Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy’s exit is having a huge ripple effect, with his departure now leaving a previous agreement to potentially collapse.
Levy resigned as Spurs chair after 24 years, leaving his long-term hands-on role at the club as the Lewis Family and ENIC attempt to usher in what they describe as a new era.
During his tenure, Levy was a polarising Tottenham figure who attracted huge criticism and disdain from sections of the fanbase — specifically over their lack of success on the pitch with just two major trophies since 2001.
In that time, Spurs were often chastised for not spending anywhere near as much as their Premier League rivals on transfers, with Levy also overseeing some disastrous decisions like certain managerial appointments.
Off the field, Levy did work wonders — transforming the Lilywhites into a revenue-generating powerhouse and overseeing the move to their brand-new state-of-the-art stadium.
Real Madrid
£1.2 billion
Man City
£727 million
PSG
£700 million
Man United
£668 million
Bayern Munich
£664 million
FC Barcelona
£659.5 million
Arsenal
£621.5 million
Liverpool
£620 million
Tottenham Hotspur
£533 million
Chelsea
£474 million
via Deloitte Money League
There is no doubt that Spurs’ commercial appeal increased ten-fold during Levy’s stay, but the focus for ENIC, and particularly Vivienne Lewis (the daughter of Joe Lewis), is now to deliver more silverware.
Reports claim that Levy was pushed out by Tottenham and didn’t find out about his resignation until hours before it was announced (The Times), with the news leaving influential footballing figures “stunned” (Miguel Delaney).
Levy’s exit is also having an effect on Tottenham’s potential re-appointment of popular ex-managing director Fabio Paratici.
Tottenham U-turn over Fabio Paratici agreement with return now in limbo
The Italian has now served his worldwide ban from football and acted as an unofficial advisor to the club as recently as the last transfer window.
Paratici had reached an agreement to return to Tottenham in his previous managing director role from the start of next month, according to talkSPORT, but now the 53-year-old is being left in “limbo”.
As per the outlet and journalist Alex Crook, Levy’s ally may not be returning to Spurs after all, as the move to bring him back was largely driven by the club’s now-former chair.
Paratici’s appointment at Tottenham is now in serious doubt, which will come as upsetting for some supporters who were fans of the director famed for his incredible work ethic.
The former Juventus chief played a key role in the signings of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence, among others, with Levy previously hailing Paratici as a man who “lives and breathes” football.
Sunderland fans who have headed out to watch their side play in Portugal during pre-season were treated to some new faces in action against Sevilla.
From the get-go against their Spanish opponents, Regis Le Bris handed Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Noah Sadiki their Black Cats debuts, as the Wearside outfit put in a good account of themselves to walk away from the runout in the Algarve heat with a respectable 1-1 draw.
Yet, away from all the fanfare surrounding new signings, Enzo Le Fee also showed off his class once more with Sunderland’s only goal of the night when the silky Frenchman capitalised on a Sevilla error at the back.
Le Bris will be hopeful that a number of his fresh signings can go on to be as impactful as Le Fee after arriving from Europe, with another statement deal now potentially on the table.
Sunderland very interested in £26m star
Whilst Sunderland have bolstered their attack with some standout purchases, the time is now approaching when the Black Cats will have to improve their defensive personnel, too, with equally high-profile buys.
Indeed, recent reports have suggested that Le Bris and Co. are going after both Brighton and Hove Albion defender Igor Julio and ex-Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos to do just that, alongside also looking at the likes of both Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi and Lille ace Bafodé Diakité from further afield.
Jhon Lucumi slide tackles Tijjani Reijnders.
However, there is a name that hasn’t been mentioned much, but stands out, with the Black Cats reportedly very interested in a £26m deal for Sevilla star Loic Bade, according to a new report by El Chiringuito TV via X.
AFC Bournemouth is also noted as being another interested party, alongside Marseille, Tottenham, and Villarreal, who have allegedly lodged enquiries about the conditions involved in signing the one-time France international.
A separate report from French publication, Foot Mercato, suggests the Cherries and Sunderland are in pole position to sign the centre-back this summer.
This might well be a tough race for Sunderland to win, but the Black Cats should not be underestimated when assessing their whirlwind business so far this summer, on top of the fact that Le Fee decided to call the Stadium of Light his home in a similarly out-there deal last year.
How Bade can be Le Bris' next Le Fee
Before making the unexpected switch, the ex-Lorient midfielder was more used to the luxuries of the top French division than the hustle and bustle of the Championship, with nine Europa League appearances also next to his name.
Still, he managed to instantly settle in as an enigmatic presence from midfield, leading to Le Fee chipping in with two key assists during Sunderland’s playoff journey to help make their surreal promotion dreams a reality.
Bade will hope he can enter the building and be just as impactful, only this time around in the bright lights of the Premier League, having been a consistent battler for Sevilla over many a season now.
In total, the 6-foot-3 “warrior” – as he’s been glowingly labelled in the past by football analyst Ben Mattinson – has 79 La Liga appearances under his belt for Matías Almeyda’s men, with the same level of standout experience also on his side in European competitions, having lined up for three Champions League clashes across his varied career to date, away from also proudly lifting the Europa League in 2023.
Games played
32
Goals scored
1
Assists
1
Touches*
68.3
Accurate passes*
48.6 (86%)
Ball recoveries*
4.3
Clearances*
5.0
Total duels won*
4.3
Clean sheets
8
While he proudly demonstrates prowess in the air, winning 4.3 aerial duels per game last season in La Liga, which could come in handy for a relegation dog-fight, Bade also possesses a calmness with the ball at his feet that is similar to his compatriot in Le Fee, with a high 86% pass accuracy averaged per top-flight clash across the same period.
The 25-year-old just about did enough at the back to ensure Sevilla beat the drop, as the Rojiblancos finished in a precarious 17th spot, with Bade now tasked with ensuring another lowly side can stave off relegation if he relocates to Sunderland.
Loic Bade for Sevilla.
Hailed as being a potential “great” signing by U23 scout Antonio Mango for a team in need of experience, this might well be a golden deal for Le Bris and Co. to sign off on, with the hope he can look a cut above, much like Le Fee did on his arrival.
Better than Lauriente: Sunderland make contact to sign "crazy" £34m star
Sunderland could seal a better signing than Armand Lauriente at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s squad is really starting to take shape now ahead of their first Premier League showdown with West Ham United next month.
Indeed, at the time of writing, Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, and Noah Sadiki have all joined Regis Le Bris’ camp in rapid-fire fashion, with the next expected arrival through the door coming in the form of promising Club Brugge attacker Chemsdine Talbi for a weighty £19.8m.
Sunderland’s breakneck pace in the summer transfer window won’t be slowing down here, you imagine, as more and more new faces are tipped to join the exciting Black Cats ride up to the top flight.
Sunderland lodge bid for next summer signing
The central midfield department certainly looks well stocked on Wearside, as plenty of attackers now begin to be linked to the Stadium of Light to boost numbers all over the pitch, away from just Talbi strengthening their options down the right channel.
Both Gonzalo Garcia and Luiz Suarez have been on the Sunderland radar from Real Madrid and Almeria, respectively, as Le Bris looks to enhance the Black Cats’ firepower up top. Still, with Garcia reportedly content to stick it out in Spain, and with Suarez on the Sporting shopping list, it might well be a tough battle ahead to tempt either promising striker to England.
It could well be an equally testing endeavour to try and pick up Sassuolo ace Armand Lauriente this summer. However, it is stated that Sunderland still holds a concrete interest in snapping up the entertaining Frenchman, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.
Further reports from Italy have also suggested that the Black Cats have seen a first offer rejected for the forward, with the Italian outfit holding out for more than €30m (£25m) plus bonus. The player himself is said to be pushing to leave.
If Sunderland were ultimately successful in this race to land the explosive 26-year-old, they could be about to win Le Bris his next Le Fee, as another exciting talent from Europe down the left flank prepares to wreak havoc on Wearside.
Wju Lauriente can be Le Bris' next Le Fee
Sunderland’s strategy in the chaotic summer window so far seems to centre on them plucking gems from the European leagues, hopeful that they go on to be as instantly successful as Le Fee was on English shores.
Le Fee was a very bright spark for the Black Cats in their moment of need last season, as seen in the former Lorient midfielder collecting two assists in the tense playoff semi-final matches to secure his team a triumphant trip to Wembley.
Lauriente will hope he can translate his Sassuolo magic to the English game very shortly too, with the stylish winger spearheading his own promotion charge last season as Fabio Grosso’s men returned to Serie A at the first time of asking.
Their similarities don’t end there as Le Bris gears up to potentially welcome his next Le Fee to his ever-growing camp, with Lauriente well-versed in what it takes to be a star at a top level, having collected a mightily impressive tally of 42 goals and assists plying his trade in both Ligue 1 and Serie A. His compatriot, before embarking on a fresh challenge on Wearside, lags behind on 21 goals and assists in both those top divisions.
Sassuolo
102
31
18
Lorient
91
13
14
US Orleans
17
3
1
Rennes
2
0
0
Staggeringly, Lauriente might well go on to be an even bigger star than Le Fee when judging those numbers, with the Sassuolo number 45 no doubt ready to push the 25-year-old for a starting spot down the left flank. It’s no wonder that analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “one of the best left-wing options out there”.
Having been lauded as an “amazing” performer to watch in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, too, picking up Lauriente might well have the same impact Le Fee’s arrival did in boosting the Black Cats’ chances of being a success.
Armand Lauriente in action for Sassuolo.
But this time around, he could be the decisive star that helps Sunderland stave off the relegation drop zone in the Premier League.
Dream squad Sunderland could build: £112m spent on 7 signings after Talbi
Sunderland looks ready to take the Premier League by storm, with this being potentially what their dream squad could look like very soon.
Arsenal are very active in the transfer market and could complete an array of different deals before summer deadline day on September 1.
Club now "working tirelessly" to sign Arsenal "magician" for pre-season
It starts in three days.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2025
Mikel Arteta is being backed to the very hilt by new sporting director Andrea Berta, who’s making quite the impression since he was officially announced as Edu’s replacement in late March.
The Italian has begun his reign by completing the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke, with the latter undergoing his medical this weekend ahead of a £50 million move from Chelsea (Fabrizio Romano).
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£75m
The England international, who has divided opinions among the Arsenal fanbase, will also put pen to paper on a long-term five-year contract – putting an end to Arsenal’s search for a left-winger.
While their pursuit of an out-and-out wide appears has drawn to a close with Madueke’s arrival, Arsenal still want Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to complement club captain Martin Odegaard in central attacking midfield, according to Sky Sports.
Arsenal have held positive talks with Eze’s camp, but are yet to open formal Palace talks with regard to paying the 27-year-old’s £68 million release clause.
The potential arrivals of both Eze and Madueke would come as a serious statement from Arsenal, but one area of the squad which quite simply needs to be prioritised is at centre-forward.
Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness in the final third last term, especially when compared to their previous two campaigns, was a major cause for concern and played a serious role in the Gunners’ lacklustre Premier League title challenge.
Viktor Gyokeres only wants to join Arsenal this summer
The consensus is that Berta’s looking towards Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres to solve this problem.
The prolific Sweden international has been unplayable since moving to Portugal two years ago, scoring 97 goals in just 102 total appearances, but his time at Sporting, it’s safe to say, is now over.
The former Coventry City star is actively refusing to return to pre-season training, and Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Gyokeres, as negotiations rumble on over the final fee.
Now, the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on the situation.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating.
Writing for CaughtOffside, he states that Gyokeres only wants to join Arsenal this summer, and he won’t entertain talks with any other club as things stand, so there is little danger of a potential hijack from Ruben Amorim’s Man United.
This comes after personal terms were agreed with Gyokeres days ago, but Sporting’s price is a major sticking point.
Some reports have even claimed that their president, Frederico Varandas, could go back on his promise not to demand the player’s full £85 million release clause – due to the toxic situation involving Gyokeres’ agent (CNN Portugal).
Leeds United made their second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday evening when they officially confirmed the arrival of Jaka Bijol from Serie A side Udinese.
The central defender is now set to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Joe Rodon for a place in the starting XI in the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke is also in the market to add another number nine to his squad, having already brought in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.
Football Insider claims that Leeds are interested in a deal to sign Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz, but the Cottagers are confident of keeping hold of the Brazilian frontman.
The report adds that the Whites have already had an offer of £32m rejected by the fellow Premier League team, and that the London-based side are prepared to price the Championship champions out of a move for the striker.
This latest update suggests that the Fulham marksman will not be making his way to Elland Road this summer, but what could he have brought to the team?
What Rodrigo Muniz could bring to Leeds
If Leeds can turn it around to sign him, the 24-year-old attacker would join the Whites to provide Farke with a Premier League-proven number nine who has shown that he can score goals at that level.
In the last two seasons, Muniz has racked up 17 top-flight goals for the Cottagers, which shows that he knows how to find the back of the net in the top division in England.
Appearances
26
31
xG
8.72
5.81
Goals
9
8
Big chances created
2
1
Key passes per game
0.7
0.2
Assists
1
1
As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian forward also outperformed his xG in both of those seasons, showing that he is also a reliable and clinical finisher.
However, creativity is not his strong suit. A return of two assists in two seasons, and a peak of 0.7 key passes per game, does not suggest that he would create many high-quality opportunities for his teammates.
Muniz would, though, offer physicality in the number nine position. He won 52% of his duels and won 2.2 aerial battles per game in the Premier League this season, which shows that he can hold his own against top-flight defenders.
Whilst there are clearly a lot of strong qualities that the Fulham star could bring to West Yorkshire, Leeds are now reportedly pursuing a striker who could be an even better signing.
Leeds pursuing deal for Serie A star
According to Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds United are expected to make another bid to sign Nikola Krstovic from Lecce in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Championship champions have already had an offer of £19.7m rejected by the Italian side for the Montenegrin centre-forward, but they are now plotting another attempt to snap him up.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It also reveals that AS Roma are interested in signing the 25-year-old marksman, and that they would be prepared to offer a player in exchange for him, although they have yet to make an official bid.
Meanwhile, the print edition of Corriere dello Sport, via MOTLeedsNews, reports that Lecce value the forward at a fee of around £26m, and claims that Leeds are ready to pay big money to get a deal done for the striker.
It now remains to be seen whether or not their second offer for the Montenegro international will be enough to tempt the Italian team to part ways with the attacker.
Why Leeds should sign Nikola Krstovic
The Premier League new boys should push to sign the Lecce number nine before the end of the summer transfer window because he would be an even better signing than Muniz.
Nikola Krstovic
Krstovic would be considerably cheaper if the latest reports are to be believed, with Lecce valuing him at £26m compared to the significantly more than £32m that Fulham want for Muniz in order to price Leeds out of a deal.
This means that it could be more financially viable for the Whites to pursue the Montenegro international, which would also free up more funds to be spent on other areas of the squad as they look to build a team that can compete in the Premier League.
Krstovic, as shown in the clips above, is a versatile goalscorer who has shown that he can find the back of the net in a variety of ways, with either foot, from close or long range, and with his head.
The Lecce sensation, who was dubbed “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, has proven that he can score goals in a major European league, netting 18 Serie A goals in the last two seasons combined.
Appearances
31
37
Sofascore rating
6.88
7.14
Goals
8
11
Big chances created
1
5
Assists
1
5
Duels won per game
3.7
4.9
As you can see in the table above, Krstovic outperformed Muniz at league level in the 2024/25 campaign, with three more goals and four more assists, whilst also winning more duels per game.
The Montenegro international’s ability to generate high-quality opportunities for himself is one of his most impressive attributes, as he has accrued 24.80 xG in two seasons in the Serie A, compared to the Fulham man’s tally of 15.32 in two Premier League campaigns.
Montenegro international Nikola Krstovic.
This could suggest that Krstovic is better at getting himself into goalscoring situations, which could be particularly useful in a season that Leeds are expected to be battling relegation in.
Overall, the Lecce star could be a better signing than Muniz for the Whites as the striker may be able to offer more goals and assists in the top-flight, whilst being a cheaper addition to the squad.
Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star
Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.
With Thomas Frank looking to make his mark from the off, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly battling Manchester United in another transfer race to sign a £20m gem.
Tottenham open summer business with Tel arrival
Although there are likely to be plenty of others who steal the headlines this summer, Mathys Tel has his place in history as the first signing of the Frank era in North London. The young forward has arrived on a permanent deal following a short loan spell in the second-half of last season. Still just 20 years old, the former Bayern Munich man represents the type of talent that could thrive under Frank’s guidance.
The Lilywhites are unlikely to be done there with attacking additions, however, amid recent reports that suggest they’ve opened talks sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
With Bryan Mbeumo still leaning towards a summer switch to Manchester United, Frank and Tottenham’s attention has seemingly turned towards the Cherries and sealing the arrival of a player who has been on the rise in the South Coast for the last two seasons.
Of course, there will be plenty of frustration if they miss out on Mbeumo – especially given how Frank got the best out of the Brentford star during their time together in West London – but Semenyo very much represents an ideal alternative.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
The Mbeumo saga may not be the last time that Spurs and Manchester United do battle in the transfer window, either. Reports are now suggesting that both clubs are interested in the same midfield gem.
Tottenham battling Man Utd to sign £20m Agoume
According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now battling Man Utd to sign Lucien Agoume from Sevilla this summer. The young midfielder is reportedly available for just £20m amid Sevilla’s financial troubles and could be destined for the Premier League one way or another in the coming months.
It’s easy to see why two of the Premier League’s so-called big six teams are interested in Agoume this summer. U23 scout Antonio Mango was full of praise for the 23-year-old in his assessment, going on to describe him as “combative” and “extremely well-rounded”.
If they lose out on Mbeumo to Manchester United, then Tottenham should look to exact instant revenge by signing Agoume ahead of the Red Devils this summer. What could reportedly help their battle to do exactly that is the fact that they have Champions League football to offer, whilst Manchester United, of course, do not.
28-year-old wants to join Tottenham as Levy considers "clever" signing
He’d be an interesting addition.
4 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025
It would be quite the moment if Spurs’ Europa League victory over the Red Devils saw them hand those at Old Trafford another defeat away from the pitch in the coming months.
Liverpool have now submitted a “concrete offer” to sign a teenage centre-back from Ligue 1, say reports in the player’s homeland of Morocco.
Liverpool expected to complete Wirtz and Kerkez deals
Liverpool appear to be close to capturing not one but two new players in the coming days. Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth are expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong through the Anfield door to become Arne Slot’s second and third signings of the summer.
Liverpool in talks for another club-record signing who's as exciting as Wirtz
Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Jun 4, 2025
The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool’s latest Wirtz bid, which was worth £109 million, was turned down by Leverkusen, as they hold out for a British-record fee of £126 million, but a deal is still expected to go through.
And Wirtz appears to have implied things are progressing on his own social media accounts too, posting on Instagram to deny reports he has demanded Alexis Mac Allister’s number ten shirt in order to join.
As Liverpool work on finding an agreement with Leverkusen, club chiefs are also closing in on a deal for a new left-back. According to Sky Sports, the Reds are growing increasingly confident that they will sign Kerkez from Bournemouth.
The Hungary star is keen on the move to Anfield and personal terms are not said to be an issue.
Liverpool submit official bid for teenage centre-back
The Reds don’t plan on stopping there, as according to Morocco’s LE360 Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have now made a concrete offer to sign defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal from Stade Rennais.
Liverpool manager ArneSlot
The 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Amiens in Ligue 2, has yet to make his senior debut for Stade Rennais, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool and Newcastle United from showing significant interest. The Magpies have met with the player already, but the Reds have gone one step further and have already made an offer, though it is unclear what the offer is worth.
OGC Nice and two teams from La Liga are also in the ‘picture’ when it comes to signing Aït Boudlal. The Moroccan is under contract until 2028, but given the significant interest from Europe, it appears his time in Rennes is coming to an end.
Apps
9
Starts
8
Assists
1
Big chances created
1
Interceptions per game
0.7
Tackles per game
1.6
Balls recovered per game
3.6
Clearances per game
7.9
Liverpool’s interest in Aït Boudlal isn’t new, as club scout Kyle Wallbanks was in attendance for the AFCON U20 tournament, where Aït Boudlal helped Morocco reach the final. The Reds have obviously been keeping a close eye on the defender and are now ready to bring him to Anfield.
Arsenal have now been contacted by the entourage of a Manchester United star, ahead of a potential summer move, according to a report.
Gunners stepping up winger pursuit
With Mikel Arteta’s side poised to finish second for the third year on the bounce, the board are set to spend big in the upcoming window, and The Mirror’s John Cross has revealed there are two key areas in which the manager is looking to strengthen.
Bukayo Saka’s lengthy spell on the sidelines this season underlined his importance to the Gunners, but there may be some concerns about Gabriel Martinelli’s attacking output, with the Brazilian hardly setting the world alight in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old picked up just eight goals and four assists in the 2024-25 campaign, and the north Londoners could now be presented with the opportunity to raid one of their Premier League rivals for a potential replacement.
Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, the agents of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho have now been in contact over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with the left-winger set to be sold.
Garnacho is frustrated about not being included in the starting XI for the Europa League final, and having accepted he needs to leave Old Trafford this summer, the Argentine is keen on a switch to Atletico Madrid, while Napoli are also in the picture.
It remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old is tempted by a move to Arsenal, but any deal is expected to amount to around £51m.
£359k-per-week striker would join Arsenal "immediately", Berta wants him
He’s apparently very keen.
ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025 "Generational" Garnacho needs summer move
Much like a whole host of other top players, the Argentina international’s career has stalled at Old Trafford, picking up just six goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, but there are plenty of signs the youngster could be a success elsewhere.
Lauded as “generational” by Statman Dave, the starlet holds the record for most goal involvements by a teenager in United’s history, while he has also received praise for his ability to create chances.
That said, Arsenal have identified a number of other winger targets, and it would be a risk to take a punt on Garnacho, rather than a player who is more proven at the top level.
Tottenham Hotspur have held negotiations over signing a colossal centre-back in the last few days, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange working to strengthen the squad.
Spurs win Europa League but end Premier League season in 17th
Ange Postecoglou’s future hangs in the balance after what was a very mixed season for the Lilywhites.
£165k-a-week Tottenham star has told Levy he's quitting despite Europa win
He’s informed the Spurs chairman directly.
3 ByEmilio Galantini May 25, 2025
According to reports, Tottenham chiefs are currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, with the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy whilst also leading them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats this campaign, resulting in a lowly 17th-placed finish.
The emotional high surrounding their first European triumph since 1984 in the Europa League, coupled with Postecoglou’s rousing speech at the trophy parade, will be firmly stuck in Levy’s mind – and the chairman is now faced with an almighty conundrum ahead of next season.
“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou after their Europa League final win.
“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.
“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it. I made family a theme from when I got here because I felt that we needed something to bring us all together and look further than just what everybody wanted. We had to form some sort of unity and the lads have been brilliant. They’ve shared their stories and got closer through the tough times like all families and now they share the reward.”
A decision on Postecoglou will need to be made and quickly, with the first of two 2025 summer transfer windows set to open imminently.
Tottenham hold "negotiations" over signing Pisa defender Francesco Coppola
Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League gives Levy and Lange an almighty boost when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive, with reports suggesting Spurs are more confident they can tempt players like Marc Guehi as a result.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
The Crystal Palace star isn’t their only defensive target, either, with Pisa Sporting Club’s rising star Francesco Coppola also on their radar.
The Italy Under-20 international spent 2024/2025 on loan at Serie C side Vis Pesaro, but his performances in the third tier have apparently impressed Spurs scouts – so much so that they’ve approached Pisa over signing him.
That is according to La Nazione, who write that Tottenham held “negotiations” over Coppola in the last few days, but these talks ended pretty swiftly.
Pisa are said to have rebuffed Levy’s advances for the towering 6 foot 5 defender, as they appear determined to keep hold of their highly-promising centre-back. If Spurs are to be successful in their pursuit, they may have to go back in with an offer which proves too good to resist.
Glasgow Rangers face Hibernian this weekend in their final match of the Scottish Premiership season before all focus can turn to the summer transfer window.
Getting a new head coach through the door should be the priority for the Light Blues, and it was recently reported that Davide Ancelotti, currently assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is closing in on the job.
It would be the Italian tactician’s first job as a first-team manager and he would be immediately faced with a number of big decisions, including whether or not to cash in on James Tavernier.
Why James Tavernier could stay at Rangers
The English full-back is reportedly a target for teams in Italy and the MLS ahead of the summer transfer window, with his contract at Ibrox expiring in 2026, and this means that there is doubt over his future at the club.
Ancelotti, as a new head coach, could look to lean on Tavernier’s experience, with 512 matches played for Rangers, and his leadership, as the captain, to help him in the role.
The right-back, who has scored 130 goals for the club, could be the link between the manager and the players, using his experience at Ibrox to ensure that the rest of the team are onboard and pulling in the right direction.
One player who should immediately be axed as the first departure of Ancelotti’s reign, should the coach complete a move to Ibrox this summer, is centre-forward Cyriel Dessers.
Why Cyriel Dessers should be sold
The Nigeria international should be the first player axed by the Italian head coach because the manager should want a reliable and consistent number nine who can fire them back to glory in domestic football against Celtic.
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Unfortunately, Dessers, who has only scored two goals in ten matches against the Hoops, has not been a reliable centre-forward for the Gers since his move from Cremonese in the summer of 2023.
The £3m-rated flop, who was described as “awkward” to play against by journalist Josh Bunting, has proven himself to be excellent at getting into goalscoring positions, but has not provided enough quality with his finishing.
Appearances
35
34
Goals
16
17
Big chances missed
27
21
Big chances created
8
2
Assists
4
2
Duel success rate
33%
33%
As you can see in the table above, he has got in enough positions to score 33 league goals since the start of last season, yet has also missed 48 ‘big chances’, and been unreliable out of possession, losing 67% of his duels overall.
This shows that Dessers does not make enough of the quality opportunities that are created for him, which is why he is not the reliable striker Rangers need to kick on and end Celtic’s dominance in the Premiership. That is further backed up by his dismal goal return against the Hoops.
His lack of quality has been particularly telling in the Europa League as well. The striker scored three goals from 5.49 xG and missed a whopping ten ‘big chances’ in nine starts in the competition this term, which shows that he is not cut out to help the side kick on in European competitions.
Three Italian sides, Monza, Cagliari, and Empoli, were linked with the forward in January, and Ancelotti should push for the club to explore potential deals with any interested sides to move the striker on this summer, in order to create space for a new centre-forward to come in.
Dessers does not appear to be suited to leading the team forward as their main number nine, given his dismal finishing and struggles out of possession, and that is why the new head coach should instantly axe him from the team.
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Whereas Tavernier, another one of the senior players at the age of 33, could be kept around because of his experience at Rangers and the leadership he could provide.