Tottenham Hotspur

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa's 2024-25 end-of-season awards dinner was in full swing when Damian Vidagany took to the stage.

The director of football operations had a message for Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

"There is no big six anymore," he declared to loud cheers 12 months ago - and such a sentiment will have plenty of support on Tyneside.

Just as Aston Villa disrupted the established order to qualify for the Champions League in 2024 and 2026, so too did Newcastle United in 2023 and 2025.

Yet the league's highest-earning clubs have hardly withered in the face of the challenge from outside the six, and Spurs' pursuit of midfielder Sandro Tonali is a reminder of that.

Just weeks after Roberto de Zerbi's side narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season, they are trying to lure one of Newcastle's best players to North London.

Newcastle hardly had a stellar season themselves - finishing a disappointing 12th place - but the difference is Spurs have greater revenues to fall back on as they try to bounce back come August.

Their most recent financial accounts showed they had generated £230m more in income than Newcastle in 2024-25. As a result, they could offer far superior wages to Tonali and make a meaty bid of about £80m for the Italy midfielder, yet stay within the game's financial rules.

• Read more on the Tonali situation

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on how you would reshape Tottenham's midfield, with Lucas Bergvall interested in exploring other options and Spurs' initial bid for Sandro Tonali was rejected by Newcastle.

Here are some of your replies:

Colin: Sell James Maddison, keep Bergvall, sign Palhinha and Tonali, plus Bruno Guimaraes.

Lawrence: Tonali's too expensive in my opinion. It doesn't make sense to spend big on one player when previous seasons proved there are more holes to plug. I would buy Nicolas Raskin from Rangers. He's a decent all-round ball-wining midfielder. I would love to see him link up with Xavi Simons.

Daniel: I would like us to go all out for Adam Wharton. His first thought when he receives the ball is always forward. Brilliant passer and still young.

H: If they fail to get Sandro, then they should go all out to get Wharton from Crystal Palace. His vision, ball control and passing is all that Tottenham need, amongst other positions.

Dave: I want to see us go after Alex Scott at Bournemouth - with him being a Spurs fan, it is a guarantee that he gives everything for the team. Plus he is quality too.

Anthony: I would get Wharton, Scott and Tonali or Scott McTominay.

Richard: Keep Conor Gallagher (maybe make him captain if Cristian Romero leaves) and keep Palhinha, Simons and Archie Gray. Not sure about the other midfielders. Have a look at Harvey Elliot - a very good player whom both Liverpool and Aston Villa don't want.

Paul: Gallagher, Maddison, Simons and Tonali would be my first choice. But it all depends on the fitness of Dejan Kulusevski. I think if he is fit, he will play as he can also play wide on either side.

Tottenham are confident of signing Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali for a fee close to £85m, but the Italy international, 26, would rather join rivals Arsenal. (Daily Mail - subscription required), external

Bayern Munich and Spurs are both keen on 29-year-old Juventus defender Bremer, but the Brazilian is happy to stay in Turin. (Gianluca DiMarzio - in Italian), external

Manchester United's England forward Marcus Rashford, 28, is prepared to take a pay cut to join Tottenham for £40m this summer after his Barcelona loan. (i paper), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

With Lucas Bergvall's future at Tottenham uncertain and Newcastle rejecting a bid of about £80m for Sandro Tonali, it is evident that the midfield is on the agenda at Spurs this summer.

Sweden's Bergvall is keen to explore new challenges, after making 33 appearances for the club last term.

Meanwhile, an opening proposal for Tonali - who Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi is a long-time admirer of - was declined by the Magpies, Manchester City and Arsenal are also linked with the 26-year-old Italy international.

So, if you were De Zerbi, how would you look to reshape Spurs' midfield as they gear up for a first full season under the Italian?

Get in touch with your views here

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

England boss Thomas Tuchel was filmed shouting at Tottenham defender Djed Spence to "wake up" during training as they continued preparations for their second group game of the World Cup against Ghana on Tuesday (21:00 BST).

"It was lucky it wasn't me. I think I made a mistake just before Djed did but he ended up shouting at Djed, luckily," said Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins when he was asked about Tuchel's coaching methods and how the German motivates his players.

"He is not afraid to shout at you. He is always demanding from you and making sure you are on it every day."

Spence was called up to the 26-man squad despite Spurs' battle against relegation and is liked by Tuchel because of his versatility.

But despite being singled out in the training drill, Spence said the words from his manager are expected from somebody who is a proven winner.

"I probably just missed one of the zones to go to and he just told me to wake up," Spence told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He's an elite manager - he demands the highest quality from his players, and we want to give the highest quality back. So it is very normal in training sessions, to be honest."

Spence came on for the final 10 minutes of England's 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday and had a chance to score as the Three Lions got off to a winning start.

"I've got a good relationship with him," Spence said of Tuchel.

"He talks to me sometimes before training, after training - reminds me of what I need to do, my minutes, and what qualities I possess.

"He's a great manager."

Watch below as England camp reporter Kelly Somers and senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel bring you some of the latest news from the Three Lions' base in Kansas City...

Image source, Getty Images

Going into his first full season in charge, Roberto de Zerbi shouldn't be too daunted by Tottenham's opening games.

Of course, much will depend on the club's summer recruitment with regards to how strong the squad is heading into their first run of fixtures.

But there is a willingness internally to invest heavily into the playing squad which, at the very least, bodes well for the start of the season.

On paper, the opening game at Brentford won't daunt De Zerbi or his players - though, under Keith Andrews, the Bees were among the Premier League's most improved teams last season.

After that, supporters will look at the following games against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Everton as winnable.

So, following last season's dreadful Premier League campaign, De Zerbi will surely view his team's start as an opportunity to get some early points on the board - and, of course, garner some early momentum.

Phil Parry
BBC Radio London sports editor

Image source, Getty Images

Having guided Tottenham to safety in the last few games of the 2025-26 season, Roberto de Zerbi will be looking to make a positive start to the new campaign and has already seen the club bolster the defence.

A trip to Brentford on the opening day will certainly be a game that the north Londoners will be hopeful of getting something from. They have not lost at the Gtech in the Premier league, although four of the five trips have been drawn.

The Lilywhites could do with building some home momentum after a rather barren season and a half at that gorgeous stadium, and three of the first five games being at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium helps with that objective.

Obviously attention always gets drawn to the dates of the north London derbies, with Arsenal visiting in early December and the reverse fixture coming in May.

And after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes, the Spurs fans will be hoping that the trip to the home of the champions has a positive reason for needing points for their club.

Check out Spurs' full league fixture list

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham are a less than ideal first opponent for Brentford, who have only won one of their 10 Premier League games against the north Londoners (D4 L5), their joint-lowest win percentage against any side (10% - level with Arsenal).

They will also need to be aware of Spurs strong opening-day form - they have only lost their first fixture in one of the past 10 Premier League seasons (W6 D3) after falling to a 1-0 defeat by Everton in 2020-21.

Brentford could use a fast start of their own as it has proven rare. The Bees have made a winning start to the season in just three of their past 14 campaigns (D6 L5).

• Read more on the matches and rule changes for 2026-27

Tottenham will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign - a first full season under Roberto de Zerbi - with a trip to Brentford.

The match will take place on Saturday, 22 August at 17:30 BST, with Spurs' first home fixture against Newcastle United on the weekend of 29-30 August.

De Zerbi's side face Bournemouth (H), Brighton (H), Manchester City (A) and Fulham (A) over the Christmas and New Year period.

And they end their league season against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.

See Spurs' Premier League fixtures in full here

Image source, Getty Images

With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. And you delivered.

Here are some of your replies:

Mark: I hitchhiked overnight from London to see the debut of Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa against reigning champions Nottingham Forest in opening fixture of the 1978-79 season . Fell asleep on the Trent riverbank before joining the queue, bumped into an old school mate and we then witnessed the start of the fantastic Argentine connection with our great club. COYS!

Ashley: My brother took me to see my first game at White Hart Lane in August 1970. I was nine years old and was mesmerised by the noise, the colour of the grass and "Percy Dalton's" roasted peanuts. Ralph Coates flying down the wing, with hair flailing in the wind. I was hooked and am a season ticket-holder travelling from Gloucester to all our home games as I did then. I took my brother, who is nine years older, to the Leeds game in May this year. Probably his last game, as he is struggling with dementia now. Because of him, Tottenham Hotspur is in my blood, and the rest of my family's. Spurs mean the world to me.

John: 1994-95, Sheffield Wednesday away, winning 4-3 with Jurgen Klinsmann scoring on his debut and a diving team celebration. And a match I actually went to!

Sam: The 1-0 win over Manchester City under Nuno Espirito Santo springs to mind. A disappointing managerial search and Harry Kane unavailable as his head had been turned, with academy prospect Japhet Tanganga a standout performer and a trademark Son Heung-min goal giving us hope that this time, just maybe, things might work out. (They didn't.)

Chris: 16 August 2014, away to West Ham. Kyle Naughton sent off in the 29th minute so down to 10 men, before James Collins was sent off for them in the 61st minute. Kane comes on in the 83rd minute and in the 93rd minute shields the ball, looks up to see Eric Dier running through the middle and squares the ball to him. Dier slots the ball past Adrian for a 1-0 win. Sam Allardyce throws his water bottle to the ground in disgust!

Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how Spurs' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.

Image source, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur have unveiled their home and away shirts for the 2026-27 season.

Spurs have released the kits alongside a music video by local artist Nippa, that the club have said "signals the start of a new era built on reconnection with fans, the local community and heritage".

The home kit remains all-white, while the away kit brings a vibrant, contemporary look inspired by Tottenham's cultural diversity and urban street style.

Image source, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are firmly in the mix to sign Anderlecht and Belgium midfielder Nathan De Cat, with Manchester United among the 17-year-old's other admirers from the Premier League. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Jan Paul van Hecke has described becoming a Tottenham player as "a huge honour", as his £52m move from Brighton was confirmed on Thursday.

Spurs say the 26-year-old Netherlands centre-back, who played under Roberto de Zerbi at the Seagulls, has signed a long-term contract.

"When you join such a big club, it's a dream come true," he told the club's official website.

"I already have a really strong connection with the head coach, who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky van de Ven has also told me some great things about the club, so I can't wait to get started.

"I've been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I'm looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."

De Zerbi said: "He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set up.

"Off the pitch, he is mature, a leader and has a hunger to learn and improve every day."

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said the club had been tracking Van Hecke "for a number of years".

"As we continue to build our squad, it is important to bring in players who can contribute immediately while also being part of our long-term vision," he added.

Van Hecke made 131 appearances for Brighton and started 36 out of 38 Premier League games for Fabian Hurzeler's side last season as they finished eighth and qualified for the Conference League.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Dale: Nico Williams of Spain. He is just an exciting player who gets fans off the seats, which is what Spurs supporters are in dire need of after the past few seasons.

Josiah: Crysencio Summerville should be there as we need a creative winger for Tottenham Hotspur as Dejan Kulusevski has been out injured. Summerville was brilliant for West Ham this season so hopefully we will sign him after he is done with the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Noah: Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco, no question. He showed his class against a very talented Brazil team and would fit perfectly with James Maddison/Xavi Simons.

Adam: We should go for Omar Marmoush. We desperately need a decent striker and should get shot of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke. Marmoush has creativity as well as a goal threat and think he could be getable from Manchester City.

Spotted someone you want for Tottenham? Let us know who and why he'd fit

Bardi
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Over the years, the legend of Luka Vuskovic has grown and grown. His prodigious leap and a physique well beyond his age, combined with two successful loan spells, have only added to the hype. Three years on from his £12m signing, many are ready to kneel before Luka and name him the solution to all our defensive issues without ever having seen him play in the flesh.

Last night in Dallas, Luka had an opportunity to add to that reputation and prove that he is ready, but a chastening opening-game defeat at the hands of players he will be expected to face week in, week out did not go to plan. The legend took a serious hit.

Luka's rise to becoming a major talking point is down to a breakout season in Germany with Hamburger SV. The Croatian took the opportunity with both hands. He finished the season as the top-scoring defender and was named in the 2025-26 Team of the Season.

His success coincided with another disappointing season at N17. As we battled relegation with centre-backs who looked uninterested in the fight, over in Europe Luka was crashing through opposition strikers as though they were made of paper.

His strong performances propelled him into the media limelight, the Croatian national team and the consciousness of every Spurs fan. Suddenly, Luka was viewed as an option, no longer a protégé.

What has always made Luka stand out is his frame. It is what gives him the edge in duels and makes him such an asset at set-pieces, but his size comes at a cost. His lack of recovery pace was there for all to see as Jude Bellingham stormed through to slot home England's third. His lack of pace, speed on the turn and mobility are genuine concerns.

Not every defender needs to be as fast as Micky van de Ven, but you need to be able to maximise your strengths and hide your weaknesses. Tottenham, right now, are not in a position to offer him the minutes he needs to grow from being a prospect into a genuine top-level centre-back.

Hopefully, given time to reflect on what happened in Dallas, his team of advisers will make the correct decision. Demanding to start at Spurs when we have already added Marco Senesi and are about to announce Jan Paul van Hecke is not realistic.

Vuskovic remains an exciting prospect, but one in need of playing time and strong guidance on and off the training pitch. The most sensible decision for all parties would be a loan at a Premier League club with a similar style of football.

The hard work and focus needed to turn the legend into reality starts now.

Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch - a Spurs podcast, external

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle have finished above Tottenham in the Premier League in three of the past four seasons. However, Spurs are still a long way clear of the Magpies in the revenue table thanks to substantial off-field income streams, which have offset difficult league campaigns.

In the respective clubs' most recent financial accounts, the Londoners generated £230m more in revenue than Newcastle.

Spurs are now looking to make the most of such headroom by raising their salary ceiling.

In an interview with BBC Sport, in May, the club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirmed the change in approach and said they needed "experience, leadership and also that kind of physical robustness".

Sandro Tonali fits this description on his day.

His technical qualities are well known, but in 2024-25 - his best league campaign for Newcastle - he also tirelessly won possession back in midfield on 109 occasions, made 34 interceptions and applied 1,308 high-pressure movements.

No wonder even his usually measured head coach Eddie Howe once said he "fell in love" with this all-rounder when he first watched him play.

Howe would ideally not want to lose players like Tonali, Anthony Gordon or Alexander Isak for that matter, who joined Liverpool for a British record £125m last summer.

But Newcastle are having to become better sellers and plan accordingly as part of the club's rebuild.

If a huge offer of up to £100m is eventually made by one of Tonali's suitors, it may be tempting to cash in on a player whose form has noticeably dipped.

However, at this early stage of the window, that remains a big if.

Read more about interest in Tonali here

Image source, Getty Images

The World Cup and some Brighton interest as focused a lot of talk on Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic.

Still only 19, the central defender caught the eye on loan at Hamburg last season and Brighton have already made an offer for him this summer as they look to fill the void left by Jan Paul van Hecke.

Vuskovic drew praise in some quarters for his play in Croatia's World Cup defeat by England on Wednesday, while others were critical of his defending when Jude Bellingham raced in on goal to give the Three Lions a 3-2 lead.

Last season, Vuskovic helped Hamburg finish 13th in the Bundesliga. He was shortlisted for the Bundesliga player of the season and rookie of the season awards, as voted for by fans, clubs and selected media.

There was much fanfare given he was one of only five players in Germany's top flight in 2025-26 to register a century each of clearances, ball recoveries, duels won and aerial duels won.

His national team manager Zlatko Dalic has said the 6ft 4in central defender "will be one of the pillars of our national team for the next 10 years".

A pillar for country perhaps, but amid interest from other clubs and with several Tottenham defenders to compete against, his role at Spurs still seems somewhat uncertain.

Manchester United and Tottenham have made moves to sign Netherlands forward Crysencio Summerville, 24, from West Ham. (Teamtalk), external

Tottenham have turned down a second bid from Brighton worth £35m for 19-year-old Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg. (Sky Sports), external

Spurs have opened talks over a deal for Germany Under-21 forward Said El Mala from Cologne and hope to beat Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to the 19-year-old's signature. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport