Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur will round off their pre-season preparations with a challenging test against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Thursday at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern are only just getting back into the groove of things after competing in the Club World Cup over the summer, with their domestic season also starting a week later than the Premier League.

Match preview

It has been a month since Bayern were beaten in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup by Paris Saint-Germain, on a day overshadowed by the awful injury suffered by Jamal Musiala.

Vincent Kompany’s men only returned to action for the new season at the weekend, beating Lyon 2-1 in their first friendly of preseason.

Spurs are up next, before feeder club Grasshoppers provide the final test for Kompany and his side ahead of the new season in Germany, where Bayern will play in the curtain-raiser: the Super Cup against Stuttgart.

Bayern begin their title defence with a tough test against RB Leipzig on August 22, but simply retaining the Bundesliga title might not be enough for Kompany this season, after they flattered to deceive in the Champions League last season.

Luis Diaz has also arrived for a very substantial fee, joining Harry Kane and Michael Olise as another high-profile signing from the Premier League in recent times, so that money spent must translate into better performances on the continent in particular.

Bayern will face Spurs again after the two met twice last summer, with the German giants winning on both occasions, but the most notable previous meeting is undoubtedly the 7-2 win the Bavarians enjoyed in North London in the Champions League in 2019.

It is a very different Spurs now, who have changed managers yet again this summer, appointing Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, whose Europa League success was not enough to paper over a 17th-place finish.

With the UEFA Super Cup against PSG coming up next midweek, this is Spurs’ last friendly before the new season gets underway, and while they did beat Arsenal in Hong Kong, that is their only win in four, drawing with Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town and Newcastle United.

Burnley await on the opening weekend, a few days after Spurs face PSG in Udine, and they will go into those games without captain Son Heung-min, who is leaving for LAFC after 10 years of service to the club.

Bayern Munich Preseason form:

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Tottenham Hotspur Preseason form:

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Team News

Musiala will be out long term after the devastating injury the Bayern man suffered in the defeat to PSG at the Club World Cup last month, with Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies also still sidelined.

New signing Diaz remains the only first-team recruit brought in by Bayern this summer, and the ex-Liverpool man got his first run out with his new teammates in their win over Lyon at the weekend.

It was another former Premier League winger who impressed though, as Olise came off the bench to score both Bayern goals in that 2-1 success, and the Frenchman is set to start in this one.

Joao Palhinha is set for his first appearance in a Spurs shirt, and it will come against the side he moved on loan from just a few days ago.

Mathys Tel has made his loan from Bayern to Spurs permanent this summer, and the young striker is also in line to make a swift return to the Allianz Arena in this friendly.

James Maddison will not be a part of the side though after the serious knee injury he picked up against Newcastle, meaning he will join Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin on the treatment table for the long term.

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka, Bischof; Olise, Kane, Diaz

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Tel, Kudus

We say: Bayern Munich 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are much more advanced in their pre-season preparations, having started almost a month earlier than Bayern, who were preoccupied with matters in the United States, but the hosts have got the sheer quality to still cause many problems, even if the fitness is not quite there yet.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Joao Palhinha could make his debut in Tottenham Hotspur's final pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich just days after joining the Lilywhites on loan from the German champions.

The Portuguese holding midfielder's move to North London was confirmed on Monday, with Palhinha initially joining on a year-long loan deal, while Spurs will have the option to make the deal permanent for a reported £27m at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Palhinha bolsters a midfield that was recently struck by the injury of James Maddison, who looks set to be ruled out for the foreseeable future after having to be stretched off with a knee injury in their clash with Newcastle United last week.Â

Archie Gray has been particularly impressive at the base of midfield during pre-season, and the Englishman could join Palhinha on Thursday, while Pape Sarr should also reprise his role in the middle of the park.

Spurs legend Son Heung-min played his final match for Tottenham against Newcastle after announcing his decision to leave the club, meaning Brennan Johnson - who scored Tottenham's only goal in that 1-1 draw - is likely to start alongside Mohammed Kudus and the returning Dominic Solanke in the front three.

Solanke has been out of the side since their opening friendly fixture against Reading due to an ankle concern, but the striker is expected to be back in the squad for their final pre-season clash against the German champions.

At the other end of the pitch, Destiny Udogie and Radu Dragusin remain on the sidelines due to injury, meaning a defence of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence should start.

Tottenham possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Gray, Sarr; Kudus, Solanke, Johnson

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Tottenham Hotspur new boy Joao Palhinha has been bestowed with the number six shirt in North London following his arrival from Bayern Munich.

Spurs confirmed over the weekend that they had signed the former Fulham midfielder on loan with an option to buy, which totals €30m (£26.1m) through a €25m (£21.7m) fixed fee and €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.

Palhinha was not immediately given a squad number by the Europa League winners, but the Portugal international is now confirmed to be sporting the number six shirt for the Lilywhites, the same jersey he has worn for Portugal since 2020.

The midfielder also sported the '6' during his two senior seasons at Sporting Lisbon, before donning the number 26 jersey for Fulham and the number 16 shirt in his first campaign with Bayern Munich.

Explaining his reasoning for usually choosing a jersey with a '6' on the back, Palhinha revealed that the number marked the date that he lost his grandfather, and the six therefore has a special place in the "superstitious" midfielder's heart.

Tottenham's Palhinha: 'Number six shirt has a special meaning to me'

"I try to choose always a number with a six – sometimes it’s not available but since I started my career, it was a number that I’ve had with me because of my family," Palhinha told the official Tottenham website.

"It means a lot for me because of my grandfather… it’s the day that he left our family and since my grandfather died, if I have a look, a lot of important things in my life have happened on this day, with the number six.

"I can remember my first goal... everything that has been important in my career – not just the career, but in other things as well – most of the days have the number six.

“I’m a bit superstitious and I believe always that this number has an important meaning for me and my family and this is why I want to keep, if possible, the number with me on the shirt."

Tottenham's new number six could make his debut for the club in Thursday's friendly with parent club Bayern in the Telekom Cup, before Thomas Frank's men take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Which other Tottenham players have worn the number six shirt?

When Palhinha signed his contract as a new Tottenham player, the number six shirt was in the possession of Radu Dragusin, but the Romanian has switched to the number three to vacate the '6' for his new teammate.

Tottenham's number six shirt was perhaps most notably worn by Steve Perryman, who holds the record for the most appearances for the Lilywhites with a staggering 866 between 1969 and 1986.

Perryman is the only man to play more games for Spurs than Gary Mabbutt, who also sported the '6' during his time at White Hart Lane and sits second on the club's appearance list with 611.

In their final friendly before beginning their 2025–26 campaign with a UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur will take on Bayern Munich in a pre-season fixture on Thursday evening.

Spurs will be looking to continue their unbeaten run during pre-season, which includes two wins and three draws, while Bayern are set for just their second of three friendly fixtures following their Club World Cup involvement earlier this summer.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the information you need to know about how to tune into the event.

What time does Bayern Munich vs. Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

Bayern Munich's pre-season meeting with Tottenham Hotspur is set to kick off at 5.30pm in the UK.Â

Meanwhile, the game will begin at 6.30pm for viewers in Germany.

Where is Bayern Munich vs. Tottenham Hotspur being played?

Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur will be locking horns at the home of the German champions, the Allianz Arena, where Spurs defeated Die Roten on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the Audi Cup final in July 2019.

Spurs have visited the Allianz Arena on two occasions since that victory, suffering a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League group stage in 2019 and a 2-1 defeat in a friendly match last summer.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

TV channels

Bayern Munich's clash with Tottenham Hotspur will not be shown live on TV in the UK.

Online streaming

Tottenham Hotspur will be streaming the match live on their official website - SPURSPLAY - which provides pre-season coverage, match replays, highlights and other video documentaries.Â

The service costs £45 per year or a discounted £35 per year for members and season ticket holders.

Highlights

Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are expected to upload match highlights to their official websites and YouTube channels shortly after the full-time whistle has been blown.

Furthermore, the two clubs' social media accounts will likely post goals and other notable snippets during the game.

What is at stake for Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur?

Bayern Munich will be looking to build upon their 2-1 victory over Lyon in their opening friendly match last week following a period of rest and recovery after their Club World Cup involvement, where they suffered a quarterfinal elimination against Paris Saint-Germain.Â

As for Tottenham, Thomas Frank's side are unbeaten across their five friendly matches with two wins and three draws, including a 1-0 triumph over fierce rivals Arsenal, and the new manager will be hopeful of maintaining their undefeated streak going into the UEFA Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain later this month.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is 'likely' to depart in the summer transfer window.Â

The 28-year-old joined Spurs from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and has made 100 appearances for the north London club in all competitions.Â

In 2024-25, he made 28 appearances in the Premier League, but only started in 16 of those, with the midfielder falling behind Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr in the midfield pecking order.Â

Bissouma is further likely to drop down the pecking order after Spurs signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich at the weekend.Â

According to a report from Football Insider, the Mali international is highly likely to leave the club this summer, and Spurs want to recoup at least £25m they paid for him.Â

Spurs want Conor Gallagher as Bissouma's upgrade?

Thomas Frank wants to bolster the midfield this summer, and he will be looking for an upgrade over Bissouma, who has not impressed in the pre-season.Â

The report claims that Spurs could be interested in signing Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this summer, and the England international would be an upgrade over Bissouma in central midfield.Â

Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke said: “I’m not surprised that Tottenham are looking at [Gallagher] to try and bolster that midfield.

“It seems more than likely that Yves Bissouma could be moved on, and that midfield at Tottenham is a bit light right now.

“So, they could be looking for options to strengthen it, and Conor Gallagher would tick a lot of boxes.”

Tottenham need fresh plans after James Maddison blowÂ

Spurs should be looking to bolster their attacking midfield areas after Son Heung-Min played his last game for the club against Newcastle in the pre-season friendly.Â

To make matters worse, Maddison suffered a horrific injury in the same game, and he was stretchered off.Â

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided whether they are willing to send Luka Vuskovic out on loan for the 2025-26 season following his bright start to life at the club.

A deal was agreed to take the towering Croatian defender to North London back in 2023, although he is only now being integrated into the Europa League winners' squad after turning 18.

Vuskovic enjoyed a dream debut for Thomas Frank's side last month, scoring one goal and setting up another in a 2-0 friendly win over Reading, before also coming on for the final 10 minutes of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United.

The 2007-born talent would be behind Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso in the Spurs pecking order next season, though; the former is likely to stay despite interest from Atletico Madrid.

As a result, a loan exit has understandably been touted for Vuskovic, and according to football.london, Spurs are happy to send him out on a temporary basis to gain more experience next season.

Tottenham 'make Vuskovic available for loan' after dream debut

Vuskovic has already enjoyed two loan spells in Poland and Belgium since he was officially announced as a new Spurs recruit in 2023, representing Radomiak and most recently KVC Westerlo and excelling at both clubs.

The 6ft 4in defender has already established a reputation as a significant threat in the opposition box, and he produced an exceptional 10 goal contributions from 36 appearances for Westerlo in the 2024-25 season.

Vuskovic scored seven goals and set up three more for the Belgian outfit last term, and the teenager could now be ready to take the step up to one of the bigger European leagues.

Clubs from the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are understood to have been casting a watchful eye over Vuskovic's situation, although other Belgian clubs could also try to bring him to the Jupiler Pro League.

Spurs pair £9.6m to bring Vuskovic to North London from Hajduk Split, and the defender - whose Tottenham contract runs until 2030 - made his senior Croatia debut against the Czech Republic in June.

Vuskovic 'among eight Tottenham players' available for loan

Tottenham have already loaned out one high-profile youngster this summer, as attacking phenom Mikey Moore has signed for Rangers, and a plethora of youngsters could soon follow.

Indeed, Vuskovic is said to be one of eight players whom Tottenham are prepared to sanction temporary exits for, a list that also includes 21-year-old playmaker Alfie Devine, who did not make Spurs' pre-season tour squad while searching for a move away.

James Maddison's serious knee injury could have opened the door for Devine to play a part in the first team next term, but Spurs have now made an enquiry for a Manchester City attacker, so the 21-year-old will be given the green light to depart.

The report adds that Dane Scarlett, Yang Min-hyeok, Will Lankshear, Jamie Donley, George Abbott and Tyrese Hall could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between now and September 1.

Tottenham Hotspur and Los Angeles FC have reportedly reached a verbal agreement over the transfer of Son Heung-min.

The 33-year-old made his final Tottenham appearance in Sunday's 1-1 friendly draw with Newcastle United in South Korea, where he was given a guard of honour by both sets of players before being substituted in front of the home crowd.

Head coach Thomas Frank confirmed after the game that Son's move to LAFC was "very close" to being finalised, and he was almost certain that the South Korea international had pulled on the Lilywhites shirt for the final time.

Son elected to remain in his homeland rather than travel back to Europe with Spurs, who have been thrashing out the final details with LAFC over a proposed transfer for the attacker.

Now, Fabrizio Romano reports that the two clubs have struck a verbal agreement for Son, who had already given the green light to the Black and Gold some time ago.

Spurs Son fee revealed as 'verbal agreement' in place for transfer

Romano adds that Tottenham stand to receive in excess of €15m (£13.1m) for Son's sale, one year before the former Bayer Leverkusen man was due to become a free agent.

The attacker gave his word to Los Angeles FC despite reported interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, who would have offered Son a once-in-a-lifetime contract, but Spurs wanted £30m to sell him to a Middle Eastern powerhouse.

The Lilywhites were also hopeful of garnering around £20m through Son's sale to MLS, but the Europa League winners were not prepared to stand in his way of an exit after 10 years of exemplary service.

Son will leave North London as the fifth-highest scorer and highest non-English scorer in Tottenham's history, registering 173 strikes in 454 games for the capital giants, in addition to 101 assists.

Will Spurs sign a new attacker after Son LAFC move?

What should have been a stress-free watch for Son after his withdrawal on Sunday was anything but, as the 33-year-old expressed great concern when James Maddison was stretchered off with a serious knee injury.

Sports Mole understands that the England international has suffered a potentially devastating ACL problem, which could potentially threaten his entire 2025-26 season, although Spurs are yet to confirm the diagnosis.

In the immediate aftermath of Maddison's problem, Sports Mole learned that Spurs submitted an enquiry for Manchester City's Jack Grealish, who would also be an option on the left wing in Son's place.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo is also thought to be a genuine target for the Europa League winners, while Ademola Lookman - another reported target - recently launched a scathing attack on Atalanta BC when confirming he had submitted a transfer request.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to target Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, despite his former allegiance to Chelsea.

Spurs were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon, though the match mattered little given it was Son Heung-min's final outing for the club.

His exit marks a significant turning point for Tottenham, who are set for summer of change in all departments under the direction of Thomas Frank.

Forwards such as Mohammed Kudus have arrived, but Spurs could also make additions in the middle of the pitch in order to improve their defensive performances.

Football Insider report that Frank could look to bring in Atletico Madrid's Gallagher, though any deal with the Spanish giants will be diffficult to pull off due to the fact they have already loaned Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami, and the midfielder could cost in excess of £50m.

Does Gallagher make sense for Tottenham this summer transfer window?

Gallagher has been deployed in a number of midfield roles throughout his career, though he is arguably at his best as a number eight that is given license to charge into the penalty area.

The Englishman is relentless without the ball, and his energy in the middle of the pitch could be important for Spurs if they wish to improve defensively.

Tottenham ended last season in 17th place with the fifth worst defensive record of any team in the top flight (65), with many of their defensive frailties being exposed during counter-attacks.

It should also be noted that while Gallagher could improve the Londoners out of possession, he is able to operate in more advanced areas of the pitch, and Spurs may need additional depth there given James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle.

What will Tottenham's midfield look like under Frank?

Even if Tottenham fail in their pursuit of Gallagher, Frank will likely be boosted by the arrival of fresh faces in midfield considering a loan deal for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha is thought to be close to completion.

The Portuguese star is at his best as a number six and he would arguably be Spurs' best defensive player in that area of the field.

Palhinha's addition could indicate that Frank does not believe his side's weaknesses are due to the players available to him in the backline, but rather stem from a lack of protection ahead of them.

Tottenham are likely to start an XI that are more physically combative, as well as more willing to engage in duels to win back possession, and it would not be surprising if they did not concede as often.

Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an immediate enquiry for Manchester City's Jack Grealish following James Maddison's injury blow, Sports Mole has been told.

The Lilywhites lost Maddison to a severe-looking knee problem in Sunday's 1-1 friendly draw with Newcastle United in South Korea, as the 28-year-old went down of his own accord late on in the second half.

Maddison appeared distraught as he was stretchered off the field at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, and the playmaker was then pictured on crutches heading through the mixed zone after the match.

An official diagnosis on Maddison's injury is yet to arrive, but Spurs boss Thomas Frank told the media that the midfielder's latest issue was on the same knee he hurt towards the end of last season.

The Europa League champions are already missing Dejan Kulusevski due to his own knee problem, leaving Lucas Bergvall and 21-year-old Alfie Devine as Spurs' next best options in the most advanced midfield role.

Spurs make Grealish enquiry as Napoli leapfrogged in transfer race

Now, a source has told Sports Mole that Tottenham have made immediate contact over a move for Man City attacker Grealish in the wake of Maddison's problem.

Serie A champions Napoli were originally said to have been the number one contenders for the former Aston Villa playmaker, but Sports Mole has learned that Antonio Conte's side are no longer the front-runners.

Grealish is only under contract at Man City for another two years, and the Sky Blues are expected to be open to reasonable offers for a loan or permanent exit for the 29-year-old in the current window.

Grealish provided just three goals and five assists in 32 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, where he started just seven matches in the Premier League.

The England international has managed a total of 17 goals and 23 assists in 157 matches for the Citizens since his £100m arrival in 2021, a fee that made Grealish the most expensive British transfer at the time.

Would Grealish fit in at Tottenham after Maddison blow?

A penny for Daniel Levy's thoughts right now; had things turned out differently in the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga, Tottenham could have already had a ready-made Maddison replacement in their ranks.

However, the Nottingham Forest playmaker unexpectedly committed to a new long-term contract at the City Ground after the threat of legal action from the Garibaldi, forcing Spurs to look elsewhere in their search for a new number 10.

Grealish has predominantly occupied the left flank for Man City, but the consensus is that he has been restricted in that role, whereas he ought to enjoy more creative freedom in Frank's engine room.

Despite his lack of output last season, Grealish still ranks in the top 1% of wingers and attacking midfielders for progressive carries over the past year - an average of 7.71 per game - and he is also in the 99th percentile for pass completion with 87.7%.

It is unclear whether Tottenham are pursuing a loan or permanent deal for Grealish, whose wages would not be cheap either, but both he and Mohammed Kudus could soften the blow of potentially losing Maddison for months.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which could potentially put the Englishman out for the entire 2025-26 season, Sports Mole has been told.

The 28-year-old was brought off the bench for the final 15 minutes of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in South Korea, only his second appearance for Spurs since a previous knee injury towards the end of last season.

However, the luckless midfielder then suffered another nasty-looking issue towards the end of the Seoul friendly, which left him writhing in agony on the ground after he awkwardly jarred his right leg on the turf.

Maddison appeared inconsolable as he was stretchered off the field, and the England international was then pictured making his way through the mixed zone on crutches, sparking further fears of a serious problem.

Thomas Frank confirmed at his post-game press conference that the midfielder had hurt the same knee he injured in the spring, and a source has now told Sports Mole that Maddison has sustained an ACL injury.

How long Tottenham's Maddison could be out for with ACL injury

Whenever a player drops to the turf clutching their knee with nobody else around them, the dreaded three letters ACL immediately spring to mind, and Spurs' worst fears may have now been realised.

A complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament represents one of the most serious injuries an elite athlete can sustain, and if Maddison has indeed torn his ACL, the midfielder might miss the whole of the 2025-26 season.

A full recovery from an ACL tear can sometimes take as long as 12 months, although there is a chance that Maddison could be back for the latter stages of the campaign, as Rodri returned for Manchester City before the end of last season after his severe injury in September.

Alternatively, if Maddison has only suffered a partial tear, the 28-year-old might be back in action just before Christmas, and a mild strain would only render him unavailable for between two and four weeks.

However, the anguish on Maddison's face and concern on his teammates' faces suggest that his injury was not a minor one, although Tottenham are still yet to announce the official diagnosis and estimated recovery time.

Maddison suffers ACL injury: Will Spurs sign a replacement?

Barely a couple of hours have passed since Maddison was stretchered off, but Sports Mole has been informed that Spurs have already put in an enquiry for Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish.

The Lilywhites have leapfrogged Antonio Conte's Napoli in the race for the 29-year-old, although it is unclear whether the Europa League winners are pursuing a loan deal or a permanent move.

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White would have been a natural replacement for Maddison in the number 10 role, but the 25-year-old has signed a new contract at the City Ground after the Garibaldi threatened legal action over a supposed illegal approach from Spurs.

Tottenham are still missing Dejan Kulusevski due to his own knee injury, which will not heal in time for the start of the season, although Lucas Bergvall and 21-year-old Alfie Devine are other alternatives in the Maddison role.

However, the latter did not make the journey to Asia for Tottenham's pre-season tour in order to explore a loan move elsewhere.