Marseille forward Mason Greenwood has reacted to his surprising snub when it comes to end of season awards in Ligue 1.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |
Seeing off Manchester United on Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur have now won back-to-back matches in the Premier League and will look to make further headway and close down Brighton & Hove Albion on the edge of the top half.
This is hardly what Ange Postecoglou will have envisaged for his second season in charge of Spurs, having also been dumped out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this month, but context is important: Tottenham have been throttled by injuries.
However, there might now be real daylight at the end of the tunnel, with Tottenham pushing their way out of the selection crisis that has hit their campaign like a freight train.
To be sure, Postecoglou’s squad is on the mend, and having claimed a ticket to the last 16 of the Europa League, there’s still hope that something special can be salvaged from this testing and taxing year.
James Maddison made his return from injury on Sunday evening, darted into space to lash home from close range to score the only goal of the game. His form could be the key over the coming months.
James Maddison makes his return
One of Tottenham’s chief – if not the – playmakers, Maddison’s chequered Tottenham career has met its hurdles primarily because of injuries. His electric start in 2023/24 was halted by a ruinous ankle setback, and he has missed recent weeks of action due to a calf strain.
He returned with vim and vigour against Man United, poking in to take his tally to nine Premier League goals from 22 games this season, having also placed four assists.
Respected journalist Henry Winter commented post-match that Tottenham were “hungrier and better organised” than their counterparts, with Maddison “clinical when it counted.”
His dynamism and energy are things that Tottenham used to channel their Ange-patent slickness and bite, with Maddison ranking among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this term for goals, the top 10% for assists and shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
Minutes played
64′
Goals
1
Touches
65
Shots (on target)
1 (1)
Pass completion
43/50 (83%)
Key passes
1
Dribbles (completed)
2 (1)
Tackles
1
Clearances
1
Ground duels (won)
10 (4)
A player of parts, then. Maddison wasn’t at his rip-roaring best against United but his skill set still added something of value to Tottenham’s team, helped the likes of Mathys Tel, who was wasteful yet promising, and acted as the focal creative presence, with his teammates turning to his agency.
With a trip to Ipswich Town followed by the mid-week hosting of Manchester City, Tottenham will need to use their recent success as a springboard. It might mean that Ange should issue some rotation next weekend.
The fact that this is even possible speaks volumes regarding how bad the injury crisis has been, but with frontliners back on the pitch, Ange might consider boldly dropping his captain, Heung-min Son.
Why Ange should drop Heung-min Son
Son, 32, is a Tottenham legend, having played 442 matches for the Londoners, notched 264 goal involvements and received the captaincy after Harry Kane and then Hugo Lloris left the club.
He’s been forced to shoulder quite the heavy burden this season with his teammates dropping like flies. Centre-forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are currently sidelined, while Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert returned from the injury front yesterday, the former earning some game time.
Writing in his post-match ratings, football.london’s Alasdair Gold did give Son a 6/10 player rating and acknowledged his effort toward clinching a much-needed win, but he lacked some of his usual incisiveness in front of goal, also creating four key passes, as per Sofascore, but missing the mark with six of his eight crosses and squandering possession 13 times.
He’s still an important part of Tottenham’s team, not least because of his leadership skills, his galvanising quality. However, Son’s output has decreased.
24/25
22 (20)
6
7
23/24
35 (34)
17
10
22/23
36 (33)
10
6
21/22
35 (35)
23
7
20/21
37 (36)
17
10
A shift toward greater creative output – creating 13 big chances and averaging 1.9 key passes per Premier League match – has helped Son to stay a key member of the project, and of course, he will always be a first-class finisher, but his athleticism has slanted downward.
There’s also a case that Son benefitted from Maddison’s impetus behind him, allowing him to find greater space and security. Moreover, the excellent Djed Spence won seven of eight duels, winning four of three attempted dribbles, to create a sense of energy and urgency about Tottenham’s left flank. It’s a partnership that works well for Son, and saves him from being stretched too far.
It wasn’t Son’s worst performance of the season. He was lively and driven toward claiming an invaluable top-flight victory, also playing well in the closing stages as Tottenham scrambled to preserve their lead and clean sheet.
He’s hardly running on fumes and showed as much against Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered bunch, but Son has played an awful lot of football this season, more than Postecoglou would probably have wanted him to play.
Tottenham won’t walk into Portman Road with the false sense that three points will be a given; Ipswich have already beaten the Lilywhites in their own backyard this season.
However, with Johnson and Odobert back in the squad, Mikey Moore too, and Timo Werner also slated for a return this week, it might be wise to bench the skipper for this one, not least because he’s started ten of his club’s 12 matches across all competitions so far in 2025, playing to a high intensity.
Chalkboard
Hopefully, with strength in numbers, Tottenham can turn a corner here and push toward success to prove the many doubters wrong. Son will play a big part, but he cannot start every match.
Better than Maddison: Spurs' 9/10 star could now be emulating Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspur picked up a big 1-0 win over Ruben Amorim’s dejected Manchester United.
ByKelan Sarson Feb 16, 2025
Rangers are reportedly said to be interested in bringing a former player back to Ibrox in the January transfer window, as they make an offer directly to the defender.
The Gers still have time to complete some late business during the current window, with Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis linked with a move to Ibrox. He has found playing time impossible to come by this season, so a move away could appeal to him, also giving Philippe Clement additional firepower.
Highly-rated Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller has been a rumoured transfer target for Rangers for some time, with reports continuing to back him to move to the club before the end of the month. Just 18 years of age, he has registered six assists in 19 Scottish Premiership starts this season.
A reunion with former winger Ryan Kent has also been mooted for the Gers, having scored 33 goals and registered 56 assists in 218 appearances for the club during his first stint there, also winning the Scottish Premiership title.
In terms of potential exits at Rangers in the coming days, left-back Ridvan Yilmaz has been linked with a move to Besiktas, having played for the club earlier in his career. Interestingly, Celtic’s Greg Taylor is considered an alternative option for the Turkish giants.
According to a new update from Swiss outlet Watson (via Glasgow Times), Rangers have made an offer to former defender Nikola Katic, looking to bring him back to the club after he left in 2022, but it is not clear if there have been any formal negotiations with his current club Zürich.
The 28-year-old was signed by Steven Gerrard in 2018 but suffered an injury-hit spell at Ibrox, never quite being able to consistently show his best form.
Katic could be a strong addition for Rangers before the window is closed, considering the Zürich defender is still at an age where he can be at his peak for several more years. The former Gers man has won six caps for Bosnia, as well as representing Croatia once before changing his allegiances, while Gerrard hailed his long-term potential when he managed him during their time together.
Katic himself is thought to be both keen on a move away from Zürich and interested in making a return to Rangers, and the fact that he would improve Clement’s defensive options means it is a transfer that could make sense for all parties.
Rangers have struck gold on Ibrox gem who's worth more than Lyall Cameron
Rangers have struck gold on a player worth more than Lyall Cameron
By
Ross Kilvington
Jan 28, 2025
The centre-back may even feel that he has unfinished business at Ibrox, given his injury-prone nature and the fact that he was limited to only 59 appearances – he scored six goals in that time – so the hope is that the Gers’ offer is accepted.
After his New Zealand side fell short of the T20 World Cup title for a second year running, Kane Williamson’s future in the format will likely be the source of renewed debate, particularly the question of whether he will be the person to lead the team at the 2024 event in the Caribbean and the USA.There seems little doubt that he will captain the side in the ODI World Cup in India next year – New Zealand’s next opportunity to end their wait for a major limited-overs trophy – but the T20 position may be a more vexing issue.Related
New Zealand 'challenged a little' with players lured by T20 franchises, says coach Stead
Two first-over slips shape New Zealand's forgettable semi-final
Stability or strike rate? Williamson finds himself in the middle of this dilemma
The complicated case of non-performing captains
This World Cup has belonged to the teams with the best bowling attacks
It had already been bubbling away for much of this year ahead of the tournament in Australia as Williamson struggled for fluency on his return from an elbow injury. He ended the event with a respectable return, his 178 runs making him New Zealand’s second-highest scorer although his strike-rate remained a regular theme.His run-a-ball 40 against England came in for particular scrutiny but he responded with 61 off 35 balls against Ireland. In the semi-final against Pakistan he made 46 off 42 deliveries, attempting to nurse his side through from a tricky start, before falling trying to accelerate. He only struck two boundaries although one was a crunching pulled six over the leg side.Williamson came into the World Cup on the back of a strong innings in the tri-series final against Pakistan and is actually on the brink of his most prolific international year in the format, although his overall strike-rate is 119.00 for 2022, following a figure of 117.32 in 2021.Like a number of teams involved in this tournament there is only a short turnaround before New Zealand are back in the field again with a T20I series against India starting on November 18. It would seem unlikely that any major decisions are taken that quickly.Kane Williamson was uncharacteristically animated as the semi-final began to slip away from New Zealand•AFP/Getty Images
“I certainly love playing in all the formats,” Williamson said. “There’s a lot of cricket, and so that needs to be managed a little bit. It’s a changing landscape with players all around the world at the moment, and we’ve seen it in our camp as well. After these sorts of events you sort of sit down and give yourself a chance to reflect and sort of look at what’s coming up.”The changing landscape referenced by Williamson particularly relates to Trent Boult whose New Zealand future now faces uncertainty following his decision earlier this year to opt out of his central contract. Colin de Grandhomme also recently retired having decided to take up a BBL deal with Adelaide Strikers. New Zealand Cricket has shown adaptability and pragmatism when it comes to the IPL but could be vulnerable to the expanding franchise world.Boult has a BBL deal with Melbourne Stars from mid-December followed by an ILT20 deal with MI Emirates meaning he won’t be available for the tour of Pakistan.However, he remains available for selection and could feature against India, but it was indicated when he made the decision that post this World Cup would be the starting point for the new relationship. He had another good tournament with eight wickets at 18.50 and an economy rate of 7.40 although his two wickets in the semi-final against Pakistan came too late to make a difference. It might have been a different story if Devon Conway had held a first-ball edge from Babar Azam.Boult has previously stated his ambition to play the ODI World Cup next year and hopes to add to his 78 Tests.Beyond the limited-overs visit by India this month, New Zealand’s home season includes two Tests against England in February, then a three-format tour by Sri Lanka in March and early April. As has been the case in previous seasons, the matches late in their summer will likely be missing players with IPL deals.
Former Surrey and Somerset chief executive will join from Bristol City FC in January 2023
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2022
Richard Gould poses for a portrait•AFP/Getty Images
Richard Gould, a prominent critic of the Hundred during his tenure at Surrey, has been appointed chief executive at the ECB, beating Durham’s Tim Bostock to the role. Gould has spent the last 18 months as CEO at Bristol City Football Club but was previously involved in county cricket for 16 years, spending six years as Somerset’s chief executive before another decade in the same role at Surrey.Gould’s ECB-appointment comments focused on discrimination and inclusivity, with the ECB’s own statement noting his influential role in launching Ebony Rainford-Brent’s ACE Programme while at Surrey.”I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead our game forward in England and Wales as part of a talented and committed team that encompasses the ECB, every cricket club in the land, all the counties, our partners, sponsors, fans and the army of players and volunteers that support the game in every corner of our country,” he said.Related
Elworthy named as new chief executive at Surrey
Gould, Surrey CEO, to take up post at Bristol City
Payments to counties count as Hundred losses, says Gould
Thompson pledges to resolve 'worst game of Jenga'
Thompson appointed ECB chair for next five years
“Cricket is a national asset that can be played by all, and helps strengthen and enhance communities across the nation. It can inspire the country and provides opportunities for all. But we have also seen the pain suffered by those who have experienced discrimination. We are determined to repair this damage, and show that cricket can become the most inclusive and welcoming sport of all.”I look forward to taking up the role in the new year, but for now will be an armchair fan supporting our men’s team in the T20 World Cup in Australia, whilst the women prepare for their T20 World Cup challenge in February.”The ECB said in a statement that their nominations committee had “unanimously recommended” Gould to their board, which had then ratified the appointment on Friday after a lengthy recruitment process.Gould will take up his post at the end of January, with Clare Connor – who has been interim chief executive since Tom Harrison’s departure earlier this year – continuing in that role over the next three months.Gould is the second recent Surrey employee to move into a senior ECB role, after Richard Thompson was appointed as chair in August. The pair worked closely together during their time at The Oval, where they were outspoken critics of the Hundred.However, Thompson conceded shortly after starting as chair in September that his stance has softened, saying: “If the Hundred can generate significant value to the game then that’s got to be a good thing.”The competition also forms part of the ECB’s TV deal with Sky Sports, which runs until 2028, so there is no realistic prospect of it being scrapped imminently.Gould’s own position had become more conciliatory by the time he left Surrey. Shortly before leaving the club in 2021, he told Sky: “We hope the Hundred is a great success, we hope that every match here plays to a sell-out attendance and we’ll be doing our absolute utmost to make sure that is delivered.”Thompson added: “When I joined the ECB, I said that this was a reset moment for our organisation and our sport. Recruiting a CEO who can lead the organisation forwards and deliver on the vision of becoming the UK’s most inclusive sport was one of the first important steps in that. With his outstanding leadership skills and experience of managing transformation, the Nominations Committee felt that Richard Gould was the outstanding candidate.”I am looking forward to working with Richard to not only bring our game together, but to show how cricket can do so much more in bringing communities together. We will work in a spirit of collaboration and partnership with the whole cricket network to do this.”I’d also like to express my sincere thanks to Clare Connor who has done an outstanding job as Interim CEO at an incredibly challenging time for the organisation. I look forward to her continuing to play a leading role in growing our game as part of the ECB’s leadership team when Richard joins.”
تمكن، خفيتشا كفاراتسخيليا، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان، من تسجيل هدف فريقه الرابع في شباك إنتر ميلان، خلال اللقاء الذي يجمعهما بمنافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.
ويواجه إنتر ميلان نظيره باريس سان جيرمان، في منافسات نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب “أليانز أرينا”.
ويطمح نادي العاصمة الفرنسية باريس سان جيرمان إلى الفوز باللقب الأول في تاريخه، بعدما كان قريباً من حصد اللقب في موسم 2020 لولا الخسارة من بايرن ميونخ في المشهد الختامي للبطولة.
اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | اللقب يقترب.. دوي يسجل هدف باريس سان جيرمان الثالث أمام إنتر ميلان
ونجح، كفاراتسخيليا، لاعب باريس سان جيرمان، في تسجيل الهدف الرابع لفريقه في اللقاء عند الدقيقة 72 من عمر المباراة.
وجاء هدف النادي الباريسي من خلال تلقي كفاراتسخيليا لتمريرة حاسمة من عثمان ديمبلي، لينطلق المهاجم الجورجي نحو مرمى إنتر ويسدد في شباك سومير، معلناً رابع أهداف النادي الفرنسي.
وافتتح أشرف حكيمي أهداف المباراة عند الدقيقة 12، وأضاف ديزري دوي ثاني أهداف النادي الباريسي بالدقيقة 20 من عمر الشوط الأول.
وتمكن دوي من التوقيع على ثنائيته الخاصة وثالث أهداف باريس سان جيرمان بحلول الدقيقة 63. هدف باريس سان جيرمان الرابع ضد إنتر ميلان
كفاراتسخيليا يُسجل الهدف الرابع لباريس سان جيرمان! 🔥⚽️
أداء رائع من لاعبي الفريق الباريسي! 🇫🇷💙❤️
📦 اشترك الآن 👇
🔗 https://t.co/tVCUsT4hCE
📱 https://t.co/alkogGtHdW#دوري_أبطال_أوروبا | #نهائي_الأبطال | #باريس_سان_جيرمان | #إنتر | #باريس_إنتر pic.twitter.com/ejXq5u28G2 — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) May 31, 2025
The midfielder is set to be rewarded with a new deal after starting each of the last two seasons on the outs
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
McKennie reportedly set for new dealWould be among club's top earnersContract set to run through 2028Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Weston McKennie is set to sign a new contract with Juventus according to various reports throughout Italy and the U.S. McKennie has reportedly agreed to the framework of a new deal that will run through 2028, with that deal set to make him one of the higher earned at the club.
McKennie started each of the last two seasons out of the picture at Juventus, but has repeatedly regained his place, providing five goals and three assists this season to earn his new deal.
Details of McKennie's new contract with Juve were first reported by CBS Sports.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The new deal is a major sign of confidence from Juve, who have finally put the days of trying to get rid of McKennie behind them. The American has fought back from the brink several times and has established himself as one of the club's more consistent performers under multiple managers.
Notably, the contract would keep McKennie tied to Juve at a crucial time in his career, as it guarantees he'll remain with the Serie A giants right on through next summer's World Cup. The midfielder is expected to be a key member of Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. men's national team squad when the world's biggest tournament arrives on U.S. soil in 2026.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
McKennie originally signed on with Juve during the 2020-21 season, although he did spend a half-season at Leeds on loan in 2023. Over his five seasons, the American has made 143 total appearances, scoring 13 goals in all competitions.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?
With just four games remaining in the Serie A season, Juventus currently sit in fourth place as they fight for a Champions League spot next season. Up next is a crucial match against Bologna, who are just one point behind in fifth place.
Afghan quick signed as a replacement player for David Willey who withdrew from the tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2022Sydney Thunder have signed Afghanistan left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi as a replacement overseas player for the upcoming BBL.Farooqi joins Thunder as a replacement for Englishman David Willey who withdrew from the tournament after being drafted by Thunder as a platinum player in the inaugural BBL overseas player draft in August.Farooqi bowled superbly in the T20 World Cup, picking up 1 for 24 against England and 2 for 29 against Australia while conceding just 6.52 runs per over across the three games he played.Thunder general manager Andrew Gilchrist said the club were delighted to add the left-armer to their squad after Willey had withdrawn.”Fazalhaq Farooqi is an emerging talent,” Gilchrist said. “He joins Thunder in great form after playing exceptional cricket in the World T20 Cup and the Asia Cup tournament.”While it was very disappointing to have lost David Willey, it has opened the door for Farooqi to further enhance his reputation and growing status in world cricket.”Afghanistan has enjoyed a tremendous representation in the BBL over the years. Rashid Khan has been embraced by Adelaide Strikers fans as a genuine superstar and adopted South Australian, while others, including Zahir Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Qais Ahmad have made their marks.”We fully expect Fazalhaq will only further enhance the growing reputation of cricketers from Afghanistan being fearless cricketers and extraordinary entertainers.”Thunder are likely to add another overseas replacement player later in the tournament when Alex Hales departs for the ILT20 in the UAE.Sydney Thunder squad: Ben Cutting, Ollie Davies, Brendan Doggett, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.
Everton are unrecognisable – and for the better. David Moyes’ three-game winning run in the Premier League might have ended in the Merseyside derby but this is a coherent and dangerous unit.
Relegation fears are in the background. Of course, you can never be certain in this division, but the Toffees have raced toward the outskirts of mid-table and have a ten-point buffer over 18th-place Leicester City.
Moyes’ tactics negated Liverpool’s fluid attacking play, and while the onus is on preserving top-flight status until the summer, the new owners, The Friedkin Group, are going to try and make headway in the transfer window. Signings will be posted to the Everton Stadium.
However, there are going to be several current stars heading out of the turnstiles. Let’s take a look at who they might be.
The players leaving Everton this year
While TFG and Moyes have big plans, there’s going to be an exodus at Everton. First-team stars such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin are out of a deal at the end of the campaign, with a host of veterans set to depart too.
Calvert-Lewin is a talented and powerful centre-forward, but he’s only scored three Premier League goals across 22 matches this season.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Young, and Michael Keane, all in their 30s, are also reaching their conclusions, so it is clear that Moyes will need to bring a range of faces to Merseyside, charging a project that will lift the club away from the bottom end of the division.
Moreover, there are a number of loanees who may see their permanent clauses activated, namely Charly Alcaraz and, possibly, Armando Broja. The same could be said for Jesper Lindstrom, but along with Jack Harrison, the right-winger has failed to register a single goal contribution with the Toffees this term.
Market Movers
Everton haven’t been good enough at cutting ties with stars who haven’t cut the mustard in recent years, but one former player departed at the right time, Tom Davies; the 26-year-old is worth even less than many of those soon-to-leave veterans.
Tom Davies' Everton career
Everton academy graduate Davies never lived up to his billing, chiefly due to injuries disrupting his development. However, the 26-year-old was once considered to be a high-class talent and did make 179 senior appearances for the side, scoring seven goals and supplying eight assists, before joining Sheffield United after the end of his contract in 2023.
There’s typically a frustrating overreaction when a young talent takes strong steps on Premier League soil for the first time, but Davies did carry himself with the swagger and certainty of a midfielder headed straight for the top.
Reports from 2017 – when he broke through – even suggested that Chelsea were keen on swiping the Toffees teenager and adding him to their large Cobham ranks.
The fact that Davies is now worth even less than Keane, 32, says it all. According to Transfermarkt, the Blades midfielder has a market value of just £4m, whereas the Everton centre-half’s price tag sits at about £5m.
There’s no bad blood between Davies and his former Merseyside outfit but it’s a real shame that he didn’t live up to the hype, especially since he was touted to become as good as one of Liverpool’s most iconic footballers.
Indeed, journalist Adrian Durham, speaking to talkSPORT in 2019, even went as far as to say that Davies could become “better than (Steven) Gerrard was for Liverpool” as he pushed for a prominent role in the Toffees first team.
In hindsight (or perhaps at the time for many) this seems rather silly, but Evertonians will recall Davies’ excellent start to life, showing such promise with his technical ability and energy.
Aged only 18, the English prospect put in a man-of-the-match performance as Everton thrashed Pep Guardiola’s nascent Manchester City side 4-0, dominating the central battle against none other than Yaya Toure. It made a telling comment on his future success, his potential in the Premier League.
Picture this: Davies collects down the right touchline, he’s in his own half. A quick drop of the shoulder and he’s away, driving forward and skipping inside. He’s going to get swarmed, neatly plays across to Ross Barkley; Barkley plays it back, Davies arcs it above Claudio Bravo, all finesse and composure. It squeezes inside the post.
Goodison Park erupts, making that special kind of noise that most stadiums are unable to produce.
You can see, to be sure, that Durham’s belief in Everton’s academy star, his vision that Merseyside had found its Gerrard regen – this time in Blue – had substance.
22/23
19 (4)
0
0
21/22
6 (2)
1
0
20/21
25 (17)
1
0
19/20
30 (23)
1
0
18/19
15 (10)
0
0
17/18
33 (20)
2
1
16/17
24 (18)
2
3
Davies fell by the wayside in the end, his Everton career tapering off year by year, fading like a pen running out of ink.
Keane isn’t exactly a mainstay in the current Everton team, had fallen into the fringes of Sean Dyche’s squad, and has been noted for “always struggling”, according to talkSPORT’s Perry Groves. It’s highly unlikely that Moyes will want to risk stagnation by renewing the ageing star’s signature.
But he’s still worth more than the once Gerrard-esque Davies, something that underscores just how far the injury-affected pro has fallen.
The shining light in all this is that Davies has returned to fitness with Sheffield United and has recently started six matches in the Championship, notably completing 88% of his passes and winning 57% of his ground battles, as per Sofascore, as he instils composure and control in the engine room.
The Blues will simply hope that he can maintain his form and enjoy a successful coming chapter of his career. It’s just a shame that he’s a shadow of the prospect who once suggested so much.
Everton struck gold selling £14m flop who's now worth less than Doucoure
He’s part of a long list of disappointing additions under the Farhad Moshiri umbrella.
ByAngus Sinclair Feb 14, 2025
It’s no secret that Tottenham Hotspur have been in the transfer market for numerous defenders in recent days as the hierarchy looks to provide Ange Postecoglou with the tools he needs to succeed.
Injuries have decimated his squad, with Radu Dragusin the latest player to suffer a long-term issue, after it was confirmed that the Romanian tore his ACL – subsequently ruling him out for around nine months.
Marc Guehi was on their radar first thing this morning after it emerged that Spurs had a £70m bid for the Crystal Palace ace rejected, which has seen them since move on to different targets.
Axel Disasi is another name who’s been mentioned as of late, but it remains unclear whether the Frenchman would be interested in a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.
As a result, they’ve shifted their focus onto another potential target, submitting a late offer for one player who could move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming hours.
Spurs submit late £20m bid for French talent
According to journalist Loic Tanzi, Spurs have submitted a late £20m bid to sign Burnley star Maxime Esteve before the 11pm transfer deadline.
The Frenchman joined the Clarets 12 months ago from Ligue 1 side Montpellier but was unable to stop them from suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season.
However, he’s since starred in England’s second tier, being part of a backline that has conceded just nine times in 30 matches – currently enjoying an eight-game streak without conceding a goal.
Tanzi confirmed that the bid had been made for the 22-year-old who’s started every league game this campaign, but that Scott Parker’s side are demanding £30m to part ways with the youngster before the end of the window.
Any deal could allow Postecoglou’s side to forget about a move for Disasi, with Esteve undoubtedly the better option out of the pair for the current Spurs first-team squad.
Why Esteve would be a better option than Disasi for Spurs
Both aforementioned options would provide the cover needed in North London, especially after Dragusin’s latest injury setback, but if they are to progress as a club, the right addition needs to be made.
Kevin Danso arrived over the last couple of days, with the club finally landing the reinforcement they’d been craving, but he was yet another right-footed option, with Micky van de Ven the only left-footed centre-back in the ranks.
However, a move for Disasi would see yet another right-footed player join, with Esteve having the chance to offer a more balanced option for Postecoglou, especially in the absence of the Netherlands international.
When comparing the Burnley star’s stats with the Chelsea ace from the ongoing campaign, Esteve has massively outperformed him, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.
Esteve, who’s previously been dubbed a “quality left-footed CB” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning more aerials – making him the better defensive option out of the pair.
Games played
30
6
Minutes played
2615
364
Pass accuracy
90%
90%
Tackles won
56%
54%
Blocks made
1.2
1
Interceptions made
1.1
0.5
Clearances made
4.2
2.8
Aerials won
1.8
1.3
He’s also made more blocks and interceptions per 90, having the all-round skill set to be a key member of the squad, even upon the regular starters return to action.
Whilst £30m may seem like an expensive addition for a player in the second tier, Esteve has the ability to make the jump and star at the heart of the defence, having the chance to improve further in the years ahead.
Given his impressive stats compared to Disasi, it would be a no-brainer, with the Burnley star able to slot in and make an immediate impact given the huge difference in minutes played – offering a consistent figure, something which has greatly been lacking of late.
Perfect Guehi alternative: Spurs lead race to sign another star after Tel
Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land the centre-back they have been craving in recent days.
1 ByEthan Lamb Feb 3, 2025