Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment in recent years has left something to be desired, and though this is a squad of heroes who conquered the Europa League before the summer, domestic form has been cemented at a lower-than-expected level for a while now, and that needs to change.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with £55m summer recruit Mohammed Kudus among the most exciting players in Thomas Frank’s Lilywhites outfit.

The Ghanaian winger hasn’t been perfect, but he’s certainly underlined his credentials as a difference-maker under Frank’s wing, with his five assists in the Premier League this season a joint-divisional best.

That statistic juxtaposes with Tottenham’s creative struggles this season, and it adds substance to the emerging rumours that Tottenham plan to sign an even more exciting winger to help elevate Frank’s project down N17.

Spurs leading race for new winger

Tottenham are anticipated to be busy over the coming transfer windows, with improvements needed across a range of areas. However, there’s no denying Frank’s frontline have been blunter than expected, and that must be a priority.

Kudus has been a terrific addition, but wingers like Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons are flattering to deceive. Perhaps this is why ENIC Group are aiming for the stars.

Indeed, according to Spanish sources, Tottenham are leading the race for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, and that’s despite growing interest from the Premier League’s heavyweights.

Rodrygo, 24, is also attracting interest from Liverpool, and though Real are open to selling the Brazilian talent, they would expect to bank something in the ballpark of £70m.

Why Rodrygo would succeed at Spurs

Rodrygo is currently embroiled in a crisis of confidence. He has gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal, and has been pushed out to the fringes of Xabi Alonso’s squad.

But let’s not forget that this is a truly special player, praised for his “world-class” quality by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric, and the depth of his technical quality goes far beyond that of Kudus, who is devastating on the ball but lacks clarity and output.

Goals scored

0.32

0.14

Assists

0.24

0.23

Shots taken

2.94

1.89

Shot-creating actions

4.65

3.41

Touches (att pen)

6.64

3.78

Pass completion (%)

85.4

78.8

Progressive passes

4.37

2.59

Progressive carries

6.00

3.44

Successful take-ons

2.38

3.05

Ball recoveries

3.77

5.44

Though Kudus has enjoyed a fine start to his career in north London, he doesn’t match Rodrygo’s breadth of skill. The Madrid man is one of the best forwards in the world, after all, and his recent drop-off does not negate that fact.

Crisper on the ball, more progressive with his passing and more active in dribbling forward himself, Rodrygo might not have Kudus’ same snappy speed, but that’s not to say that he isn’t a dynamic physical force in his own right.

Moreover, he has so often been shunted out onto the right flank in Madrid over the past several years, lower down the pecking order than the likes of Vincius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The right-footed Rodrygo is at his best, his most prolific, when playing off the left.

Now, he has been reduced to a truly bit-part role, only afforded three league starts under Alonso’s management this term.

It feels like Rodrygo’s departure from the Santiago Bernabeu is a matter of when, not if, and while there are a multitude of high-profile suitors looking to excavate him from the hole he has fallen into, Tottenham have put in the hard yards for some time now, and Frank’s project would promise him a leading role.

Then it would be up to Rodrygo to prove that he is the real deal. On the basis of the evidence already, he is at that, and this would see him take on a more influential role than someone like Kudus down N17.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

The defending champions secured a big win in a rain-reduced game with the captain leading from the front

AAP20-Oct-2025Defending one-day champions South Australia claimed a nine-wicket win over Queensland, banking a bonus point in their rain-marred victory.As rain restricted the match to a maximum 25 overs each, Queensland were bowled out for 128 in 23.5 overs at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide. The hosts were set 120 to win under the DLS method and won with with 47 balls to spare.Related

McAndrew's five gets defending champions South Australia up and running

Tasmania down WA to extend silky start to One-Day Cup

SA, the holders of the Dean Jones Trophy, now have two wins from four games – the same as Queensland.Their run chase was given early impetus by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who blasted six fours in making 27 from 14 balls. Fraser-McGurk’s cameo ended when bowled by a superb off-cutter from James Bazley.But opener Mackenzie Harvey and captain Nathan McSweeney then set about the chase with the bonus point in mind.South Australia needed to win inside 20 overs and Harvey and McSweeney easily reached that goal with an unbroken 80-run partnership.Earlier, Queensland slipped to 13 for 2 inside five overs before a lengthy rain delay. On return, only veteran Jimmy Peirson managed an innings of substance, smacking three sixes and three fours in making 42 from 83 ballsThe only other Queenslanders to reach double-figures were Bazley, Hugh Weibgen and Max Bryant. The visitors failed to bat out their 25 overs as SA skipper McSweeney claimed 3 for 12 from 3.1 overs with his offspinners. McSweeney had initially brought himself on when Wes Agar couldn’t complete his second over.Liam Scott and Lloyd Pope also enjoyed multiple success and paceman Nathan McAndrew returned figures of 1 for 7 from four overs.

Italian side Roma are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Mathys Tel on loan in the January window. Tottenham are not considering a permanent sale but are open to a loan move until the end of the season, having just signed the forward on a permanent basis in the summer. Roma are in the market for a striker after both Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk failed to deliver the expected performances this campaign, leaving the team in need of a more reliable attacking option.

• Roma's interest in Tel

  Tel joined Tottenham permanently in the summer of 2025 for €35 million (£31m/$40m) after a promising six-month loan spell from Bayern Munich during the 2024-25 season. He made an immediate impact, scoring three goals and providing an assist while playing an important role in Spurs’ Europa League triumph. However, this season Tel has struggled for regular game time, attracting interest from Roma, who reports are closely monitoring his situation. Tottenham are unwilling to let the young striker leave on a permanent transfer but are open to a short-term arrangement. Roma are ready to propose a six-month loan in January, viewing Tel as a valuable reinforcement who can strengthen their attack without a long-term financial commitment.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Roma's striker problem

  Roma find themselves in a strong position this season, sitting second in Serie A and boasting the best defensive record in the league, having conceded just five goals. However, their attacking output remains a major concern. Among the top six teams, Roma have scored the fewest goals, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable number nine. The club parted ways with Tammy Abraham, who joined Besiktas, and Eldor Shomurodov, who moved to Istanbul Basaksehir, leaving a noticeable void in the frontline. Roma had shown interest in Rasmus Hojlund, but he opted to join Napoli instead. Their loan signing of Ferguson from Brighton has not worked out so far, with the forward registering only one assist in seven games before suffering an injury in late October. Meanwhile, Dovbyk has struggled as well, managing just two goals and one assist. The search for a dependable striker continues.

• Tel's underwhelming season at Tottenham

  Tel’s rise began in August 2021 when, at just 16 years and 110 days, he made his debut for Rennes, becoming the youngest player to appear for the club and breaking Eduardo Camavinga’s record. His potential quickly drew attention across Europe, and in 2022 he secured a major move to Bayern. During his time in Germany, Tel scored 16 goals in 83 appearances and won two Bundesliga titles, establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.

  A versatile forward, Tel is naturally a centre striker but is equally capable of playing across the entire frontline, including as a winger in a three-man attack. His pace, movement and ability to attack space make him a valuable option in multiple systems.

  However, after joining Tottenham permanently following a positive loan spell, Tel has found minutes difficult to come by this season. He has featured for only 359 minutes under new manager Thomas Frank, who has consistently preferred Richarlison as his first-choice striker. This lack of playing time has raised questions about Tel’s short-term future, with interest emerging from other clubs eager to offer him more regular opportunities.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Can Gasperini revive Tel?

  Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to push for a new striker in the upcoming transfer window, with Roma’s attack proving inconsistent this season. In the past, forwards like Duvan Zapata and Mateo Retegui have been crucial in bringing Gasperini’s dynamic, high-intensity tactics to life. A signing such as  Tel could provide the mobility, pace and finishing that Roma currently lack, potentially transforming them into genuine Scudetto contenders.

  For Tel, a loan move to Roma would offer valuable playing time after limited opportunities at Tottenham. Working under Gasperini could significantly accelerate his development and help him unlock the next stage of his career.

An exciting Manchester United transfer claim has emerged, with the Red Devils thought to have held talks over the signing of a gem who could follow in the footsteps of Leny Yoro.

United looking to continue their good form on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to struggling Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Speaking to MUFC ahead of the game, Ruben Amorim discussed what has been a taxing period for him, but why he has learned from it positively.

“During my career as a manager, most of the time I was winning. When you are winning, you can say that you have convictions and you are loyal to your ideas, but you learn when you lose, when you are under pressure and I learned that when I’m under pressure, I’m stronger on my ideas and I keep with my ideas.

“Of course, it’s really important to feel the support of everyone in the club, especially the fans that help you, to give you that confidence to continue on your path, but that was the biggest learning point: when I’m under pressure, I can stick with my plan.”

Carragher said Man Utd star was "terrible", now he's Amorim's key player

Manchester United now have a talent who has managed to transform his career at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025 Man Utd hold talks over "world-class" Bouaddi signing

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United and INEOS have held internal talks over signing Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, having scouted him “extensively” in recent times. He could join from the same club as Yoro did, hopefully coming in as a similarly prodigious talent.

Arsenal are also thought to be interested in signing the 18-year-old midfielder, among others, but it is United who have the “strongest” level of willingness to snap him up.

Bouaddi is a special talent who could have a huge future in the game, so the idea of the Red Devils adding him to their midfield is a mouthwatering prospect.

The teenager has already made 67 appearances for Lille, which is highly impressive, and he is also a seven-cap France Under-21 international, despite still only being 18.

Meanwhile, scout Jacek Kulig has lauded him as a “world-class” player even at this early point in his career, further highlighting his vast potential.

United’s midfield needs to be a key area of focus when it comes to new signings, not least because Casemiro could depart at the end of this season, and Bouaddi may well be an ideal figure to come in and be a long-term acquisition at Old Trafford.

France Under-21s

7

1

France Under-20s

1

0

France Under-18s

3

0

France Under-17s

5

0

France Under-16s

8

3

The Lille star is able to thrive as both a defensive midfielder and a slightly more attack-minded midfielder, and United should do all they can to sign him.

Man Utd also targeting a shock move for Vinicius Jr with price tag revealed

Rangers are now facing the prospect of losing one of their young talents to the Premier League for nothing in a frustrating blow for Danny Rohl.

Rohl pinpoints "old habits" affecting Rangers

It was like a throwback to the start of the season against Falkirk. Rangers were toothless as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the first time that Rohl has stuttered in the Scottish Premiership. The German, frustrated by the draw, claimed that the Gers fell into “old habits” and lacked “conviction”.

The Rangers manager now has the task of getting back to winning ways as early as Wednesday when his side square off against Dundee United. Another game without three points would only raise concerns that Rangers are slipping back into poor form just when fixtures are coming thick and fast.

With the January transfer window now just a month away from opening too, any sign of poor form would also raise serious questions for Rohl about the quality of his squad.

Following the exit of sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss is likely to have a larger say on who comes in and who heads for the exit door in January.

What he won’t have a say in, however, is the future of Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old midfielder has reportedly rejected Rangers’ latest contract offer and looks destined to leave the club.

Premier League clubs chasing bargain Rice deal

According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Premier League clubs are now racing to sign Rice on a free deal when his current contract expires in the summer.

The midfielder is the youngest-ever player to play for the club in the Scottish Premiership, but looks almost certain to leave in 2026 after rejecting new terms.

Whilst Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion tracked the 19-year-old in the past, it is Sunderland and Aston Villa who are after his signature these days – handing Rice a big decision to make.

Related A "spell on the sidelines" is needed for the "best player" at Rangers

This Glasgow Rangers star who was called the team’s best player should be dropped from the starting line-up.

Posts ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025

For Rangers, meanwhile, it’s another blow and another likely departure from an academy star. There was a time when Rice looked to be the future of their midfield. Now, he’s set to depart before he even reaches the peak of his powers and with zero financial gain for the club.

Former interim boss Barry Ferguson was full of praise for Rice last season, telling reporters that he believes that the midfielder is a “fantastic talent”. Like everyone else watching on in Scotland, however, Ferguson may be forced to see the youngster thrive away from Rangers and in the Premier League.

Danny Rohl sends 13-word warning to Rangers players ahead of transfer window