer.

Thomas Frank will now be hoping that Spurs’ transfer plans will start to accelerate over the coming week, and one of his key targets has just made the Lilywhites his number one destination.

Tottenham Hotspur have just seen a bid rejected for their key target, but talks are set to continue to bring the player who Fabio Paratici ‘really likes’ to North London.

Mohammed Kudus wants Tottenham move

Mohammed Kudus is now prioritising a move to Tottenham over other options should he leave West Ham United this summer, according to The Athletic.

The North London club’s opening offer for the 24-year-old has been rejected by the Hammers, but talks are set to continue between the two clubs.

But when it comes to the player himself, personal terms are unlikely to be an issue, and he is understood to be keen on making the switch across London.

TBR Football revealed on Thursday that Tottenham had a £55m bid for Kudus rejected, with the East London club looking for around £65m.

Kudus, who’s been called ‘very special’, has a release clause worth £84m; therefore, West Ham believe their asking price is rather fair.

Fabio Paratici ‘really likes’ Kudus, TBR Football understands, and believes that Frank can turn him into a ‘world star’, given his previous work with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.

Mohammed Kudus is actually the perfect Tottenham signing

Kudus could add something to Tottenham’s team that they have been missing for quite some time.

The 24-year-old had completed more dribbles than any other Premier League player since the start of the 2023/24 season.

Spurs don’t have many wingers who are either willing or able to take on their man, and Kudus has shown this is one of his strongest attributes.

Dejan Kulusevski has completed 86 dribbles during this time, the most of any Spurs player, but this is still 121 fewer than the Ghanaian international.

Brennan Johnson and Kudus would then be the two players fighting it out for the right wing spot next season, with Kulusevski also in the mix.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a busy few months on the transfer front now Thomas Frank has taken the reins as manager.

Tottenham have already secured a couple of deals, signing Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanently.

Luka Vuskovic is now also in London after agreeing a deal with Tottenham two years ago, and Kota Takai is set to arrive at Spurs in the near future.

However, Tottenham seem intent on strengthening their back line further, and one reported target has been hailed by Italian defensive legend Leonardo Bonucci.

Leonardo Bonucci sang Koni De Winter’s praises

TBR Football has relayed a report claiming Tottenham have enquired about Genoa defender Koni De Winter.

The 23-year-old, a Belgium international, is said to be valued at €25million (£20million).

De Winter became the youngest ever Juventus starter in Champions League history when he featured against Malmo in December 2021 at the age of 19 years and 179 days.

The likes of Bonucci and Massimiliano Allegri sang De Winter’s praises after the match.

“Koni had a good game, he played with personality,” he said, as per Old Juve.

“We had already seen him in London against Chelsea. He has no fear and this will be an advantage for his career.

“He must remain humble now, he has enormous room for improvement, he has a whole career ahead of him.”

Meanwhile, Allegri said: “De Winter is more of a central defender, but he can also play full-back. He played a game with personality. I’m very happy with his performance.”

And before the game, Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved said: “De Winter? He’s relaxed, I think he can become a really strong player.”

What Koni De Winter could bring to Tottenham

De Winter may have left Juventus, but he’s been impressing for Genoa, registering 26 appearances last season and bagging three goals.

He likely would’ve made more appearances were it not for a mid-season hamstring injury.

De Winter is a tall, skilled, strong and versatile defender who excels both at the back and further up the pitch.

Tottenham have had a lot of joy with players from the Italian leagues, so hopefully this will be a case of more of the same.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bolster their squad this summer.

Indeed, after a poor Premier League campaign last time out that cost Ange Postecoglou his job, Tottenham need to add more quality to this squad.

Luckily, help could be on the way, and domestic signings appear to be the order of the day.

Tottenham are interested in Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, while Spurs have been keen on Bryan Mbeumo as of late too.

Tottenham also need defensive additions, and according to Sami Mokbel, speaking on Last Word on Spurs, Tottenham hold an interest in one of the Premier League’s fastest defenders.

Tottenham interested in Antonee Robinson

According to Mokbel, there are strong murmurs that Tottenham are indeed interested in Antonee Robinson.

The Fulham defender has had a stellar season for the Whites, notching 10 Premier League assists.

The BBC journalist says that he’s heard conflicting noises about how strong this interest is, but he says that Spurs are definitely somewhat keen.

“Yeah, I think it depends on who you speak to. I have heard that rumour. I’ve heard it pretty substantially, but if you speak to others, and I’m hedging my bets there. I’ve heard there is an interest in the player from Tottenham,” Mokbel said.

“I’m not sure how advanced it is or if it has the legs to come to fruition. If it’s the basic question of do Tottenham have an interest in Antonee Robinson, the answer to that is yes, whether that has legs, I’m not sure at the moment.”

Antonee Robinson is one of the Premier League’s fastest defenders

If Tottenham sign Robinson, they will be adding another defender to their ranks who has serious speed.

Micky van de Ven is one of the fastest players around, and according to Squawka’s stats, Robinson is actually the second-fastest defender in the Premier League.

Interestingly, Destiny Udogie is also one of the Premier League’s fastest defenders, and he may well be the player who ends up being replaced if Robinson comes to north London.

Spurs do have a rich history of signing players from Fulham from Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Ryan Sessegnon, and now, they could be set to pinch another of the Whites’ top stars.

Tottenham Hotspur are chasing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

Indeed, Kudus is a key target for Tottenham and if this deal gets over the line, it would represent the first time in 14 years that Tottenham have signed a player from West Ham.

Tottenham and West Ham are serious rivals, and, for that reason, the Hammers aren’t so keen to sell Mohammed Kudus to Spurs.

Speaking on Last Word on Spurs, Sami Mokbel has been discussing Tottenham’s interest in Kudus, and he’s shared an interesting update on the West Ham star.

West Ham set ‘Tottenham tax’ on Mohammed Kudus deal

According to Mokbel, there have been murmurs that Tottenham may have to pay a higher price to sign Mohammed Kudus than many of their rivals.

Kudus is also wanted by Chelsea, and it’s unknown if the Blues would have to pay a similar sort of excess levy.

Mokbel says it’s ‘madness’ that such a situation could be set to occur, but given the rivalry between these teams, it’s not that hard to believe.

“Do you think there would be a case where there would be one price out there for Tottenham and another price out there for other clubs?” Mokbel was asked.

“Like a Tottenham tax do you mean? I’m not going to lie I have heard sentiment to that effect, unverified, but I have heard indications that there may be a ‘Tottenham tax’. To me, it’s madness to me to add an extra couple of million on a player just because Tottenham are in it,” Mokbel said.

Transfers between West Ham and Tottenham

West Ham United and Tottenham are bitter rivals, but they have done business together over the years.

Indeed, since the turn of the millennium, a fair few West Ham players have made the switch over to Spurs.

Of course, there’s only been one deal between these two clubs in the past 20 years, so this clearly isn’t the most popular of pathways, but there are a few players who have made this switch over the years.

It will be interesting to see how much Tottenham end up paying for Kudus if they do indeed try to pursue this deal.

Tottenham Hotspur have a big season ahead as new manager Thomas Frank looks to turn their domestic fortunes around and also impress in the Champions League.

Spurs are also off the mark in the transfer window, having taken up their option to sign Mathys Tel permanently from Bayern Munich.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham also came a long way in terms of giving game time to young players, and it will be hoped that Frank can do the same.

Now, an “unbelievable” teenager who has officially become a Tottenham player appears to have confirmed on his social media that he is now in London.

Luka Vuskovic arrives in London after officially joining Tottenham

The player in question is Luka Vuskovic, who is now on the books at Tottenham after they agreed a deal with Hajduk Split for him in 2023.

The 18-year-old defender – who spent last season on loan at Belgian side Westerlo – has already been capped for Croatia at senior international level.

Vuskovic took to Instagram stories on Thursday evening with a picture of Big Ben at Westminster, and tagged the location too.

It looks as though the youngster is taking in the sights of one of the world’s most famous cities, one that he will now call home, ahead of starting his time at Tottenham.

Luka Vuskovic already has enough experience to play for Thomas Frank next season

For the most part, 18-year-old footballers will usually be plying their trade at youth level and might be on the fringes of the first-team at best.

However, Vuskovic is not a typical 18-year-old footballer – he has already accrued enough first-team experience to really give Frank food for thought.

Vuskovic has made 36 competitive appearances for Westerlo, along with 11 for Hajduk Split and 14 for Radomiak Radom. He has also won one cap for Croatia.

Obviously the Premier League will be a completely different proposition, so the “unbelievable” Vuskovic may need some time to get used to the new competition.

Nevertheless, considering how much experience he already has, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get senior minutes early on in the season.

All things considered, it’s shaping up to be an exciting 2025/26 campaign for Tottenham.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign a young player whom Jose Mourinho has previously called ‘quality’.

Pre-season is just around the corner at Hotspur Way, and Thomas Frank will be eager for new additions to start arriving through the door soon.

Spurs are set for a huge season once again with Champions League football back on the menu at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Daniel Levy is now attempting to bring in fresh faces for his new Danish head coach, and work is continuing on one of their transfer targets.

Tottenham continue work on Dennis Cirkin deal

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to do work on the signing of Sunderland left-back, Dennis Cirkin, sources have told Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.

The North London club need to bolster their homegrown quota for the Champions League next season, and Cirkin would be ideal, especially given he would also count as club-trained.

The 23-year-old could be a solid backup option behind Destiny Udogie and allow Djed Spence the chance to continue competing with Pedro Porro for the right-back spot.

Cirkin came from Spurs’ academy and was sold to the Stadium of Light back in 2021, following at least three years in North London.

Last season, the left-back played a key role in helping Regis Le Bris’ team to secure promotion as he made 39 appearances, scoring three and assisting two.

TBR Football revealed back in March that Tottenham were keen on Cirkin, and now the Lilywhites are in contact over a deal for the defender.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are ready to move on from the defender and are starting to sound out replacements.

The Black Cats have already signed Reinildo from Atletico Madrid this summer, and TBR Football now understands they are in talks with Melvin Bard, the highly-rated left-back who Manchester United have also watched.

Jose Mourinho’s praise for Dennis Cirkin at Tottenham

Speaking back in 2019, Jose Mourinho hailed Cirkin as a ‘quality’ young player and expressed his excitement to work with him at some stage.

The legendary Portuguese coach said he was excited to help him develop as a player, but never quite got the chance to hand him his Spurs debut.

Speaking back in November 2019, Mourinho told the media: “I couldn’t be at the game but I watched on video our youth team playing in the [UEFA Youth League], and we also have [Dennis Cirkin].

“OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us, and to help his development.”

Having welcomed Thomas Frank to the club as their new manager, Tottenham Hotspur will soon get to work on crafting a squad that befits his image.

Thomas Frank was famed for getting the most out of the players already at his disposal at Brentford, it wasn’t just about who they were able to sign in the transfer market.

And that must be part of the appeal to Tottenham given that a lot of the talent in N17 wasn’t fully utilised during the Ange Postecoglou era.

Although, Spurs will still look to the transfer market to give Frank a boost, hence why Tottenham are interested in Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

However, there’s actually a more pressing concern that Daniel Levy needs to address first.

Tottenham need to sign Joao Palhinha for Thomas Frank’s system

In the summer, Tottenham simply must buy a number six in order to get the best from the system Frank often utilised at Brentford.

At Brentford, Frank’s number six, Christian Norgaard who’s joining Arsenal, often dropped into the back line to act as another centre-back in moments.

And although Archie Gray might one day be able to play that role, he perhaps lacks the physical profile needed right now.

Therefore, Tottenham should seriously consider a move to Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.

Now 29-years-old, Palhinha was an immense talent in the Premier League with Fulham, but he has struggled for rhythm and game time in the Bundesliga with Bayern.

As a result, Bayern are ready to sell Palhinha, a midfielder they bought for £47m last year, and Spurs might even be able to pick up a bargain.

Tottenham do have both Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma on their books, but neither are perfect for the role.

Mohammed Kudus isn’t the player Spurs should be prioritising

To thrive under Frank, Tottenham need a physical defensive midfielder who’s able to do all of the unseen work in the middle.

Spurs’ midfield was bypassed with ease all too often in the Postecoglou era, and Palhinha’s arrival would change that immediately.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham are pushing to sign Kudus from West Ham right now, but they should be more focused on a structural signing like Palhinha who could be integral to next season’s efforts.

Of course, it’s not only Palhinha who could come in and impress, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson would also be an excellent candidate for the role.

And whilst Tottenham have shown interest in Larsson, he might be incredibly expensive to sign this summer.

Frankfurt might already lose striker Hugo Ekitike to the Premier League, and therefore might be reluctant to sell the young Swedish midfielder as well.

Cristian Romero’s name is likely to dominate the headlines at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this transfer window.

Romero is strongly linked to Atletico Madrid, who are desperate to make the Argentine their marquee signing this summer.

However, Thomas Frank wants to keep Romero in North London, and the Lilywhites are also pulling out all the stops to make it happen.

As reported by TBR Football, Daniel Levy has offered Romero a huge contract that would make him Tottenham Hotspur’s highest-paid player, and the 27-year-old has now made his feelings clear about the deal.

Cristian Romero doesn’t want to sign new Tottenham contract

Cristian Romero has made it clear to Tottenham and Levy that his desire to leave is not about money, but about wanting to take the next step in his career.

TBR Football revealed last month that Spurs were ready to make him a significant contract; however, Romero’s heart was set on a move to Atletico Madrid.

According to Fernando Czyz, Romero is believed to have told Levy: “It’s not a matter of money but of professional challenges. I love Tottenham and it will always be in my heart.”

Levy has now reluctantly accepted that he might have to sell the World Cup winner this summer, although Atletico are yet to make an acceptable offer.

TBR Football’s understanding of the situation is that the Spanish club are offering £55 million for the defender, but Levy is holding out for around £70 million.

Spurs might now need to start thinking about replacements for the Argentine international who evidently wants to make the switch to the Metropolitano.

Castelo Lukeba could replace Cristian Romero at Tottenham

Tottenham are one of the clubs attracted to the possibility of signing RB Leipzig defender Castelo Lukeba, according to Foot Mercato.

Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Spurs are the three clubs that have expressed an interest in the young Frenchman.

The 22-year-old has a £78 million release clause with the German club, although they are open to negotiating for a lower fee.

Luka Vuskovic became a Tottenham player this week as his £12 million transfer to the club finally became official after two years.

The young Croatian international could be another solid answer to Spurs’ bid to replace Romero if he does leave.