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Tottenham Hotspur have only won two of their opening five Premier League matches, but have a chance to record a statement victory to kickstart their season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Both United and Spurs sit on seven points after five top-flight matches, which is middling ground at best. However, the Lilywhites have now won their past three matches in all competitions and look to be building their fluency and oiling the mechanics at just the right time.

Thursday evening’s victory over Qarabag highlighted Tottenham’s togetherness. Radu Dragusin blew his chance to make an impression in the starting line-up, sent off after just 12 minutes. Still, the Romanian centre-back’s mishap only strengthened the Londoners’ accord, for they dispatched their Azerbaijani opponents with a confident 3-0 win.

We all know that Ange Postecoglou won’t diverge from his high-octane and aggressive style of football, but he may have to implement it at The Theatre of Dreams without his skipper.

Why Heung-min Son might not start

Heung-min Son has been impressive over the first few months of the season, scoring two goals and claiming two assists across five matches in the Premier League.

He’s created 13 chances in the league this term which is more than any of his teammates, emphasising his multi-functionality and the influence that he instils across the team.

As per FBref, Son actually ranks among the top 3% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.

His absence will be a blow, but it might be necessary. Postecoglou admitted after the 32-year-old limped off on Thursday that he will need to balance the captain’s workload, lest he fall to an injury that sidelines him for an extended period.

He will make a late call on the South Korean’s availability against Man United but based on his acceptance that Son cannot start 40 plus matches this season, it might be worth urging caution here.

Son is Tottenham’s deadliest and most distinguished forward, and the recent goalscoring streak of Brennan Johnson and impressive displays of Dejan Kulusevski serve as a reminder that Tottenham have quality and can impress without their skipper.

1.

Harry Kane

2011-2023

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Jimmy Greaves

1961 – 1970

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Bobby Smith

1955 – 1964

292

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4.

Heung-min Son

2015 – present

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Martin Chivers

1968 – 1976

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Son has been praised as a “priceless” member of Tottenham’s team by new recruit Archie Gray, and though he could possibly be forced to the bench for this one, he has the skills to make a difference when introduced after the break.

Speaking of Gray, Postecoglou should consider dropping the 18-year-old talent for the Old Trafford clash, even if he did catch the eye against Qarabag.

Why Postecoglou should drop Archie Gray

It looked for all the world like Gray would sign for Brentford this summer, having been crowned the Championship Young Player of the Year for 2024/25 after an impressive breakout season with Leeds United.

Tottenham hijacked the transfer, adding Gray to the ranks for a £30m fee. He’s started life in the capital on strong footing, playing from the outset against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup third round and again against Qarabag, having also made three cameos in the Premier League.

But there’s just cause to drop him for this one. Manchester United might be a capricious team but they are also host to some of the most talented players in English football and Gray is not quite ready to make that leap.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

63

Accurate passes

28/39

Key passes

2

Possession lost

19x

Dribbles (completed)

2 (1)

Tackles

2

Clearances

2

Total duels (won)

8 (3)

He’s enterprising and sought to make things happen, but Gray also squandered possession on numerous occasions, losing the ball 19 times, and only won three of his eight ground duels. He’s framed with an impressive physique but there is growth yet to come for this 18-year-old.

Writing in their post-match ratings, the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick even gave the future England star an 8/10 score, stating: ‘Composed and eye-catching in possession, and made one outstanding run up the pitch. Defended well, even if he was often outnumbered down the right.’

Though this is the case, he must not start. Pedro Porro has been unleashed from the start in each of Tottenham’s Premier League contests thus far this season and offers the complete skillset to make a significant impact on the game.

Man United’s defensive organisation can be fragile at times and Porro’s creativity and drive will help to exploit this, but he’s also a tenacious defender and could subdue the aforementioned Rashford.

Last season, the athletic Spaniard posted 91 tackles, which was the fourth-highest from any defender. This year, he’s made 13 tackles already, with both translating to 2.6 per game.

That’s an impressive state of consistency and one that will be crucial in stifling United and turning Tottenham’s Premier League campaign toward the upper level of the table.

The 5 foot 9 talent’s protean attacking quality must not be discredited though. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 11% of full-backs for goals scored, the top 19% for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive passes per 90.

Son or no, Spurs have a real wealth of quality at their disposal, and a player like Porro, one of the club’s very best, simply has to start.

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Aston Villa currently have several players away on international duty, and they will be hoping they can return injury-free ahead of the Premier League resuming this weekend. One of those away could be ready to address his future given what has happened this week too.

Everton hit by injury scare to "amazing" £55k-a-week ace before Aston Villa

It’s another setback for Sean Dyche.

1 ByHenry Jackson Sep 8, 2024 Aston Villa players away on international duty

Villa, like all the Premier League teams this past week or so, are praying that their international players can make it back to the club in one piece, as important fixtures are on the horizon. Ezri Konsa will be hoping to start England's match against Finland on Tuesday, after watching from the bench as Trent Alexander-Arnold filled the right-back role against the Republic of Ireland.

John McGinn has featured in both of Scotland's games, which ended up in disappointment – the midfielder was unable to prevent his country from being beaten by Poland 3-2 in the first game and then 2-1 by Portugal on Sunday evening.

Villa face Everton this weekend, and Unai Emery will be keen to have all his players back in one piece, especially Emi Martinez and Jhon Duran, who have been playing in South America for their respective countries and face long trips back to the Midlands.

£120,000-a-week star could sign new deal at Aston Villa

According to French outlet L’Equipe, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne could sign a new deal at the Premier League club. The left-back has received his first call-up back to the France squad since June 2022.

Digne was called up by manager Didier Deschamps after Ferland Mendy suffered an injury and was therefore unavailable. This summer the defender considered his time with France "had ended", but the left-back is now back in the squad and was an unused substitute in the game against Italy.

L’Equipe is reporting that while the £120,000-a-week star’s contract runs out in the summer of 2026, Digne “could be tempted” to sign a new deal at Villa Park. If the player can cement his place with France, then he will likely sign a new deal given his time at Villa is what's earned him his second chance.

Apps

96

Goals

4

Assists

11

Digne has been capped 46 times by France, with the defender yet to get on the scoresheet for his country. He has been with Villa since January 2022, and during that time he has played nearly 100 games for the Midlands side.

The 23-year-old undoubtedly has the talent and the temperament to become the best player in England's top flight – but can he deliver every week?

Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Monaco really could have been one of those games for Arsenal – but for Bukayo Saka.

While everyone else around him was squandering gilt-edged opportunities, the winger remained the picture of composure. He opened the scoring shortly before the break, just as the fans' frustration with Gabriel Jesus' finishing was beginning to boil over, and then soothed their nerves with a killer second goal with just 12 minutes remaining.

Saka was essentially the reason why 'the new Stoke City' didn't need corners to capitalise on their dominance. "He is loved by everybody," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told , "and he makes the difference on the pitch."

Indeed, Saka has already been directly involved in 21 goals this season. The only Premier League player to have managed more is Mohamed Salah (28) – and it is the Egyptian's level of sustained excellence to which Saka must now aspire.

• TNT Sports
  

  'His leadership is increasing'

  It's testament to Saka's talent and temperament that, at just 23 years of age, he is viewed as one of the wise old heads at Arsenal.

  "He looks really mature," Arteta said after the 3-0 win over Monaco. "What he has already done in the game at his age is incredible. Very humble, a great guy to have around. He's a special person.

  "In his role, his leadership is increasing. With the young kids he is amazing."

  Wednesday was a case in point, with Saka dishing out some words of encouragement to 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who played a key role in the opener after becoming the youngest player to start a Champions League game for Arsenal for 13 years.

  "He just needs to keep going," Saka told . "I'm just so proud of him. I just said to him that this is his level."

  Saka's true level, of course, has previously been a hot topic of great debate.

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• AFP
  

  Not yet 'world-class'?

  It was Rio Ferdinand who sent Arsenal Twitter into meltdown in March by claiming that Saka wasn't yet "world-class".

  It's obviously a ridiculously subjective term, open to innumerable interpretations, but the former Manchester United defender had a point.

  Or, at least, you could see what he was trying to say: Saka hadn't yet made anything like the same impact on the Champions League as some of his peers, such as Vinicius Junior.

  He's starting to, though.

  Having been held back by Arsenal's status as a Europa League club for the majority of his young career, Saka is now making the most of his belated chance to shine on the club game's grandest stage.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'His aim is to improve'

  Since the start of last season (Saka's debut campaign), only Harry Kane (18) and Vinicus (16) have been involved in more goals than the Arsenal attacker, who has scored eight and created a further six – in just 14 appearances.

  The challenge for Saka is maintaining that impressive ratio in the games that really matter, or what Ferdinand called "the nitty-gritty stages" of the tournament.

  As even Arteta acknowledged: "You have to be able to do that consistently throughout many years to put yourself in that position [to be called world-class].

  "We can talk about what he's done in his first six years of professional football, which is exceptional. But his aim is to improve, and I think he has the players and environment to continue to do that, so I'm sure he will."

  There's no denying that Arsenal look like serious Champions League contenders this season, with Arteta's side third in the table and likely to seal a top-eight finish with one round to spare.

  And yet doubts persist.

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• Getty
  

  Could Saka leave Arsenal to win titles?

  Both Saka and Arsenal were shut down with worrying ease by a Bayern Munich side in total turmoil under Thomas Tuchel during the two teams' quarter-final clash in April, while they've also drawn blanks against both Atalanta and Inter in this season's league phase.

  In that sense, this feels like a potentially defining season for Arsenal, Arteta and Saka – especially when one considers that, in the Premier League, it is Liverpool and Chelsea who rather surprisingly look better placed right now to take advantage of Manchester City's miserable form.

  Even club legend Alan Smith has admitted that he has doubts over Saka's long-term future at the Emirates if the Gunners don't start winning major trophies.

  "It's hard to say whether I think he’ll stay at Arsenal [for life]," the former striker told , "as it always depends on where the club is and if they’re challenging for honours.

  "If they are, then a lot of top-class players – and Saka falls into that category – will feel like there's no need to move. But if there’s a dip in the club’s fortune…"

  The coming weeks and months will be decisive – which is just what Saka needs to be for Arsenal.

Debutant Callum Vidler impressed with two wickets after Xavier Bartlett’s career-best 70 had boosted the home side

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2024Chris Tremain starred with the ball as NSW took control of their clash with Queensland on day two, but a late charge into the Sheffield Shield final still appears unlikely.After rain washed out all but 12 overs on day one, veteran quick Tremain devastated the hosts who managed a paltry 144 at Allan Border Field in their first innings.Related

McAndrew and Doggett put spanner in the works of a Tasmania home final

Race for Sheffield Shield final set for grandstand finish after Victoria collapse

NSW were 222 for 5 in reply at stumps. Jack Edwards and Ollie Davies were unbeaten at the crease, with the latter hitting his stride late in the day to give NSW a 78-run lead.Tremain set chaos in motion on the opening day to ensure Queensland would start at 14 for 2 on day two and he struck again early on Tuesday when Bryce Street picked out Jack Nisbet at midwicket.Paceman Xavier Bartlett produced the best batting performance of his career in the brightest spot of Queensland’s innings.His knock off 75 deliveries amounted to twice his previous first-class high-score of 32, and twice the score of the next-most prolific Queenslander, Max Bryant (33).But Bartlett too fell victim to a rampant Tremain, who had ripped through the tail and ended Queensland’s innings by enticing the quick into hitting to Dan Hughes at midwicket.Callum Vidler struck in his opening over of first-class cricket•Getty ImagesIn reply, Bartlett struck first ball to remove Blake Nikitaras but Sam Konstas stroked his way to a maiden first-class half-century before being trapped lbw by a turning Mitch Swepson delivery. Swepson then claimed Moises Henriques first ball although the NSW captain did not seem thrilled with the decision.Davies passed Konstas as NSW’s top-scorer by edging Bartlett past first slip for four and proceeding into the 60s as long shadows fell over the pitch.Earlier, debutant Callum Vidler, who was a star of Australia’s Under-19 World Cup, claimed a maiden first-class wicket in his opening over when Hughes clashed to slip. He later had Matthew Gilkes dismissed in similar fashion.NSW came into their final game of the regular season as a mathematical chance to make next week’s season final, provided they win and pick up bonus points along the way.Bowling Queensland out in 49 overs and charging to 222 for 5 has earned them 1.22 bonus points already. But Western Australia’s clash with Victoria is nevertheless threatening their chances of reaching the decider.That match needs to end in a draw for NSW to have any hope of making the final, but a result appears inevitable in Melbourne.

The Blues must stand by their club captain as he faces yet another challenge in his injury-plagued career

Reece James can't catch a break. Just four games after his much-anticipated return from yet another hamstring injury, the Chelsea captain finds himself sidelined again as his year was brought to an abrupt end.

This is the seventh separate hamstring problem James has suffered since the 2021-22 campaign, and although the outlook isn't too pessimistic this time around, this latest setback has raised questions over the 24-year-old's long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have shown an emotionless readiness to cut loose their academy graduates in recent years, but James is deserving of their patience. It is undoubtedly a gamble, but if the Blues stand by him they can reap the rewards.

Getty Images SportJames' 2024 over

Chelsea had handled James with extreme care after he missed vast swathes of last season as recurrent hamstring issues eventually forced him to undergo surgery, but he managed just four appearances before being frustratingly sidelined again. He has now missed 56 games since being named club captain in 2023.

The defender felt something "small" in training in the lead-up to the clash with Leicester last weekend, and although the prognosis has not been made public, it seems almost certain that his 2024 is over.

It is another hamstring issue on his right side, though it has been reported that it is not as serious as first feared and, notably, a recurrence of the problem that was supposed to have been remedied by surgery.

In the grand scheme of things, then, a month out is arguably the best-case scenario given what James has already been through. Nevertheless, this feels like a crushing blow for a player who was only just feeling his way back.

AdvertisementAFP'He has to fight'

James had made three encouraging starts in a row post-October international break against Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United, despite somewhat playing within himself and lacking his trademark explosiveness.

His head coach, Enzo Maresca, is convinced he had been playing with the fear of another issue arising, which the Italian tactician believes is inevitable in James' line of work.

"We cannot say because we do not know how long the recovery time is," Maresca said. "He is getting better day by day. We are waiting for him.

"We do not know exactly so we will not say how many days he needs. It is something he has to fight in terms of it's normal, when you get injured, you become afraid, it's normal on that. At the same time, it is his profession. You can get injured."

Getty Images SportChelsea ease the pressure

According to , Chelsea are intent on not putting pressure on James and once again letting him return at his own pace, as was the case post-surgery and in the aftermath of the setback he suffered in pre-season.

That is said to be the thinking behind not setting a defined timeframe on his comeback this time around, with the player mentally impacted by this latest setback.

Maresca is clearly trying to divert attention: "We don't have doubt that when he played from the start or from the bench, he always helped us," he said this week.

"Now, he's injured. I think the best thing we can do, as the staff, and you, don't talk too much about Reece. The more we speak about Reece, the more pressure we put on them. The more you ask, the more I answer, the more we put pressure on him."

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GettyPatience… but for how long?

Chelsea are not a club known for showing patience, a trend that began under Roman Abramovich and has continued under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership, as both players and managers are cast aside with disregard.

However, academy product and club captain James rightly has their grace, for the time being at least; it has been reported that the Blues have no intention of giving up on their captain as he goes through more injury hell, with the plan to give him as much time and support as he requires.

But how long will that goodwill last among the club's decision-makers if the 24-year-old's troubles persist into the second half of the season?

The England international signed a long-term, £250,000-per-week contract in 2022 that has so far not proved to be a good investment, and Financial Fair Play will surely become a consideration if he is still not regularly available.

The squad's development as a group will also be hindered if their captain is constantly absent, meaning the club might be forced into the market in search of a new right-back. Maresca had already admitted James can't play twice a week, raising questions over whether he can meet the demands of an elite club.

Wolves have been handed a boost on the transfer front as it has emerged that one of their targets will definitely be sold this summer as things stand.

Tricky summer for Old Gold

It has been a mixed summer for Gary O'Neil's side so far. They parted ways with club captain Max Kilman, with the Englishman joining Premier League rivals West Ham United and former boss Julen Lopetegui in a £40m deal. Though it provided welcome funds for the Midlands outfit, it is certainly a massive hole to fill in the Molineux rearguard, with Kilman having played every minute of their Premier League campaign in 2023-24.

But there have been additions to give Wolves fans hope too. They beat Chelsea to a deal to sign highly rated full back Pedro Lima, while they also shelled out 15m euros (£12.6m) to sign SC Braga talent Rodrigo Gomes.

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Meanwhile, O'Neil's side have made Tommy Doyle's loan move from Manchester City permanent, and have added Norweigian attacker Jørgen Strand Larsen on loan from Celta Vigo, who has already set himself the challenge of outscoring friend and compatriot Erling Haaland.

There remains a fear that more outgoings could be on the way though, with all of Matheus Cunha, Joao Gomes, Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-Chan having been linked with moves away already this summer and interest likely to be formalised between now and the end of the transfer window.

That money will be able to be reinvested in the side, but for now it seems as though they remain on the hunt for bargains. And in their search for one particular option, they may have been handed a boost.

Striker exiled from training amid contract standoff

Now, reported Wolves target Tommy Conway has been made available following a contract standoff. The Bristol City striker scored 10 times in the Championship last season, and was part of the Scotland squad at EURO 2024, though he did not make it off the substitutes bench.

Tommy Conway in the Championship 2023/24

Appearances

39

Goals

10

Minutes per goal

229

Shots on target per 90

0.91

Now down to the final 12 months of his £2,500 a week deal in the South West, he has refused to pen a new deal and has as a result been asked to train with the U21 side, his manager Liam Manning explained.

"Tommy has had a contract offer on the table, which is an excellent offer," said Manning. "This has been turned down, and not negotiated with the player expressing a desire to leave.

“The decision has been made for him to train with the U21s, with the focus wholly on players who are fully committed to what we are trying to achieve".

Bristol City are therefore keen to sell him this summer, with the club only set to receive compensation were he to leave on a free transfer in 12 months time. Valued at £3m by Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old may be a savvy pickup for O'Neil's side if they can fight off competition for his signature. However, it is added at this point that no "tangible" offers have been made for the youngster as of yet.

Another Aston Villa transfer is now being finalised as one £50 million star agrees to join the club alongside the deal for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene.

Villa enjoying busy summer transfer window in effort to back Emery

After qualifying for next season's Champions League, club footballing president Monchi is attempting to back manager Unai Emery in the most effective way possible, as the Villans take into account PSR restrictions and other factors.

Aston Villa in pole position for "incredible" star who just outscored Duran

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So far, Monchi has arguably been successful in his mission, despite having to part company with star midfielder Douglas Luiz, who completed a £43 million move to Juventus.

Villa stand among the busier Premier League sides in terms of business conducted this window, with Emery seeing Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Cameron Archer, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea and Ross Barkley all officially put pen to paper on moves to the Midlands.

Ian Maatsen

£38 million

Cameron Archer

£14 million

Samuel Iling-Junior

£12 million

Lewis Dobbin

£10 million

Enzo Barrenechea

£7 million

Ross Barkley

£5 million

They've spent a total of around £86 million on incoming transfers, with Villa balancing the books by selling Luiz, midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and Morgan Sanson for around £56 million. Philippe Coutinho sealed a loan move to Vasco de Gama and Calum Chambers left the club by mutual consent to ease some strain on the wage bill as well.

As backed by Fabrizio Romano, Hull City winger and ex-player Jaden Philogene will become another Emery addition after the club activated matching rights earlier this week. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract in a deal worth around £13 million, with the 30 per cent sell-on clause meaning Villa don't pay over the odds for one of the Championship's star wingers of last season.

Philogene's arrival will take Villa's net spend up to around £43 million, and it appears they're not afraid to spend even more money, as reliable journalist David Ornstein shares another big update this afternoon.

Villa closing in on deal for Everton's Onana

Indeed, according to The Athletic reporter, Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is now on the verge of joining Villa for a fee of around £50 million.

Personal terms are already in place on a long-term contract, as Onana agrees to join Villa and is keen to work with Emery. The deal is now being finalised, and if all goes to plan, the Belgium international will become Monchi's latest acquisition – and an impressive one at that.

The 22-year-old can help fill the void left by Luiz's move to Juventus and his proven Premier League experience will be a real asset.

وجه أسطورة منتخب الأرجنتين ونجم ريال مدريد السابق، أنخيل دي ماريا، رسالة إلى صفقة الفريق الملكي الجديدة ، وذلك قبل بداية الموسم للميرنجي خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ريال مدريد سوف يفتتح سجل مواجهاته بشكل رسمي هذا الموسم في بطولة الدوري الإسباني يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، إذ يلتقي مع نظيره أوساسونا خارج أرضه في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءًا بتوقيت القاهرة.

تابع .. منافسة شرسة بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة على موهبة إنجليزية مميزة

وفي تصريحات إلى صحيفة لا ناسيون، أشاد دي ماريا بقدرات صفقة ريال مدريد الجديدة، فرانكو ماستانتونو، موضحًا أن الأخير أمامه تحد كبير مع الفريق الملكي.

ونجح ريال مدريد في التعاقد مع ماستانتونو خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي، وذلك قادمًا من صفوف نادي ريفر بلايت مقابل 45 مليون يورو وبعقد مدته ست سنوات.

وحصل ماستانتونو على الكثير من الإشادة في ظل قدراته المميزة على المراوغة للاعبي الفريق الخصم.

وقال دي ماريا عن ماستانتونو: “يتمتع ماستانتونو بإمكانيات هائلة. آمل أن يُقدم أداءً رائعًا. سيكون من الرائع رؤية لاعب أرجنتيني آخر يتألق في ريال مدريد، ويفوز بالألقاب، ويواصل التطور”. 

كما وجه دي ماريا رسالة إلى ماستانتونو، حيث أضاف لاعب روزاريو سنترال الحالي: “اللعب لريال مدريد تجربة فريدة، وعليه أن يستغل كل فرصة تتاح له على أكمل وجه”.

ويعتبر ماستانتونو هو أول لاعب أرجنتيني يلعب في صفوف ريال مدريد منذ رحيل دي ماريا عن الميرنجي خلال صيف عام 2014.  

The loyalty, leadership, and pure quality that Heung-min Son has displayed throughout his Tottenham Hotspur career have been remarkable.

Between signing in 2015 for £22m and wearing the armband today, the South Korean has cemented himself as not just a Spurs legend, but one of the Premier League greats.

The number seven has played 408 matches for the Lilywhites, boasting an insane record of 162 goals and 84 assists in the process.

However, not every player can amount to the brilliance of Son, including a certain record signing…

What Spurs paid for Tanguy Ndombele

In the summer of 2019, Spurs’ answer to losing in the 2018/19 Champions League final was to reinforce the midfield.

Tanguy Ndombele was the main target, and he joined the club following an impressive Ligue 1 campaign for Lyon, where he registered eight contributions in 31 starts.

The French midfielder joined for a whopping £55m, signing a six-year deal as he became Spurs’ club record signing, a status he still holds to this day.

The 20 most expensive Tottenham signings of all time

Tottenham Hotspur have never been the biggest spenders in English football, but that doesn’t mean they’re without their expensive arrivals, as we found out.

Initially, Ndombele looked to be a great purchase, as he scored on his debut against Aston Villa and assisted versus Manchester City on his second appearance, but since then, it hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.

Ndombele’s transfer value in 2024

The 27-year-old’s best season in a Spurs shirt occurred during the 2020/21 term, when he featured 33 times in the Premier League, starting 28 of those.

However, three years on, and he’s only made six more league starts since for Tottenham, first joining Napoli on loan and Galatasaray last season.

Unfortunately, Ndombele has been unable to revive his career away from Spurs, starting just eight times in Serie A and only on four occasions in the Turkish Superlig.

In fact, his last start occurred on 15th January, and with his lack of game time over the last few years, a change of environment looks to be the best option.

Players Leaving Spurs For Free
Player	Spurs appearances
Tanguy Ndombele	91
Ivan Persisic	50
Ryan Sessegnon	57
Japhet Tanganga	50
Eric Dier	365
Via The Standard & Transfermarkt

Now, according to a report from The Standard, Ndombele may not have a say in the matter, as Spurs are set to release him this summer for free.

It’s mentioned that he looks likely to join Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, and Japhet Tanganga on the departure list as Daniel Levy aim to complete a squad overhaul.

Over his 91 appearances for Tottenham, Ndombele was often “frustrating,” as journalist Christian Radnedge described him, mainly due to his lack of appropriate attitude.

To think that he cost over two times more than Son, for example, just puts into context how poor of a deal it was from Spurs back in 2019.

There’s no doubt that Ndombele has immense quality, and it’s a shame to see a player with so much potential fail to reach anywhere near his expectations.

The Frenchman's transfer to Spurs will go down as an absolute disaster, especially considering they won't be able to recoup even a single penny of the £55m they once spent on him.

What Spurs' starting lineup could look like after £201m spending spree

Spurs will want to give Postecoglou everything he needs to build a successful side this summer.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 9, 2024

Kalpana Venkatachar, Arati Vaidya, Mithu Mukherjee and Renu Margrate the others in the panel

Annesha Ghosh26-Sep-2020Neetu David, the former India left-arm spinner, has been appointed as the chairperson of the new women’s national selection panel, with former cricketers V Kalpana, Arati Vaidya, Mithu Mukherjee and Renu Margrate the others in the panel.ESPNcricinfo understands that no clear tenure has been defined for the new selectors yet, but their first assignment would likely be to select the squads for the upcoming three-team Women’s T20 Challenge, slated to be held from November 1-10 in the UAE alongside the IPL 2020 playoffs.The BCCI had put out an advertisement on their website inviting applications in January. In it, while the criteria were listed – the age limit was 60, international playing experience was mandatory, and the candidates should have been retired for at least five years – no details of the tenure of the new appointments were provided, and there was no update in the board statement issued on Saturday.It, however, remains unclear as to who selected the new selectors.According to the board’s constitution, the Apex Council is required to direct the BCCI to choose the selectors, and then the panel is “to be appointed by the BCCI at the Annual General Meeting [AGM], on such terms and conditions as may be decided by the Apex Council from time to time”. In the case of the latest appointments, it’s worth noting that the BCCI had postponed its September 30 AGM indefinitely because of the Covid-19 pandemic.In late July, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had told ESPNcricinfo that the board “will start making the appointments [in due course of time]” because there was no cricket on, and the lockdown had meant no proper meetings at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.”It is going to take some time because this needs following of protocol as interviews will need to be taken by a committee as per the BCCI’s new constitution, and this will have to be cleared by them, and it’s very difficult to do it without a face-to-face meeting,” he had said. “Since there is no women’s cricket at the moment till October, I think we will get it done before that.”Central zone’s David was appointed the chief of the panel on account of her seniority over Kalpana (south), Vaidya (west), Mukherjee (east) and Margrate (north), the usual rule with such appointments.David, arguably the best female spinner to have played for India, took 182 wickets in her international career, 41 in ten Tests and 141 in 97 ODIs, between 1995 and 2008. She continues to hold the world record for the best innings figures in women’s Test history, her 8 for 53 against England in Jamshedpur in November 1995 still the only instance of a woman picking up eight wickets in a Test innings.The previous selection panel, led by Hemlata Kala, was handed an extension in October last year and officially finished its term on January 22, after the final of the quadrangular series featuring India A, India B, Thailand and Bangladesh in Patna. Members of the panel, though, were in Australia for the T20 World Cup in February-March.