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Michael Owen has raised doubts over England’s ability to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, warning that age, declining form, and testing conditions could hinder their chances. The former Liverpool striker expressed concern that several key players, including Harry Kane, may be past their best by next summer, while questioning whether the squad is improving.

• England enter new Tuchel era

  England have enjoyed a strong run in major tournaments in recent years, reaching two finals and a semi-final since 2018. However, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024, Tuchel has now taken charge. Owen believes that with several players ageing and others struggling for form, England could face a tougher challenge than before.

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  Owen warns Tuchel about his ageing Three Lions squad

  Speaking to , Owen cautioned: “Star players such as Kane are getting older — he’s not going to be getting any better. While world-class players such as Kyle Walker will no longer be there. Even players like Foden are not at the top of their game compared to what they were a year or two ago. Defensively, I worry too. We used to have a lot of good defenders. Now I’m thinking who’s going to play left-back? Who’s going to play centre-half? John Stones isn’t getting any younger.”

  He added: “I think we were probably better a year or two ago. But a lot changes in football. It might turn into a big year for us, but no, I wouldn’t be confident about us winning the World Cup at this stage. We’re knocking on the door – finals, semi-finals – we’re a top footballing nation, but I think other nations may be better suited to the conditions this time.”

• England warmed about 'baking hot' conditions

  Owen also went on to warn England fans that the conditions in the United States, Mexico and Canada may not be suitable to Three Lions stars: “There’s a lot going against us at the moment. A World Cup in America and Mexico at that time of year is going to be absolutely baking hot. The conditions won’t be to our advantage at all. I’m not sure our team’s getting better at the moment. You could argue it’s slightly getting worse.

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  Tuchel working on improving squad ahead of 2026 World Cup

  Tuchel’s immediate priority will be ensuring England’s younger core — including Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka — step up to replace ageing stars like Kane and Stones. The German coach is expected to experiment with new tactical setups in upcoming friendlies to build chemistry before qualifying resumes. England’s preparations for 2026 will be closely watched, as fans hope this generation can finally turn promise into a major trophy.

Everton have got themselves up and running over the past couple of matches in the Premier League, having won at their new home against Brighton & Hove Albion before securing a win on the road against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Integral in both victories was new loan recruit Jack Grealish, assisting twice and then twice again. Everton are looking to make real headway under David Moyes’ wing this season, challenging high up the table, away from the relegation dog fight.

A range of exciting signings have been made, Grealish so far proving the cherry on the cake, but Moyes appears keen to land another midfielder before the window slams shut.

Everton still searching for midfielder

Having emerged as a top target at Everton since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January, it looks like the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek is going down to the wire.

However, Graham Potter might want to keep him on the books for depth, and so the Toffees may want to make a lunge for an alternative.

And perhaps that could be Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford on loan before the deadline, and Everton have been credited with an interest over the past few weeks.

Man United have informed their academy product that he is expected to stay and fight for his place over the coming campaign, but much could change at the eleventh hour of the transfer window.

Newcastle United have also shown interest in signing the Red Devil, but Everton might feel that Mainoo could best foster his clear talent at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why Everton must sign Mainoo

Mainoo might be out of favour at Man United, but he has been described as a “generational” talent by journalist Andy Dunn and as a future “£100m-plus footballer” by United writer Alex Turk.

Why? He’s already played 74 times for the senior side, scoring seven goals (including a crucial strike in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City).

Even if Everton only manage to land him on a loan deal, they should consider opting for Mainoo ahead of Soucek, even though the Czech Republic international has a wealth of experience in Moyes’ former Hammers system.

Mainoo struggled last year, but he showcased remarkable quality when breaking onto the scene in 2023/24, and given his strength when carrying the ball forward and technical quality, he could add that physical shine that Moyes covets while adding some flair to the side too.

He’s less of a goalscoring threat than Soucek, but more active in the duel, more energetic and more fluid with his passing.

Indeed, even though he endured a tough campaign, Mainoo ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Having watched Grealish hit the ground running as a loanee from Manchester, Everton might want to sign Mainoo in the coming hours, adding some youthful exuberance and plenty of technical quality besides.

Beto upgrade: Everton battling PL rivals to sign “unstoppable” £17m gem

Everton could continue their summer spending spree with another centre-forward addition to replace Beto

By
Will Miller

Aug 30, 2025

Manchester United’s front line has often contained some top-level talents that have gone on to achieve huge things across many different leagues all across Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Red Devils back as a teenager in 2003, with no one anticipating the rise he would have during his time as a player at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international made 270 appearances in his first stint as a Red Devil, scoring 109 times – winning various major honours, including the Ballon d’Or back in 2008.

Other players have starred alongside the iconic forward, with Wayne Rooney often partnering him in forward areas, still holding the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history.

However, fast-forward to 2025, boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t have that calibre of player to rely on, needing to make the right calls over the summer to hand him with the tools needed for Premier League success.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

After a deal to sign Matheus Cunha was confirmed, United have been working tirelessly to secure a deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, as the manager looks to add depth and quality in the final third.

It was reported that the 25-year-old wanted a move to Old Trafford this summer, but could be in doubt now after Thomas Frank opened talks with the winger after taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, other targets have emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Viktor Gyokeres once again becoming a man in demand, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Jason Wilcox has been in constant talks with his representatives over a move to United this summer, calling every day to ensure he’s still keen on a move to the club.

It also states that the Swedish international’s situation with the Portuguese outfit has become tense, with the hierarchy wanting a fee close to his release clause of £84m to sell him this summer.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Ekitike

Given the need for a new striker at United this summer, it has seen countless players already being touted with a move to join the club to improve the current situation.

Gyokeres is just one of many, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest player in their sights ahead of the window reopening on June 16th.

The Frenchman has also been of interest from Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, with a three-way battle seemingly appearing over a move for the 22-year-old.

His tally of 22 goals across all competitions this campaign certainly makes him an attractive option, but the club should look to steer clear and focus on a move for Gyokeres during the off-season.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the French star, whilst also registering a hugely better shot on target accuracy rate – demonstrating his edge within the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90 and complete more carries into the penalty area per game – having the tools to provide his teammates at Old Trafford with added opportunities in front of goal.

The 27-year-old has also dominated aerially in 2024/25, handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved after taking the reins at United back in November.

Given the difference in the figures between the pair this season, it’s evident that the Sporting talisman would be the better option this window, with the hierarchy needing to continue with their persistence to land his signature.

It would be a hefty investment, showcasing the board’s ambitions for Amorim’s tenure, with the Red Devils on their way to building an impressive frontline that could transform their fortunes on the pitch in 2025/26.

He'd be amazing with Ekitike: Man Utd "optimistic" of sealing deal for star

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to completing a deal for one top-level talent.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 13, 2025

Leeds United need to have a huge summer transfer window if they are to be successful during their first season back in the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Daniel Farke has led the Whites back to the promised land after securing the Championship title, with the German deserving of the opportunity to try and keep the club in the top-flight.

He’s been subject to a potential change, but the board have come out and publicly backed the 48-year-old to be a success and lead them to survival in 2025/26.

If he is to keep the club in the division, he will need backing in the transfer market, handing him the funds to make the additions he will certainly need to inject further quality into the squad.

With the window opening earlier this week, it presents the manager with the chance to improve various key areas of the side, leading to numerous names already being mentioned over a move to Elland Road.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer

It’s been reported that Leeds could have a sum in the region of £100m to spend on new additions this summer, with key quality and depth needed all over the pitch.

The likes of James McAtee, Igor Paixao and Callum Wilson have all been key targets this summer, but as of yet, no progress has been made to take any of the trio to Yorkshire during the off-season.

However, a new name has entered the mix over recent days, with Getafe attacking midfielder Christantus Uche firmly on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Marca.

Their report claims that the Nigerian has a €25m (£21m) release clause in his deal, but that the Whites are preparing a move in the region of £17m for his signature.

The 22-year-old, who’s registered four goals and six assists in LaLiga this season, also has interest from Wolves and Brentford ahead of the summer – with Farke’s men needing to act quickly to land his signature.

Why Leeds’ £17m target could be Farke’s own Rodrigo

Back in the summer of 2020, Leeds splashed a fee in the region of £26m on Spanish star Rodrigo, looking to add serious quality to their front line ahead of their return to the top-flight.

He joined from LaLiga outfit Valencia, scoring seven goals in his first year in Yorkshire, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side register a top-half Premier League finish.

The attacker would end up scoring 28 times in his 99 appearances for the Whites, subsequently departing the club after dropping back into the second tier in 2022/23.

Rodrigo’s contributions within the final third saw him become a fan favourite during his time at Elland Road, something which Uche could replicate if he joins the club this summer.

The Getafe star would follow in the Spaniard’s footsteps, potentially being their marquee signing in their first season back in the Premier League – also joining from another Spanish top-division outfit.

When delving into his stats from the current campaign, the Nigerian international has massively impressed, leading to his maiden call-up with his country this month against Jamaica.

His tally of 10 combined goals and assists will certainly give Farke the added threat in attacking areas he will crave in the top-flight, adding a new dimension to the club’s front line.

Uche, who’s been labelled a “monster” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has also created 1.1 chances per 90, along with 1.2 successful dribbles – having the skillset to take the ball into forward areas and cause the opposition havoc.

The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning 8.1 duels per 90, 3.3 of which were aerially, handing a serious threat from set pieces which could hand Farke an added dimension to his squad.

Such an all-round skillset showcases the talent that Uche possesses, only improving more over the next couple of years, especially considering his tender age of just 22.

Given the interest from other sides in England’s top-flight, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature, with the Nigerian having the tools to play a key role in their hopes of survival throughout 2025/26.

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Leeds United could be about to replicate a deal that saw Luis Sinisterra move to Elland Road.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 4, 2025

Whoever takes over at Glasgow Rangers as the new permanent manager has a massive job to do.

A summer rebuild is required, which means plenty of ins and outs when the transfer window opens next month.

Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun and Tom Lawrence all departed Ibrox following the expiration of their contracts, freeing up some of the wage bill.

The Light Blues will also need to sell a few players in order to raise some funds. Could Nedim Bajrami be the first to go?

Latest on Nedim Bajrami's future

According to reports in Albania (as per the Glasgow Times), the midfielder has two options on the table about a summer exit away from Rangers.

A club in Serie A is keen on securing his services, while another is from the Bundesliga. The report goes on to say that it is likely Bajrami will depart the club when the summer transfer window opens.

Having paid £3.4m for him just last summer, the board will be keen on recouping the majority of this fee back, especially as he has three years still left on his contract.

A return of nine goal contributions – five goals and four assists – across 44 matches simply wasn’t good enough, and he often went large spells without producing anything meaningful in the final third.

Whoever arrives as the new manager will see Bajrami as an asset who can afford to be sold to fund future signings.

Ben Davies is another player who must be moved on, especially after enjoying a successful season on loan with Birmingham City.

Why Rangers must sell Ben Davies this summer

Davies spent the entire 2024/25 season on loan at Birmingham and was a key component of the side that secured promotion back to the Championship.

He played 44 times for the club, helping them keep 20 clean sheets in League 1, while also winning an impressive 70% of his total duels and making 6.2 clearances per game.

Due to these performances, head coach Chris Davies dubbed the centre-back as “exceptional” and it appears as though they are seeking a permanent transfer for the player.

Back at Ibrox, however, it’s fair to say that he didn’t quite live up to the £4m price tag following his arrival. That much is certain.

When compared to his peers in the 2022/23 Champions League, Davies ranked in the bottom 92% for pass completion percentage (79.6%) and in the bottom 80% for tackles (1.04) per 90.

The following season, he lost possession 12.1 times per game in the Premiership, regularly being outmuscled by opposition strikers. It was clear that the Englishman wasn’t going to be a long-term option at the back for the Light Blues.

Starring out on loan has surely put the £27k-per-week defender in the shop window this summer. Now, all that Rangers need is a club to come in and make a decent offer.

One thing is for certain, especially amid the news that the 49ers Enterprises have completed their takeover of the club. Ben Davies should never play for the Gers again.

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By
Ben Gray

May 29, 2025

Aston Villa must win their remaining two Premier League matches if they are to secure qualification for the Champions League next term.

Depending on other results, it might still not be enough. But if Unai Emery is to continue signing world-class players, playing in the competition is imperative.

It will be a busy summer for the club in the transfer market, with plenty of ins and outs looking likely.

With Ollie Watkins’ future unclear, Villa will be in the hunt for a new striker.

Aston Villa’s chase for a new striker

Watkins has played second fiddle to Marcus Rashford since he arrived on loan in the winter window.

The striker claimed he was “fuming” after playing just 20 minutes against PSG I each of the quarter-final ties. Could this see him leave in the summer? Especially with Arsenal interested.

According to Caught Offside, Villa are showing strong interest in Atlético Madrid centre-forward Alexander Sorloth this summer, as they push to land the former Crystal Palace attacker.

Newcastle United also have the striker in their sights, and surely only a club that will be playing Champions League football next season stands a chance of signing him.

No transfer fee has been mentioned as of yet, as it appears Sorloth isn’t seeking a move away from Spain.

Should Villa submit a bid too good to ignore, however, things could change quickly indeed.

Alexander Sorloth could replace Ollie Watkins

“Ollie Watkins is very fantastic.” Said Emery after Watkins became the club’s highest ever Premier League goalscorer after netting against Bournemouth.

Not something he would say if Watkins was planning on being sold, but if a big offer arrives when the window opens, Emery might just strike when the iron is hot, especially with them needing to make a big sale.

A total of 87 goals across 221 games for the club will be difficult to replace, but in Sorloth, Villa had the ideal man to take over the mantle.

He has been in stunning form for Atlético this season. In 33 La Liga games, the Norwegian has netted 17 goals, with 21 his overall tally this term.

He was dubbed “legendary” after scoring the earliest hat-trick in La Liga history during a recent victory over Real Sociedad, netting three times in the first 11 minutes. Indeed, he finished the game with four goals.

When compared with his positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, Sorloth ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.96) and in the top 3% for total shots (4.24) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This suggests he would make for a dream replacement for Watkins should the Englishman be keen on moving away from the Midlands this summer, which is further evidenced by his strong form in LaLiga this term.

Facing profit and sustainability (PSR) issues this summer, if they don’t make a big sale, Emery might be forced to cash in on one of his prized assets.

Given his age, Watkins might be the chosen candidate. If so, a move for Sorloth must be given the go-ahead because he has showcased his finishing quality and ability to find the back of the net consistently in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Aston Villa register formal interest in signing "dominant" contract rebel

Monchi and Aston Villa could make their move…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 15, 2025

Arsenal are ready to fork out the asking price for a star transfer target after loosely agreeing contract terms with him, according to reports, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta now set to put full focus into the summer window after the Gunners’ Champions League defeat.

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Berta attempted to sign him for the La Liga side.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

Goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi gave PSG a comfortable 3-0 lead on aggregate last night, comfortably ending the semi-final tie before Arsenal star Bukayo Saka grabbed a consolation, even if the Englishman gave Arteta’s side brief hope of an unlikely comeback.

The north Londoners’ dismantling of Real Madrid in the last round gave many supporters real optimism Arsenal could win their first ever Champions League title, but they are now set to end 2024/2025 trophyless after Liverpool also cruised to the Premier League title.

Some questions are even being asked of Arteta, with Arsenal boasting just one trophy since the Spaniard took charge, despite registering a net spend of around £500 million on transfers in that period.

In any case, Pep Guardiola’s former understudy has also guided them from the fringes of a top six place to genuine title contenders, and they were desperately unlucky not to win the Premier League last season after accumulating nearly 90 points.

It is now back to the drawing board for Arteta, who has a fresh weapon at his disposal in the form of new sporting director Berta, who is set to back the Arsenal boss this summer in an anticipated summer rebuild.

Arsenal are expected to finally sign a proven goalscorer when the window reopens, and they’ve been repeatedly linked with a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

A report from Football Transfers earlier this week claimed that Arsenal are “edging closer to finalising a deal” for Gyokeres, with both the Swede and Arteta’s side “aligned” on the contract package he would receive.

With personal terms said to be loosely agreed, the main obstacle between Arsenal and the 26-year-old’s signature is Sporting.

Arsenal "ready to pay Sporting's asking price" for Viktor Gyokeres

While further meetings and talks are required to shake hands on a club-to-club deal, Football Transfers have now shared another update on Arsenal’s ambitions for the ex-Coventry City star.

The outlet reports that Arsenal are “ready to pay Sporting’s asking price” for Gyokeres, but they don’t state exactly what the Primeira Liga side would demand.

Other media sources, like Fabrizio Romano, claim the package could be somewhere in and around £60 million, while Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that the demand for Gyokeres’ signature may skyrocket his price to near the £85 million release clause in his contract.

While discrepancies surround the requirements to sign Gyokeres this summer, Arsenal appear very serious about striking a deal for the striker who’s scored a truly exceptional 52 goals in 49 appearances this season.

Described as a “phenomenon” by Sporting boss Rui Borges, it appears inevitable the forward will depart Portugal very soon.

A number of top clubs are said to be taking “concrete steps” to complete the signing of a Manchester United attacker in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd's attack unconvincing all season

While the Red Devils can still win the Europa League this season, which would save their campaign and see them qualify for the Champions League, it has still been a bitterly disappointing past nine months or so.

United have struggled to convince all over the pitch, and in attack, far too many players have flattered to deceive, either lacking consistency or simply not offering anywhere near enough quality.

Bruno Fernandes has been a star performer, in fairness, but the fact that the Portuguese is his side’s top scorer in the Premier League with just eight goals highlights the issues they have had in the final third. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have netted just four and three times in the competition this season, which is particularly poor.

For that reason, it is vital that significant attacking reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford when this season comes to an end, with additions needed both centrally and out wide. Now, an exit rumour has emerged regarding one under-fire player.

Juventus pushing to sign Hojlund from Man Utd

According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Juventus are taking “concrete steps” to sign Manchester United striker Hojlund in a quick exit this summer. The report states that contact has already been made with the £85,000-a-week Dane over an immediate switch to the European giants, having previously reportedly had an agreement in place with Zirkzee.

At just 22, Hojlund is still such a young player, so selling him now would bring with it some risk for United, but there is an increasing feeling that he isn’t at the level required, following a tough campaign. This is despite former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner lauding him as “top class” and scout Jacek Kulig calling him a “Danish beast”.

United simply must put a lot of their focus on signing an elite striker in the summer window, from Victor Osimhen to Viktor Gyokeres, and in truth, it makes sense to move on either Hojlund or Zirkzee. While the latter has hardly set the world alight this season, he has arguably offered more than the former, and the fact that the Red Devils could still receive good money for Hojlund means now could be the logical time to move him on.

Worse than Bayindir: 2/10 flop must now never start for Man Utd again

Manchester United suffered their 16th league defeat of the season, losing 4-3 to Brentford.

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By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

His passion and commitment cannot be called into question, and the idea of him staying this summer is far from a disaster, but there is plenty of sense in bringing an end to his time at the club.

Tottenham Hotspur lost for the 19th time in the Premier League this season when they were hammered 5-1 by champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Spurs took a shock lead on Merseyside when Dominic Solanke found the back of the net with a brilliant header from James Maddison’s corner, but it was not a sign of things to come for Ange Postecoglou’s side in the game.

Defensive frailties were on display yet again for the Whites on a dismal afternoon at Anfield, as Liverpool had 25 shots on goal and seven efforts on target.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Postecoglou is ‘likely’ to move on from the club at the end of the season, and results like this will not do his chances of keeping his job any favours.

Tottenham’s manager cannot be spared any blame for the team’s poor form this term, because they have lost 19 matches in the division, but he has not been helped by the performances of some of the players on the pitch.

Spurs have an incredibly youthful squad, with the hope that they will develop and improve over time, and that was on display at Anfield, as Archie Gray struggled.

Why Archie Gray has struggled this season

Tottenham reportedly splashed out a fee of £30m to sign the 19-year-old midfielder from Leeds United last summer, and it has been a difficult year for the teenager.

Gray made his 24th appearance and 15th start of the Premier League season against Liverpool on Sunday, and he is still trying to establish where his best position on the pitch is.

It was his fourth start as a defensive midfielder, to go along with five starts at left-back, eight starts at right-back, and 19 starts at centre-back due to the injury issues Spurs have had in that area of the park.

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Gray, who played as a right-back typically for Leeds last season, has not had a settled position that he could make his own and deliver consistent performances in, which may be why his campaign has been fairly unimpressive on paper.

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has failed to deliver much in the way of quality on or off the ball, with zero goal contributions and a below-average success rate in duels.

His first-half display against Liverpool before being withdrawn at the break was more of the same. Gray did not create any chances or register a shot on goal, and he only won one duel, whilst completing 80% of his attempted passes.

As you can see in the clip above, Ryan Gravenberch found it far too easy to hold off the midfielder to allow Alexis Mac Allister to fire in from range to put Liverpool 2-1 up.

It was a disappointing display from Gray, who is still learning and adjusting to Premier League football at the age of 19, but his fellow 19-year-old Lucas Bergval was even worse than him.

Why Lucas Bergval was even worse than Archie Gray

The teenage talent was selected alongside the Englishman for the trip to Anfield, leaving Spurs with a very young midfield despite having Yves Bissouma available and on the bench.

It was a difficult match for both Gray and Bergval, and that is reflected in their statistics, as the Swedish flop was even worse than the former Leeds man, notably taking fewer touches (43) than even goalkeeper Vicario (49).

As you can see in the table above, the Sweden international was far more wasteful with the ball at his feet, completing a lower percentage of his passes, failing with his only attempted dribble, and losing the ball almost three times as much.

Bergval did win more duels than Gray but had a worse success rate and was dribbled past once, in what was a disappointing overall display from the youngster.

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville went as far as to say that his efforts to clear the ball from a corner for Cody Gakpo’s goal were “appalling”, as his weak headed clearance fell straight to the Dutch forward inside the box.

Going to Anfield to face the champions is never an easy task, and it was a big ask from Postecoglou to put Gray and Bergval in midfield together without an experienced midfielder alongside them, as they only had James Maddison, who is an attacking player by nature, around them.

That resulted in a poor evening for both players and Spurs, who now have to prepare for a first-leg clash with Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday.

Tottenham cannot afford for their midfield to be as below-par as it was against Liverpool, as this is their last chance to win a trophy this season, and that is why Postecoglou must ruthlessly ditch Bergval from the starting XI for the clash with the Norwegian outfit.

Bissouma was an unused substitute against Liverpool on Sunday and may, now, be in contention to come back into the side after Gray and Bergval’s disappointing performances in the middle of the park.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has averaged 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 61% of his duels in the Europa League so far this term, which suggests that he could provide some steel at the heart of the midfield on Thursday night.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 25, 2025

It is now down to Postecoglou to drop Bergval from the starting line-up in order to make room for Bissouma to come back into the team against Bodo/Glimt.

It feels like the walls are starting to close in on Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Australian might be two favourable games away from a Europa League Final, but there can be no denying that domestically, at least, this season has been nothing short of a horror show.

In the Premier League, for example, his side have lost 18 games, which may have been relegation form in seasons past.

So it’s not been surprising to see reports linking the club to potential replacements again in recent weeks, including one candidate who could be something of a Mauricio Pochettino repeat.

Tottenham's manager search

Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other names that have recently been touted for moves to N17, such as former player Scott Parker.

The former midfielder has just led Burnley to a record-breaking promotion to the Premier League, his third overall, but it would be fair to say that this feels like an appointment that would upset more fans than it would please, considering how he’s got on in, the top-flight previously.

However, a name that might inspire more hope in the Lilywhites faithful is Marco Silva.

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The Portuguese manager has been in the Fulham hot seat since July 2021 and, to his credit, has done a marvellous job, turning what has been a yo-yo club in the past into a comfortable mid-table side.

Yet, when it comes to managers overachieving with their club this season, it’s impossible to overlook Andoni Iraola, and it seems like Spurs aren’t.

According to a recent report from the Mail Online, there is a feeling at the club that Postecoglou will be axed regardless of what happens in Europe and that the Spaniard would be among the leading candidates to replace him when a decision is made.

It would be a bold, exciting, and potentially risky appointment, but the club should follow through with it, especially as it would feel similar to Pochettino’s hiring.

Why Iraola could be Poch 2.0

So, while it might sound like a reach, there are some clear reasons why hiring Iraola could be something of a Pochettino repeat.

For example, like the Argentine with Southampton, he would be moving from a club he’s transformed from relegation fodder into a genuine top-half contender in Bournemouth.

Moreover, unlike Parker, for example, the Spaniard, who analyst Ben Mattinson claims is “one of the best in the league,” has an evident dedication to playing entertaining, exciting football – his side has scored just nine goals fewer than second-place Arsenal – like Poch, but not to the point of self-sabotage, as Postecoglou has been prone to in the past.

On top of that, he’d be coming in to help build something in North London with a squad that has some more senior stars in it but plenty of young and tremendously exciting prospects as well, like Mikey Moore, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.

Last but not least, before the current USMNT boss was handed the reins in N17, he led former side Espanyol to two surprising mid-table finishes in La Liga, which saw him get the job on the south coast.

Likewise, before making his way to Dorset, the Cherries boss built quite a reputation for himself in Spain, helping guide perennial underdogs Rayo Vallecano to an unexpected promotion in 2021.

Ultimately, Iraola has the CV, the playing style and the potential to be a sensational appointment for Spurs, and the fact that his hiring could so closely mirror Pochettino’s is just the icing on top.

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