Sports Mole

After waiting 17 years for their next major honour, Tottenham Hotspur could win two in the space of a few months when they tackle Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's intriguing UEFA Super Cup clash in Udine.

The Lilywhites earned a slice of continental stardom in last season's Europa League, sinking Premier League rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the final to end their trophy drought and seal a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League.

However, a historically poor 17th-placed Premier League finish took precedence when it came to deciding Ange Postecoglou's future, and Thomas Frank now prepares for his first competitive game at the helm.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with PSG, who battered a hopeless Inter Milan 5-0 to claim their maiden Champions League title in the spring.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

In an extremely cruel twist of fate, James Maddison suffered an ACL tear during Spurs' pre-season tour after only just recovering from a previous knee problem, and the playmaker is at risk of missing the entire 2025-26 campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: September 13 (vs. West Ham United)

Fellow creator Dejan Kulusevski is also on his way back from a knee issue of his own, and while his is nowhere near as severe, it may be a few weeks before he is considered ready for action again.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Frank was originally hopeful of having Dominic Solanke back from an ankle issue towards the end of pre-season, but the Englishman's injury is taking longer than expected to heal, so an appearance in midweek is out of the question.Â

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

New signing Kota Takai must wait a little while longer for his competitive Spurs debut owing to a plantar fascia injury, and Frank has conceded that he may take weeks to get back up to speed.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Tottenham's first ACL victim of 2025, Radu Dragusin is now six months into his recovery from an operation, but the Romanian defender will not be returning until around Christmastime at the very earliest.

Bryan Gil

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Bryan Gil is still on the mend from a knee injury he sustained while on loan at Girona last season, and there is no timeframe on his recovery, but an exit in the summer transfer window is likely regardless.

Manor Solomon

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: Unknown

Frank revealed in mid-July that winger Manor Solomon was dealing with a minor calf injury, but like Gil, the Israeli winger should be on the way out before the transfer window closes anyway.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Spurs have no players suspended for the UEFA Super Cup.

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur have apparently failed with an offer of £34.5m for Como youngster Nico Paz as they scope out potential James Maddison replacements.

The Europa League winners could be without influential playmaker Maddison for the entire season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a friendly with Newcastle United last weekend.

The Lilywhites are also still missing Dejan Kulusevski due to his own knee injury, and while the Swede should return within a few weeks, he will not be fit for the start of the Premier League season.

Furthermore, Spurs have just loaned out 21-year-old attacking midfielder Alfie Devine to Preston North End, leaving Thomas Frank without any genuine creative options for the time being.

Lucas Bergvall is seemingly the next best thing in the most advanced midfield role, while Mohammed Kudus could be trialled in that spot too, but Tottenham are understandably in the market to bolster their creative ranks.

Spurs Paz offered 'rejected' after Maddison ACL blow

According to Sky Italia - via the Daily Mail - Tottenham recently came forward with a bid of £34.5m for Paz, but it was swiftly rejected by Como, who are after at least £60m to consider a sale instead.

The Italian upstarts brought Paz to the club for just £5.2m from Real Madrid last summer, but Los Blancos are supposedly in line to receive a staggering 50% from the profit of any future sale.

As a result, Como will drive an extremely hard bargain for the 2004-born playmaker, but head coach Cesc Fabregas does not want to see him leave, having seen him blossom in Serie A last season.

Paz played a critical role in Como's top-flight survival with six goals and nine assists from 35 appearances, prior to which he played just eight matches for Real Madrid, scoring once.

Los Blancos can also re-sign their former Castilla starlet for as little as £7.8m until next June, or for an £8.6m package between 2026 and 2027, but they have so far held off on bringing him back to the club.

Real Madrid currently have Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz capable of playing as the most advanced midfielder, and the latter is supposedly close to signing a new long-term contract.

However, the report adds that Real Madrid have not yet decided on activating their future buyback clauses, so Spurs may need to make a revised offer if they are to avoid losing out on the 20-year-old.

What other Maddison replacements can Tottenham target?

Sports Mole has been told that the Lilywhites made direct contact over a move for Manchester City's Jack Grealish in the wake of Maddison's injury, but Everton are also in the running for the 29-year-old.

Spurs could also reignite their interest in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze - who has seen a move to Arsenal stall - or look at a wild card option such as Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton & Hove Albion) or Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City) to replace their stricken playmaker.

Frank's side are back in action on Wednesday, facing Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, three days before opening their Premier League campaign against Burnley.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a major creative crisis heading into the 2025-26 campaign following James Maddison suffering an ACL injury just 12 minutes after entering the pitch during their pre-season clash with Newcastle United.

The attacking midfielder has been plagued with injury during his time at Spurs, including missing out on last season’s Europa League final with a knee injury, and Maddison’s latest setback looks set to rule him out for the majority of the season.

Tottenham had already been looking for reinforcements in that area, missing out on the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer, and with Dejan Kulusevski also set to miss the first weeks of the campaign, the club are expected to delve back into the market.

Thomas Frank confirmed that intention following Maddison’s injury, saying that his side are “definitely in the market”, and here, Sports Mole takes a look at four stars who could fill the Maddison-shaped void.

Nico Paz (Como)

Paz came through the youth academy at Real Madrid before making the permanent move to Serie A side Como last summer, and the Argentinian enjoyed a breakout campaign for the newly promoted side.

The attacking midfielder scored six and assisted eight goals in 35 league appearances, helping Como to record a superb 10th-placed finish in their first season back in the top flight since 2002-03.

Paz’s biggest strength is his dribbling ability, ranking in the top 10% of Serie A wingers and attacking midfielders for successful dribbles per 90 minutes, while he also takes a large number of shots, with his 3.68 per 90 ranking him among the top 3%.

The Argentinian would also offer Frank with plenty of versatility and tactical flexibility, as Paz featured everywhere from striker, winger, attacking midfield, central midfield and even as a wing-back at times for Como last term.

Tottenham hold a firm interest in the Como player, with reports suggesting they have even had an initial bid rejected for the 20-year-old.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Eze has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace this summer, with reports suggesting Arsenal are particularly interested in the midfielder, though Spurs did also have an interest earlier in the window and may revive their pursuit given Maddison’s ACL setback.

At 27 years old, Eze is a proven Premier League talent entering the prime years of his career, and he is coming into the 2025-26 campaign off the back of his best ever individual season, tallying 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, including the only goal in Palace’s monumental FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

Similarly to Paz, Eze is a shot-dominant attacking midfielder who averaged 3.53 shots per 90 in the Premier League last season, while he also completed an impressive 2.32 dribbles and creating 2.01 chances per 90 minutes.

While Eze could cost upwards of £60m, stealing his signature from under their North London rivals noses and adding one of the best creative midfielders in the country to their squad could be worth every penny.

Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

Grealish is understood to be seeking a move away from Manchester City this summer after a particularly difficult period at the club, including making just seven league starts across the last two seasons.

While his opportunities have been limited for Man City in recent years, Grealish is one of the most talented players in the division, as evidenced by the Citizens paying £100m for his services back in 2021, and if given the chance, the attacking midfielder could flourish once again.

Grealish provides a different option to Paz and Eze, as the Man City man prefers to take his time on the ball before threading through a teammate rather than taking a shot, with his best goalscoring season coming in 2019-20 when he scored eight Premier League goals.

Despite playing just 715 league minutes last term, Grealish created a massive 3.02 chances per 90 – ranking in the top 2% of players in his position – and this could be ideal for Tottenham as they look to supply their more goal-hungry players, such as Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel and even Brennan Johnson.

Manchester City are reportedly asking for £50m for a permanent deal, while they are also supposedly open to a loan move for the midfielder.

Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City)

Another player that Tottenham held interest in earlier in the window, El Khannouss would serve as an interesting and certainly more affordable option than the other players on this list.

Despite playing for a Leicester City side that accumulated just 25 points as they were relegated from the Premier League last season, the attacking midfielder still managed to catch the eye of several top clubs, with Arsenal and Spurs among those that were supposedly looking at the player earlier in the window.

El Khannouss managed two goals and three assists in 32 Premier League appearances, but the 21-year-old showed the potential that he could become a far greater contributor, especially if he was playing for a team that were more dominant of possession.

With Tottenham looking to improve in this area of the pitch, there could even be room for El Khannouss to be signed alongside another attacking option thanks to his expectedly lower price tag.

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Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly 'explored the situation' of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado Torras, but the lynchpin has no interest in leaving Camp Nou.

The Europa League winners bolstered their midfield ranks with the signing of Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich over the weekend, and they have the option to keep him permanently for £26.5m next summer.

However, Thomas Frank may need to make two additions at the base of the midfield if two soon-to-be out-of-contract players fail to extend their terms in the coming months.

Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur can both leave for nothing in the summer of 2026, and the former is expected to be sold for the right price in the current window.

Meanwhile, Bentancur is understood to have discussed a new contract with the North London giants earlier this year, but there has not yet been a breakthrough, and he can speak to foreign clubs from January,

Tottenham 'approached' Barcelona over Casado transfer

As a result, Sport claims that Spurs recently enquired about Casado's situation at Barcelona as they look to the future in a possible post-Bissouma and post-Bentancur world.

Casado has risen through the Blaugrana's La Masia youth system to make 41 appearances for the senior team in all competitions - scoring one goal and setting up six more - registering all of those contributions last term.

Casado became a favourite of Hansi Flick's in the first half of the 2024-25 season, but after spending several weeks out with a ligament injury, he struggled to force his way back into the Blaugrana's first XI.

The Spaniard faces intense competition from Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong in the engine room, but he is under contract at Barcelona until 2028 and supposedly has no desire to leave, in spite of additional interest from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

However, if La Blaugrana receive a £26.1m offer for Casado, they may consider a sale, as Flick also has talented youngster Marc Bernal coming back from a long-term knee injury.

Twenty-one-year-old Casado is under contract at Barcelona for another three seasons, and he won his first two caps for the Spain national team in November last year.

Tottenham's biggest transfer priority is clear amid Casado links

While Spurs will need to enter the midfield market if both Bentancur and Bissouma depart, they can cross that bridge when they come to it, as they have much more pressing matters at hand right now.

Following Son Heung-min's exit to Los Angeles FC and James Maddison's ACL rupture, Spurs have been deprived of two of their most influential attackers, and a new versatile, creative option must be sought as a matter of priority.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that James Maddison is set to undergo surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, which could rule him out for the entire 2025-26 season.

The 28-year-old sustained the devastating problem in the weekend's 1-1 friendly draw with Newcastle United in South Korea, a few months after recovering from another injury to the same knee.

Maddison awkwardly jarred his knee just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute and quickly went down, signalling to the bench that he needed to come off as he grimaced in pain on the Seoul World Cup Stadium turf.

Spurs fans and players - including the departing Son Heung-min - expressed serious concern for the former Leicester City man, who was stretchered off the field soon after.

Sports Mole exclusively reported at the time that Maddison had hurt his ACL, potentially putting him out of contention for the whole of this season, and Spurs' worst fears have now come true.

Maddison ACL injury confirmed as Tottenham release statement

In a club statement on Thursday, the Lilywhites announced that the playmaker would go under the knife in the coming days, although they did not put a timeframe on his recovery.

"We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee," a statement read. "The 28-year-old midfielder suffered the injury during our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul.

"His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way."

Head coach Thomas Frank confirmed at his post-game press conference that Maddison had injured the same knee he damaged last season, which ruled him out of the Europa League final triumph against Manchester United, although he could not give more details at the time.

The England international's lengthy absence is a hammer blow for Tottenham, whom Maddison scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists for in 45 appearances across all competitions last season, including nine Premier League goals.

How can Spurs replace Maddison after ACL injury?

Losing two influential attackers in the space of one week, Maddison's ACL issue happened the day after Son announced he was leaving, and the South Korean's switch to Los Angeles FC was announced on Wednesday evening.

The Lilywhites will almost certainly have to look to the transfer market to address their attacking deficiencies, and Sports Mole understands that they put in an immediate enquiry for Manchester City's Jack Grealish over the weekend.

The England international would be an alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White following the Nottingham Forest man's contract extension, but Everton are also vying for his signature.

As Arsenal's move for Eberechi Eze appears to have stalled, Spurs could do worse than reignite their interest in the Crystal Palace man too, and Frank may well consider keeping Alfie Devine, who was originally expected to go out on loan this summer.

Son Heung-min is reportedly set to join Los Angeles FC on a league 'record fee' from Tottenham Hotspur.Â

The 33-year-old played his final match in last Sunday's 1-1 friendly draw with Newcastle United in South Korea, where he was given a guard of honour.Â

The South Korean winger has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join the MLS outfit, and he will soon become one of the highest-paid players in the league, above Sergio Busquets but behind Lionel Messi.Â

According to The Athletic, the transfer has been finalised, where LAFC will pay Tottenham in the region of $26.5m (£20m) for the winger - a new MLS record.Â

Son leaves Tottenham as a club legendÂ

The South Korean announced last week that he would be leaving the north London club after 10 years of outstanding service, and the Europa League winners respected his decision.Â

Son leaves behind a massive legacy, becoming the fifth-highest scorer and highest non-English scorer in Tottenham's history. The attacker finished with 173 goals in all competitions for Spurs and played more Premier League matches than any other Tottenham player.Â

The former Bayer Leverkusen forward scored 127 Premier League goals and added 71 assists, and he is one of the seven players ranking in the top 20 in both categories.Â

Huge commercial pull for LAFCÂ

According to a report from the The Guardian, Son attended LAFC’s home Leagues Cup win against Tigres on Tuesday, and he will officially be introduced on Wednesday.Â

His impact at LAFC is expected to go beyond footballing contributions, with the club likely to be reaping profits commercially from his presence.Â

Many South Korean fans regularly fly to London to watch Son in action, and needless to say, they will flock in numbers to watch him in the MLS, as Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean population in the U.S.Â

Everton have reportedly opened talks with Manchester City over a loan deal for Jack Grealish.

The England international is free to leave Man City during this summer's transfer window, and there are believed to be a number of Premier League clubs interested in his signature.

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for their former playmaker, while West Ham United are believed to have made an ambitious attempt to sign him in recent weeks.

Sports Mole has exclusively reported that Tottenham Hotspur are also in the running, with Spurs making an immediate enquiry following James Maddison's injury blow against Newcastle United.

However, according to transfer expert David Ornstein, Everton are now in talks with Man City over the possibility of signing the attacker on loan for the 2025-26 campaign.

Everton 'open talks' with Man City over Grealish move

Ornstein claims that the deal is 'complicated', but there are currently discussions between the two clubs, with Grealish making it clear that he is open to a switch.

The 29-year-old needs a strong 2025-26 campaign if he is to be a part of the England squad at the 2026 World Cup, and playing time will have a big role in the final decision over his future.

Grealish scored 32 times and registered 43 assists in 213 appearances for Aston Villa before making a big-money move to Man City in the summer of 2022.

The attacker has only managed 17 goals and 23 assists in 157 appearances for the Citizens, though, and he struggled to make his mark for Pep Guardiola's side during the 2024-25 season.

Grealish only managed one goal and one assist in 20 Premier League appearances last term, and he is not in the plans of head coach Guardiola for the coming season.

Guardiola: 'I have no issue with Grealish'

At the end of June, Man City head coach Guardiola insisted that he had no problem with Grealish, claiming that the decision to leave him out of the Club World Cup squad was not a personal one.

"The only reason he [Grealish] didn't play minutes was me, not because he was incorrect or whatever," Guardiola told reporters at the time.

"He's a top player but the players have to compete with each other and last season [Jeremy] Doku was incredible in many games and Savinho made the step up for his first season.

"I want the best for Jack, his partner, his kids, his family. I don't know what's going to happen right now. have any doubts about the qualities of Jack. The quality has always been there, the year of the treble would have been impossible."

Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly yet to make an offer for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo despite the recent reports.

The Brazil international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Los Blancos believed to be open to letting him leave for the right price during this summer's transfer window.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with the attacker, but the Gunners are no longer believed to be considering making for a move for him, with another North London club instead emerging as the favourites.

Recent reports in Spain have claimed that Spurs have made an offer for the South American, who is said to be keen to remain at Bernabeu and fight for his position in the starting side.

However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, such suggestions are "wide of the mark", with Real Madrid yet to receive a bid for the 24-year-old, who has a contract at Bernabeu until June 2028.

Tottenham 'yet to make offer' for Real Madrid's Rodrygo

"Suggestions Spurs have placed a formal bid for Rodrygo are wide of the mark. As of Tuesday morning, Real Madrid have received no bids from any club," Jacobs posted on X.

"Real are still prepared to sell if Rodrygo informs them he wishes to leave. Player has now met Xabi Alonso and did not hand in a transfer request. Open situation, with Rodrygo being offered to several clubs in case he decides to exit."

Rodrygo made the move to Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, and he has represented his current side on 270 occasions, scoring 68 goals and registering 51 assists in the process.

Last season, the attacker found it difficult to make his mark in La Liga, only managing six goals and six assists, while he was given a reduced role by new head coach Xabi Alonso at the 2025 Club World Cup.

Will Rodrygo leave Real Madrid this summer?

Real Madrid are seemingly open to a sale, but it remains to be seen whether any of the interested clubs are prepared to pay the amount of money that Los Blancos are believed to be demanding.

Indeed, it is unlikely that Real Madrid would listen to offers of under £70m for Rodrygo considering the forward's age and experience, while he is proven at the highest level.

Tottenham are said to be accelerating their attempts to bring in a playmaker, as James Maddison is facing a long period on the sidelines with the seemingly serious injury that he suffered against Newcastle United last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly facing competition from Premier League rivals Everton to sign Jack Grealish in the summer window.Â

Spurs could be in the market to sign a new attacker after Son Heung-Min left the club to complete his £15m move to Los Angeles.Â

On top of that, the north London club could be without James Maddison for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he picked up a nasty injury during a pre-season friendly game against Newcastle United.Â

Sports Mole exclusively reported that Tottenham have made contact over a move for the Man City attacker, who is likely to be sold in the summer window.Â

Spurs, however, could face competition from Everton, who could reignite their interest in the 29-year-old after struggling to reach an agreement for Tyler Dibling.Â

Everton eyeing a move for GrealishÂ

The Toffees reportedly submitted an improved bid in the region of £40m for the Southampton youngster, but the Saints have turned down the offer yet again.Â

According to a report from talkSPORT, the Championship club are demanding a £50m package for the winger, and a 25 per cent sell-on clause.Â

In response, the Toffees have turned their attention back to Grealish after they reportedly held talks with the former Aston Villa winger over a move this summer.Â

Grealish almost certain to leave...but who will sign him?Â

The England international scored three goals and provided five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions last season, and he has fallen down the pecking order at City.Â

The three-time Premier League winner is tipped to leave the club after he was omitted from Pep Guardiola's squad for the Club World Cup this summer, with a loan or permanent exit being mooted.Â

Getting a player of Grealish's calibre would be a massive boost for the Toffees, and they can look to strike a loan agreement with a view to a permanent deal to save funds for other signings.Â

Tottenham are long-term admirers of Grealish, and they can offer him Champions League football next season, something the England winger may find it hard to turn down straightaway. Â

Jack Grealish would be a "huge asset" for Tottenham Hotspur following the Lilywhites' enquiry for the out-of-favour Manchester City attacker, Sky Blues legend Richard Dunne has suggested.

Sports Mole understands that the Europa League winners submitted an immediate enquiry for Grealish after losing James Maddison to a severe-looking knee injury in the weekend's friendly against Newcastle United.

Maddison is feared to have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) problem, which could potentially threaten his entire 2025-26 campaign, and Spurs have now leapfrogged Napoli in the race for Grealish.

The 29-year-old has struggled to justify his £100m price tag since joining City from Aston Villa in 2021, and Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction his exit for the right price given the embarrassment of riches at his disposal in the final third.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Mole, Dunne expressed regret over Grealish's time at Man City but backed the attacker to thrive in North London, saying: “It’s a shame really. It’s just about being in form at the right time.

Grealish would be "huge asset" for Tottenham after transfer enquiry

"And when players had a bit of an off-season last year, it was an opportunity for Grealish to stand up and be the one that brought the goals and assists. But he never got the game time.

“It's difficult for him and that opportunity is gone. It's probably time for him to move on. As good as a player I think he's been, I don't think he'll get the chance at City any more.

"So, unfortunately, he will move on. But wherever he goes, he'll be a huge asset. Certainly, if he went to Tottenham, he'd be a fantastic player for them.”

Everton are also believed to have taken an interest in Grealish, who has been directly involved in 40 goals from 157 appearances for Man City in all tournaments, 17 of his own and 23 assists.

The England international managed just one goal and one helper from 20 Premier League matches in the 2024-25 campaign, though, before being left out of Guardiola's squad for the 2025 Club World Cup.

How Grealish could fit in at Tottenham under Thomas Frank

Maddison is not the only Spurs creator sidelined with a knee problem, as Dejan Kulusevski is working his way back from an issue in the same area and will not be ready in time for the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus could function in that role, but City's immediate enquiry for Grealish suggests that Thomas Frank wants to deploy the Englishman in a central playmaking role, similar to the one Mikkel Damsgaard played for the Dane's Brentford side.

Despite playing almost predominantly from the left for Man City, Grealish is not a complete stranger to operating centrally or even in the right half-space; the attacker would most likely be happy with any position where he has complete freedom to express his creative talents.

The permanent exit of Son Heung-min and Mikey Moore's loan switch to Rangers also opens up the possibility of Grealish starting on the left wing once Kulusevski and/or Maddison return, offering Frank incredibly useful squad depth for the Champions League campaign.

Even if Grealish does make the switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, City still have Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Oscar Bobb, Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki available to support talismanic number nine Erling Haaland, making the Englishman surplus to requirements at the Etihad.