Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes that Hoops defender Christopher Jullien could leave the club at the end of the season.
The Lowdown: Jullien out of favour
The 29-year-old has suffered terrible luck with injuries in recent years, stunting his progress at Parkhead and seeing him slip down the pecking order.
In fact, Jullien has been limited to just one appearance in all competitions this season, not playing a single minute of Premiership action.
The Frenchman’s current Celtic deal expires in 2023 and it could be the case that he is sold this summer in order to receive a fee for him.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Jullien could leave Celtic once the campaign reaches its conclusion. The 62-year-old stated:
“He’s played once this season so you do wonder if Ange has decided he isn’t good enough. To not even have had some sub appearances at the end of games, that speaks volumes for me.
“So, he’s one who could go this summer because he hasn’t played regular football for so long now. It’s probably better for everyone that he is moved on because I’m sure if Ange rated him then he would be playing.
“I just get the feeling he’s not in Ange’s plans because there was a big deal maced about him coming back and now there is nothing.”
The Verdict: Makes sense for all concerned
In truth, it makes complete sense for Jullien to find a new club ahead of next season, allowing Celtic not to lose him for free next year and also giving the player himself a better chance of regular football.
It seems clear from the Frenchman’s lack of game-time that Ange Postecoglou doesn’t see him as a key player moving forward, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt indisputably the first-choice centre-back pairing.
Jullien has been hugely unlucky with injuries, missing so much action in the process, and it simply has to be viewed as a move which ultimately hasn’t worked out how he or the club would have wanted, despite making 62 appearances in total.
In other news, one Celtic played has been tipped to finish his career at Parkhead. Find out who it is here.
Jurgen Klopp will make a late decision over Roberto Firmino’s involvement in Liverpool’s crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham this weekend.
The Lowdown: Massive game at Anfield
The Reds are looking to return to the top of the table on Saturday evening, for the time being at least, as they welcome Spurs to Anfield for one of the biggest games of the season.
Antonio Conte’s side are battling for a top-four finish with rivals Arsenal, so the eventual outcome on Merseyside could be enormous for both sides.
Firmino has been Liverpool’s only injury absentee of late but a key update has now emerged regarding his fitness ahead of the match.
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The Latest: Late call on Firmino
Taking to Twitter, journalist James Pearce relayed Klopp’s words on the Brazilian, saying he will decide whether or not to include him in the squad on the day:
“Klopp on Firmino: “He’s back in training so now we have to make a decision. It might make more sense for him to just train through the weekend and then he’ll be a big stop closer for Tuesday.”
The Verdict: No need to risk him
There was a time when an injury to Firmino felt disastrous, with Klopp so reliant on him staying fit for long spells, along with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Liverpool have incredible attacking depth after signing Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, however, so there is no need to rush back a potentially undercooked player.
Divock Origi is an option from the substitutes’ bench, too, given his penchant for scoring important goals, so it would make more sense to allow Firmino to continue his recovery over the weekend, potentially featuring at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
In other news, a pundit has torn into one ‘shocking’ Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.
West Ham United’s pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may have been given a slight boost, according to journalist Paul Brown.
The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…
The Hammers and manager David Moyes are reportedly watching Villa’s forward ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window with a new striker firmly on West Ham’s agenda.
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It is believed that the club want to add an out-and-out centre forward to Moyes’ ranks alongside the potential additions of a central defender and new midfielder (The Times).
Michail Antonio is currently the Irons’ only natural senior option in the striker role, and with an interesting 2022/2023 season around the corner, West Ham simply must add an alternative at long last.
The Latest: Brown makes Watkins claim…
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Brown of The Daily Star has claimed that Watkins could have his head turned by West Ham – especially if they manage to secure a Champions League spot either through the top four or winning the Europa League.
He explained: “Would Ollie Watkins leave Villa? It depends. If West Ham were to do something special and really get in the top four or get into the Champions League, that might turn his head. But he’s kind of Villa’s crown jewel, so it would be hard for them to let him go.”
The Verdict: Promising?
You would imagine, like many of West Ham’s targets, a place in Europe’s most coveted competition would be a major pull for them.
Much could ride on their potential place in the Champions League next season but, if Moyes’ men were to seal a place, there is little doubt Watkins would upgrade the forward line.
A serious homegrown talent, the England international is pivotal for Villa, scoring more goals than anyone in Steven Gerrard’s squad – while only Philippe Coutinho has averaged more shots at goal per 90 in the Premier League (WhoScored).
Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie is certainly a fan, branding Watkins a ‘massive player’ and ‘brilliant’.
Indeed, he could be the ideal striker signing for Moyes this summer, but much will depend on Villa’s selling stance.
In other news: ‘He will…’ – West Ham source shares major Rice update from the last 48 hours, find out more here.
James Hunter has now dropped another boost for Sunderland alongside Aiden McGeady before they play Morecambe in League One on Saturday afternoon.
The Lowdown: McGeady boost
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Alex Neil revealed (via The Chronicle) that McGeady has made ‘good progress’ and is back training with the squad, putting him in contention for a potential return from injury.
The former Norwich City and Preston North End manager also gave updates on other players’ fitness as they aim to wrap up a play-0ff place on the final day.
The Latest: Dajaku update
Taking to Twitter, The Chronicle journalist Hunter shared an update on Dajaku, saying that he is ‘expected’ to be back on Wearside on Monday.
The Union Berlin loanee has been suffering from illness, but now it looks like he could make a swift recovery in time for the play-offs, should they get there.
The Verdict: Big boost
The fact that Dajaku could play a part in the play-offs is certainly a big boost for the Stadium of Light faithful.
On top of his four goals and three assists in the league, he has picked up one man-of-the-match award, and also ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average shots, dribbles and crosses per match (WhoScored).
Nonetheless, his creativity and flair could be the difference for the Black Cats as they look to chase promotion back up to the Championship.
In other news, find out who SAFC’s three worst players were against Rotherham United here!
Newcastle United supporters are frustrated at the moment, and justifiably so.
Only last weekend, Eddie Howe’s side put in a herculean performance, a display of great resilience and strength, to see off Manchester City in the Premier League.
But that was at St. James’ Park, and the Magpies’ issues on the road deepened against Marseille in the Champions League, going ahead through the in-form Harvey Barnes but succumbing to defeat after two second-half strikes from Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
11
Games
8
8
Wins
1
0
Draws
3
3
Losses
4
16
Goals scored
8
8
Goals conceded
10
2.18
PPG
0.75
As Barnes goes from strength to strength, with three goals from his past two Premier League matches too, Anthony Gordon’s struggles on Tyneside have been accentuated.
The England international is among the most talented players in Howe’s squad, but he’s not been at the races this season.
Anthony Gordon's form for Newcastle
Gordon took some time to get going at Newcastle after joining from Everton for £45m in January 2023, but he thrived across the 2023/24 campaign, winning the club’s Player of the Year after recording 11 goals and ten assists in the Premier League.
Last season was a testing one for the 24-year-old on an individual level, though, and he’s sunk deeper into his struggles this season, yet to score or assist in the Premier League.
Though Gordon is impressing in front of goal on the continent, he’s been out of sorts as a whole this season, with Newcastle blogger Thomas Hammond saying “a summer sale is looking more and more favourable” given clubs like Liverpool have been interested in the £100m-rated winger in the past.
Matches (starts)
7 (7)
5 (5)
Goals
0
4
Assists
0
1
Touches*
35.4
39.2
Shots (on target)*
2.0 (0.7)
2.2 (1.0)
Accurate passes*
14.7 (80%)
16.4 (77%)
Chances created*
1.0
0.4
Dribbles*
1.4
1.4
Ball recoveries*
2.6
3.2
Tackles + interceptions*
0.7
1.4
Duels (won)*
4.7 (49%)
4.0 (41%)
There’s a tenacity and will to win embedded in Gordon’s footballing brain, but this has led to some questionable decision-making, with the £150k-per-week talent sent off three times across 120 appearances as a Magpie.
And with Barnes getting better and better, it could be that PIF look to cash in on their profitable asset going forward. After all, if he continues to struggle, his market value will only depreciate.
Against Marseille, Howe opted to field Gordon as his central striker. This is nothing new, but the versatile forward toiled away. Considering the different variables, there might be cause for Gordon to be sold, especially when considering another Newcastle star’s form this season.
The Newcastle star who could end Gordon's stay
Since arriving on Tyneside at the end of August, Nick Woltemade has been a revelation for Newcastle.
The 23-year-old completed a club-record move from Stuttgart to St. James’ Park after establishing himself as one of German football’s most exciting up-and-coming strikers, and while Howe’s side have problems, six goals from his first 16 games for the club suggest the jackpot has been struck.
The 6 foot 6 star is far more than just a goalscorer, of course, and his ability to drop deep and influence across different areas of the pitch suggests that Woltemade could play alongside Yoane Wissa when the DR Congo star returns to fitness.
And he’s thriving for Germany too. Woltemade is nailing down his claim for the number nine spot ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, having posted four goals from his past three matches for his nation.
Hailed as a “world-class talent” by content creator Adam Pearson, Woltemade cannot be expected to haul all this weight by himself each week. He needs players like Gordon to step up.
But with Barnes establishing himself as United’s clear-cut left winger and Wissa soon to enter the equation as he nears the end of the recovery from a knee injury that has kept him out since signing for the club from Brentford last year, there’s a sense that Gordon may find regular minutes from the outset hard to come by down the line.
Woltemade is not a winger, of course, but he does bring many dynamic qualities to the table that emphasise his protean attacking ability. As per data-led site FBref, the German ranks among the top 9% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.
His knack at finding space to shoot and then doing so clinically is the staple of his skillset, but Woltemade is also a menace in that he has different creative and athletic attributes that help him transcend his striking role.
Could we see a scenario in which Woltemade plays alongside Wissa, flanked by Barnes and Anthony Elanga? It might be the case, and with Newcastle eager to strengthen across the park next summer – notably with a deal for academy product Elliot Anderson in the pipeline – there’s a case to be made that Gordon’s days on Tyneside could be numbered.
He has, of course, proven himself at Newcastle before, but time is running out for Gordon to reestablish himself as one of Howe’s talismanic forwards, and while Barnes appears the most direct threat to his place in the starting line-up, Woltemade’s continual growth adds another chapter to the story.
PIF have signed an "explosive" talent who can end Gordon's Newcastle career
Newcastle United already have an exciting attacker up their sleeve who can end Anthony Gordon’s stalling Magpies career.
Celtic are battling Rangers for the services of a “wonderful” free agent signing.
Rodgers delighted after vital Celtic win
The Hoops beat Motherwell 3-2 in stoppage time on Sunday afternoon, ensuring that they remain just two points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership table.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the victory, realising that his side weren’t at their best, but praising the “heart” that his players showed.
“I think the players deserve a huge amount of credit because it’s not easy to play here, especially when you’re behind in the game. The guys coming into the game made a big impact for us and we won through in the end, and I think deservedly so with the opportunities that we had, but it was still a very tough game.
“When you’re still trying to find the level of performance that we would want, you still have to show a big heart and you have to dig out results, and that’s what we did today. It’s been a tough start for us in a number of ways, on and off the pitch, but the one thing is that it hopefully can galvanise us, and I think the supporters will be proud of the players in terms of the heart they showed, and the spirit to keep going.”
Away from the on-pitch action, Celtic continue to eye potential new signings, with a new update now emerging over one rumoured transfer target for the Scottish champions.
New update on Celtic signing "wonderful" ace
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke shared an update on Celtic’s chances of signing Saint-Etienne midfielder Pierre Ekwah, who is in the process of departing the French club, with the dispute to terminate his contract still ongoing.
“I would be surprised. Obviously you’ve got those added complications of him trying to sort out his contract situation at Saint Etienne. There’s a bit of a standoff going on between Ekwah and obviously the club as well over that one. So I think it’s one that both clubs (Celtic and Rangers) will be monitoring, maybe moving for the former Sunderland man because of that.
Pierre Ekwah in action for Sunderland.
“The player has not taken part in much of Saint Etienne’s pre-season or played any games as well. He’d be lacking fitness. He’d probably be waiting for a while before he could be match ready for either Celtic or Rangers as well. So that’s why I think it’d be a deal that maybe both clubs will be wary of stepping in for Ekwah.
“I don’t think Celtic or Rangers will be pushing to do that. I do think both clubs are probably well stocked in midfield as well. They don’t need to bring in a midfielder as a free agent in the current circumstances. I think both clubs have got enough cover.”
It would be a shame for Celtic not to sign Ekwah, considering the 23-year-old is a versatile player who can shine in midfield and defence, being hailed as “wonderful” by Tony Mowbray, having worked together at Sunderland.
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As O’Rourke alludes to, though, the Hoops do have good depth in the middle of the park currently, and there are more pressing areas to focus on moving forward, like the need for a long-term solution up front despite Kelechi Iheanacho’s positive start in Glasgow.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has lavished praise on another player after the Gunners’ dramatic late win away to Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Arteta’s side opened their Champions League account for the season with a 2-0 victory in Spain on Tuesday evening, courtesy of goals from super subs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard — emphasising the importance of strength in depth.
Leandro Trossard
8.1
Gabriel Martinelli
7.9
Jurrien Timber
7.4
Riccardo Calafiori
7.4
Cristhian Mosquera
7.3
via WhoScored
The attacking duo have been linked with Arsenal departures regularly even after the summer window closed on September 1, but their presence in the squad was vital as Arsenal kickstarted their European campaign by beating an in-form Bilbao side.
Martinelli’s burst of pace and excellent close control allowed him to get a yard on Bilbao’s defence, after bringing down a clever flick-on from Viktor Gyokeres, before driving through and slotting the ball home from close range.
The Brazilian then set up fellow substitute Trossard for Arsenal’s deflected second after a great run down the left, wrapping up what turned out to be a hard-fought victory at the San Mames.
It was a match-winning performance by the 24-year-old amid the constant criticism and uncertain future hanging over his head, with Arteta reserving special praise after the 90.
While Martinelli’s performance has understandably grabbed most of the headlines, Keown expressed how impressed he is with summer signing Cristhian Mosquera too.
Martin Keown praises Cristhian Mosquera after Arsenal win against Bilbao
The young Spaniard has deputised for the injured William Saliba to great effect, and is currently making the initial £13 million paid for his signature look like an absolute bargain.
Mosquera played at right-back against Leeds, but in the absence of Saliba, the 21-year-old has looked assured and composed at such a young age. His value has reportedly tripled already, with Keown praising Mosquera after Arsenal’s win in Bilbao.
Amid the noise surrounding Noni Madueke’s electric start at Arsenal, the impressive showings of Martin Zubimendi and Gyokeres’ goal return, Mosquera has perhaps gone under the radar.
Cristhian Mosquera to star for Arsenal
According to some reports, Arsenal believe Mosquera could be one of the best in the world in a few years, and if he carries on like this, the centre-back could hit that landmark sooner than anticipated.
The 21-year-old is good with the ball at his feet, able to play out of defence without panicking and is comfortable in multiple positions — whether that be in the middle or as a full-back.
Last season, Mosquera had the highest true tackle success rate out of any La Liga centre-back last season with over 76.7 per cent — which shows just how strong he is in one-on-one duels (Opta).
Still very young, the ex-Valencia sensation will only get better, and from what we’ve seen so far, the sky really is the limit.
Liverpool are in the market for forwards this summer, and they’ve already agreed a £100m deal for Florian Wirtz (which could rise to a British-record £116m).
Wirtz, 22, is a “truly generational talent”, as per sports media professional Cristian Nyari, and he’s only going to get better, having led Bayer Leverkusen to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title (winning the division’s Player of the Year), and breathing life into his side whenever he collects the ball, gambolling his way into the danger area.
Florian Wirtz
Liverpool have got themselves a player, all right, and Arne Slot now has an elite-level playmaker in the attacking third of the field – all the more important with Trent Alexander-Arnold signing for Real Madrid.
Though FSG would like to turn their attention toward the front of the pitch, there’s little question that a replacement for Luis Diaz would need to be sourced, should he leave this summer.
It’s for this reason that rumours have gathered apace regarding Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon
Last summer, Liverpool were offered the chance to sign Gordon as Newcastle sweated over PSR; after failing to qualify for Europe, the Magpies were forced to stare at their jewels and decide which to sell.
Liverpool were curious, but Newcastle found other ways to offset their troubles, selling more outlying members of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Now, the Merseysiders are keen once again, and Newcastle might be open to selling if their £100m valuation is met.
Liverpool are hardly going to meet such exorbitant demands, but if Diaz does leave, with suitors in Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League, then Reds intrigue in their former academy member, who left and joined Everton when he was 11, could take a more solid shape.
Would Liverpool be getting bang for their buck by signing Gordon for such a figure? Would they really? What about an alternative, one who would arrive for a similar fee but pack a far meatier punch under Slot’s wing?
Liverpool leading race for Diaz heir
Liverpool could sign an even bigger talent than Gordon if they advance their long-standing interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Spanish reports claiming that the Brazilian forward could be sold for €90m (£77m) this summer.
More to the point, the Anfield side are considered alongside Manchester City to be the favourites in the race for the talented winger, though further Premier League sides are keen. Arsenal, in previous reports, have been credited with an interest.
Coming off the back of a difficult year, both Slot and Pep Guardiola believe a poor Club World Cup campaign could leave Rodrygo isolated, and with his valuation slashed toward a more agreeable €75m (£64m) ballpark.
How Rodrygo would perform for Slot
Picture this: it’s a decade ago, and Liverpool have fallen by the wayside under Brendan Rodgers. The staple of Liverpool’s summer 2015 transfer window was the £32.5m acquisition of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.
Ten years later and Liverpool are among the frontrunners for superstars like Rodrygo, having won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and plenty more across the intervening years.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
It was over ten years ago that Liverpool released Gordon when he was a youngster, and though the England international is talented and a boyhood fan of the club, Rodrygo is the superior player, even if he only notched 14 goals and ten assists across 51 matches last season.
That’s not exactly a terrible haul, though the 24-year-old did only score six goals and six assists across the La Liga season, albeit missing just one big chance in front of goal, as per Sofascore, to emphasise his clinical ability.
The crux of Rodrygo’s Madrid malaise is that he’s routinely fielded out on the right, despite feeling the alternate flank as being his best position. Indeed, the right-footer has been far more prolific when playing as a left winger.
Right winger
29
7
4
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
8
0
0
The problem, however, is that Vinicius Junior holds down the fort in that area, with focal frontman Kylian Mbappe also preferring the left side to the right, as can be observed through his league season heatmap.
Given that Mohamed Salah is staying at Liverpool for the next two years, it hardly seems likely that Liverpool would make a marquee move and bring Rodrygo into the fold just for him to play second fiddle to the Egyptian.
Instead, he could replace Diaz, who, at 28, isn’t indispensable, and prove an upgrade on Gordon, with the 24-year-old also enduring something of a tough term in front of goal for the Toon, equal to Rodrygo in that he posted six goals and six assists in the Premier League.
As Liverpool plan to foray deep into next year’s Champions League knockout stage, putting themselves on a platform to claim number seven, Rodrygo would be the perfect fit, for his pedigree on the biggest stage speaks for itself.
Gordon failed to register a goal involvement across his six games in the 2023/24 Champions League, and while he’ll have the chance to rectify that over the coming year, Rodrygo is tried and tested, hailed as a “special striker” who can “play in all positions” by former Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.
A fierce blend of speed, skills and strength, Rodrygo would be a statement signing for a Liverpool side who are undergoing a good amount of change this summer. While the Brazil star would be a new part, he’d arrive with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and Slot’s sharp tactics would surely whip him back into an elite standard.
Slot's own Mane: Liverpool enter race to sign "unbelievable" £51m star
Liverpool are presented with a unique market opportunity to sign a talented youngster.
Arsenal want to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad across the board, not just up front, with sporting director Andrea Berta now setting his sights on a Chelsea high-earner.
Arsenal transfer plans beyond talks for Benjamin Sesko
As things stand, when it comes to their striker search, the Gunners appear to be prioritising a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal pull U-turn over selling £265k-per-week star after "shock twist"
The Gunners are prepared to do something “surprising”.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 7, 2025
Arsenal are advancing in talks with the Slovenian over personal terms, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, even if his price tag is proving complex due to a variable release clause, and there is even a possibility that Berta could end up having to pay around £84 million for him.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
That being said, while the 22-year-old appears to be one of Berta’s main items on the to-do list this summer, Arsenal will have to tread carefully with regard to how much they end up splashing out on Sesko.
Alongside the Leipzig sensation, Arsenal are attempting to finally wrap up a £51 million deal for Martin Zubimendi, which is proving far more complicated than initially thought this time last week.
Despite reliable reports of a medical (BBC), and even Fabrizio Romano’s famous ‘here we go’ to the deal, Zubimendi himself has attempted to pour cold water over the transfer’s advancement with confusing quotes.
“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional.
“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”
As well as a new midfielder, which supporters are hopeful will be Zubimendi, Arsenal are in the market for a second-choice keeper.
Arsenal hold explorative talks over deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga
After missing out on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia to Barcelona, £150,000-per-week Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga has emerged as an alternative.
Berta could actually snap up a proven understudy to David Raya for just £5 million, due to a release clause in his contract, which must have been written in when Kepa signed a one-year extension last year.
Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni now claims that Arsenal have held explorative talks over a deal for Kepa as they pursue another keeper, and due to his meagre exit clause, you can argue that this would be a snip.
The Spaniard, called “amazing” for some of his performances on loan at Bournemouth last season, would arguably need to take a pay-cut, but this is a move certainly worth considering from Berta’s perspective.
Tottenham Hotspur have held negotiations over signing a colossal centre-back in the last few days, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange working to strengthen the squad.
Spurs win Europa League but end Premier League season in 17th
Ange Postecoglou’s future hangs in the balance after what was a very mixed season for the Lilywhites.
£165k-a-week Tottenham star has told Levy he's quitting despite Europa win
He’s informed the Spurs chairman directly.
3 ByEmilio Galantini May 25, 2025
According to reports, Tottenham chiefs are currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, with the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy whilst also leading them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats this campaign, resulting in a lowly 17th-placed finish.
The emotional high surrounding their first European triumph since 1984 in the Europa League, coupled with Postecoglou’s rousing speech at the trophy parade, will be firmly stuck in Levy’s mind – and the chairman is now faced with an almighty conundrum ahead of next season.
“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou after their Europa League final win.
“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.
“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it. I made family a theme from when I got here because I felt that we needed something to bring us all together and look further than just what everybody wanted. We had to form some sort of unity and the lads have been brilliant. They’ve shared their stories and got closer through the tough times like all families and now they share the reward.”
A decision on Postecoglou will need to be made and quickly, with the first of two 2025 summer transfer windows set to open imminently.
Tottenham hold "negotiations" over signing Pisa defender Francesco Coppola
Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League gives Levy and Lange an almighty boost when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive, with reports suggesting Spurs are more confident they can tempt players like Marc Guehi as a result.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
The Crystal Palace star isn’t their only defensive target, either, with Pisa Sporting Club’s rising star Francesco Coppola also on their radar.
The Italy Under-20 international spent 2024/2025 on loan at Serie C side Vis Pesaro, but his performances in the third tier have apparently impressed Spurs scouts – so much so that they’ve approached Pisa over signing him.
That is according to La Nazione, who write that Tottenham held “negotiations” over Coppola in the last few days, but these talks ended pretty swiftly.
Pisa are said to have rebuffed Levy’s advances for the towering 6 foot 5 defender, as they appear determined to keep hold of their highly-promising centre-back. If Spurs are to be successful in their pursuit, they may have to go back in with an offer which proves too good to resist.