sportsview.co.uk

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa in the Premier League yesterday.

They took the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium through Rodrigo Bentancur, but a ponderous capitulation allowed the Villains to leave with all three points.

Tottenham looked like they would go on to add more, but were let down by some poor performances across the park.

One of those disappointing showings came from big summer signing Xavi Simons, who struggled to make an impact for Spurs.

Simons lost both of his aerial and seven of his 12 ground duels. He also lost possession five times and was dribbled past three times, committing three fouls.

While he did play one key pass, it was clear that the Tottenham attacking midfielder was not up to speed.

However, manager Thomas Frank defended the Dutchman.

Frank said (via football.london): “I like Xavi’s personality today, especially in the first half. I think he wanted to get on the ball. He wanted to create.

“I think he was very aggressive in the pressure. I think it was a fine game. I think I need to remember it myself when we judge players and they come into a new club, a new country.

“I know it’s part of football. We judge them with a very small sample of games. I’m not in doubt that it will be good for us. Today was an average-plus game.”

The 22-year-old is clearly a player of immense talent. His close control, vision, creativity and willingness to demand the ball all point to a special prospect in the making.

However, adapting to the Premier League’s pace and physicality takes time, especially for a player still learning the rhythms of English football.

Tottenham invested heavily in him for a reason, and flashes of brilliance will eventually turn into consistency.

With patience and trust, Simons could yet become the creative heartbeat this Tottenham side needs.

Stats from Sofascore.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to host Aston Villa in north London, looking to pick up where they left off before the international break.

Spurs went into the break on the front foot after eking out a nervy 2-1 win against newly promoted Leeds United at Elland Road.

That result extended Tottenham’s unbeaten run to seven games in a row across all competitions (W4, D3), although that record will be put to the test on Sunday.

If results go their way, Tottenham could end the weekend at the top of the table, but they must first take care of business in front of the home crowd.

How Tottenham could line up

Tottenham didn’t come away from the international break unscathed. They have a couple of injury woes to be worried about, but there’s also some good news on that front.

Yves Bissouma was stretchered off while playing for Mali and could spend some time in the infirmary, while Ben Davies tore a muscle on duty with Wales.

Both players are ruled out for Sunday’s outing, but Frank may finally be able to call on Randal Kolo Muani, who played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford.

He has hardly kicked a ball for Frank’s side, but could play a part from the bench against Villa. Frank will likely make just one change from the team that beat Leeds a fortnight ago.

While he has a decision to make at the top end of the pitch, he’ll likely stick with a familiar backline.

That means Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie should start ahead of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur should anchor the midfield. Wilson Odobert will likely drop to the bench despite his 7/10 performance against Leeds, with Richarlison returning to the XI.

With the Brazilian leading the line, Mathys Tel could shift to the left flank. Xavi Simons should start in his more familiar number 10 role with Mohammed Kudus on the right.

Predicted XI;

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that former consultant Fabio Paratici has returned to the club as a joint-sporting director.

The 53-year-old has been out of a job since he stepped down from his role as Tottenham’s managing director of football two years ago after losing an appeal in Italy against a 30-month ban from the game.

After Paratici’s exit, Tottenham hired Johan Lange as technical director. He was reunited with Thomas Frank in the summer, having worked with him at Lyngby nearly two decades ago.

Paratici’s return to Tottenham has led to yet another change in leadership structure.

He’s expected to work alongside Lange, who has been promoted to Tottenham sporting director as part of what the club called a ‘new men’s football leadership structure’.

The changes were instigated by Tottenham’s new chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham.

Venkatesham joined the club in June and has been in charge of football operations at Spurs since long-serving executive Daniel Levy was relieved of his duties as chairman in September.

Paratici has been working for Tottenham as a consultant for several months, helping the club mainly in the transfer market, and his return in an official capacity was always a possibility.

It is unclear how Paratici and Lange will work together as sporting directors and whether a formal partnership in such an important position can work long-term.

“I’m delighted to be returning to a club that I love,” Paratici said when his return was officially confirmed.

“I have been working with Johan, Vinai and Thomas as a consultant for a number of months, and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full-time.

“I’m convinced that working in partnership with Johan, we can build a special future for the club and our supporters.”

Lange will focus on the scouting, analysis and performance departments, including areas such as medical, sports science and nutrition, and the club’s academy.

Paratici will continue in his preferred role, overseeing the club’s transfer activities.

Tottenham Hotspur are showing interest in Rangers deep-lying playmaker Nicolas Raskin, according to the Daily Mail.

The 24-year-old endured a torrid start to the 2025/26 campaign with Rangers after clashing with now-sacked manager Russell Martin.

Following Martin’s dismissal, Raskin is enjoying a new lease of life. He has made 14 appearances and recorded a goal and four assists.

His performances earned him a call-up to the Belgian national team, where he impressed against North Macedonia.

Tottenham will have been watching as Raskin made 25 passes into the final third and won possession 12 times, the most of any Belgian player on the pitch.

Raskin also won five out of five tackles and made 10 final-third entries, showing any potential Spurs scouts in attendance his fine abilities.

He would pair nicely with Joao Palhinha in the engine room for Spurs, providing competition for Rodrigo Bentancur, allowing the club to move on from Yves Bissouma.

His contract with Rangers expires in 2027, and the club must either sell next summer or risk losing him for free in two years if they cannot get him to sign a new deal.

Lauded as a ‘huge talent‘ by former Rangers star Barry Ferguson, Raskin would be a brilliant signing for Spurs.

However, they should be wary of his temperament.

Run-ins with previous coaches do not help his case, but he is a fantastic deep-lying midfielder, the sort Tottenham need in their ranks.

Tottenham Hotspur duo Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel were both on the scoresheet again for France last night.

Tel has endured a torrid start to life under manager Thomas Frank, but repaid his faith with a goal as Tottenham beat Leeds United last weekend.

The Tottenham ace bagged the opener for France’s Under-21s in the win over Estonia, calmly slotting home after an error by the goalkeeper.

After being left off Tottenham’s Champions League squad list, Tel has been fighting tooth and nail to make his mark, and it is showing.

Tel had scored in the first France game of the break against the Faroe Islands.

Despite playing in his secondary position as a striker, Tel has now bagged goals in three successive games, which will excite the Spurs coaching staff.

Odobert has also been struggling, but the international break was an opportunity to build some confidence.

Tel played a massive role in the build-up before Odobert scored in the 63rd minute. His second was more sublime, blasting home a rocket from the front of the box.

Odobert also scored a brace versus the Faroe Islands, making it four goals in two international outings.

His time at Tottenham has been underwhelming, but it is up to Frank and his coaching team to consistently unearth his talent.

Both players have now offered a timely reminder of their quality and hunger.

Tel’s sharpness in front of goal and Odobert’s explosive flair make them dangerous options in any system, and their recent form should force Frank to think.

These are players who can change games. They are direct, inventive and eager to impress.

Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the development of Brentford attacker Kevin Schade ahead of next summer, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Manager Thomas Frank knows the 23-year-old from his time with the Bees and is eyeing a reunion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Schade ended last term with 12 goals and three assists across all competitions and has scored once in seven appearances this term.

The German international is under contract with Brentford until 2028, and next summer could be the best time for them to sell him if they want to make a profit.

Schade, once praised by Frank for having ‘big potential’, could be open to working with him again, but it is too early to say whether Spurs will make a concrete move for him.

He is looking to play his way into the German squad for the 2026 World Cup after replacing Stuttgart attacker Jamie Leweling, who is struggling with adductor issues.

The Tottenham target last appeared for his country during the UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands in October 2024.

He needs to be on top form between now and the end of the season if he wants to play at the World Cup, and Spurs will continue to monitor his situation.

With Richarlison out of contract in 2027, Tottenham need to start preparing for life without him if they do not intend to extend his deal.

Schade could be the perfect man to replace him, and the forward has proven he has the quality to play for a top team.

While he is primarily a left winger, the German can also play through the middle, and Frank is a fan of his versatility.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie has signed with a new agency, Elite Project Group, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs fans will be hoping that his decision to change the management team does not signal that the player wants to leave the club.

Udogie has been a revelation since joining Tottenham in 2023, establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in the English top flight.

In his debut season, the Spurs star was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award, a testament to his remarkable campaign.

Injuries hampered his 2024/25 season, but he is now fit and finding his groove for Tottenham. Udogie reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City, Juventus and AC Milan over the summer.

City wanted to bolster their left-back position and were keeping tabs on the Spurs man as they pondered a swoop.

Milan also had Udogie on their shortlist after losing Theo Hernandez, while Juventus considered making a move if they lost Andrea Cambiaso to Man City.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the Italian international’s signing with a new agency does not signal he is angling for a transfer away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Elite Project Group, which represents Bukayo Saka, Jamie Gittens, Jadon Sancho, Romeo Lavia, Alex Iwobi, and more, is not entering the picture to help Udogie negotiate a new deal.

Tottenham should be doing everything possible to keep hold of the ‘outstanding‘ Udogie. The Italian full-back embodies the modern defender. He is quick, fearless and technically gifted.

He was central to Ange Postecoglou’s system and will be equally crucial for Thomas Frank, driving attacks from deep and providing Spurs with balance on the left flank.

Players like him don’t come around often, and losing him would not just weaken the squad but also send the wrong message about the club’s ambitions.

With interest from Europe’s elite growing, Tottenham must show they are serious about competing by protecting their young stars, starting with securing Udogie’s future.

A US consortium has launched a £4.5 billion takeover bid for Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Sun.

Tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick is heading a 12-man group that has lodged the offer to acquire the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club.

Earick is offering £3.3bn to buy out the current Spurs owners – ENIC and the Lewis family.

The proposed new Tottenham owners are also ready to set aside a further £1.2bn for transfers.

Earick has also lined up a £250m stadium naming rights deal for Spurs, with the club currently without a sponsor for their ground since opening it in 2019.

The 41-year-old has assembled a consortium that includes NFL and NBA investors to back his vision for Tottenham.

Andrew Ashcroft recently purchased 8,023,942 shares in the North London club, which represents a 3.4% stake in Tottenham.

The price has not been disclosed but the shares are likely to have cost around £100 million based on recent valuations of Spurs.

Earick will be meeting that valuation with his offer but whether the majority owners of Tottenham will be open to selling remains to be seen.

ENIC owns 86.58% of Spurs, with former chairman Daniel Levy and his family owning 29.88% of those shares.

Spurs minority shareholders own the remaining 13.42% of the club between them, but Earick is only keen on the majority shares.

The former DJ, who also once worked for NASA, started initial discussions with the Spurs hierarchy – including Levy – some months ago.

Talks have accelerated since Levy left, and it is believed the former chairman was the impediment to a sale because of his desire to remain at the helm even in the event of a takeover.

Earick wants a takeover completed by December to allow him to splash the cash during the January transfer window and hit the ground running.

However, it could take months before everything is finalised if Spurs current majority owners agree to sell, and the fans will be hoping a takeover happens.

Andrew Ashcroft has purchased 8,023,942 shares of Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Guardian.

It represents a 3.4 percent stake in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club, and the shares are likely to have cost around £100 million based on recent valuations.

Ashcroft is the son of Lord Ashcroft, a former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party and billionaire donor, who is also a long-standing Tottenham shareholder.

He previously owned around 4% of Spurs, and it is unclear whether he has sold his existing shares to his son or if the family have now doubled their stake by buying from minority shareholders.

ENIC remains the majority owners of Tottenham, while former chairman Daniel Levy and his family own 29.88% of the 86.58% shares.

Until last week, Spurs’ minority shareholders owned the remaining 13.42% of the club.

ENIC continues to call the shots as the majority shareholder, and potential buyers have been informed that there is no chance of a takeover at present.

However, industry figures believe the Lewis family could sell Tottenham if anyone reaches the £4 billion valuation.

No bidders have emerged, and it is unclear whether anyone has plans to test the waters.

Ashcroft acquiring part of the club is unlikely to bring about any significant changes, but fans will hope that the departure of Levy triggers the much-needed improvement.

Tottenham won the Europa League at the end of last term – their first silverware since 2008 – and manager Thomas Frank will be desperate to end his debut campaign with a trophy.

Mohammed Kudus was surprised when Tottenham Hotspur expressed interest in recruiting his services during the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic.

The 25-year-old attacker agreed personal terms with Chelsea but it was the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club that ended up signing him in a £55 million deal.

The Blues were the front-runners to sign Kudus from West Ham United having initially expressed interest in him in May.

However, Chelsea did not show enough commitment, and he had a change of mind when he was informed about interest from a club he did not expect to be in the mix for his signature while on holiday.

Kudus eventually gave Spurs his word he would join after the Lilywhites demanded assurances from him as they feared the Blues could hijack the move.

The Ghana international felt he would get more playing chances at Tottenham, and he has been proven right so far.

He played 80 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and has started in all three Premier League games the North London club have played in 2025-26, weighing in with two assists.

Kudus will be facing his old club on Saturday when Premier League action resumes but is not concerned about the volatile reception he could receive at the London Stadium.

He was willing to leave West Ham after just a season but could not as suitors were unwilling to activate his £85m release clause.

Kudus has got his wish, with the availability of Champions League football at Tottenham playing a huge role in his decision.

He has hit the ground running at his new club and will be desperate to prove the likes of Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher wrong.