Sports Mole

Atletico Madrid will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Spanish capital on Tuesday night for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

The second leg of the European tie will then take place in North London on March 18.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into the contest.

What time does Atletico vs. Tottenham kick off?

The Champions League fixture will kick off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday night.

Where is Atletico vs. Tottenham being played?

Atletico will welcome Tottenham to their home ground, Metropolitano Stadium.

The only previous meeting between the two sides came in the final of the 1962-63 Cup Winners' Cup, with Spurs recording a 5-1 win over the Spanish outfit.

How to watch Atletico vs. Tottenham in the UK

TV channels

The Champions League clash will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 3.

Streaming

Fans can stream this clash live via Discovery+ if they have purchased the TNT Sports package on the platform.

Discovery+ with TNT Sports is also available through the Amazon Prime Video app.

Highlights

Any goals/major incidents will be posted on the FootballOnTNT X account, while highlights will be uploaded to the TNT Sports Football YouTube channel after the match.

Atletico vs. Tottenham: What's the story?

As mentioned, these two sides have only met on one previous occasion, and it will be their first-ever contest in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Tottenham incredibly finished fourth in the Champions League league stage, but it has been a different story in the Premier League, with the North London club fighting relegation.

Spurs, now under the leadership of Igor Tudor, will enter this match off the back of five straight defeats, and they will be tackling an Atletico side that have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Atletico were 3-2 winners over Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday, but Tottenham had a free weekend due to their elimination from the FA Cup.

Spurs will know the importance of picking up a positive first-leg result on Tuesday if they are to stand a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur’s first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, is reportedly considering a return to Italy in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with 29 points from 29 matches, just one point above the relegation zone, and could be dragged into the bottom three unless their results improve dramatically.

If the unthinkable happens and Tottenham suffer relegation, the club could face a mass player exodus, with Vicario potentially among the names expected to depart.

Even if the north London club manage to preserve their top-flight status, the Italian goalkeeper is still believed to be heading towards the exit door.

Broken relationship: Vicario heading for exit?

Vicario has made 113 appearances for Spurs since joining from Empoli and has started all 29 Premier League matches for the club so far this season.

The former Venezia goalkeeper has endured a turbulent campaign in north London and, according to Fabrizio Romano (via Juve FC), his relationship with Tottenham has completely broken down.

Inter Milan are reportedly showing concrete interest in signing the 29-year-old as they search for a replacement for Yann Sommer, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

The Nerazzurri could face strong competition from Serie A rivals Juventus, who are also exploring options to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer.

It has been suggested that Tottenham would be willing to accept a fee between £21.8m and £26.2m for Vicario as they appear resigned to losing him at the end of the season.

Who can replace Guglielmo Vicario at Tottenham?

If Tottenham are relegated, they are likely to rely on internal options, with Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin potentially being promoted for regular opportunities.

However, if Spurs manage to avoid relegation, they may look to bring in an experienced Premier League goalkeeper, with Manchester City’s James Trafford emerging as an interesting option.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke is reportedly emerging as a potential transfer target for Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window.

The former Liverpool striker joined Spurs in the summer of 2024 and has since made 59 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals.

Solanke has struggled with fitness this season and has made just 14 appearances, scoring five goals, all of which have come since January.

Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above 18th-placed West Ham, and could be dragged into a relegation battle if results do not improve.

Should relegation occur, Spurs could lose several key players, with Solanke potentially being offered an escape route to remain in the Premier League.

Newcastle eye move for Solanke?

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Solanke could be reunited with Eddie Howe, who knows him well from their time working together at Bournemouth.

Newcastle have underperformed this season and could adopt a fresh approach in the summer transfer window with a significant squad overhaul.

Strengthening the attacking department is expected to be a priority for the Magpies, with Will Osula reportedly attracting interest from several clubs, including Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Similarly, summer signing Nick Woltemade is also drawing attention from a number of clubs, but regardless of his situation, Newcastle are keen to add another proven striker to their squad.

Will Solanke leave Tottenham?

The futures of several Tottenham players, including Solanke, may depend heavily on where the club finishes at the end of the season.

Having paid £55m to sign the former Chelsea striker, Spurs are reportedly reluctant to sanction Solanke's departure even if they suffer relegation.

However, while Solanke has proven to be an effective goalscorer, his persistent injury issues could encourage Tottenham to consider cashing in should they be relegated to the Championship next season.

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has hinted at a possible move to the Premier League amid reported interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The German midfielder has made 297 appearances for the Bavarian club since joining from Schalke in the summer of 2018.

Goretzka has made 17 starts in the Bundesliga this season while adding five appearances from the bench, registering two goals and one assist.

However, the midfielder's time at the Allianz Arena appears to be coming to an end after confirming that he will leave Bayern at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with a move for the German international, while Serie A giants Inter Milan are also reportedly interested in signing him.

Leon Goretzka hints at Premier League move?

Reports have previously suggested that Goretzka is keen on a move to the Premier League as he believes his playing style would suit English football.

The 31-year-old has admitted that he wants to experience competitive football outside Germany, which could encourage clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham.

“I already said it when I announced my decision, that I felt the time was right,” Goretzka said to Sky Germany.

“Maybe it’s my last chance to go abroad. I really want to play competitive football again. We’ll see what opportunities arise. I’m completely relaxed about it. I’m just going to let things unfold.

“Who doesn’t like sunshine, right? But I’m certainly not going to base my next move on the weather. We’ll find something nice.”

Arsenal or Tottenham - who have better chance to sign Goretzka?

The Gunners reportedly failed to sign Goretzka in the January window, and they could be in the race to land him for free in the summer.

Bild journalist Christian Falk has suggested that Arsenal are leading the race to sign him, and they could be his dream destination should an offer be on the table.

Goretzka is a highly experienced midfielder who has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Bayern, winning six Bundesliga titles and the Champions League, and he could form a strong midfield partnership alongside Declan Rice.

Tottenham signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern last summer, but it remains unclear whether they will pursue a permanent deal after a disappointing Premier League campaign.

Although Spurs could attempt to lure Goretzka to north London, the midfielder may be reluctant to join them if they are unable to offer Champions League football.

Few would have predicted that Tottenham Hotspur could find themselves dragged into a Premier League survival scrap, yet that is the reality now facing the North London club.

A turbulent campaign has left Spurs alarmingly close to the relegation zone, with pressure mounting both on the pitch and in the stands. For a club that lifted the Europa League just last season and boasts one of the most impressive stadiums in world football, the idea of dropping into the Championship once seemed unthinkable.

Yet the numbers paint a worrying picture. Tottenham remain the only Premier League side without a league victory in 2026, and their 11-match winless run is their worst since 1975. The club's last longer streak was in 1935, when they went 16 matches without a victory.

Thursday night’s defeat to Crystal Palace left Spurs just one point above the bottom three with nine games remaining, deepening the unease around a team that has not faced a genuine relegation battle since the late 1990s.

Their season has been defined by frustration, inconsistency and moments of chaos. But how did a club of Tottenham’s stature fall into such peril - and could they really be dragged into the drop?

Here, Sports Mole delves into Tottenham’s worrying slide and the growing threat of a relegation scrap.

Tottenham: Injuries, departures and recruitment misfires

Tottenham’s struggles cannot be attributed to a single factor. Instead, a combination of injuries, transfer missteps and dugout instability has created the perfect storm.

Thomas Frank arrived at the start of the season with hopes of building on Spurs’ Europa League triumph, but his tenure quickly unravelled. His shortcomings were exposed during an ill-fated eight-month spell before his eventual dismissal.

Spurs have spent most of the campaign without two of their most creative players. Dejan Kulusevski has yet to feature after undergoing surgery on a patella injury sustained last season, while James Maddison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United.

The problems did not end there; Dominic Solanke, their main recognised striker, was also sidelined for months with an ankle injury, though he has since returned to action.

There were also significant departures; long-time talisman Son Heung-min left the club in the summer to join Los Angeles FC, leaving a leadership and attacking void that has proven difficult to fill. Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace, further thinning Spurs’ attacking options.

Recruitment has done little to offset those losses. Spurs missed out on major targets such as Eberechi Eze, whose £60m move was hijacked by Arsenal, and Morgan Gibbs-White, who opted to sign a new contract at Nottingham Forest rather than move to North London.

Even the club’s marquee signings - Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus - have failed to deliver consistently due to injuries and patchy form.

Following Frank’s dismissal, Spurs turned to Igor Tudor as an interim “impact coach”, hoping the Croatian could spark a late-season revival.

Instead, his start has only deepened the sense of crisis, as Tudor has lost his first three matches in charge, and questions are already being raised about whether he can reverse the team’s alarming slide.

For a team that finished 17th in the league last season but escaped disaster by winning the Europa League, the warning signs were already present, and this season’s collapse may be the moment when those unresolved issues finally caught up with them.

Tottenham: Why relegation battles are so unforgiving

Relegation battles in the Premier League are among the most brutal scenarios in modern football, largely due to the enormous financial and psychological stakes involved.

Dropping out of the top flight can slash a club’s revenue by 50-70% almost overnight. In some cases, teams lose nearly £100m in immediate income due to reduced broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and matchday revenue.

Most modern Premier League contracts also include relegation clauses that reduce players’ wages by up to 50%, often triggering a wave of departures and further destabilising the squad.

Beyond the financial damage, the psychological pressure can be equally destructive. Teams battling relegation must cope with negative momentum, fan frustration and the growing fear of long-term consequences for the club.

Tottenham’s situation clearly illustrates the pressure. They have not won a league match since December and have amassed just four points from 11 league fixtures in 2026.

Over their last 20 league matches - a run stretching back more than five months - Spurs have managed only 12 points. More concerning than the results themselves is the visible collapse in belief among the players, who appear uncertain and lacking confidence in their approach.

For teams battling relegation, mentality can be as important as quality, and right now, Spurs look like a side struggling to rediscover both.

How promoted teams have defied expectations in Premier League

While Tottenham struggle, some of the season’s promoted teams have shown impressive resilience in their fight for survival.

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been one of the stories of the season. Few expected Regis Le Bris’s side to survive comfortably after their dramatic promotion via the playoffs, but they stunned the league with an excellent start.

At one stage, they even beat Chelsea to move within two points of leaders Arsenal, a remarkable achievement for a team that finished well outside the automatic promotion places in the Championship.

Now sitting 11th with 40 points, Sunderland appear to have already done enough to secure survival. Their ambitious recruitment drive - spending £161m on 15 players has paid dividends, with former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka proving particularly influential.

Leeds United have also shown signs that they will avoid an immediate return to the Championship. With over 30 points on the board, they remain above the relegation line and, while not completely safe, are unlikely to fall into serious danger.

Burnley, however, appear destined to drop back down. Despite moments of promise, Scott Parker’s side have struggled to turn performances into points and sit deep in the relegation zone with just four wins all season.

Could Tottenham realistically be dragged into the drop?

Despite the stature of the club, Tottenham’s current situation means relegation can no longer be dismissed as impossible.

Realistically, around six teams remain involved in the survival battle: West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, and the bottom two clubs, Burnley and Wolves.

While Wolves and Burnley look increasingly likely to occupy the bottom places, West Ham have shown signs of improvement, while other teams around Spurs are picking up valuable points.

Tottenham’s injury crisis continues to limit their options, and there is little indication that the situation will improve dramatically in the final weeks of the campaign.

Even Tudor has admitted that the team is struggling in several areas of the pitch, including attacking quality, midfield energy, and defensive resilience.

With nine games remaining and Spurs sitting just one point above West Ham in 18th place, their current form offers little reassurance about where the necessary points will come from.

The enormous consequences of relegation for Tottenham

If Tottenham were to suffer relegation, it would rank among the most shocking moments in Premier League history.

Financially, the consequences would be enormous. According to UEFA’s European club finance and investment report, Spurs generated around £690m in revenue last year - the ninth-highest total in Europe.

Dropping to the Championship could slash that figure by as much as £261m.

Matchday revenue would take a particularly heavy hit. Tottenham earned roughly £130m from ticket sales last season, thanks in large part to their state-of-the-art stadium and premium hospitality offerings. That model would be difficult to sustain outside the Premier League.

Although wage-reduction clauses could cut the club’s £276m wage bill roughly in half, the broader financial shock would still be severe.

While some argue that relegation could force a necessary reset at the board level, the scale of the economic and sporting damage means few would welcome such a scenario.

Are Tottenham doomed, or can they still survive the drop?

With nine matches remaining in the season, Tottenham’s fate is still in their own hands - but the margin for error has all but disappeared.

Historically, around 36 points have been enough to secure Premier League survival. Spurs currently sit on 29, meaning they likely need several victories in the final stretch to avoid disaster.

Their upcoming fixture against Liverpool, and especially Nottingham Forest, could prove decisive. A victory would restore some belief and momentum, but anything less would leave Tottenham in an increasingly desperate position.

Tottenham’s current maximum possible total is 56 points, but realistically, they will not need anything close to that. What they do need is an immediate improvement in both performance, organisation and mentality.

Defensive discipline, tactical clarity and renewed confidence will be essential if Tottenham are to claw their way out of danger.

Modern football was not built for a club of Tottenham’s size to collapse in this way. Yet unless results improve quickly, Spurs could be heading toward a relegation that would rival some of the most shocking in English football history.

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has opened up on interest from Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window, confirming that discussions were held with the Europa League holders.

The long-serving Reds left-back has been a staple of the successful Liverpool teams under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, but he is now in the final six months of his contract at Anfield.

With the Premier League champions at risk of losing him for nothing in the summer, Tottenham tried to take advantage in January and were said to have been in discussions with Liverpool over a £5m move for the Scotsman.

However, owing to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, Liverpool could not fathom losing another defender for a meagre fee and decided to keep hold of Robertson.

Liverpool are now running the risk of losing the former Hull City man on a free transfer this summer, but in quotes attributed to The Athletic, Robertson affirmed that it was an easy decision for him to stay put.

Liverpool's Andy Robertson confirms Tottenham transfer discussions

"There was obviously interest there - there were discussions had with both sets of clubs," Robertson said. "But the decision was that I wanted to stay.

"I was never not committed. I’ve been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I’ll be committed until I’m no longer needed. That’s always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I’ve given this club everything.

“It’s been a fantastic relationship so hopefully that continues and obviously January happened, but it is now gone. Now we move forward. My focus never came off trying to help the lads on the pitch and in training."

When quizzed on his future for the 2026-27 season and beyond, the defender replied: "I’ve always said that will stay between me and the club. I don’t think it will get played out in public. It is not one of them.

“I have got an amazing relationship with Richard (Hughes), Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards. These people brought me to the football club. They have helped make me who I am.

“I think out of respect to them, and they have respected me, then the conversations will be in-house. When a decision is made, and we’re getting to the point where I only have three months left on my contract, it will be announced to you guys."

Does Andy Robertson deserve a new Liverpool contract?

While the vast majority of Liverpool players were celebrated for their contributions in 2024-25, Robertson was one of the few singled out for a perceived decline in performance - a consequence of the player entering his 30s.

The Scotland international - who turns 32 on Wednesday - has unsurprisingly dropped below Milos Kerkez in the pecking order, but his presence has been handy during the Hungarian's adaptation period.

Furthermore, Robertson still has plenty of attacking prowess to offer, as demonstrated by his goal and assist in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers and his strike against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

If the left-back is happy to continue in a backup role for another year, then a short-term extension must come into the equation, but he also could not be blamed for wanting to join a club where regular minutes are a guarantee.

Whatever happens this summer, with 13 goals, 69 assists, 369 appearances and nine trophies to his name, Robertson has etched his name into Liverpool folklore.

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Cristian Romero back to the starting lineup with open arms for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg away to Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Argentina international has been serving a four-game domestic ban for his red card against Manchester United a few weeks ago, but he will almost certainly be brought straight back in for his first appearance in just over a month.

Romero will be reunited with usual partner Micky van de Ven, who was coincidentally also dismissed in Thursday's 3-1 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace but will instead serve his suspension against Liverpool next weekend.

Fellow defender Radu Dragusin is touch-and-go after missing the Eagles defeat with a knock, but thanks to Kevin Danso's presence, Igor Tudor can still put out his favoured 3-4-2-1 shape in front of Guglielmo Vicario.

Conor Gallagher makes a swift return to the Spanish capital after his January exit from Atletico, but the Englishman has not cut the mustard so far and could be benched once again in favour of Joao Palhinha and Pape Sarr.

Romero's return gives Tudor licence to field Pedro Porro in his favoured right wing-back slot, and if Djed Spence is not back from a calf injury, Archie Gray - one of the few Spurs players still in fans' good books - could start on the left.

Mathys Tel also fits the Gray description and is in line to hold his spot alongside Dominic Solanke, but Randal Kolo Muani could make way for Xavi Simons as Tudor desperately seeks some attacking ingenuity.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray; Simons; Tel, Solanke

Taking a break from their Premier League relegation battle, crisis club Tottenham Hotspur venture to the Wanda Metropolitano for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg with Atletico Madrid.

The Europa League holders achieved an impressive fourth-placed league-phase finish despite their domestic disasters, while Diego Simeone's crop got the better of Club Brugge in the playoff rounds.

Match preview

As was the case during the iconic Ange Postecoglou second season, continental competition has provided Tottenham with safe haven while their Premier League campaign continues to unravel - at least up to this point.

A side that cannot buy a win in the top flight earned no fewer than five in the league phase, including statement 2-0 victories over Bundesliga outfits Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to finish above all of Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea in the 36-team table.

In the eyes of many, Tottenham's stellar European displays and pitiful domestic performances said a great deal about the quality of football in England compared to other Big Five leagues, as did the fact that five Premier League clubs earned a direct ticket to the last 16 of the competition.

That theory will be put to the test again on Tuesday, when Tottenham will go in search of a fourth straight UCL victory and a sixth clean sheet from their last seven in the tournament, but travelling supporters will not be holding their breath.

Little more can be said about Spurs' atrocious top-flight fortunes that has not already been said; Thursday's 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace - in which Igor Tudor's men took the lead before imploding - saw them set a new unwanted club record of 11 consecutive Premier League games without a win as they lie just one point above the dreaded drop zone.

Now reeling from a fifth straight loss in all tournaments - and third on the spin under Tudor - Tottenham have already been tipped to hand the Croatian his P45, but not before he oversees Tuesday's taxing first-leg test.

Finishing three points and 10 places worse off than Tottenham in the league-phase table, former runners-up Atletico Madrid survived a Club Brugge-sized scare to earn a date with the Lilywhites, triumphing 7-4 in a chaotic playoff tie.

Simeone's side shared the spoils in a six-goal Belgian thriller during the inaugural encounter, before an Alexander Sorloth-inspired 4-1 success on their own turf - in which the Scandinavian struck a hat-trick - sent them through.

Hitherto heralded for their staunch defensive nature, Atletico ended the league phase with the worst rearguard record of all top-16 clubs - 15 goals conceded - and have shown little to suggest that their backline issues will be fixed anytime soon.

Indeed, Simeone's men have shipped five goals in their last two games, albeit inconsequentially; a 3-0 Copa del Rey loss to Barcelona meant nothing thanks to their 4-0 first-leg battering of the Blaugrana, and Saturday's La Liga visit of Real Sociedad ended in a 3-2 success.

The latter result also marked Atletico's fourth straight home win - during which time they have scored at least three goals in all of those victories - but the hosts' only previous competitive match with Spurs ended embarrassingly.

The two clubs are reuniting almost 63 years on from their maiden meeting in the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final, where Jimmy Greaves netted twice in a 5-1 win for Tottenham, but a repeat of that resounding triumph on Tuesday is surely just a pipe dream.

Atletico Madrid Champions League form:

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Champions League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham's Crystal Palace collapse was triggered by Micky van de Ven's sending-off for a last-man foul, but the Dutchman will serve his impending suspension in league action and is fine to feature on Tuesday night, as is Cristian Romero following his domestic ban.

The visitors have just had the luxury of a weekend off thanks to their premature FA Cup exit, and Tudor is hopeful of having Djed Spence back in action following a calf injury, while Destiny Udogie (thigh) is not too far away from a return either.

However, Wilson Odobert (ACL), James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Ben Davies (ankle), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh) and Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh) are still out, while Radu Dragusin missed Thursday's loss due to a knock and will need a once-over too.

As for Atletico Madrid, January signing Rodrigo Mendoza came off at half time against Real Sociedad due to an ankle problem, one that has made the 20-year-old a serious doubt for the first leg.

Mendoza is just one of two fitness concerns for Simeone at present, though, and the other - hamstring victim Pablo Barrios - could even make himself available for the visit of Tudor's side.

Confirmed to be staying in Spain despite rumours of an MLS move, Antoine Griezmann made a crucial impact off the bench against Real Sociedad, as did two-goal hero Nico Gonzalez - both have put themselves in the frame for starts here.

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Sorloth, Alvarez

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray; Simons; Tel, Solanke

We say: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

With Romero and Van de Ven back together, Tottenham should not be such a horror show at the back, but the Lilywhites are still lacking in attacking ideas and a clear identity under Tudor.

The visitors' domestic troubles meant nothing against Dortmund or Frankfurt, but an Atletico team with a taste for goals at home should put one foot firmly in the quarter-finals.

The agent of Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic has spoken out about his client's future amid reported transfer interest from Barcelona.

While the centre-back's parent club are in disarray near the bottom of the Premier League table, Vuskovic has continued his rapid development during a successful loan stint with Bundesliga returnees Hamburger SV.

The 19-year-old had forged a reputation as a major goal threat before moving to North London, and he has already netted five times in the German top flight in the current campaign.

Vuskovic was the star of the show during Saturday's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg, providing a goal and assist and also equalling a 55-year-old record - becoming just the second teenager to score a Bundesliga penalty for Hamburg after Manfred Kaltz in 1971.

In addition, the 2007-born phenom won a staggering 13 of 13 duels on Saturday, and he is the only player to contest 10+ battles in a 2025-26 Bundesliga game and win all of them.

Luka Vuskovic agent speaks out amid Barcelona transfer rumours

Those two stunning statistics further explain why Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing the Croatian youngster, who is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for Tottenham but is under contract until 2030.

However, if the Lilywhites suffer an unthinkable relegation to the Championship, Vuskovic is one of a plethora of highly-rated players who could be tempted away from North London during the summer transfer window.

Barcelona have reportedly held initial talks over a deal for Vuskovic in 2026, but the defender's agent Pini Zahavi - who is close with president Joan Laporta - has downplayed the speculation.

"I can't comment on anything at this time," Zahavi told 365scores, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. "The player still belongs to Hamburg and is completely focused there. "I can give an update in exactly two months, that is, after his loan ends and he officially returns to Tottenham."

Hamburg are apparently keen to keep Vuskovic on loan for another season, but Tottenham are 'unwilling' and are insisting that the Croatian will return to North London when his current temporary spell ends.

Bayern Munich are also said to be keeping a close eye on Vuskovic's future, though, and Tottenham's purported asking price for the 19-year-old has also been revealed.

How much do Tottenham want for Barcelona-linked Luka Vuskovic?

Vuskovic's Tottenham deal is not believed to contain a release clause, but the Spanish outlet adds that a fee of around €60m (£52m) could be enough to prise him away from the English capital.

Such a fee would see Tottenham make a huge profit on the €11m (£9.5m) they paid to sign Vuskovic from Hajduk Split in 2025, and it would also make the defender their third-most expensive sale of all time.

Tottenham's record departure is unsurprisingly Gareth Bale, who joined Real Madrid for £87.5m in 2013, while Harry Kane's switch to Bayern Munich in 2023 was an £82.3m transaction.

Igor Tudor has refused to be drawn on speculation regarding his future at Tottenham Hotspur after starting his tenure with two losses.

The Londoners were hopeful of a more successful season after appointing Thomas Frank, but the club have found themselves in the midst of a relegation battle.

Frank's dismissal has not improved matters, with interim boss Tudor having lost both of his games in charge, the latest of which came against Crystal Palace on Thursday in the Premier League.

The head coach refused to be drawn on speculation about his position after his side's 3-1 loss against Palace, saying: "No comment on that question."

Tottenham's next Premier League game comes against Liverpool on March 15, but they will first face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday.

Should Tottenham Hotspur sack Tudor?

Though the sample size is small, Tudor has not impressed in his two matches as manager, with his Tottenham side looking vulnerable against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Perhaps more damning was that his players struggled to remain level-headed in both clashes, highlighted by Micky van de Ven's red card on Thursday.

The club already had discipline problems prior to Tudor's arrival, especially with centre-back Cristian Romero, and failing to remain calm could cost them their status as a Premier League club.

Though it may seem harsh considering he has not had a fair chance at the job, the Spurs hierarchy must do everything they can to ensure survival, especially if a new manager is better able to rally the squad.

Should Spurs give up Champions League ambitions?

Spurs are in 16th place with just 29 points, and they are only one point above 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, as well as 18th-placed West Ham United.

With nine games remaining in the Premier League, Tottenham must take the threat of demotion seriously, and they cannot afford to throw away any match.

The squad is littered with absences, and risking the team's health against Atletico Madrid would be risky, so there is a strong case for Tudor to rotate heavily in both legs.