Tottenham Hotspur

The 27-year-old Netherlands international will join us from the 2026/27 season, following the expiry of her contract with Arsenal.

Victoria said: "It feels nice to be here, I had a lovely welcome from everyone. When I had conversations with Martin [Ho], he was so good. It felt immediately right to go to Spurs.

"I can't wait for the season, and I'm so happy to be here."

Our Head Coach Martin said: "Victoria is a brilliant signing for us and someone who brings real quality, intelligence and top-level experience into our team.

"She is an established international player with the Netherlands, has played in major European competitions domestically and internationally, and understands what it takes to perform in high-pressure environments. What excites us is not only what she has already shown in her career, but also the belief we have that there is still much more to evolve in her game.

"We are delighted she has chosen to come to Tottenham. She arrives with strong experience, a real understanding of this league, and the ambition to keep developing. Our role now is to give her the environment, support and challenge to help her show even more of her qualities and become an important player for this football club."

A versatile midfielder, Victoria began her senior career at ADO Den Haag in 2016/17 and, aged 18, scored seven goals to finish as the club’s second leading goalscorer in her maiden campaign.

After two more seasons at The Hauge, finding the back of the net on 27 occasions in 57 games, she moved to Ajax in the Eredivisie – playing alongside Lize Kop and Caitlin Dijkstra – and spent four years in Amsterdam, making 84 appearances and scoring 16 goals, where she also gained valuable UEFA Women’s Champions League experience with the Dutch side.

Having helped Ajax to silverware in her spell, winning the KNVB Beker Women in 2021/22 and the Eredivisie Cup in 2020/21, the all-round midfielder made the switch to the Women’s Super League to join Arsenal in January, 2023. She would feature 21 times in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, scoring twice and producing six assists, and won the Women’s League Cup in her first few months, coming on as a second-half substitute.

Adapting well to England’s top flight in her first full season, Victoria played in 33 games the following term, once again producing eight contributions, and was part of the squad that won the Women’s League Cup once again.

Suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, she missed the majority of that season and returned in March, 2025, before being part of the matchday squad in their UEFA Women’s Champions League final success in May of that year. This term, Victoria made 30 appearances in all competitions, seven in the Champions League, boasting a wealth of experience in the WSL and on the European stage.

A Dutch international since 2018, making her senior debut against Spain, she has represented her nation at the 2020 Olympics, the UEFA European Championships (2022 and 2025) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup (2019 and 2023), earning 71 caps to date for her country, scoring seven goals.

We’ve been placed into Southern Group A along with Oxford United, Cheltenham Town and Exeter City.

The 16 invited Under-21 teams from Premier League clubs were placed into previously-determined groups of EFL sides during today’s draw.

We’ll face each of the three opponents in our group away from home, with dates to be confirmed in due course. Tickets for each match will be available via the host clubs.

The competition, which gives young players a chance to test themselves competitively against senior EFL sides, is initially split into northern and southern sections, each with eight groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages.

EFL Trophy southern section draw

Left-back Andy once again led his nation out as captain in Miami, but his side were 2-0 down – courtesy of a brace from Vinicius Jr – by the time he was substituted at the break.

Matheus Cunha added a third goal for Brazil on the hour mark to leave Scotland with three points from their three initial games at the tournament.

They now face a nervous wait to see if that’ll be enough for them to progress to the last 32 as one of the best-performing third-placed sides.

SPURSPLAY

First arriving in England on loan at Newcastle United in January 2018, the 37-year-old has remained in this country ever since and amassed 197 Premier League appearances during seven-and-a-half years with the Magpies and last season at Burnley.

Now onto his fourth English club, having spent a short loan at Manchester United where he featured twice in the Carabao Cup in 2022/23, the Slovakia international is a model professional and the latest new addition who brings vast experience in the division.

“I'll try to bring my experience,” he said in his first interview with the club . “That's probably one of the most important things. I'm probably the oldest here or one of the oldest here.

“Also my professionalism because if I'm not professional, I wouldn't be in this business for the last ten years, I would say. I’ll try to help the others to get better, but I will push myself as well because that's me.

“It's a new journey for me and my family, so I'm looking forward to it. I didn't tell anyone, just my family, so none of my friends know that I'm actually here.

“Everything went fast and at the end I'm here now. I’m looking forward to the new journey, new experience and I'm ready.”

Outstanding on Premier League debut in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over the Red Devils 11 days after his move from Czech side Sparta Prague, Martin produced a string of excellent displays in the run-in that term which led to a permanent move in the summer.

Adept with his feet and a fine shot-stopper, the ball-playing sweeper-keeper nailed down the number one spot at St James’ Park and was ever-present between the sticks over the next two seasons, making a remarkable 88 consecutive top-flight appearances.

Now only three Premier League matches away from a double century, adding 35 of those with the Clarets last term, our new signing has seen the developments in goalkeeping roles and styles in the league first hand and has stood the test of time due to his work ethic and strong ability to play out from the back.

With Roberto De Zerbi a particular exponent of using his goalkeepers in build-up play, Martin had admired the Italian’s style of play from afar and is excited start working closely with his new Head Coach when he joins on 1 July.

“I've been in this business in the Premier League for almost nine years so I can see the change. You need to be comfortable playing with your feet and as a modern goalkeeper you need to stay high,” he explained.

“I think everything is just faster. If you see the intensity, it's incredible. Nine years ago, when I joined Newcastle, I needed like three or four weeks to adapt to that intensity but since then, it's a different level again.

“The players are quicker and stronger, they are high-profile athletes. You need to adapt to it but obviously the keeper's position is a little bit different, so again, if you want to go with the flow, you need to be the extra player for your team there, especially now as everyone needs to use the goalkeeper.

“But the most important thing for me is to just enjoy the ride because it’s a beautiful game and to be the part of this club is just amazing.

“I think the club is going through the transition. The manager is amazing because I saw his work at Brighton, in Marseille as well and it's going to be interesting to see how he works.

“I want to learn a lot of things and, of course, Spurs is a huge club with a great fans, amazing stadium, so I'm looking forward to it.”

A vastly experienced Slovakia international goalkeeper, he will join us on 1 July following the expiration of his contract with Burnley.

Martin said: "It's an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I'm looking forward to it.

"Everything moved pretty quickly and I'm really happy to be here. I've loved watching Roberto's teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.

"Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I can't wait to meet everyone and get started."

Sporting Director, Johan Lange, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to the Club.

"He is a goalkeeper of proven quality at the highest level, and his character and professionalism will strengthen the squad.

"Martin brings experience, leadership and consistency, and aligns perfectly with what we are building here."

Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi said: "I am very happy because Martin is a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality.

"He has very important qualities for me and will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to our dressing room."

A third-generation goalkeeper, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he started his professional journey with his hometown club MSK Zilina. Progressing through the ranks, Martin helped the club secure two Slovak Superliga title as well as an historic maiden qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2010/11.

Earning a move to Denmark’s Esbjerg fB in January, 2014, he later headed to the Czech First League to sign for Slovan Liberec where his impressive performances caught the eye of the country’s most decorated club, Sparta Prague, joining them in July, 2017.

A renowned shot stopper who is also adept with the ball at his feet, his first taste of the Premier League came in January, 2018, joining Newcastle United on a loan deal which turned permanent that summer after a string of excellent performances in the Magpies’ final 12 league fixtures.

Ever present between the sticks for the Tyneside outfit across the following two seasons, he made an incredible 88 consecutive Premier League appearances and was named the North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year for 2018. Further recognition came at the end of the 2019/20 season, as Martin claimed the club’s Player of the Year award after recording the highest number of saves across the Premier League campaign (140).

Following a short loan spell with Manchester United during the 2022/23 season, with whom he earned a Carabao Cup winners’ medal, he returned to Newcastle United and went on to win the Premier League Save of the Month award for January, 2025.

Two months later, he was again a Carabao Cup winner as the north east side ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. Playing a key role in the success, Martin featured in goal for the semi-final fixtures against Arsenal, keeping a clean sheet in both legs.

Martin’s time with the Toon came to a close after seven-and-a-half years in August, 2025. as he joined Burnley on their return to the Premier League. Featuring in 35 fixtures across the 38-game league campaign for the Clarets, he secured a second Premier League Save of the Month Award in the October, in recognition of a remarkable stop against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Capped by Slovakia on 60 occasions, he made his senior debut in May, 2014, and has represented his country at two major tournaments, UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024.

Welcome, Martin!

Making his maiden start at the tournament as England faced their second outing, the defender played the first 65 minutes of the Group L clash before being substituted for Nico O'Reilly. It was Djed's eighth cap for his country.

Both sides came into the game looking to maintain perfect starts at the tournament but the stalemate ended that for the two nations.

England remain top of the group, ahead of Ghana on goal difference.

Choose your all-time Spurs World Cup XI

Supporter representatives engaged directly with senior Club leadership, including Non-Executive Chairman Peter Charrington and CEO Vinai Venkatesham, with discussions centred on the strategic direction of the Club and supporters’ concerns about the 2025/26 season and the Men’s First Team performances and results. The Club acknowledged that last season had not been acceptable and reaffirmed its commitment to improving on-pitch performance and competing for major trophies.

Recognising the importance of rebuilding a connection with supporters, the Club responded to questions about decisions taken this season and provided detail about its ongoing rebuild. It acknowledged that honesty, clarity and visible progress are key elements of the rebuild, to which the Club is fully committed, and reiterated that football and performance are positioned at the heart of Club decision-making.

Discussions also covered Club leadership, governance and culture; ongoing investment in the growth of the Women’s team; and the Club’s new Fan Engagement Strategy.

Minutes from the meeting can be found here.

How to get involved or contact your supporter representatives

The FAB provides a forum for fan group representatives and elected members from different sections of our fanbase, inclusive and reflective of our diversity. Supporters can learn more about their fan representatives, including how to contact them, by clicking here.

There are also a range of ways for supporters to get in touch with the Club directly, all of which are detailed in our Fan Engagement Plan.

Mike has followed JP’s career since the defender was a teenager and is currently travelling around the USA, Canada and Mexico covering the exploits of Jan, Micky van de Ven and the whole Dutch national team at the FIFA World Cup.

Here’s what he had to say about JP after we secured his signature from Brighton & Hove Albion last week...

Tell us about Jan Paul’s early days in the Netherlands

Mike: “Before going to NAC Breda, his first club at professional level, he was playing at amateur level for an organisation called Goes. He was 17 and at that time, he wasn’t playing pro yet. Goes are from Zeeland, one of the 12 provinces of Holland and in football terms, it’s the most complicated one because in Holland we have good facilities, but in Zeeland it’s a bit different. Your options are limited so all the good players come together to play and train for Goes. The people in Zeeland are always really proud to see a player get a big move like JP has to Spurs.”

How did he cope with the transition to the top level?

Mike: “As I said, until he was 17, he hadn’t played professionally, but everybody could see that he’s a really good defender. Brighton are known for analysing data and stats and the people at Brighton saw it right when they bought him in 2020. Coming from Holland, and especially when he didn’t play for a pro club before he was at NAC, the Premier League would have been a big step at that time, so it was totally normal that he came in and went straight back out on loan to Heerenveen. Brighton saw his potential and sent him to Heerenveen to develop further, and it was there that he became a man who could deal with opponents of a level that he might find in the Premier League. It was an important phase in his career.”

We understand he’s had to overcome some challenges in life as well as football...

Mike: “Yes, there is a story there. He is close with Bart Verbruggen, the national team goalkeeper, who he also played with at Brighton and NAC. Both players lost their fathers when they were young – JP’s father was 55 when he died, Verbruggen’s even younger – but they had a lot of help from each other, talking about their losses. That’s why they are close. It’s difficult to explain how special that is.”

It’s clear that friends and family mean a lot to JP, then...

Mike: “Yes. His uncle is Jan Poortvliet, who played in the World Cup final in 1978 for the Netherlands against Argentina. He was the same as JP, just doing normal things, someone who worked hard and wasn’t eccentric. The funny thing is, his uncle has since been one of the newspaper contributors where all the former internationals give their ratings on Holland. Whenever Jan Poortvliet does the notes, he always says “JP is my nephew so I can’t be completely objective”, but then he still always says very nice things because it’s the truth, that JP is doing a good job. He is so reliable and consistent. And in the media, he is a good guy who is always careful with what he says.”

The Argentine captain, who equalled Miroslav Klose’s record with his first World Cup hat-trick last time out, had missed a spot-kick nine minutes in but took the record outright 30 minutes later and extended it in second-half stoppage-time at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.

His first was a strike befitting the record and the player as Messi swivelled and passed to Thiago Almada near halfway, who in turn moved it wide to Facundo Medina, before the Atletico Madrid midfielder dummied the cutback for his skipper to fire in first time.

The talismanic forward then added a late second on the night and fifth of this summer's tournament to take his World Cup tally to 18 goals and overall total to 122 in 201 appearances for his nation.

Centre-halves ‘Cuti’ and Kevin lined up in defence on opposing sides for their 53rd cap and 34th cap respectively, with Marcos remaining an unused substitute, but our club captain was forced off on 58 minutes after going down and looking in discomfort from a challenge on Marcel Sabitzer just after the restart.

Argentina held a slender advantage as the contest neared it's conclusion and, shortly after Kevin's header almost found teammate Patrick Wimmer to equalise in a rare chance in the closing stages, the holders hit Austria on the counter-attack which ended with their number 10 converting at the second attempt to continue their perfect start to a title defence.

Cristian and Marcos round-off the groups against Jordan whilst Ralf Rangnick's side will be looking to bounce back against Algeria both on Sunday 28 June (3am BST).

Who makes your all-time Spurs World Cup XI?