TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur have started making big moves in the summer transfer market with Thomas Frank now in place.

Mathys Tel was Tottenham’s first signing as the Frenchman was brought in permanently from Bayern Munich for £30 million.

Tottenham also want Eberechi Eze, and there is a belief at Tottenham that they are the Crystal Palace winger’s first-choice destination, as per TBR Football sources.

But, Spurs are close to making another addition for a player who is so highly rated, and there is a belief that they are getting a bargain.

Tottenham’s £5m deal for Kota Takai could be a ‘bargain’

Tottenham Hotspur’s £5m deal for Kota Takai could prove to be a ‘bargain’, according to Alasdair Gold.

The Spurs journalist claims that speaking to people who cover Japanese football, the defender is believed to be ‘very, very highly rated’.

Paying just £5 million for a player who is already a Japanese international, aged just 20, is seen as quite an impressive deal.

Gold told Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham: “He’s a guy that £5 million is going to look like a bargain, that’s my initial view on it. As it’s been pointed out to me, £5 million for an international player, who hasn’t even turned 21, is ridiculous.”

TBR Football understands that Tottenham beat strong competition to agree Takai deal, with Liverpool, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich having all watched him.

Thomas Frank greenlit Tottenham’s move for Takai, with Johan Lange being the man who identified the young player.

The Spurs sporting director believes that the defender is already well-equipped for Premier League football, and he is expected to be part of Frank’s squad next season.

Spurs are confident that the 20-year-old can follow in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr as investments who suddenly become key players.

“This is more a transfer in the ilk of the Bergvall, Sarr, Udogie, those kinds of ones, where the price was more ‘fair play’ kind of ones and the player was really highly regarded. He was the J-League Young Player of the Year last season, he’s a very, very highly rated player,” Gold added.

The North London club are starting to build a very strong core of young players in the capital, and the new Danish head coach has plenty to be excited about.

Bergvall, for £12 million, has proven to be an absolute steal as they managed to beat FC Barcelona to sign him back in February 2024.

Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr have also become regulars in the first team at Tottenham, having initially been signed as long-term investments.

Tel and Wilson Odobert are impressing for France U-21 at the European Championship right now and the young French duo look like very exciting talents.

Spurs will now be hoping that Takai can be the next young player to impress in Lilywhite as he looks set to arrive in N17 this summer.

It wouldn’t be a summer transfer window without Nottingham Forest being busy.

The Reds are always active in the summer transfer window, and this year will be no different.

Forest are set to sign Igor Jesus in what could be a very exciting deal, and their shopping in South America may not be finished there either.

Indeed, according to Ben Jacobs, speaking on The United Stand, Nottingham Forest have made contact over potentially signing Richard Rios from Palmeiras.

Tottenham have looked at Rios too, but according to Jacobs, Forest are the only Premier League team to have made a concrete move so far.

Jacobs shared what he knows about Rios amid his solid performances at the Club World Cup.

The journalist says that Forest have made contact over a potential deal, while Tottenham remain a team to watch in this race.

“At the moment he’s only focused on the Club World Cup and he’s been fantastic, we’re definitely seeing growing interest as a consequence,” Jacobs said.

“At this stage I’m not aware of Manchester United making any sort of approach or any move on the player’s side.

“Nottingham Forest are the only Premier League team I know who have actually made contact on the player’s side. If he continues to perform and put himself in the shop window there will be other clubs, Manchester United could be one of them

“Tottenham are another club to watch, PSG really like the player too,”

Players signed by Premier League clubs after Club World Cup exploits

The Club World Cup is getting more attention than ever this year due to the new format, but, let’s not forget, this is a competition that has been around for a long time.

Indeed, the Club World Cup has been held for a long time, and, in the past, it has acted as a shop window for a few players who were brought to the Premier League, but those deals have rarely gone well.

Tottenham fans know just how much of a flop Paulinho was, and while Oscar was a solid performer for Chelsea for a time, he didn’t quite reach his potential.

Rios may become a star if he comes to England, but signing players based on the Club World Cup in the past has proven to be a risk.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur have just held talks with a defender who was once praised by Mauricio Pochettino.

Tottenham have already made one signing this month, are close to a second and have now opened talks to bring in a possible third addition.

The North London club’s first arrival was Mathys Tel, who was signed permanently for £30 million from Bayern Munich.

Sources have also told TBR Football that Tottenham are close to signing Kota Takai from J1 League club Kawasaki Frontale.

Now, Johan Lange and the club have started work on another player, and talks between the two parties have commenced.

Tottenham Hotspur and Kyle Walker-Peters have held talks over a potential return move for the defender, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The 28-year-old is understood to be open to coming back to Tottenham, where he spent seven years before joining Southampton.

The North London club sold the defender to the Saints back in 2020 in a deal worth around £12 million and he went on to make over 200 appearances for them.

Walker-Peters has now left Southampton after his contract expired and the player is now a free agent, making the move even more appealing for Spurs.

Thomas Frank’s team are eager to sign the defender as he would count as club-trained in the Champions League and allow them to have a bigger squad for the competition.

However, the Lilywhites don’t have a clear run for his signature as Everton, West Ham, Leeds, Fulham, Wolves and loads on the continent all want him.

Mauricio Pochettino defended Kyle Walker-Peters after Tottenham’s draw with Barcelona

Mauricio Pochettino was forced to defend Walker-Peters after Tottenham’s draw with Barcelona back in 2018 after the defender made a key mistake.

The youngster was caught in possession on the halfway and pickpocketed by Ousmane Dembele who opened the scoring for Barcelona.

Spurs ended up equalising late on at the Camp Nou to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League in the season in which they eventually made the final.

Pochettino told Sky Sports: “All the players can struggle sometimes in some actions but the most important thing is to see the big picture, and he was very good.

“I wanted to protect him in the second half because he had a yellow card but I’m so happy and so proud of how he managed the pressure. I’m very pleased and I talk very highly of him.”

Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League and have set their sights on a very experienced Premier League player.

Daniel Farke’s team returned to the top flight of English football after two seasons away as they secured the Championship title last season with 100 points.

Following their return to the Premier League, Leeds have been looking at Tottenham to sign Manor Solomon, who was a key player for them last term.

But now, another player from the Europa League champions has caught their eye, and he could be the perfect defensive partner for Joe Rodon.

Leeds United could move for Tottenham’s Ben Davies

Leeds United have been eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies, according to Alasdair Gold.

The 32-year-old has now been at the North London club for 11 years and has so much experience playing in the top flight.

Daniel Farke’s team have now been considering whether to sign the Welsh international who has 313 Premier League appearances under his belt.

Gold told Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham: “There may still maybe another departure. Ben Davies has had the extra year taken up on his contract, but I’m not entirely sure that guarantees he stays.

“I think that is just the club protecting itself, there are the likes of Leeds who have been looking at him. Maybe the fact that Takai can play on the left of a centre back pairing kind of frees him to head off if a good move comes in.”

Last season, Davies, who Son Heung-min called ‘really special’, played an important role in helping the Lilywhites to win the Europa League as he appeared eight times in the competition.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been told that Solomon wants to stay at Tottenham, as revealed by TBR Football, with the feeling that he can break into the team next season.

Joe Rodon and Ben Davies could form brilliant Leeds partnership

Farke could make a smart signing by bringing in the Welsh international to Elland Road this summer and partner him alongside Rodon.

The 27-year-old is very close with Davies, having played alongside him for both Tottenham and Wales, and the two have formed a strong relationship on the pitch.

Davies and Rodon have a decent record playing together, having featured alongside one another on 57 occasions.

We’re heading towards the end of June, and that means many players’ contract situations will be resolved one way or another in the coming days.

Tottenham Hotspur have already announced their released and retained lists, but other players’ situations remain unclear.

For example, Callum Wilson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could well leave their respective clubs, while Tom Cairney is in a similar situation at Fulham.

New free agents will come onto the market next week, and now, it’s been confirmed that one high-profile player will be leaving for free.

Indeed, it has been announced by Southampton that Kyle Walker-Peters will be departing this summer.

Kyle Walker-Peters is leaving Southampton

Southampton have announced that Kyle Walker-Peters will be leaving St Mary’s next week upon the expiry of his contract.

The right-back has been a great servant for the Saints over the past few years, but he won’t be extending his stay on the south coast beyond this season.

Southampton have just been relegated back to the Championship, and Walker-Peters may be eyeing an immediate Premier League return.

West Ham have looked at Walker-Peters, while Fulham are keen too.

However, perhaps the most intriguing option here is a return to Tottenham.

Spurs are keen on Walker-Peters as they look to extend their homegrown numbers, and according to Alasdair Gold, Walker-Peters would love to join Tottenham.

Kyle Walker-Peters’ stats for Tottenham

Walker-Peters is open to returning to Spurs, and he may well feel like he has some unfinished business at Tottenham.

Indeed, the ‘brilliant’ defender only played 24 times for Tottenham, and he may feel he didn’t get a fair shake at Spurs first time around.

Five assists and a goal in 24 appearances from right-back is a great attacking return, and Walker-Peters is no slouch defensively either.

Walker-Peters has a point to prove if he returns to Tottenham, and, by the sounds of things, such a move could be on the cards this summer.

Bringing in a quality, homegrown player on a free transfer certainly wouldn’t be bad business for Tottenham.

Tottenham are working hard to improve the squad for Thomas Frank after hiring the Dane as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou.

Reinforcements are very much welcome in N17 after a tough 2024/25 campaign, which remarkably saw Spurs finish 17th in the Premier League on just 38 points.

Tottenham have signed Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale in a shrewd £5m move to bolster the defence, but attacking additions are also wanted, with Spurs hoping to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Now, the Selhurst Park faithful have reacted on X (previously known as Twitter) after hearing the England international is keen on a move to Tottenham.

Crystal Palace fans react after hearing Eberechi Eze is interested in Tottenham move

TBR Football understand Eze is keen on a move to Spurs, and a deal has been made possible this summer after Crystal Palace agreed to let his £68m release clause be paid in instalments.

If an agreement materialises, Crystal Palace supporters would be devastated judging by the reaction online.

One Crystal Palace fan wrote: “I really hope Eze doesn’t leave, (I) will be gutted.”

The man from Greenwich – who Crystal Palace paid £20m to sign from QPR in August 2020 – has been outstanding for the Eagles, scoring 40 goals and providing 28 assists in 167 appearances, including the strike that won the FA Cup last season.

Another supporter posted: “Eberechi Eze. Scored the opener in our FA Cup QF (quarter-final) win. Scored the opener in our FA Cup SF (semi-final) win. Scored the opener/winner in the FA Cup Final. You can’t replace that.”

It would be incredibly tough to replace such a fine footballer, but Crystal Palace lost Michael Olise last summer, and still managed to enjoy a successful 2024/25 campaign.

A third fan begged Tottenham, saying: “Just let us see one season of Eze in (the) Europa League at Selhurst. Take him next year for your ‘statement’ signing.”

The Crystal Palace No.10 will only have 12 months remaining on his contract if the Eagles wait until next summer to sell, which would not exactly encourage clubs to trigger his £68m release clause, and would most likely leave potential suitors waiting for a free transfer in 2027.

Others simply wrote posts such as “this cannot happen” and “noooo” on X as the conversation around Eze saw fuel added to the fire – evidently, he is a very popular man in SE25, who would be a great addition for Frank at Tottenham.

CAA Base can help Tottenham sign Eberechi Eze

The Crystal Palace star is represented by CAA Base – an agency Spurs are very closely associated with.

A box was even arranged for Eze in the 2023/24 campaign by Tottenham and CAA Base, and the 26-year-old is also believed to be close friends with the likes of James Maddison and Heung-min Son.

These factors, coupled with an affordable release clause, make this deal seem highly possible this summer.

TBR Football understands that Thomas Frank has recommended another Brentford player to Tottenham Hotspur, having also mentioned Bryan Mbeumo.

The North London club have been discussing transfer targets with their new Danish head coach as they prepare for life back in the Champions League.

Tottenham making Mathys Tel’s deal permanent was the 51-year-old’s first addition as head coach of Spurs, and now he is looking at more additions.

TBR Football can also reveal that Tottenham are close to signing Kota Takai from J1 League club Kawasaki Frontale and have beaten off strong competition to land him.

But now, the Lilywhites have started work on other targets, and Daniel Levy is ready to move for another Brentford player.

Thomas Frank tells Tottenham to sign Christian Norgaard

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey understands that Thomas Frank has recommended bringing in Christian Norgaard to Tottenham this summer.

Spurs were looking at the Brentford midfielder, ahead of him signing his new deal with the West London club earlier this year.

The North Londoners want a holding midfield option, and Frank believes Norgaard would be ideal in the short-to-medium term.

TBR Football sources expect that Yves Bissouma could be allowed to leave Spurs, whilst talks are ongoing over Rodrigo Bentancur’s new contract, but Norgaard is seen as someone who can offer something different.

But TBR Football can now confirm Spurs’ interest is genuine and they are ready to make a move for the 31-year-old, having discussed their midfield situation with Frank. Everton and Arsenal are also aware of the situation, along with Italian giants Roma.

The only issue with Norgaard is that he only signed a new contract with Brentford back in March of this year, and therefore, it could be tricky getting him out of the Gtech Community Stadium.

What Thomas Frank said about Christian Norgaard at Brentford

Frank has made it no secret that Norgaard was a ‘key’ player for his Brentford team, and that is exactly why he wants the Dane to join him in North London.

Speaking after Brentford’s 2-2 draw with his new club Tottenham back in December 2022, the 51-year-old said he was the ‘glue’ in his team.

Frank told the media: “So pleasing, so pleased, he’s a key player for us. Every team has one or two players that is the glue, make the team tick, or better just by stepping on the pitch.

“Norgaard is one of the players who does that for us. The amount of interceptions, second balls he wins, his ability to keep the ball and play the pass forward is key.”

Tottenham’s need for another defensive midfielder is clear, with Bissouma and Bentancur underwhelming at times, and handing Frank such a trusted ally could help him to settle.

Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United are two of several English clubs interested in signing Lukas Ullrich from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.

After an excellent breakthrough season in the Bundesliga, Ullrich is currently at the U21 Championships with Germany.

Ullrich played 90 minutes and provided an assist in a 2-1 win for Germany against England in the group stage, a left-back who is showcasing his talent at the tournament.

And Ullrich’s performances for Borussia Monchengladbach last season haven’t gone unnoticed either, with both Tottenham and Leeds now considering a move for the 21-year-old.

Ullrich made 33 appearances for Gladbach last season and the youngster managed to displace Luca Netz on the left, another promising talent at the club.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Lukas Ullrich now on Tottenham and Leeds’ radar

That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Tottenham and Leeds are both looking closely at Ullrich’s situation, a player he described as a ‘huge talent’.

Ullrich has just two years left on his current contract at Gladbach and talks have begun over a new long-term deal — Gladbach are aware that interest is emerging from England.

And in addition to the two clubs mentioned, Crystal Palace, Everton, Brighton and Nottingham Forest are also keeping tabs on the defender.

On their part, Leeds are looking for a new left-back this summer given that Junior Firpo’s contract is set to expire at Elland Road.

And with new manager Thomas Frank at the helm, Spurs will continue their efforts to recruit the best young emerging talent.

Tottenham are close to signing Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale, and the club’s recruitment won’t stop there this summer.

Lukas Ullrich made ‘huge strides’ for Gladbach last season

In terms of Ullrich’s potential prospects in the Premier League, Gladbach manager Gerardo Seoane recently praised the left-back for the ‘huge strides’ he made across last season.

Ullrich was nominated for Gladbach’s Player of the Season award and Seoane said that the 21-year-old was noticeably gaining confidence.

Seoane said: “Lukas has made some huge strides forward this season. His performances have given him confidence in his defensive ability and in winning his duels.

“This has allowed him to also show what he can do going forward.”

Gladbach would therefore be obviously keen to keep the defender and sign him to a new deal.

And amid interest from clubs like Tottenham and Leeds, the German side will be keen to conclude talks as soon as possible.

Thomas Frank could be facing a tough decision over one of Tottenham Hotspur’s youngsters if he manages to sign Eberechi Eze.

Thomas Frank wants Eberechi Eze at Spurs, as revealed by TBR Football, and the winger is now back on the North London club’s agenda for the summer.

Tottenham have long been after Eze with their first interest coming back in 2019 when the Crystal Palace player was then playing for Queens Park Rangers.

But his arrival in North London could have a knock-on effect on another Spurs player who Frank will need to make a big call over this summer.

Tottenham’s interest in Eberechi Eze could force Mikey Moore to seek loan move

Frank might need to consider sending Mikey Moore out on loan if Eze is to make the switch across North London this summer.

Mathys Tel signing permanently has already added further competition for the 17-year-old and another left winger in Eze could further hamper the youngster’s game time.

TBR Football has previously revealed that Tottenham want Moore to sign a new contract and talks are ongoing to get him tied down before his 18th birthday in August.

Last season, the teenager made 19 appearances for the first team, but only eight of those were starts meaning he didn’t get a great deal of minutes.

Moore, who was called ‘wonderful’, suffered an illness last term, which kept him sidelined for around two months, and he missed a lot of football.

But the winger still struggled to break into the team under Ange Postecoglou, and given the amount of competition for places, a loan move should be considered.

Ryan Mason’s move to West Brom could make the Hawthorns the perfect destination for the Tottenham academy graduate.

Tottenham now think they’re Eberechi Eze’s first choice

Eze’s potential move to Spurs now looks even more likely given the winger’s stance over a move away from Crystal Palace.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham believe they’re Eze’s first choice and the winger is now pushing to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Palace are open to Eze’s £60m release clause being paid in instalments, with £25m to £30m up front and the rest being spread over two further payments.

The 26-year-old’s arrival would leave with a plethora of options at left wing, although Son Heung-min and Richarlison’s futures remain undecided.

Therefore, with four players ahead of him and Eze making it five, Moore will really need to consider the next step in his development away from N17.

Tottenham Hotspur have started work on potential outgoings for the summer, as talks have now commenced over the sale of a player Ange Postecoglou was once very fond of.

Spurs’ transfer business has sprung into life over the last week or so, with Mathys Tel signed permanently and Tottenham close to signing Kota Takai.

Thomas Frank approved deals for Takai and Tel, with both players expected to play important roles under him next season.

Work is now ongoing to offload players who are deemed surplus to requirements, and talks have already started over one player’s departure.

Tottenham open talks to sell Alejo Veliz

Tottenham Hotspur have now opened talks with Racing Club to sell Alejo Veliz, according to German García Grova.

The Argentine journalist claims that Racing have offered around £3.7 million to sign 60 per cent of the player’s rights.

Spurs are believed to have given the sale of the 20-year-old the green light, however, talks over the structure of the deal remain ongoing.

The striker himself is eager to return to his home country after a rather tricky two-year stint in Europe, where he has not played a lot of football.

Tottenham signed Veliz for £13m in August 2023, and since then, he has made just eight appearances.

Veliz, who has been called ‘dynamite’, has been on two loan spells to La Liga, where he joined Sevilla on loan and then Espanyol. The player had a lot more joy at the latter, where he made 27 appearances last term.

But now a return to Argentina looks on the cards for him with the Lilywhites in talks over his sale.

What Ange Postecoglou said after Tottenham signed Alejo Veliz

Ange Postecoglou was a big fan of Veliz when he first signed for Tottenham and said that he was a player with a ‘lot of talent’.

Speaking to the media back in 2023, Postecoglou said: “With young Veliz, he’s one we identified and he’s got a lot of talent for a youngster. He’s got a great profile. He is a big guy, but he’s very mobile and he works hard. He’s already made an impact in the Argentine first division and again good to have him in.”

But ultimately, the former Spurs boss never really fancied the striker as he made just eight appearances before sending him out on loan.

During his spell in the English capital, he netted just once, which came in a 4-2 defeat away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Now, the North London club look set to cut their losses by selling him back to the Argentine Primera Division.