دي يونج يكشف أسباب تجديد عقده مع برشلونة.. ويؤكد: هذه أفضل لحظاتي

تحدث الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة عن زميله روبرت ليفاندوفسكي قبل المباراة التي ستجمع منتخبهما ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم.

ومن المقرر أن يخوض منتخب هولندا مباراة حاسمة أمام بولندا في العاصمة البولندية وارسو يوم الجمعة المقبل، ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وقال دي يونج، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “مع عودة ليفاندوفسكي، أصبح فريقنا أفضل بالتأكيد فالفارق الذي يُحدثه هائل ومذهل والجميع يعلم ذلك”.

وأكد لاعب الوسط الهولندي: “لقد أثبت روبرت جدارته منذ ما يقرب من 15 أو 20 عامًا، مسجلًا الأهداف الرائعة دائمًا، إنه مهاجم من الطراز العالمي”.

وعن سبب تجديد عقده: “لطالما استفسرت أندية عن التعاقد معي لكنني لم أكن منفتحًا على ذلك أبدًا”.

وأوضح: “كرة القدم، بالطبع هي الأهم، وأعتقد أن لدينا فريقًا يُمكننا المنافسة معه على الألقاب الكبرى، أشعر بالتقدير والأهمية في برشلونة وعائلتي سعيدة وتعيش حياة رائعة أيضًا”.

وعن أفضل ذكرياته في برشلونة كشف: “ربما كان الموسم الماضي هو الأفضل لي هنا، مع الدوري الإسباني وكأس الملك وكأس السوبر الإسباني”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليفاندوفسكي يكشف آخر تطورات مستقبله مع برشلونة

وتابع: “أصبت في كاحلي مطلع العام الماضي وأردت أن أرى كيف يمكنني التعافي أولًا، من الناحية التكتيكية ليس من الحكمة تمديد عقدك وأنت في حالة تراجع، من الأفضل القيام بذلك وأنت تلعب بشكل جيد لكن نية البقاء كانت موجودة دائمًا، عندما وقعت أول عقد لي مع برشلونة، كنت آمل أن ألعب معهم لـ 10 أو 12 سنة، يبدو أن هذا قد يحدث”.

واستطرد: “إذا لعبت مع برشلونة لـ 6 أو 10 سنوات، فعليك الفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا مرة واحدة على الأقل لذلك لا يزال أمامي عمل لأقوم به”.

وأردف: “يبدو مستقبل برشلونة مشرقًا أيضًا بالنظر إلى الفريق الحالي وأكاديمية الشباب، كان من المنطقي تمديد عقدي، أنا سعيد هنا في برشلونة”.

واسترسل: “هل يجب الانتقال إلى الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لأثبت جدارتي؟ لا أعتقد ذلك، لقد تلقيت عروضًا لكنني سعيد في برشلونة، الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هو أفضل دوري حاليًا بلا شك تمامًا كما كان الدوري الإسباني قبل حوالي 10 سنوات لكن هذا لا يعني أن عليك اللعب هناك لإثبات أنك لاعب رائع، لقد كان لديّ هذا الحلم منذ صغري مع برشلونة”.

وعن تلقيه بطاقة حمراء أمام سسيلتا فيجو: “من الواضح أنني منزعج من غيابي عن المباراة القادمة مع النادي ولكن على أي حال، أشعر بأهميتي وهذا تأكيد إضافي لي”.

واختتم حديثه حول إلغاء مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في ميامي: “لا أعتقد أن السبب كان تصريحاتي، ولا أعرف تحديدًا سبب عدم حدوث ذلك ربما كان بسبب الانتقادات ولكن على أي حال، من الجيد ألا نضطر للسفر”.

"Phenomenal" – Merson blown away as Arsenal do what "no one" ever does to Atletico

Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, leading Paul Merson to fire a warning to the rest of the teams in the competition.

In what was billed as a battle of defensive, tactical football between two managers who pride themselves on being tough to beat, Mikel Arteta made a mockery of the pre-match predictions as his side demolished Diego Simeone’s men in an enthralling second-half at the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres ended a seven-match goal drought with a quickfire brace to round off the scoring, taking Gyokeres’ tally for his new club to five following his £58million transfer from Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 97 times in 102 appearances.

Speaking after the thumping win, Arteta challenged Gyokeres to keep the goals coming, with the north Londoners back in domestic action against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.

And Gyokeres, 27, said: “I’m more hungry now. You always want to contribute with work rate and other stuff, but when you score goals as well, it’s a bit special. So that’s something I always want to do.

“The group we have and the spirit is something different and something very special.

“When you win games and you do these performances, it builds confidence in the team. The belief has to always be there, but of course this helps to boost it. We just want to keep going like this.”

Arsenal's message to the rest of Europe

Gyokeres was not the only man receiving plaudits, as Merson was full of praise for Bukayo Saka during his commentary on Sky Sports, claiming he had Atletico stars like Koke “on toast”.

Not Gyokeres: Paul Merson says "outstanding" Arsenal star had Atletico Madrid "on toast"

The Gunners legend was very impressed by his performance.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 21, 2025

And the former Gunners star believes his old team sent out a warning to the rest of Europe after accomplishing something that “no one” does.

Arsenal have won their three games in Europe so far with as many clean sheets. Remarkably, Arteta’s men have conceded just three times – away at Liverpool and Newcastle and at home to Manchester City, with just one of those coming from open play – in their first 12 fixtures.

Goalkeeper David Raya, who has recorded five consecutive shutouts, said: “I give clean sheets the same credit as goals.

“If we’re keeping clean sheets, it’s going to make games easier to win. It’s really, really important for the whole team, not giving away that many chances and being very, very solid.

“The depth of the squad is incredible. We have a lot of players who can play in two, three or four positions.

“(Mikel) Merino came on as a striker (against Atletico), but he can play as a number six, eight, or as a number 10, and that is the variety that the boss has and he is using it to our advantage.

“It gives us an extra level in training and in games, because if you are not at it you can lose your spot and everybody is on board with that.”

Arsenal will head into this weekend’s round of league fixtures with a three-point cushion over second-placed Manchester City. Defending champions Liverpool are a further point off the pace.

Botafogo anuncia setores esgotados e parcial de venda de ingressos para partida contra o Goiás

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo divulgou nas suas redes oficiais que 25 mil ingressos já foram vendidos para partida contra o Goiás, na segunda-feira (2). Os setores Leste Inferior e Leste Superior já estão esgotados para o jogo válido pela vigésima quinta rodada do Brasileirão.

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O Alvinegro volta a jogar no Nilton Snatos depois de duas rodadas afastado da sua casa. Os dois jogos como visitante não renderam pontos ao Botafogo. O time de Bruno Lage, que construiu sua liderança muito por conta do desempenho em casa, precisa voltar a vencer para manter distância dos concorrentes no campeonato.

+Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Saiba como garantir seu ingresso:

Venda no site: www.botafogo.com.br/ingresso
Abertura dos portões: 18h

SETORES EM FUNCIONAMENTO:

Leste Inferior, Leste Superior, Oeste Inferior e Oeste Superior A e B (Botafogo) / Sul (Visitante)

(O Setor Norte está,INICIALMENTE, bloqueado e estará disponível de acordo com a demanda)

VALORES DOS INGRESSOS

Setor Leste Inferior

CAMISA 7

Plano Glorioso – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Alvinegro – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Preto – R$20
Plano Branco – R$30

Setor Leste Superior

CAMISA 7

Plano Glorioso – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Alvinegro – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Preto – R$20
Plano Branco – R$30

Setor Oeste Inferior

CAMISA 7

Plano Glorioso – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Alvinegro – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Preto – R$20
Plano Branco – R$30

Setor Oeste Superior A e B

CAMISA 7

Plano Glorioso – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Alvinegro – Grátis – Check-in
Plano Preto – R$20
Plano Branco – R$30

Camarote Firezone

O Firezone é um novo espaço para a torcida alvinegra que oferece serviço open bar, open food, com gastronomia diferenciada gourmet, barbearia, studio de tatuagem, vista privilegiada do meio do campo, telões de led e palco para receber shows.

Saiba mais e garanta já seu ingresso em:camarotefirezone.com.br

Importante:Quem é sócio Camisa 7 possui desconto exclusivo. Plano Glorioso (20% de desconto) e demais planos (15% de desconto)

PONTO DE VENDA FÍSICA (BOTAFOGO)

Estádio Nilton Santos (Bilheteria Oeste)
Sábado (30/09): 9h às 17h
Domingo (01/10): 9h às 17h
Segunda-feira (02/10): 9h às 17h

Estádio Nilton Santos (Bilheterias Oeste e Leste)
Segunda-feira (02/10): 17h às 20h45

General Severiano
Sábado (30/09): 9h às 17h
Domingo (01/10): 9h às 17h

GRATUIDADE

Há gratuidade para crianças (menores de 12 anos), idosos (acima de 60) e Portadores de Necessidades Especiais. Para acesso ao Estádio, será necessária a apresentação dos documentos comprobatórios.

Os beneficiários de gratuidade por lei, que estejam de acordo com os requisitos, poderão realizar o resgate da entrada, nos dias de funcionamento nos pontos de venda do Estádio Nilton Santos e General Severiano, a partir das 9h até o horário de encerramento. Lembrando que os acessos são limitados e há a possibilidade de esgotamento.

Importante:Os setores com acessibilidade destinados aos Portadores de Necessidades Especiais e seus acompanhantes são apenas os setores pertencentes ao anel inferior do Estádio Nilton Santos.

ESTACIONAMENTO (EXCLUSIVO PARA A TORCIDA DO BOTAFOGO)

O estacionamento Norte 1, localizado na Rua das Oficinas, abrirá às 17h. Sócios possuem direito a desconto. O fechamento se dará uma hora após o término da partida.

Venda antecipada pelo aplicativo da Ingresse (Inicia na quarta-feira (21/09), ás 10h, e vai até 4 horas antes da partida)

Sócio Plano Glorioso: R$20
Sócios Planos Alvinegro, Preto e Branco: R$36
Não-sócio: R$60

IMPORTANTE:Não haverá venda na hora.

ATENÇÃO: O acesso ao estacionamento é limitado a carros, motocicletas e vans (de até 2,3 metros)

India seal series after Sri Lanka suffer slide of 7 for 31

Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel starred with the ball in the rain-hit game

Deivarayan MuthuUpdated on 29-Jul-2024

Ravi Bishnoi claimed Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga with successive deliveries•AFP/Getty Images

In Dambulla, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama had countered India’s spinners to lead Sri Lanka to the Women’s Asia Cup title. About 100 kilometres away in Pallakele later in the evening, it was India’s spinners who dominated Sri Lanka in the second men’s T20I. Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel and Riyan Parag returned combined figures of 12-0-86-5 to trigger another Sri Lanka collapse and help India sew up the three-T20I series, with one game to go.Across the first two T20Is, Sri Lanka have lost 16 for 68 in the last six overs. There was so much purchase for spinners that part-time spinner Parag bowled his full allotment of overs and Axar bowled the last over of the first innings in which Sri Lanka could manage only 161 for 9.Sri Lanka’s best bet to defend that sub-par total would have been to unleash their three spinners on India – they had shored up their spin attack by bringing in Ramesh Mendis for fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka – but rain disrupted them. Though Maheesh Theekshana knocked Sanju Samson over for a duck in India’s DLS-adjusted chase of 78 in eight overs, Wanindu Hasaranga conceded 16 in his first over. Suryakumar Yadav then lined up Theekshana for three successive fours to rush India towards victory.Matheesha Pathirana dismissed Suryakumar for 26 off 12 balls, and Yashasvi Jaiswal holed out for 30 off 15 balls in the next over, but Hardik Pandya produced a cameo of his own, ensuring that India’s new era kicked off with a series win.Nissanka, Perera lay strong baseAfter being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka dashed out of the blocks, scoring 54 for 1 in the powerplay. With the ball not swinging for Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis had the license to pump the ball over the top.Mendis had hoisted an on-pace seam-up delivery from Arshdeep for a four over mid-on, but when the left-arm seamer took pace off and bowled a cutter into the pitch, he could only miscue it to the infielder. Nissanka and Kusal Perera, though, kept batting with high intent and kept pinging the boundaries in the powerplay.Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka put on a 54-run stand•AFP/Getty Images

Whenever India’s bowlers strayed into his hips, Perera unleashed Sanath Jayasuriya-esque short-arm jabs and when he raced to a 31-ball half-century, he had Jayasuriya himself applauding warmly from the dugout. Perera had reached the landmark with some help from Rinku Singh, who slipped at the edge of the square-leg boundary and ended up parrying the ball away for six.Rinku had also reprieved Kusal on 32 in the tenth over after wristspinner Bishnoi had drawn a top-edged sweep with a legbreak. By the time, Bishnoi had already pinned Nissanka lbw for 32 off 24 balls with a fizzing wrong’un.India’s spinners wreck the baseIndia stuck to four specialist bowlers, including Axar, and backed Hardik and Parag to share the fifth-bowler duties. After impressing with 3 for 5 on Saturday, Parag extracted ripping turn and bounce. At one point, the broadcaster put up a graphic showing the average turn achieved by India’s spinners. Parag had generated 3.7 degrees of turn on an average in comparison to Axar’s 3 degrees and Bishnoi’s 1 degree.Though Parag went wicketless, he once again showed that he could do a job with the ball. He even allowed Suryakumar to hold Hardik back until the 14th over.Bishnoi then returned at the death to bowl both Dasun Shanaka and Hasaranga for ducks. Hardik did his bit by having Perera holing out for 53 off 34 balls, with Rinku holding onto a sharp catch and redeeming himself.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Suryakumar shook things up at the death, much like he had done on Saturday when he handed the ball to Parag during this phase. Bowling the 20th over for only the third time in his T20I career and sixth in his T20 career, Axar gave up just eight runs while taking the wickets of Theekshana and Ramesh on Sunday.From 130 for 2, Sri Lanka subsided to 161 for 9. Game over for them.Rain, SKY mess with SL’s spinnersAfter rain had delayed the start of the match by 45 minutes, it returned three balls into India’s chase and left them chasing a revised target of 78 in eight overs.Sri Lanka had a sliver of hope when Theekshana took out Samson with a skidder and then beat Suryakumar’s outside edge with a carrom ball. Hasaranga, however, struggled to grip the wet ball and Jaiswal aced the match-up against the legspinner.With the ball sliding onto the bat after the shower, Suryakumar played a variety of sweeps before he fell to Pathirana. Hardik finished the chase with nine balls to spare and left Hasaranga nursing figures of 2-0-34-1.

Arsenal convinced they can seal "huge signing" after "showdown talks"

Arsenal are reportedly garnering serious belief that they could seal a major deal pretty soon, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta continuing their business behind-the-scenes ahead of a pivotal Premier League campaign.

Arsenal trying to convince £55m ace to join, Arteta is speaking to him

The Gunners boss is getting involved.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025

The north Londoners missed out on the title to Liverpool by some distance last season, which was partly down to injuries to key attacking players, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third was also a key factor.

Arsenal netted just 69 Premier League goals, a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns, with Berta and co working to bolster their attacking options as a result.

The Gunners appear to be targeting two wingers (Fabrizio Romano), with Arsenal holding talks over a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who could arrive in a separate deal to the likes of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke or Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Madueke is being considered by Arsenal and Rodrygo is believed to be a “dream” target for Arteta (Ben Jacobs), but supporters are especially keen for the club to end their drawn-out search for a prolific number nine.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres have both been repeatedly linked with moves to Arsenal in that regard, with an update now coming to light on the latter.

Arsenal growing in confidence they'll sign Viktor Gyokeres

The 27-year-old is reported by some to have already agreed a five-year contract at Arsenal (Sacha Tavolieri), as discussions remain ongoing with Sporting to compromise on a fee.

Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.

Now, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal are growing in belief they’ll sign Gyokeres, and he’s currently the striker in pole position to join Arteta’s side before deadline day.

“My understanding is that his representatives were in Portugal for showdown talks with Sporting Lisbon to try and thrash this deal out,” he told Football Insider.

“There is a growing optimism from his side and from Arsenal that they can get it over the line. The Sweden international has been one of Arsenal’s top targets this summer.

“Gyokeres is the clear favourite now to make that move to the Emirates Stadium. There’s been a bit of an ongoing row between Gyokeres and Sporing in recent weeks.

“It’s been claimed he could go on strike because he feels they’ve gone back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for below his release clause. No deal is done until it’s done, but there is a growing optimism Arsenal are finally going to get Gyokeres as their new number nine next season.

“It’s just a matter of trying to thrash out a fee with Sporting. It would be a huge signing for Arsenal because that’s an area that has been lacking under Arteta.”

Gyokeres bagged an incredible 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting last season, guiding Rui Borges’ men to a first domestic double in two decades, and his ruthlessness in front of goal is exactly what Arsenal were crying out for in 2024/2025.

However, the price will be a major sticking point, and it is believed Arsenal want to sign Gyokeres for around £60 million – a figure reportedly below the Swede’s current valuation of £69 million.

Tryon and Burns join Amazon Warriors for Women's CPL 2024

Stafanie Taylor, who captained the Amazon Warriors to the final of the tournament last season, has been retained

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jul-2024

Chloe Tryon was with Barbados Royals in the inaugural WCPL in 2022•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

South Africa allrounder Chloe Tryon and Australia allrounder Erin Burns have joined Guyana Amazon Warriors ahead of the 2024 Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).Stafanie Taylor, who captained the Amazon Warriors to the final of the tournament last season, has been retained alongside Shabnim Ismail, Karishma Ramharack, Shemaine Campbelle, Natasha McClean and Shakera Selman.They need seven more players to complete their 15-member squad. Six of them will be picked from the WCPL draft which is due to be held in July and one other – the last remaining overseas pick – will be confirmed before the start of the new season.Tryon has represented South Africa in 98 T20Is, making 1136 runs and taking 35 wickets. She is currently with the national team on tour in India. Burns brings the experience of playing 162 T20s – 117 of which were at home at the Women’s Big Bash League, where she’s represented Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes. She has scored 2429 runs and picked up 80 wickets and was part of the Barbados Royals side that became champions last year.This year’s WCPL will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with all seven matches played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The tournament is in its third season and will be contested by Trinbago Knight Riders, Amazon Warriors and Royals.Guyana Amazon Warriors squad so farStafanie Taylor, Shabnim Ismail, Karishma Ramharack, Shemaine Campbelle, Natasha McClean, Shakera Selman, Chloe Tryon and Erin Burns

جيبوتي ترد عبر "بطولات" على إمكانية إقامة مباراتها أمام مصر في القاهرة

تترقب جماهير الكرة المصرية موقف مباراة منتخب مصر وجيبوتي، المقررة بعد شهر تقريبًا، في التصفيات المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026.

الأزمة تتعلق بملعب منتخب جيبوتي، الذي لا يطابق معايير الاتحادين الدولي والإفريقي، ما يفرض البحث عن مكان بديل لاستضافة المواجهة.

اقرأ أيضًا | محمد كوفي: أحب لاعب الأهلي.. وأستبعد إقامة مباراة مصر وجيبوتي في القاهرة

كينيدي علي، المتحدث الرسمي باسم الاتحاد الجيبوتي لكرة القدم، أكد في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “خيار إقامة المباراة في القاهرة مطروح بقوة”.

وكانت جيبوتي تلعب مبارياتها بين المغرب وغينيا بيساو خلال التصفيات، لكن يبدو وأن فكرة التواجد في القاهرة غير مستحيلة.

وأضاف: “حتى الآن لم نحسم قرارنا، لكننا سنحدد الملعب النهائي خلال 48 ساعة، ونميل أكثر لفكرة التواجد في القاهرة”.

واختتم: “النقاشات بدأت مبكرًا رغم أن المواجهة ستقام بعد شهر، لضمان تنظيم جيد وتجنب أي عراقيل مرتبطة بالملاعب أو الموافقات”.

وتقام المباراة ضمن الجولة التاسعة من التصفيات، حيث يسعى منتخب مصر لتحقيق انتصار جديد يضمن له التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2026.

Fulham now open talks to sign "spectacular" £17m U21 Euros star

Fulham have now opened talks to sign a “spectacular” U21 European Championships star, having expressed a concrete interest in securing his signature, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Cottagers set sights on U21 Euros star

Several players put themselves in the shop window courtesy of their performances at the recent U21 Euros, with former Fulham man Harvey Elliott playing a vital role in England’s triumph, picking up five goals throughout the tournament.

The Cottagers have expressed an interest in signing Elliott in the past, and the midfielder’s recent performances are only likely to have driven up his value, with Liverpool now thought to be holding out for a fee of £40m.

However, the Liverpool ace was not the only midfielder who excelled at the tournament, with a report revealing Marco Silva’s side have now taken steps towards securing the signature of a different midfielder…

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign £8.5m defender alongside Bornauw

Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 1, 2025

According to Sky Sports (via Sport Witness), Fulham have now expressed a concrete interest in signing Borussia Monchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz, submitting an enquiry over a potential summer deal.

Reitz has a £17m release clause which becomes active next summer, and he is attracting widespread interest from within the Premier League, with West Ham United thought to be leading the race for his signature.

Monchengladbach are worried by the interest in one of their key players, with the German club determined to retain his services, but the fact the midfielder is set to be available for £17m next year could lead them to auctioning him off this summer.

"Spectacular" Reitz impressing for Germany U21s

Germany ultimately came up short in the U21 Euros final, with England prevailing 3-2 after Jonathan Rowe’s extra-time winner, but Reitz impressed throughout the tournament, being singled out for high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Fellow scout Antonio Mango has lauded the maestro as “spectacular” in the past, and he has proven himself to be exceptional at winning back possession, ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Germany'sRoccoReitzand Germany's Eric Martel look dejected after the match

After losing Joao Palhinha last summer, Fulham brought in Sander Berge, but there are signs the Mönchengladbach midfielder could be more of a like-for-like replacement for the Portugal international, considering his defensive qualities.

As such, Reitz could be a shrewd acquisition for Silva this summer, and the manager will be hoping that Fulham finishing higher than West Ham last season will give them the edge over their Premier League rivals in negotiations.

A better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs plot move for "world-class" £76m star

This summer will be vital in Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, needing to land the right players in key positions if he is to be a success at the club.

The Dane took the reins earlier this month on a three-year contract, taking the next step in his managerial career after spending the last seven years at Brentford.

He will be looking to take the Lilywhites up the Premier League throughout 2025/26, taking them back up the table after their dismal 17th-placed finish this campaign.

However, if he is to achieve his goal and be a success in North London, he will certainly need to be backed throughout the transfer window, with Daniel Levy needing to get his chequebook out.

Numerous names have already been mentioned over the last couple of days, but multiple deals appear to be heading in the right direction for the Lilywhites.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions

Kyle Walker-Peters has been touted with a shock return to Spurs this summer, after the club made contact with his representatives following his departure from Southampton at the end of his contract.

Antoine Semenyo is another player in their sights, reportedly willing to match his £65m asking price this summer after scoring 11 times for Bournemouth this season.

AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on

However, another winger has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo firmly within their sights, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.

They claim the Brazilian is set to leave his window after featuring for just 93 minutes at the Club World Cup, naming Spurs as one side keen on a move for the 24-year-old.

It also states that the player himself wants a move to the Premier League, but any deal would cost a fee in the region of €90m (£76m) during the off-season.

Why Spurs’ £76m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

After Frank’s appointment, it’s hardly a surprise that Spurs have been touted as a potential destination for winger Bryan Mbeumo, after he starred under the Dane last season at Brentford.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal

The 25-year-old found the back of the net 20 times in the league, producing the best season of his professional career, making himself one of the most threatening talents in the division.

However, despite the Lilywhites’ keen interest in his signature, it appears as though they are set to miss out on a deal to take him across the capital, with Mbeumo set for a medical at Manchester United.

Missing out on such a talented player will undoubtedly be disappointing for the supporters, but also the manager, especially considering his form under his guidance in 2024/25.

They needn’t worry, though, especially given the latest update around a potential move for Rodrygo, with the Brazilian providing a better option for Frank in 2025/26.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Madrid star has massively outperformed him in key areas, offering a new dimension to the club’s attack should he move this summer.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has notched more progressive passes and a higher tally of key passes per 90, reflecting the creative ability he possesses in attacking areas.

How Rodrygo compares to Mbeumo in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Rodrygo

Mbeumo

Games played

30

38

Goals & assists

11

27

Progressive carries

5.3

3.4

Progressive passes

5.1

3.7

Pass accuracy

86%

66%

Key passes

2.3

1.8

Take-ons completed

2.3

1.3

Carries into final third

4.1

1.8

Stats via FBref

He’s also registered way more progressive carries and a higher take-on success rate, demonstrating his desire to take the ball forward into the opposition’s box and cause carnage – further increasing their goalscoring output in North London.

His experience at the top level of European football is vital for the club too, handing Frank that key option he will need if the club is to be competitive in the Champions League next campaign.

£76m may be a hefty sum, one that would be a club record, but as seen by the figures he’s produced recently, it’s one that could set the side up for future success.

Mbeumo reuniting with the Dane would’ve certainly aided their chances of immediate success, but missing out may prove to be a blessing if it leads them to a deal to land Rodrygo this window.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 27, 2025

What Thomas Frank privately thinks about the Tottenham squad after arriving

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is ready to tackle his first-ever campaign as a Champions League coach after finally sealing a high-profile move to a ‘big six’ side, with the Dane’s private assessment of his new squad now coming to light.

Thomas Frank confirmed as new Tottenham manager

Following many productive years at Brentford, Frank sealed a switch to Spurs earlier this week as Ange Postecoglou’s immediate replacement, just days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy’s tough decision to sack the Australian.

Thomas Frank "pushing" Tottenham to make "statement" £51m signing

Spurs are “ready” to back him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Postecoglou guided the Lilywhites to their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League on a famous night against Man United in Bilbao, but Spurs cited their woeful domestic form as the catalyst behind his dismissal.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The north Londoners lost a record-breaking 22 Premier League games under Postecoglou last season and finished just one place above the relegation zone, with Levy showcasing ruthlessness over the emotion surrounding their European triumph by firing Frank’s predecessor.

Yet another new era has now begun at Spurs with Frank’s arrival, and the 51-year-old has now become their fifth manager since Mauricio Pochettino’s exit in 2019.

“Thomas is very personal with the players,” Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard told BBC Radio 5 Live, telling Spurs supporters what they can expect.

“He cares a lot about how we are and how we feel. It’s a very important quality for a manager to have.

“Not every manager has it, and the ones that do seem to have more success. He’s definitely a leader and someone who guides us. He’s done a fantastic job in the years that I’ve worked with him at Brentford.”

However, pundit Chris Sutton believes Levy has taken a major gamble on his appointment.

“Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job at Brentford, but this is a whole different kettle of fish,” said Sutton.

“Because of the expectation at Tottenham, Frank won’t get time to get his feet under the table. He will be under pressure from the off. Postecoglou has just won them their first major European trophy for 41 years and has gone. So already you have to wonder what does Frank need to do this season to keep his job?

“The aim for Frank will be to keep them in the Champions League, and whether that is by making the top four or five, that is not going to be easy.”

Amid reports that Frank is looking to sign Bryan Mbeumo to upgrade his Tottenham squad, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared what the tactician really thinks of his current team.

What Thomas Frank privately thinks about Tottenham's squad

According to the reporter, who spoke to The Boot Room this week, there is a feeling that Frank is privately thrilled with his options at Tottenham, even if they’re reportedly battling Man United for Mbeumo right now.

Brentford managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match

“Spurs think there is a need for another player on the right,” said Bailey.

“But, from what I am told, the belief at Spurs is that Frank is a fan of this squad. They think he will love working with it – someone like Brennan Johnson is going to love playing for Frank.”

The Scandinavian has bigger names to manage than ever before, and away from the lack of pressure at mid-table Brentford, far more eyes will be on how Frank does at N17.

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