Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has delivered his verdict on the future of attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho at Aston Villa.
The lowdown: Star signing
The 29-year-old arrived at Villa Park in January on a short term deal from Barcelona until the end of the season and proved to be an instant hit in the Midlands.
Following a debut goal against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw, Coutinho has taken his tally to four goals and three assists in just 14 Premier League outings.
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Despite a dip in overall form for Villa in recent weeks, manager Steven Gerrard has been backed to pursue a move for the former Liverpool man…
The latest: Robinson endorses summer move
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Tottenham number one and current BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Robinson backed Villa to sign Coutinho on a permanent basis due to the good personal relationship with the manager.
“Villa have slipped away quietly this season. I was expecting them to finish in the top ten after the impact Steven Gerrard had in his first few weeks. They were playing really well.
“They are a work in progress though. You forget where they were when he took over. I still think he’ll want to sign Coutinho permanently. They have such a good relationship. I can see it happening.
“I think Coutinho, [Ollie] Watkins, John McGinn and Matty Cash will be the players Steven builds the team around next season. I can see them pushing on if they do.
“They have fallen away but I expect a big improvement next year.”
The verdict: Make it happen
Without a goal contribution in six outings, there has been an undoubted drop off since a scintillating introduction to life as a Villan for Coutinho.
However, boasting an impressive trophy cabinet with 11 major accolades from spells at the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, opportunities to sign a player of the 68-cap Brazilian’s calibre don’t present themselves that often.
With a reported option to buy standing at £33million (Sky Sports), the Aston Villa hierarchy should be willing to sanction the permanent move for the skilful forward once described as possessing ‘magical powers’ by Roberto Firmino as Gerrard looks to build a squad ready to challenge the top half of the table next season.
In other news, journalist urges Aston Villa to focus on key position. Read more here.
West Ham United and manager David Moyes have been gifted an ‘advantage’ in the race to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Moyes eyes Lingard move…
The Premier League ace has been on Moyes’ transfer radar for the better part of a year with reports first emerging in 2021 that West Ham wanted to make Lingard’s loan deal a permanent one.
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However, GSB’s efforts to prise away the England international were in vain, with Lingard electing to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his future under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Following his lack of game time, a January exit for Moyes’ long-term target was on the cards and West Ham even made late attempts to seal his London Stadium return in the winter.
The Irons couldn’t finalise his capture yet again, but as they reportedly go for third time lucky, Lingard’s soon-to-be free agent status could make his signing that bit less complicated.
The Latest: O’Rourke makes promising Lingard claim…
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke claims that West Ham have one ‘advantage’ in the race for United’s departing ace.
He also believes that Hammers supporters would certainly ‘encourage’ a move for Lingard going by his brilliant spell in east London last year.
When asked if the 29-year-old’s familiarity with Moyes at West Ham will be a factor, O’Rourke explained: “I think you’ve got to say that it gives them an advantage; they both know each other. Jesse Lingard was such a big fans’ favourite during his loan spell at West Ham, so the fans would definitely encourage that move.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
While the Europa League semi-finalists are arguable front-runners for Lingard, does that mean West Ham should be competing for his signature yet again this summer?
Moyes, as per reliable reports, is targeting a central defender, new midfielder, striker and potential reserve keeper to boost his 2022/2023 ranks.
Lingard is a player of proven top flight quality and experienced England international who has already shined under the Scotsman at West Ham.
The fact he could join for zero cost makes this an arguable no-brainer, even despite the frustrating sagas of West Ham’s last two efforts to sign him.
Moyes, by saving transfer funds on a swoop for Lingard, could then spend big on trying to seal world class central defensive and forward signings.
Called a would-be ‘massive signing’ for West Ham by former England keeper Paul Robinson, we believe that remains the case.
In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployeee shares fresh West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.
Liverpool haven’t been at their best this season, though there is an expectation and anticipation across the red Merseyside streets that Arne Slot has what it takes to turn things around.
The Dutch coach won the Premier League in his first year at the helm, after all, and he achieved this having spent very little last summer, welcoming Federico Chiesa from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m fee and then using the Italian sparingly across the campaign.
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
It didn’t matter, though. Liverpool were spearheaded by Mohamed Salah’s jaw-dropping season, the Egyptian breaking any number of records as he claimed his second Premier League title. He won a gamut of individual accolades too.
But Salah is 33 years old, and it was clear to Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes that the Reds needed sweeping changes across the final third, with no guarantees that Salah would replicate such a one-of-a-kind campaign.
It was clear, indeed, that Darwin Nunez needed to be sold after three seasons on Merseyside that left plenty to be desired.
Why Liverpool sold Darwin Nunez
Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64m fee in 2022. That figure would have risen to a club-record £85m mark, but for the Uruguayan’s struggles across his three years in England, that meant targets were left unhit.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
Across three seasons, he only scored 25 times in the Premier League. This statistic is aggravated by Sofascore data revealing that the 25-year-old missed 53 big chances during that timeframe.
Nunez’s plight at number nine, first across two years in Jurgen Klopp’s system and then under Slot’s wing, was played out against the backdrop of a trophy-rich period at Anfield, and he did depart this summer as a Premier League champion.
Premier League
95
25 (16)
Champions League
17
5 (1)
Carabao Cup
13
2 (6)
Europa League
10
5 (1)
FA Cup
7
2 (2)
Community Shield
1
1 (0)
But Nunez, now plying his trade with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, never failed to shake off the wasteful tag that chased him through his English career.
It was crucial that he was replaced, and replaced he was this summer.
Liverpool first wrapped up a £69m move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, and the French forward already looks levels above Nunez at the Liverpool spearhead.
However, another Redman has been criticised for offering less than Nunez did last season, with the South American posting seven goals and seven assists across 47 matches in Slot’s system.
Liverpool forward is 'offering less than Nunez'
Liverpool ‘won’ the transfer window. So many exciting signings were welcomed down Anfield Road, but the club have found it tough across the opening months of the season, and club-record signing Alexander Isak is the perfect example of that.
Isak, 26, is one of the finest goalscorers in world football, and Liverpool ended a highly-charged transfer saga this summer by completing the British-record £125m addition of Newcastle United’s talisman.
However, Isak went on strike in the build-up to his big move, and this has left him scrambling for form across his opening matches, lacking match fitness and fluency.
More is expected at this stage, and Liverpool correspondent David Lynch has even gone as far as to suggest that the 6 foot 3 striker is “offering Liverpool less than Darwin Nunez did” at the moment, with just one goal and one assist across eight appearances this term.
Isak gave his new club a flavour of his skill when netting against Southampton in the Carabao Cup at the start of October, but it’s been a transitional period for him, to be sure.
And Lynch is right. Nunez had offered Liverpool more at this stage last season, but that does not mean that Isak will continue to struggle.
This is all to be taken with a pinch of salt, of course. Only in January did pundit Jamie Carragher hail Isak as “the best striker in the Premier League”.
Last season, the Sweden star ranked among the top 3% of Premier League forwards for goal involvements, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref. He scored 27 goals across all competitions, including the decisive strike against Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
His all-encompassing attacking style has even seen comparisons drawn with former Liverpool superstar Luis Suarez, who was as prolific as they come in England and played his football was such gusto and personality.
Suarez was a one-of-a-kind centre-forward, but then so is Isak. Liverpool just haven’t been treated to his finest skills yet. However, it is on Isak to get himself up to speed and prove he is anything but Nunez-esque.
Whereas Nunez fell by the wayside after completing his big-money move from overseas, Isak has proven himself and then some on English shores since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022. His time on Tyneside was no joke, and Liverpool would bear testament to their record-signing’s might after his string of brilliant performances against the Anfield side in the past.
Now that autumn is deepening, Liverpool must ensure that Isak is nursed toward full health, though Slot will be cautious after the £280k-per-week superstar was kept on the fringe across the recent international break by Sweden boss Graham Potter.
Ekitike has proved he is every bit the elite rival to thrive at number nine when Isak is injured or merely rested, but Liverpool will expect their British-record addition to start proving they have received bang for their buck soon, especially given the need to ease the weight of the club’s current crisis.
For a respected reporter to be observing that Isak is currently pulling less weight than Nunez was, a highly polarising former Red, that is evidence that it hasn’t been good enough, and needs to be quickly changed.
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Liverpool are weighing up a 2026 bid for one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Leeds United are keen on signing a “sensational” Champions League player in the January transfer window.
Mixed Leeds injury news ahead of Burnley clash
The Whites make the trip to Burnley on Saturday afternoon, in an important Premier League clash between two of last season’s promoted sides.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has provided an injury update ahead of the game, admitting that there is both good and bad news to report.
“Good news was Lucas Perri, so he was able to train the last two weeks together with us, so he was able to use also this international break to build up a bit his fitness level. Of course, after being out so long, he can’t be there at 100 percent, but you see him going more or less from day to day, which is good news.
“With Willy Gnonto, he won’t be available for this game because his calf problems are sorted but sadly he had to use the international break for a little minor hernia surgery, so not a major thing but he needed to do this. He will be just back in team training next week so I expect then to have him available, perhaps already for Friday evening for the next home game but definitely not for this away trip.
“Very positive and good news was Daniel James because he is a bit ahead of schedule in his rehab, so a compliment also to our medical department, our rehab coaches. He was even involved already, I would say, in major parts of team training during this week but he is definitely not in contention for the starting line-up. Noah Okafor is also struggling a little bit with some adductor problems, he could be perhaps even in contention to be picked for the squad, so I didn’t expect this.”
Away from injury news, Leeds continue to look at potential new signings, and an exciting attacking player has been mentioned as an option.
Leeds have Champions League ace on their "radar"
Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Bailey claimed that Leeds are eyeing a potential move for Bodo/Glimt winger Jens Petter Hauge in January.
Hauge stands out as such an exciting option for Leeds, with scout Jacek Kulig once calling him a “sensational” player who always stood out as a youngster with huge potential.
Now 26, the 13-cap Norway international is a proven top-level player, scoring twice in as many Champions League appearances, as well as netting six times in the Europa League.
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Hauge is capable of flourishing on both wings and as an attacking midfielder, but is predominantly a left-sided player, and he could add so much quality to Leeds’ attacking midway through the season.
In an interview with Sky Sports in August, Everton manager David Moyes said, “you have to keep trying to evolve”.
The Scotsman’s desire to shape his Toffees team into a dynamic force is an ambitious one, but he’s shown since replacing Sean Dyche in January that he has what it takes to lift Everton back into the limelight after years toiling away in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The objective last term was one of survival, but Moyes’ Everton quickly found form and steered away from the relegation fodder. Some might have feared that it would be more of the same this year, purple patch done and dusted, but careful navigation through a tricky summer transfer window has placed the club in sixth place with four games behind them.
Early days, of course, but the signs are certainly promising, with Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among those to have sparked career revivals after leaving ‘Big Six’ clubs during the off-season.
Goalscoring problems persist
Everton have a new degree of creativity about them, with the season’s early readings suggesting they have been among the most efficient playmakers in the Premier League so far. However, they’ve missed six big chances, with Beto in particular culpable for some shoddy finishing.
Man United
4
7.9
Chelsea
9
7.7
Man City
5
7.6
Brighton
4
6.6
Everton
5
6.3
The Bissau-Guinean striker blows hot and cold, and though he scored against Wolves last month, he lacks the danger he projected on Everton’s rivals during that fine run of form last season.
Grealish isn’t a goalscorer, not really, while Iliman Ndiaye cannot be expected to carry his side in the final third across the duration of the campaign.
What Everton need is a new forward capable of leading the line over the coming years, marrying technical quality and innate shooting skills with a predatory hunger when facing the goalkeeper.
Someone like Richarlison. It’s been three years since Farhad Moshiri sold the Brazilian maverick to Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal, good business given his injury problems and inability to recapture that Goodison Park form in the capital.
But Richarlison, 28, remains one of the most threatening players in the Premier League, and Moyes was actually interested in re-signing the star to Everton this summer, ultimately going in a different direction.
That direction led to Thierno Barry, who is certainly unrefined and yet to stamp his authority on the English game, but then unquestionably boasts the talent and profile to rise up as Moyes’ own version of Richarlison.
Why Everton signed Thierno Barry
We are over a month into the 2025/26 season, and Barry has been used in a rotation role so far at Everton. The 22-year-old joined from Villarreal in a £27m deal in the summer, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of his contract.
He’s featured in each of Everton’s four Premier League matches so far, though he’s only started during the win over Wolves and was hooked shortly after the hour mark.
The integration process was always going to be one of stops and starts, but in this French forward, Moyes has landed a 6 foot 5 powerhouse with pace and potential to become an elite striker of the ball.
Last season in La Liga, he scored 11 goals and assisted four more across 35 games, starting only 25 times and creating seven big chances besides. Having won 67% of his aerial battles, you can see why Moyes was so enamoured, but his ability to drive forward with strong strides points toward that aforementioned evolution over at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, steering away from the target-man days of DCL.
Thierry Henry likes what he sees, with Barry’s movement and ability to draw defenders away intelligently, akin to Richarlison when he was in his Everton prime.
Richarlison spent four years on Merseyside, and he scored 53 goals and assisted 15 more across 152 appearances in total. Be it on the left flank or as the Blues’ number nine, the Brazil international was a force to be reckoned with.
Likewise, Barry has spent time coming off the left wing, with the right footer’s protean attacking ability lending itself to such a role. In this way, Moyes might find he can weave Beto and Barry into the same recipe. The new recruit, after all, showcased his creative capacity in La Liga last year.
In fact, Barry has actually scored eight goals from only 14 appearances out on the left wing, so he clearly has the natural sense in the final third to break the netting from any angle.
Could he reach Richarlison’s Everton level? That is not for us to know at this stage. But the Spurs man was once tipped by Carlo Ancelotti to become “one of the top strikers in Europe”, and Barry’s similar build and profile suggest he could take it one step further on Merseyside, in a team which is shaping up to challenge for places at the top end of the Premier League table.
Hailed for his “menacing” profile by talent scout Antonio Mango, Barry hasn’t yet alerted the wider Premier League audience to his presence, but he’s got all the tools to succeed in this division, and if he continues to develop his mobility and refine his presence in the final third, he might just prove to be Everton’s next version of a modern hero in Richarlison.
A budding expertise in stretching lines and making a nuisance of himself, Barry is evidence that Everton are developing into a new state under Moyes’ tutelage, and that, while the 62-year-old remains rooted in his pragmatic principles, he is eager to shape this side into something new.
For now, Beto continues to serve as Everton’s first-choice striker, but as Barry sharpens his tools, that could soon change.
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Tottenham Hotspur kick-started their Champions League 2025/26 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over LaLiga outfit Villarreal in North London last night.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from Thomas Frank’s men, but it was a performance that got the job done and secured all three points in their opening encounter.
The Lilywhites will need to produce better displays going forward if they are to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.
There’s no doubt the Dane will ensure the side don’t replicate such a display, especially when the side travel to face Bodo Glimt in their next European outing at the end of the month.
However, if the side is to produce a better display in Norway, the manager will need to drop one player after his dismal showing against Marcelino Garcia’s men.
Why Richarlison needs to be dropped by Frank
While Richarlison has been a live wire for Spurs this campaign, netting two goals to date, his showing against Villarreal was arguably one of his worst in the new season.
The Brazilian was handed the responsibility of leading the line once again, but failed to produce a performance highlighting the trust put into him by boss Frank.
He only registered 23 touches during his 77-minute performance, completing just three passes in the process – subsequently failing to maintain possession for the Lilywhites.
The 28-year-old also failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles and failed to register a single effort on goal, further showcasing his lack of positive impact in the final third.
Richarlison’s dismal outing didn’t stop there, even picking up a yellow card for a late challenge on Juan Foyth – showing glimpses of his rash past, which has led to questions previously being asked about his attitude.
There’s no denying that the manager should drop him from his next starting eleven, but he shouldn’t be alone in being excluded after his recent showing in the Champions League.
The Spurs star who should be dropped alongside Richarlison
The start to the Frank reign at Spurs has been a positive one, with his side winning four of the first five competitive games he’s taken charge of in 2024/25.
Wins against Manchester City, Burnley and West Ham United were certainly more convincing, but the same can’t be said for the showing against the Spanish outfit last night.
The three points will be the most important aspect, but the manager will no doubt be concerned about his team’s lack of talent during the 1-0 triumph on home soil.
Richarlison was just one player who failed to deliver, but Djed Spence also fell into such a category despite his own recent rise to stardom in North London.
The full-back has started every game of Frank’s tenure, subsequently leading to the 25-year-old claiming his maiden England call-up during the recent international break.
However, his recent success is credit to the player, but his outing against Villarreal showed glimpses of arrogance – resulting in a debut Champions League performance to forget.
Spence featured for 69 minutes against the Spanish outfit, winning just one tackle and failing to make a single interception – falling way below the standards he’s set for himself.
Minutes played
69
Touches
52
Tackles won
1
Interceptions made
0
Possession lost
9x
Misplaced passes
6
Recoveries made
0
Match rating
5/10
He also lost possession nine times, misplacing six of his attempted passes, even registering just 52 touches of the ball – a tally fewer than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who managed 55.
As a result of his showing, Spence was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold – further highlighting his struggles in Europe’s biggest competition.
Such a showing will cast doubt over his position in the first-team squad, which could see Destiny Udogie handed a rare start in the Premier League this weekend.
The Englishman and Richarlison certainly endured evenings to forget last night, with Frank needing to try alternative solutions if he is to maintain the excellent start to life in the role.
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Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be desperate to ensure that his decision to sack Ange Postecoglou won’t come back to bite him, and he’s apparently prepared to back new manager Thomas Frank so he can give the Australian’s replacement the best-possible chance of success.
Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining
The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.
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Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by guiding them to an historic Europa League final victory over Man United last month, a result which also gifted them a spot in the Champions League next season, but Spurs’ torrid 2024/2025 domestic form meant that Levy was forced into the tough call of letting him go.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Frank is now tasked with re-settling the dressing room whilst helping Spurs to kick on from their memorable night in Bilbao, and the Dane has already paid homage to his predecessor’s work at N17.
“I think Ange has done something special. He’ll forever be a legend in Tottenham,” Frank said in his first interview as Tottenham boss.
“It’s important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I’m very humble about that. I’ll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.
“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans’ faces, the pictures were ‘wow’. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that.”
The 51-year-old is reportedly keen to upgrade his new ranks by signing a proven wide-attacking player, especially considering Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Tottenham amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Many high-profile Premier League names have been linked already, but chief among them is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The England international guided Palace to their first ever major trophy last season, bagging the winner in a 1-0 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final, adding to his impressive tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
Eze has been a star player at Selhurst Park ever since his move there from QPR, and Eagles chairman Steve Parish was left “astounded” by the lack of interest in him last summer.
Tottenham ready to pay £68 million for Eberechi Eze
The £100,000-per-week forward, who can play both as a CAM and out wide, has certainly got admirers this time round, and Spurs are one of the chief contenders for his signature.
Reports have suggested that Frank has personally recommended Eze as a target for Tottenham, with TEAMtalk now sharing an update on the situation amid rumours that the player would also be keen on a north London move.
The outlet states that Tottenham are ready to meet the price required to sign Eze, his £68 million release clause, and the ex-Arsenal academy man is “enthusiastic” about swapping south London for a place in Frank’s side.
Frank also apparently believes that Eze would be a stellar addition for the Lilywhites, and one capable of thriving both on the wing and as a complement to James Maddison in the centre of attacking midfield.
Palace are also open to receiving Eze’s final fee in installments, even if they’d want an upfront payment of £45 million, something which Tottenham are prepared to offer as well.
This could be one to watch in the coming days/weeks, as Spurs want to act “swiftly” and provide Frank with fresh additions ahead of a crucial campaign.
Chelsea are now in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal to sign an “incredible” striker, with a meeting taking place “in recent days”, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Blues looking to bolster squad before Club World Cup
The initial summer transfer window is set to close on June 10th ahead of the Club World Cup, before reopening on June 16th, and the Blues are looking to get a number of deals over the line before the first deadline.
Jamie Gittens has emerged as a major target since it was confirmed Jadon Sancho will not be making a permanent move to west London, while there have long been doubts over the goalkeeper options, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably last season.
The interest in Hugo Ekitike is a little stranger, given that Enzo Maresca has already added Liam Delap to his squad this summer, but the manager may feel he needs a more experienced option at centre-forward, with the former Ipswich Town man yet to prove himself at the top level.
There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s Hugo Ekitike pursuit, with Hawkins taking to X to reveal they are in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, having held a meeting with his camp “in recent days”.
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The Blues are still considering a move for the forward, with contact yet to be broken off, despite talks not progressing, but a deal will not be cheap, with Frankfurt currently unwilling to compromise on their asking price of €100m (£84m).
Ekitike could be "incredible" signing for Chelsea
While the 22-year-old is the same age as Delap, he has more experience than the Englishman, having regularly provided goals and assists for Reims, Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt across spells in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Bundesliga
47
19
10
Ligue 1
52
13
8
Teammate Rasmus Kristensen has also been left impressed by the Frenchman, lauding him as “incredible” back in January, so it is little wonder that Chelsea are keen to take him to Stamford Bridge, although there are doubts over whether he is worth £84m.
With the Frankfurt star contracted until 2029, the German club are in a strong negotiating position, but the Reims-born striker is yet to prove himself in the Champions League, while a return of 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season isn’t out of this world.
As such, while Ekitike could go on to be a top striker, the £84m asking price is a little steep, so the Blues should continue to try and negotiate a lower fee.
In May 2025, Tottenham Hotspur brought home the Europa League to finally end 17 years of trophyless pain. Having fallen short so often since their EFL Cup triumph in February 2008, there will have been profound joy and relief that their hoodoo is over at last.
Ange Postecoglou endured a largely dismal second season at Spurs in 2024/25, but the club’s European campaign may yet reignite his tenure, amid plenty of poor performances in the Premier League, with Spurs dropping way short of expectations.
But after a dazzling night in Bilbao against Manchester United, European nights are set to continue with Spurs back in the Champions League.
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Spurs have a rich history on the European stage, and here, we have taken a look at the 11 best European matches in Spurs’ history.
11 Tottenham 3-0 Inter Europa League last-16, first leg (2012/13)
This victory over Inter wasn’t as seismic as the one from their maiden Champions League campaign in 2010/11, but it proved that Spurs could perform at their very best in Europe.
Having finished second in the group stage behind Serie A side Lazio, Spurs progressed to the knockout stages.
An impressive 3-2 aggregate victory over Lyon in the last 32 set up a tie against Inter, and the first leg at White Hart Lane certainly didn’t disappoint.
Goals from Gareth Bale, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen gave the home side a 3-0 win over the 2010 Champions League winners with one of the club’s finest European results.
They lost the second leg 4-1, but progressed on away goals before losing to Basel in the quarter-finals.
10 Tottenham 2-0 Bayern Munich UEFA Cup third round, second leg (1983/84)
White Hart Lane
Having won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963 and the UEFA Cup in 1972, Spurs were going for their third European trophy during the 1983/84 season.
The Lilywhites lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their third-round clash against the Germans, meaning all was to play for in north London.
Steve Archibald levelled the tie with 40 minutes left before Mark Falco netted a late winner, taking Spurs into the quarter-finals.
They reached the final and defeated Anderlecht 4-3 on penalties, marking the last European trophy won by Spurs.
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ByBarney Lane Feb 12, 2025 9 Man City 4-3 Tottenham Champions League quarter-final, second leg (2018/19)
Tottenham
While this may have been a defeat on the night, Spurs’ gritty display at the Etihad saw them qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.
The first leg finished 1-0 in favour of the north Londoners, and was followed by a frantic start to the second leg, as Man City went into half-time leading 3-2, trailing on away goals.
Sergio Aguero finally put City ahead in the tie during the second half, but Fernando Llorente levelled things up on aggregate once more to hand Spurs the advantage.
Entering the final minutes, City were desperately searching for a winner, and it looked as though Raheem Sterling had put the club through with in the last minute, only for VAR to incredibly rule it out as Spurs reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time.
8 Milan 0-1 Tottenham Champions League last-16, first leg (2010/11)
Peter Crouch
Spurs had enjoyed a wonderful debut season in the Champions League group stages. Not only had they defeated defending champions Inter, but they managed to lose just once on their way to reaching the last 16.
Their reward? A tie against Milan. Harry Redknapp set his team up well at the San Siro that evening as a goal from Peter Crouch secured them a 1-0 victory. The game will be best remembered for the clash between Joe Jordan and Gennaro Gattuso on the touchline.
7 Tottenham 3-1 Inter Champions League group stage (2010/11)
Gareth Bale
Earlier in the 2010/11 season, Spurs played host to Inter at White Hart Lane in the Champions League group stages. Gareth Bale had scored a stunning hat-trick in a 4-3 defeat to the same team a few weeks prior, but this was a different story.
Bale was the star of the show yet again, but this time, Spurs won. Goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Peter Crouch gave the home side a two-goal advantage before Samuel Eto’o reduced the arrears with 10 minutes to go.
Bale assisted Roman Pavlyuchenko to seal a wonderful 3-1 win that put the club on the brink of qualifying for the last 16 on a night that seemed to rekindle the famous “Glory Glory” nights in north London.
6 Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United Europa League final (2024/25)
In truth, this wasn’t the greatest of European spectacles, but the euphoria pouring out of the stands at the final whistle more than made up for it as Spurs won their fourth European trophy.
Tottenham entered the Europa League final in terrible form, placing 16th in the Premier League (ironically one place above opponents Manchester United) and in the last chance saloon in terms of breaking their run of seasons without silverware.
But having gained a reputation for becoming chokers when it mattered most, Ange Postecoglou’s side delivered a winning performance after 17 years of waiting, with Brennan Johnson’s scrappy effort settling a tense finale against United.
The Red Devils were largely toothless throughout, with Rasmus Hojlund’s goalbound effort the closest they came to an equaliser, but Micky van de Ven’s sensational acrobatic clearance denied a route back into the game for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Spurs had their backs against the wall for much of the second period, determined not to let another opportunity slip away. A key stop in the dying moments from Guglielmo Vicario effectively secured glory for the Lilywhites, and nearly two decades of failure were over in a flash.
5 Tottenham 1-1 Anderlecht UEFA Cup final, second leg (1983/84)
Spurs
Spurs reached their third UEFA Cup final in 12 years as they took on Anderlecht over two legs.
The first game in Brussels saw the teams draw 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised for the second leg in north London. That game also finished 1-1 thanks to a late goal from captain Graham Roberts and the match drifted into extra time.
No more goals were scored, with Spurs eventually winning the game on penalties to claim their second UEFA Cup.
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Wolves UEFA Cup final, second leg (1971/72)
Spurs
The 1971/72 season saw the inaugural edition of the UEFA Cup take place. It became the third competition organised by UEFA and was fairly similar in structure to the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, which had been played between 1955 and 1971.
Spurs would go on to play Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final of the competition, and enjoyed a relatively stress-free route to the final, defeating Milan in the semi-finals.
Spurs won the first leg 2-1 at Molineux before sealing their first UEFA Cup by drawing 1-1 with the Old Gold at White Hart Lane in the second leg.
3 Tottenham 5-1 Atletico Madrid European Cup Winners' Cup final (1962/63)
During the first half of the 1960s, Spurs were arguably the finest team in England. They became the first club to win the league and FA Cup double in the 20th century during the 1960/61 season, before retaining the FA Cup the following season.
The 1962/63 campaign saw Bill Nicholson’s side fail to win any domestic honours, but they did reach the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup after defeating Rangers, Slovan Bratislava and OFK Beograd to set up a final showdown against holders Atlético Madrid.
The Spanish side weren’t quite up to the level of their city rivals, Real Madrid, but still posed a challenge. However, Nicholson’s side sent them packing with a stunning 5-1 victory.
Captain Danny Blanchflower rallied his side as doubles from Jimmy Greaves and Terry Dyson, plus a strike from John White, secured the club their first European trophy.
In the process, Spurs became the first British side to triumph in a European competition.
2 Tottenham 3-1 Real Madrid Champions League group stage (2017/18)
Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino was building something special at Spurs, and the 2017/18 season was their second in the Champions League under his leadership.
They crashed out in the group stages during the 2016/17 season, but the following year was very different indeed.
Despite being in a group containing Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL, Spurs won five of their six matches, including a wonderful 3-1 win over Madrid.
A brace from Dele Alli and a goal from Christian Eriksen gave the home side a 3-0 lead before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation.
Considering Madrid had won the competition in the previous two seasons – and would go on to secure a historic victory against Liverpool that year – this is arguably one of the best results in Spurs’ history.
In an ideal reality, West Bromwich Albion would find themselves competing in the upcoming Championship playoff final after Tony Mowbray’s return had gone down as a rip-roaring success.
Unfortunately, that script hasn’t come to life, with Mowbray actually finding himself out of a job again after a dismal run of just five wins from 17 games led to the Baggies falling short of those coveted playoff spots.
West Bromwich Albion managerTonyMowbraybefore the match
West Brom do have plenty of time on their hands to assess who they would like to bring in as the 61-year-old’s successor now as the ongoing search shows no real signs of coming to a halt.
West Brom's list of manager targets
It’s been nearly a month since Mowbray was abruptly axed from the Hawthorns hot seat, meaning plenty of names have been linked to fill the vacancy.
Indeed, faces such as Stockport County manager Dave Challinor have been tipped to take on the reins, alongside ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin potentially getting back on the horse after his Saints dismissal.
Moreover, former Manchester United coach turned Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay has also been regularly thrown about as a successor to Mowbray, but there’s one other name that looks to be the likeliest option away from any other rumoured bosses.
Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed recently that West Brom still ‘really like’ Tottenham Hotspur background figure Ryan Mason, with his young and fresh approach one factor that ticks a lot of boxes for the Baggies hierarchy.
Tottenham's Ryan Mason
Ramsay is the same age as Mason – with both the fresh-faced managers only being 33 years of age – but the Spurs coach arguably has more experience of the hustle and bustle of the English game, meaning he might well be viewed as an upgrade on the left-field Minnesota boss.
Why Mason is an upgrade on Ramsay
There is a logic behind West Brom wanting to go down the route of appointing a youthful new manager, having been burnt by the experienced Mowbray returning and ultimately failing.
On top of that, the likes of Liam Manning – who is only six years older than Mason – managed to steer Bristol City to the playoffs just this season, whilst the equally blooming Danny Rohl improved on a near escape from relegation at the helm of Sheffield Wednesday by guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish.
Whilst both of those figures will likely go on to achieve far more in their careers, Mason does hold an advantage over both of them currently – on top of also bettering Ramsay in this department – with the 33-year-old gaining experience on the job of what it’s like to be an interim boss of a Premier League team with Spurs.
Whilst Ramsay does have an impressive 24 wins under his belt in charge of Minnesota, he has no experience of what it’s like to be thrown into the deep end of Premier League action, having only ever watched from afar when situated at the Red Devils.
On the contrary, Mason has briefly shone when handed the reins of the North Londoners, with six wins collected during some testing and turbulent times after some notable managerial exits.
He could be what West Brom needs, therefore, to recover from the popular figure of Mowbray flopping, with Ange Postecoglou even going out of his way recently to label Mason as “outstanding” for his work at the Premier League side.
Tottenham's Ryan Mason
Clearly, the Baggies need to think somewhat outside of the box to bring success back to the Hawthorns after the tried and tested route of Mowbray unravelled.
Whilst Ramsay would fit that unorthodox label, he might well flounder attempting to adapt to the Championship. Whereas, the time could be just right for Mason to prove himself after a worthwhile education at Spurs.
Free transfer: West Brom in talks to sign 21 y/o with same agent as Fellows