Eberechi Eze reacted with a sheepish grin and quickly moved on when asked about his failed move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, after the Arsenal star and boyhood Gunners fan scored a stunning hat-trick in a 4-1 demolition of Spurs at the Emirates. Eze came close to completing a move to Arsenal's biggest rivals in the summer, before a late hijack saw the former Crystal Palace star complete his dream £67.5million ($88m) transfer.
Eze avoids Spurs question after dream derby day hat-trick
Eze was understandably reluctant to answer when asked by Sky Sports at full-time about the possibility that he may have been wearing different colours for Sunday’s North London Derby if things had gone differently.
The 27-year-old England international completed his dream move to his boyhood club in August and put in the performance of a lifetime as he scored past arch-rivals three times to earn the derby day match ball, reaching five goals for his new club in the process.
Bagging his side’s second goal in controversial circumstances just before half-time, Eze struck two goals from the edge of the box in the second period to secure a huge victory for Arsenal, which puts the Gunners six points clear at the top of the Premier League table – with second-placed Chelsea to come next weekend at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking post-match, Eze was quick to brush past the question regarding his high-profile transfer saga in the summer, where the Gunners completed a stunning hijack to secure a game-changing signing.
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Eze's hilarious response to Spurs transfer question
“Let’s not speak about that”, said Eze when asked if he could have been wearing the opposition colours for the derby, breaking into a smile after his cheeky response live on Sky Sports. “I thought you might say that”, responded the reporter.
“That’s a good [feeling],” Eze said of emphatic derby victory. “Enjoyable day, happy to help the team and to win today is special.
“It feels special, man. I’m grateful again, this is what I pray for. I prayed for it today, a hat-trick, and I got it today so I’m grateful to God.”
Eze reflects on his favourite goal of match-winning treble
“That was the prayer today, a hat-trick, and God gave it to me. That’s faith. All my family is here again, which makes it even more special to do it in front of them," Eze continued.
When asked for his pick of the goals, Eze said: “They were all good, I don’t know. Maybe the second one, that was my favourite.
“Just the timing of it, it was the right time,” he continued. “Honestly, it’s just special, all of them are good for me, because I know that I’ve been working on the process to get in those positions, so it’s worked out.”
On scoring his first professional hat-trick, he added: “Yeah, it is. Special one. As I say, words can’t explain this one today.”
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'Special day for us' – Arteta speaks
Mikel Arteta said to BBC Match of the Day:"It's a very special day for us. We knew the importance of the match and what it means to our fans. To be able to give them that joy, it's a beautiful day."
On Eze becoming the fourth-ever player to score a hat-trick in the North London derby: "That tells you about the difficulty and what he's done today. To be fair he could have scored four or five. He's a big player who can create magic moments which unbalance a team.
"We dominated every part of the game. We created massive chances and had a lot of actions that we were very close to scoring. We stayed patient.
"Whoever we put in there they do the jobs for us. This squad has the belief and quality to deliver consistently.
"We have really good momentum but you can see how difficult every game in the Premier League is. It's a long run, let's go game by game. Let's enjoy tonight, then we have Bayern here and Chelsea away. We have a tough week."
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs that are tracking Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
Having qualified for European football in three seasons under Emery, who has overseen a revolution at Villa Park, the Villans endured a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign. Villa, who did not score in any competition until mid-September, only picked up their first Premier League win on the 28th September.
Just days earlier, Villa beat Bologna 1-0 in the Europa League, a victory that kicked off a five-game win streak across all competitions. The club have since beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park, before falling to a 2-0 loss at Anfield against defending champions Liverpool.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Villa have been linked with a number of players. Having had well-documented troubles with PSR rules in recent months, it is clear that Villa’s first-team needs something of a revival through new additions, which they could get if they sign this particular forward.
Villa interested in Samu Aghehowa
As per Football Insider, Villa are interested in acquiring the services of Samu Aghehowa. Since joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, the forward has blossomed into one of Europe’s most-promising number nines and as such, has garnered interest from multiple clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on the Spaniard and as per Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Villa and Arsenal are also eyeing a move, while Newcastle may drop out of the race having signed Nick Woltemade.
Aghehowa would not be cheap. Understandably, Porto are keen to hold onto their star striker, who has an £88 million release clause in his contract. A lethal goalscorer, Aghehowa has been described as a “powerhouse” for his displays in Portugal.
Samu Aghehowa Porto Stats in All Competitions
Appearances
57
Goals
36
Assists
4
Yellow Cards (Red Cards)
7 (1)
Minutes Played
4,147′
In September, Roberto Olabe joined Villa as their President of Football Operations, replacing Monchi who had filled a similar role. January will mark Olabe’s first window with the Villans and Aghehowa would certainly be a statement first signing for the Spaniard.
Having lost Jhon Duran in January 2025, it could be argued that Villa are yet to replace the striker. Evann Guessand signed in the summer, but the former Nice forward has predominantly been used out wide by Emery.
Aghehowa, contrastingly, would be an out-and-out number nine were he to sign for Villa, offering England international Ollie Watkins a viable level of competition. The Spaniard would be a sensational addition, though whether Villa can agree a deal for him remains to be seen.
تمكن فريق الهلال السعودي، من تحقيق الفوز غلى نظيره النجمة، في إطار منافسات الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “دوري روشن”.
وواجه فريق الهلال السعودي نظيره النجمة، في الساعة السابعة والنصف مساء اليوم بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب “النجمة”، في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “دوري روشن”.
طالع | فيديو | الهلال يفوز على الغرافة بثنائية ويواصل تصدر دوري أبطال آسيا
وحقق الهلال الفوز على النجمة، برباعية مقابل هدفين، حيث تقدم فريق النجمة بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة 3 من عمر الشوط الأول عن طريق اللاعب لازارو ماركيز.
وفي الدقيقة 10، عادل سالم الدوسري النتيجة لصالح الهلال، قبل أن يضيف النجمة الهدف الثاني عن طريق روبن نيفيز بالخطأ في مرماه.
وفي الدقيقة 71، عادل فريق الهلال النتيجة مرة أخرى بواسطة اللاعب ثيو هيرنانديز، قبل أن يضيف الهلال ثالث أهدافه في الدقيقة 80 عن طريق اللاعب عبد اللاه الشمري بالخطأ في مرماه، وعاد سالم الدوسري وعزز تقدم الزعيم الهلال بالهدف الرابع في الدقيقة 90.
وبهذه النتيجة رفع فريق الهلال رصيده إلى 20 نقطة، في المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي، بينما استمر تذيل فريق النجمة بدون أي رصيد من النقاط. أهداف مباراة الهلال والنجمة اليوم في الدوري السعودي
South Africa finished the day one on 418 for 9 against sloppy Zimbabwe
Himanshu Agrawal28-Jun-2025How much luck is too much? Long before 19-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius became the youngest ever to score 150 in men’s Test cricket, he had been given four reprieves thanks to a mixture of the umpiring and the absence of DRS. After getting lives on 30, 54, 55 and 127, Pretorius ended up scoring 153 off 160 balls. At the time of his dismissal, he alone had scored more than half of South Africa’s total against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.By the end of the day, Corbin Bosch’s maiden Test hundred added to fellow debutant Dewald Brevis’ counterattacking 51 from 41 deliveries earlier in the day, as the visitors finished day one of the first Test on 418 for 9.Pretorius arrived when South Africa were reeling at 23 for 3 in the 15th over. At the time, Tanaka Chivanga had all three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani and Hamilton Masakadza supported him by keeping it tight. Masakadza’s figures at that stage were 5-0-9-0 and Muzarabani’s were 5-4-5-0, having started with four maidens.Related
Stats – Lhuan-dre Pretorius, youngest to score 150 in men's Tests
T20 star Brevis wants to be 'the same guy that plays all formats'
The extra bounce on the pitch meant Muzarabani beat the bat several times early in the day, even as Chivanga struck thrice. The first breakthrough came in the sixth over when Tony de Zorzi edged to Brian Bennett at third slip for a 16-ball duck. The next wicket came when off the last ball of the 13th over, Mathew Breetzke also jabbed to Bennett at the same position. The appreciable bounce left Breetzke looking at his fingers as he walked back.The third wicket then fell in the 15th over when David Bedingham pushed hard at a length ball on the fifth stump and edged to first slip. That was when Pretorius began to hit back at Zimbabwe. Facing Masakadza in the next over, Pretorius launched him for six over long-off and then drove for four wide of mid-off. He ended the 18th over with another boundary, motoring along to 17 off his first 16 balls.Muzarabani continued to bowl tightly at the other end, but could only manage to keep the runs down. Like de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder also struggled to find rhythm, apart from driving Masakadza for four. But Mulder was run out in the 23rd over after a mix-up with Pretorius left him well short at the non-striker’s end; Muzarabani’s direct throw broke the stumps cleanly.At 55 for 4, it was down to the two debutants, Pretorius and Brevis, and they repaid South Africa’s faith. But Pretorius was living a charmed life. In the 25th over, Chivanga could have had his fourth when Pretorius, on 30, chased a ball outside off. There was a clear noise as the ball passed the bat, prompting a loud appeal for caught behind, but the umpire remained unmoved. The absence of DRS only added to Zimbabwe’s frustration.File photo – Tanaka Chivanga struck early on the first morning•Getty ImagesJust after lunch, Pretorius reached his half-century off 53 balls, after which Brevis deposited Vincent Masekesa for six over midwicket and followed up with a straight four to end the 30th over. Chivanga, Muzarabani, and Masekesa managed to restore some control briefly.Masekesa trapped Pretorius plumb in front on 54 with a delivery that turned in and beat an attempted reverse sweep, but again, the umpire was unmoved. In the next over, on 55, Pretorius mistimed a pull off Chivanga, but the ball flew over the keeper’s head, his third lucky escape.Brevis, meanwhile, showcased his attacking instincts in the longest format. He smashed Masekesa for three sixes in the 36th over, bringing up his fifty in just 38 balls. However, in the next over, Muzarabani dismissed him for 51, as he toe-ended a pull to mid-off, ending a game-changing 95-run stand.Pretorius soon lost Kyle Verreynne, but continued to find boundaries regularly. He reached his century off 112 balls, hitting his third six with a beautiful punch over long-off off Bennett. Bosch, at the other end, played more calmly, focusing on rotating the strike. Their partnership crossed fifty as South Africa maintained a steady scoring rate, thanks largely to Pretorius.Pretorius’ final slice of luck came on 127, when he attempted a punch off Bennett and was beaten on the outside edge. Once again, there was a faint sound, but the umpire ruled in his favor. Eventually, he was dismissed after tea, in the 65th over, when Pretorius skied a pull off Chivanga to mid-on.That ended a dominant 108-run stand for the seventh wicket, but Bosch took over and frustrated Zimbabwe alongside the tail. He reached his fifty in the 71st over, flashing at a wide delivery from Muzarabani that flew over the slips for four. Keshav Maharaj supported him with a handy 21, including two sixes, in a 41-run stand, which ended when Masekesa stuck.With two wickets remaining and South Africa nearing 350, Bosch went on the offensive. From 61 off 91 balls, he accelerated to finish unbeaten on 100 off 124, hitting five boundaries in the process, including a drive, a pull, and a swat off consecutive deliveries from Masekesa. Codi Yusuf, also on debut, supported Bosch with 27, including five fours.Bosch was on 84 when Muzarabani dismissed Yusuf. At that point, South Africa had 389 runs on the board. In the company of last man Kwena Maphaka, Bosch not only reached his century in the final over of the day but also took South Africa past the 400-run mark.
Manchester United are looking to kick on under Ruben Amorim after the win against Sunderland and could now look to beat Manchester City to a statement signing in the January window.
Manchester United look to elevate themselves in Premier League
Undoubtedly, the Red Devils have taken time to get going this season, and their start hasn’t been plain sailing as they integrate new signings and try to find their best starting line-up.
Nevertheless, a victory over Sunderland has restored morale at Old Trafford and has relieved some pressure on Amorim’s situation at the club, which will give supporters some cause for optimism as Manchester United head for the international break.
Oliver Glasner has been linked to the Red Devils’ hotseat, and there will be other names mentioned if results begin to take another dip, but Amorim appears safe for now and will hope his side can kick on over the coming weeks.
With international breaks splitting the season into mini-blocks, the January transfer window isn’t actually too far down the line and rumours are already beginning to circulate regarding who could come in to improve Manchester United’s squad.
Reports suggest that the Red Devils are fighting Manchester City to sign Atletico Madrid full-back Nahuel Molina in a deal that could be worth in the region of £26 million.
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Truthfully, it remains to be seen if spending power is there after a summer window that saw £250 million shelled out at Old Trafford. PSR rules will need to be respected, and January is a notoriously hard month to conclude business.
Still, Manchester United may not be done in their quest to pip Manchester City to signings if recent developments are to evolve.
Man Utd look to pip Man City to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic
According to SportBild’s Tobias Altschäffl, Manchester United have made an approach via intermediaries for Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic and he is now firmly on their radar alongside rivals Manchester City, who have been strongly linked with the player for weeks.
He said when asked by Christian Falk about his situation: “Juventus Turin and Paris are not yet so moving. With the English, this is absolutely true. It is known that the Pavlović side was approached via intermediaries. They would like to get Pavlović. At City, he’s even higher on the list.”
Five similar players to Aleksandar Pavlovic (FBRef)
Jordan Ferri
Sampdoria
Benjamin Bouchouari
Trabzonspor
Manu Morlanes
Mallorca
Remo Freuler
Bologna
Valentin Rongier
Rennes
Making his presence felt at the Bundesliga holders, Pavlovic has made seven appearances across all competitions this term, scoring once against Hamburg.
Primarily a holding midfielder, the Germany international could well be a long-term replacement for Casemiro. Still, the Red Devils will need to convince him that their project is worth investing in, amid a run of inconsistent results this term.
Showing ambition hasn’t been a problem so far for INEOS, though this could be their most important capture yet amid strong interest from their rivals.
Leeds United may be without two of their wide options when they face off against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this weekend.
Head coach Daniel Farke has revealed that both Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James may not be available to take part in the trip to the Molineux Stadium.
This means that Brenden Aaronson seems likely to keep his place on the right flank, unless the German boss decides to go with Jack Harrison ahead of the USA international.
The American flop, who is an attacking midfielder by trade, has scored one goal in 40 appearances in his Premier League career, per Sofascore, whilst the English winger has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists in 37 outings in the division since the start of last season.
These statistics do not make for great reading and do not suggest that Aaronson or Harrison are likely to come up with a moment of magic to win the game for Leeds against Wolves this weekend.
The Whites have failed to score a goal from open play in the Premier League this season, partly because of their lack of quality out wide, and they may still rue the fact that they were unable to land Igor Paixao.
Why Leeds failed to sign Igor Paixao
Leeds put a £30.5m offer down on the table for the Brazilian forward during the summer transfer window, only for the attacker to turn down a move to Elland Road to sign for Marseille.
Feyenoord, per the Yorkshire Evening Post, were willing to accept the club’s offer for Paixao, which meant that they left it up to the player to decide where he wanted to go next in his career.
Unfortunately, for Leeds and Farke, the left-sided attacker opted to sign for Marseille because they are a stable top-flight side and had Champions League football to offer him, which the Whites were unable to compete with in the end.
Missing out on Paixao was a frustrating blow for the Championship champions because he had the potential to be an exciting addition to the squad after an impressive campaign in the Netherlands.
The 25-year-old star, who is in the prime years of his career, racked up 18 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for Feyenoord last term, per Sofascore, which convinced Leeds to put a bid of more than £30m in for his services.
xG
10.56
Top 2%
xG on target
16.25
Top 2%
Goals
16
Top 2%
Shots on target
43
Top 2%
xA
6.71
Top 4%
Chances created
70
Top 1%
Assists
10
Top 3%
As you can see in the table above, Paixao was one of the most productive forwards in the Dutch top-flight with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Given the options currently at Farke’s disposal for this weekend’s clash and how the games have gone so far this season, missing out on Paixao was a big blow for the Whites.
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However, Leeds were brewing their own version of Paixao, and potentially their next Raphinha, at Elland Road in Largie Ramazani before Farke ditched him in the summer window.
Why Ramazani could have been Leeds United's own Paixao
The Belgian winger could have been a hybrid of both Paixao and Raphinha in West Yorkshire if the club had kept him and continued his development in England, instead of allowing him to join Valencia on loan.
Supporters will, of course, remember how exciting Raphinha was to watch when Leeds were last in the Premier League, after his move from Rennes in 2020.
Well, Ramazani played in LaLiga at the same time as the Brazil international in the 2023/24 campaign and they were listed as similar players, statistically, by FBref. The then-Almeria star averaged 0.33 xAG per 90 compared to the Brazilian’s 0.38 xAG per 90, as they both ranked within the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in LaLiga for creating high-quality chances.
After his promising form in LaLiga for Almeria, Ramazani completed a £10m move to Elland Road in the summer of 2024 to sign for Leeds in the Championship.
The left-sided attacker, who was described as a counter-attacking “weapon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, only started seven matches in the second tier during the 2024/25 campaign, but delivered six goals and two assists in his limited minutes on the pitch for the Whites.
Non-penalty xG
0.54
Top 2%
Shots on target
1.84
Top 2%
Goals
0.69
Top 2%
Assists
0.23
Top 20%
Chances created
1.50
Top 32%
Dribbles completed
2.07
Top 15%
As you can see in the table above, Ramazani ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers for goals and assists when filtered into per-90 metrics, which illustrates how efficient he was in the minutes that Farke handed him.
Fuelled by those performances in the Championship, FBref list Paixao as one of the most similar players to the Belgian forward over the past 365 days based on their statistics per 90.
The chart above shows that the £10m Leeds forward even outperformed the Brazilian in a host of statistics, but it is worth adding that he only started seven games whilst Paixao was a regular starter for Feyenoord.
What these statistics do show, though, is that Leeds had an exciting left winger who has been comparable to both Raphinha and Paixao on their hands, yet they allowed him to leave on loan.
It is a decision that seems more bizarre with each passing game that the Whites do not score an open play goal in, particularly when you consider that Ramazani already has an open play assist in two appearances for Valencia in LaLiga.
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The Whites, therefore, must regret ditching him in the summer window, even if it was only on loan, because he has the quality to provide an attacking spark in the final third, like Raphinha and Paixao, and that is something that they desperately need right now.
يستعد منتخب مصر الثاني تحت قيادة مديره الفني حلمي طولان، لمواجهة البحرين، في ثاني وديات المنتخب استعدادًا للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب التي ستقام في قطر ديسمبر المقبل.
وكان منتخب مصر قد تعرض للهزيمة أمام المغرب في الودية الأولى ضمن برنامج المنتخب الاعدادي لبطولة كأس العرب المقبلة في دولة قطر.
وتمكن منتخب المغرب للمحليين من الفوز على منتخب مصر الثاني وديًا بهدفين عن طريق الثنائي أمين زحزوح ومحمود بنتايج.
طالع.. عصام الحضري يحدد حارس منتخب مصر الثاني أمام البحرين.. ويهنئ حسام حسن
جدير بالذكر أن قرعة كأس العرب كانت قد أوقعت منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة والتي تضم، الأردن والإمارات والفائز من مواجهة الكويت وموريتانيا.
ومن المقرر أن تنطلق بطولة كأس العرب في نسختها الجديدة في الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، في قطر. موعد مباراة منتخب مصر الثاني والبحرين
وسيواجه منتخب مصر الثاني نظيره منتخب البحرين مساء اليوم الأحد، في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر والبحرين اليوم
تنقل المباراة بشكل مباشر عبر قناة البحرين على القناة الرسمية عبر يوتيوب طالع القناة من هنا
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــــا
Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield pacesetter Jake Weatherald blazed another big century to put the heat on Victoria ahead of a final-day run chase in Hobart.The hosts began their second innings 22 runs behind Victoria, but the former South Australian opener turned the tables with a blazing 155 off 212 balls on Monday as Tasmania made 291.Related
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Debutant Dixon fires for Victoria against Tasmania
Victoria, second on the Shield ladder with three rounds remaining, were 55 for 2 at stumps They need a further 215 to deny the last-placed Tasmania just their second win in the seventh match of the season.Weatherald found some support from Jake Doran and debutant No. 9 Raf MacMillan, whose bright innings came to an unfortunate end when he miscued a juicy Harry Dixon full toss.Weatherald clattered 20 boundaries in his innings, lathering drives through point and cover, and latching on to anything short with sweetly timed pull shots that sounded like cannons echoing around the Bellerive stands.He was the last man out, his crisp knock following 185 against Queensland in November to put him on top of the Shield run-scoring list this season.Opener Marcus Harris was an early casualty in the chase, trapped in front by Gabe Bell. Bell then dismissed Campbell Kellaway in similar fashion, Jon Merlo and Sam Elliott the unbeaten pair at stumps.
Whilst Thomas Frank managed to win his first Premier League game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, the club still have work to do before the end of the summer transfer window.
He’s already been backed by the board, landing a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, but ultimately, further big-money reinforcements are needed to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Lilywhites ended the previous year in 17th place, still managing to win the Europa League, with the Dane the man to lead them into the Champions League this season.
However, if the 51-year-old is to be successful in either of the competitions in the near future, he will need added quality in depth within key areas of the pitch.
Big money will likely need to be spent if added success is to be achieved, but one of the club’s key dealings may have already taken place over the last couple of days.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Cristian Romero’s new contract at Tottenham Hotspur
Back in the summer of 2021, Spurs completed the loan signing of Cristian Romero from Italian outfit Atalanta, making the centre-back’s move permanent 12 months later – costing around £42.5m in the process.
Whilst his disciplinary record has often been brought into question, he’s been a key component of the Lilywhites’ backline, making 126 appearances over the last four years.
The 27-year-old was named the club’s captain last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has placed in him – understandably so given his Man of the Match showing in the European final against Manchester United.
The good news has continued for the Argentine, penning a new four-year deal until the summer of 2029, with such a move arguably one of the best pieces of business conducted by the club this window, amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.
However, despite Romero’s new contract, the hierarchy are looking to add further quality into the club’s backline, handing Frank the added depth he needs to help the side challenge at the top of England’s top-flight.
Spurs targeting move for a new Romero partner
Over recent days, Spurs have entered talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – potentially providing competition for Pedro Porro.
The Englishman has also been subject to interest from Nottingham Forest, but it’s been confirmed that the youngster wants to remain at the Etihad beyond the summer window.
However, he’s not the only defender in their sights, with the club also strongly considering a move to land Brentford star Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been closely monitoring the Irish international, who featured in every single minute of the previous Premier League campaign.
It also states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also plotting a move for the 24-year-old, but Spurs could hold the key to any move, given the centre-back’s previous time playing under Frank at the GTEC.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be perfect for Romero
Whilst Frank has only overseen two competitive games as Spurs boss, he’s already showcased his versatility in the role, operating with various different systems.
In the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG, the Dane utilised a back-five, whilst switching back to a more familiar back four in the win against Burnley on Saturday.
However, if the club are to be a success, adapting the side based upon the opposition is vital, something which was hugely lacking during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
A move for Collins could offer the new boss the depth he craves, adding another option to the heart of the defence, which could allow for a centre-back trio of Micky van de Ven, Romero and the Irishman.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bees star would set the hierarchy back before the September 1st deadline, but it would be a transfer that would add the needed quality to the defensive unit.
Brentford'sNathanCollinsapplauds
When comparing his stats to those of Romero from 2024/25, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the Argentine in key areas, even ranking highly among other defenders in the division.
Collins, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by journalist Mario Marra, ranked in the 97th percentile for blocks made (2.1) whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won (3.1), according to FBref.
Games played
38
18
Goals & assists
5
1
Progressive carries
0.9
0.7
Progressive passes
4.8
4.5
Blocks made
2.1
1.1
Clearances made
5.9
3.6
Aerials won
3.1
2.6
Aerial success rate
63%
60%
Such figures are both higher than those produced by Romero, which would subsequently hand Frank the quality at the back to improve the record of 65 league goals conceded last season.
The Irishman also achieved a better aerial success rate last season, whilst making nearly two times more clearances per 90 – further highlighting the quality he possesses without the ball.
Nathan Collins
However, despite Collins’ ability without the ball, he’s also showcased his talent in possession, something which has been vital in Frank’s system – as seen by the Bees’ average possession of 48% in the Premier League during 2024/25.
He managed to achieve more progressive passes and carries per 90 last season, able to seamlessly fit into the manager’s plans given his previous stint under his guidance.
Whilst it’s unclear how much the Bees will be demanding to part ways with their captain, it’s a deal that could transform the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the defensive third.
If he can replicate such numbers from 2024/25, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Romero, which could provide added success for the club in the not-too-distant future.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer window could’ve been massively impacted by their failure to land Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Nottingham Forest star staying at the City Ground.
A deal had been all agreed, leading to the player even being set to have a medical with the Lilywhites, but Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened, resulting in the midfielder signing a new contract.
However, such disappointment has fuelled Thomas Frank’s desire to land new additions, subsequently making a huge effort to land Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich this summer.
Joao palhinha
Huge progress has been made for his signature over recent days, leading to a deal being agreed, with the player in the process of completing his medical ahead of a loan move to North London.
Such a move also includes an option to buy next summer, but it appears as though their activity looks set to continue before the September 1st transfer deadline.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
In recent days, a move has been made by the Spurs hierarchy to try and secure the services of highly-rated Stade Rennais forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.
The Lilywhites have even entered talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal, leading to a £30m transfer being mooted, with Nottingham Forest, another side, currently in the running.
Arnaud Kalimuendo celebrates for Stade Rennais.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Barcelona star Ronald Araujo another top-level star they’re pursuing, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that Frank’s side have already made contact with the LaLiga outfit over a potential move for the Uruguayan centre-back before the end of the window.
It also states he could be open to a move to North London, potentially being attracted to the new project being undertaken at the club, which could see Barça open to negotiations at around the £50m mark.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a bigger coup than Palhinha
A holding midfielder has been massively needed at Spurs this summer, leading to a hunt for a proven ball-winner at the base of Frank’s side if they are to build on the recent success.
Whilst Palhinha may not have been the supporters’ first choice for the role, a move is seemingly edging ever closer, potentially proving to be an excellent pick-up if he can replicate his form from his last stint in England’s top-flight.
He spent a couple of years at Fulham before moving to Germany, averaging a tally of 2.5 tackles per 90, whilst winning 8.6 duels per 90, with both figures ranking him within the top 5% of all players in the division that year.
Numbers like that are nothing short of sensational and prove why Bayern splashed £47m on his signature last summer – highlighting the talent the Lilywhites will be getting their hands on.
However, a move for Araujo would be a huge coup for the club, especially considering his sustained spell of featuring at the top level of European football for the Spanish giants.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo
The 26-year-old has racked up 175 appearances since making his debut in the summer of 2019, having Champions League experience, which will be vital for Spurs next campaign.
Whilst he was injured at times throughout 2024/25, he managed to rack up 25 appearances across all competitions, producing numerous incredible figures that would add the needed depth and quality to Spurs’ backline.
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
12
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
92%
Progressive passes per 90
4.2
Tackles won
1.7
Blocks made
1.4
Clearances made
4.3
Aerials won
3.9
Araujo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Dr Rajpal Brar, completed 92% of the passes he attempted, handing the Lilywhites a composed presence at the back, whilst allowing Frank’s side to play out from the back when needed.
Without the ball, the Uruguayan also starred in LaLiga, winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 blocks per 90 – having the tools to provide the side with a needed commanding presence at the back.
At just 26, Araujo has plenty of time to reach his full potential, with the £50m fee being mooted, undoubtedly a great price for a player entering his prime years as a professional.
Should he hit the ground running in North London, it would be a tremendous pick-up and one that would be a bigger coup than Palhinha, especially when taking his experience at the top level of European football into account.
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