Tottenham Hotspur

Bardi
Fan writer

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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

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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

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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

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We asked for your views on Tottenham agreeing a £52m deal to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke and how head coach Roberto de Zerbi could go about using the club's depth in defence next season.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Toby: A great move. Two Dutch central defenders reminds me of the two Belgians who provided Spurs a solid platform for glory previously. We fell just short then, but we won't under De Zerbi.

Robert: Van Hecke is a decent player but I would much rather have seen us integrate Luka Vuskovic into the squad and used the money elsewhere. We need another striker and more creativity in midfield, with Xavi Simons out for some time and James Maddison only just back from a serious injury.

Doug: Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin will go. I think De Zerbi may well opt for a back three in some games at least, meaning our main picks will be Van Hecke, Van de Ven and Marcos Senesi. That will leave Kevin Danso and Ben Davies as back-up. Then we need to decide what we do with the rest. I would love to see Vuskovic play for us, he deserves his chance but I don't see him getting it at the minute so he should be loaned out again. Players like Kota Takai and Ashley Phillips should be sold.

Michael: No way do we sell Vuskovic! We should loan him again as he desperately wants to play with his brother at Hamburg. He is our future at centre-back and we saw glimpses of his ability last pre-season. I'm sure Van Hecke and Van de Ven will be the starting pair, and we have more than decent back-up in Danso and Romero. I'm not so sure Andy Robertson will be our starting left-back, but he brings experience and leadership qualities to a squad apparently lacking in that last term. A new contract for Pedro Porro is good news, although he isn't the greatest defender. Djed Spence's ability to play either side, and even on the wing, is an essential for the squad. Let's also not forget the up and coming players yet to get their chances too, I hope De Zerbi has them in his plans.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Tottenham striker Mason Melia is preparing for the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

The 18-year-old, previously a Republic of Ireland youth international, will hope to impress under Roberto de Zerbi after joining Spurs in January amid strong competition from Premier League rivals, including Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea.

He signed from St Patrick's Athletic for an Irish record £1.6m fee, rising to £3.2m with add-ons, having played nearly 100 senior games before his 18th birthday, including matches in the Uefa Conference League.

However, Melia arrived with a niggling back problem that required treatment over the past six months.

He returned in early April and scored two goals, as well as providing an assist, in the final six under-21 matches of the Spurs academy season.

It remains unclear whether he can break into De Zerbi's plans or if a loan move will be considered later in the transfer window, which closes on 1 September.

Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

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Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52m deal with Brighton for Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Scotland defender Andy Robertson has already signed from Liverpool, with Argentinian centre-half Marcos Senesi agreeing a move from Bournemouth.

The arrivals of Van Hecke and Senesi will leave Roberto de Zerbi with a wealth of central defensive options.

But with no European football next term, how many of Tottenham's centre-halves will still be in north London at the start of the 2026-27 campaign?

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are already at the club, as well as 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg but is reportedly wanted by Brighton as well as a host of top European sides.

Spurs fans are yet to see him in competitive action for the club, although could get a first-hand glimpse of the sought-after youngster's potential when England face Croatia on Wednesday.

Romero, meanwhile, who like Senesi is representing Argentina at the World Cup this summer, has spent five seasons at Spurs and captained the club to a first trophy in 17 years when they beat Manchester United to win the Europa League in 2025.

But he has long been touted with a move away, and the 28-year-old's availability - either through suspension or injury he only played 23 Premier League games last season and 18 the campaign before - is a source of frustration among supporters.

Dragusin has also been linked with an exit - the Romanian reportedly turned down Bayern Munich to join Spurs in January 2024 but an ACL injury has disrupted his time at the club and the new additions will push the 24-year-old further down the pecking order.

Should Romero and Dragusin depart, that would leave De Zerbi with Senesi, Van Hecke, Van de Ven and Danso, as well as with a decision to make over whether Vuskovic remains, goes on loan or is sold permanently.

It's worth noting Van de Ven started at left-back in the same Netherlands back four as Van Hecke on Sunday against Japan, but Spurs are also not short on bodies in that position with Robertson soon to arrive.

Or, with all these new arrivals, might De Zerbi opt for a back five?

Is this a good deal for Tottehnam? How do you think they will use their defenders?

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Brighton have no immediate plans to make a fresh offer for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic.

The revelation Brighton have agreed a £52m deal with Tottenham for Jan Paul van Hecke to move to north London sparked suggestions of a renewed attempt to sign Vuskovic, the 19-year-old who will be part of Croatia's squad to face England on Wednesday.

Vuskovic is viewed as one of the most highly rated young players in Europe and Brighton have already had a £30m offer rejected for him.

After spending last season on loan in Germany with Hamburg, Vuskovic will face more competition for the central defensive positions with the arrival of Van Hecke, although there has been speculation over the future of skipper Cristian Romero.

Brighton are keeping across the situation but they will not be making another bid at the moment.

Evidently, they do need a replacement for Van Hecke, who started 36 out of their 38 Premier League games last season.

However, they do have time.

With a year left on his contract, Brighton feel they have negotiated an excellent deal around Van Hecke, particularly as his move to Tottenham includes what is regarded as a significant sell-on clause, should the 26-year-old Netherlands World Cup star leave the club at some point.

Tottenham have been encouraged to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle's asking price for the 26-year-old expected to be about £100m. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Brighton are not willing to pay Tottenham's £60m asking price for 19-year-old Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg. (Football Insider), external

Tottenham have rejected several approaches for English striker Will Lankshear, with Spurs wanting £20m for the 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Oxford last season. (Hayters), external

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

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The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood as Tottenham prepare for a first full season under Roberto de Zerbi, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how Spurs' league fixture list has fallen.

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Pedro Porro has signed a new long-term contract with Tottenham, having made 152 appearances since arriving in January 2023 from Sporting CP.

The 26-year-old had two years remaining on the contract he signed when he joined Spurs and, while not disclosed, it is understood this new one will to run until 2031.

Head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: "Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations.

"As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.

"He understands football in a very intelligent way, and brings energy, intensity and personality to the team.

"This new contract is good news for everyone at the Club. We believe in Pedro, and I am excited to continue working with him and helping him achieve even more in the coming years."

Sporting Director, Johan Lange, added: "Securing Pedro's future was an important priority for us this summer.

"During the past three-and-half years, he has made huge progress to become one of the best full-backs in the game, and the fact he is about to play in the World Cup for Spain is testament to that."

Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, 26, says he will resolve his club future following the World Cup after the Seagulls rejected two bids from Tottenham for the Netherlands international. (Sky Sports, external)

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

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We asked for your views on who you would like Tottenham to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Seb: Sell Richarlison - has been awful this season we need a prolific goalscorer. Keep Palhinha - great this season, kept us in the Premier League. Loan out Tel - not quite good enough yet and needs more experience.

Graeme: A fringe player under the previous few managers we need right now in the dressing room and at the training ground is Ben Davies. We need his professionalism and consistency that's why I'm glad he's extended his contract. Kinsky should be loaned out to gain regular playing time as I feel he could possibly be a Spurs number one in the near future but more experience is needed for the Premier League. Sorry but Romero needs to go for three reasons; his antics this season has possibly cost us points, he's not captain material and lastly, he's definitely replaceable.

Emma: Pape Sarr should be sold as we have too many players in that position and I think his development has stalled. I think we should keep Tel, I think he will get the mistakes trained out of him and he can whip a great ball into the box and strikes the ball very well. If they are planning to get another keeper in, I think a loan move for Kinsky will develop him better than playing a handful of games a season. He needs to get 30-35 games in a season to improve and then he'll be able to be the number one.

Mark: I would sell Romero, very good player but too often a liability. Loan out Mathys Tel, he needs to learn how to pass to his team-mates but could be very good. Bring back Mikey Moore - great potential and Spurs through and through.

Ted: Keep Will Lankshear. I think the lad will be massive one day. Loan Williams-Barnett and please sell Richarlison, he's just not good enough.

Mike: The fringe player we should bring in is Jamie Donley. He did a great job at Oxford Utd and deserves to be in the squad now and again. With Senesi joining us and Van Hecke likely to sign, we'll have a glut of centre backs, so Luka Vuskovic should be loaned out for another year. Much as I like him as a person, Vicario needs to be replaced. He is not a safe pair of hands at corners and set pieces and he has problems playing out from the back.

Jonesy: Keep Kinsky and give him a chance next season, his saves in the last few games were as vital as anything in saving us from relegation. Tel - if we can't sell him send him out on loan. He simply never was good enough to be on the bench, let alone starting 11. Sell - could name so many but I would say first choice has to be Richarlison as he has had so many chances and never comes good.

Karl: Keep - Odobert, there's a player in there which Roberto de Zerbi will get out. Loan - Vuskovic, give him his wish to play with his brother and give him a new contract, especially if we sign Van Hecke, then he comes back to be a key player the following season. Sell - Vicario, Romero, Dragusin, Sarr, Richarlison, Solomon. Try and get over £100m to reinvest in the squad.

Change is inevitable at football clubs during the summer months and we want to ask you something specific about Tottenham's squad.

Tell us:

• One player who has been on the fringes who should be kept and why?

• One player who should be loaned out

• One player who should be sold

We would love names and reasons for all three - get in touch with your views using this form.

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We asked for your views on Tottenham's new signing Marcos Senesi and whether it is smart business for the club, who have struggled for form in the past two seasons.

Here are some of your comments:

Gary: A good signing. Someone who will be available all season, no suspensions, injuries or controversy. Someone you can rely on. Cannot wait for the clear-out to begin.

Gazza: So refreshing to see Spurs make some early signings after years of last-minute cut-price panic deals. Is this the new chapter we've all been waiting for? COYS.

Bodebird: Has Senesi missed what happened this last season at Tottenham? We're lucky to have him. One Argentinian centre-back in and the other hopefully out soon. Senesi will be a more level-headed example for the younger players.

Jimmy: Good addition to the squad, especially on a free transfer. I've a feeling both Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero will be departing this pre-season. Jan Paul van Hecke should be another great addition.

Mehmet: Great Signing. Will make the defence a lot stronger, alongside Andy Robertson. Need to sign Van Hecke too.

Josh: Seems a great buy considering how good Bournemouth were last season. However, we just need to try to offload Romero. If so, I think Senesi and Van de Ven will be a strong partnership at the back.

Matt: This is the definition of a no-brainer. A proven, experienced, quality player who could go straight into the team. Get Romero out and Van Hecke in and we have a central defensive unit of fantastic stature in Senesi, Micky, Danso and Van Hecke. The future's bright, the future's Lily White.

Thomas: Senesi is a brilliant player. I can't express how happy I am with his arrival. He was a mainstay of my Fantasy team last season. Welcome and COYS!

France forward Mathys Tel, 21, could make a shock switch from Tottenham to Bournemouth this summer. (Teamtalk), external.

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

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Marcos Senesi says it is a "special feeling" to join Tottenham, after the club announced he will be signing on a free transfer on 1 July.

The Argentina defender will move to north London after four years with Bournemouth following the expiry of his current deal with the Cherries.

Speaking to the club media, Senesi said: "It's a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player.

"From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It's exciting and something I can't wait to be involved in.

"Every time I step on the pitch, I will do my best to make the fans proud and to take the club back to the place it belongs. I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen."

The 29-year-old made 128 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists, and helped the south coast side secure European football for the first time in his final campaign with them.

Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi, added: "Marcos' experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation.

"He's comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment.

"I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team."

What do you make of the new signing? Is Senesi the type of player to improve Spurs? And is this a sign of smart business and recovery following last season's difficulties?

Get in touch with your views here

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Tottenham have confirmed Yves Bissouma will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

The 29-year-old joined Spurs in 2022, making 111 appearances after his high-profile move from Brighton.

Spurs have also confirmed a group of under-21 players who will leave the club, including Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig and Calum Logan.

Long-serving defender Ben Davies has committed a further year to the club in agreeing a new deal.

"It's been a huge part of my football journey," Davies said.

"I am just grateful for what the club has given me so far in my career.

"When you have the new manager come in, that first session and game you want to impress. I didn't have that opportunity this year. My first conversation was that I wasn't going to be around to help him on the pitch (due to inuury). I was around pretty much every meeting and game, trying to help the guys.

"Seeing the way he's come in and lifted this group in a really tough spot, he lifted us, the fans, the club, having his presence and confidence, we can feel a lot of relief. The job he has done is amazing but I am excited to see what he brings in the future for this club.

"He's incredibly passionate. It's honestly a pleasure to watch. There are new ideas every day. On an emotional level he's incredibly smart - he knows when the players need a pick me up or a dressing down."