Tottenham Hotspur sealed a dramatic last-minute summer deal for playmaker Xavi Simons in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig, with the Dutchman preparing to make an imminent Premier League debut.

Following botched deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, Spurs finally ended their summer search for a creative midfielder by signing Simons on a five-year deal with the option of a further two years — one of the longest player contracts in Tottenham’s history.

Xavi Simons for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season	Stats
Appearances	25
Minutes played	2,157
Goals	10
Assists	7
Bookings	5
Shots at goal per 90 minutes	2
Passing accuracy	82.9%
Average match rating	7.32
via WhoScored

Fresh off the back of two seasons impressing in the Bundesliga with Leipzig – initially on loan before signing permanently for them earlier this year – it didn’t take long for Simons to swiftly seal another move, this time to England.

Chelsea appeared set to sign the former PSG sensation at one stage, but their dilly-dallying over a deal handed ex-Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy a chance to hijack the Blues’ talks and sign Simons for Spurs.

In one of his final acts as chair before resigning last week, Levy backed Thomas Frank with the addition of a highly-rated attacker who’s set to step into the injured James Maddison’s shoes.

Simons bagged 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 total appearances for Leipzig, and was a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before he moved to PSG in his youth.

Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard claims that Spurs supporters will be a fan of Simons, but recently hinted at some concerns surrounding his attitude after reports he’s heard in the German media.

With Maddison out until 2026 after rupturing his ACL, and Dejan Kulusevski not named in Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad as he continues his recovery from a knee problem, Simons could prove to be an absolutely vital addition for Frank.

What Rafael van der Vaart has already said about Xavi Simons

Bearing in mind the excitement around his potential debut against West Ham on Saturday, it is worth pointing out what Tottenham fan favourite Rafael van der Vaart has already said about Simons in the past.

Speaking to Studio Voetbal in 2023, the ex-Spurs star was adamant that Simons could be sensational, saying very few players can do what he can do when showed footage of the 22-year-old striking the crossbar.

When asked if he could be world-class, Van der Vaart said:

As well as Simons, fellow new signing Randal Kolo Muani could also play against West Ham, so this is gearing up to be one of the most exciting London derbies against the Hammers in some time.

Mohammed Kudus is also braced for a return to his former club, and it will be very interesting to see the kind of reception he gets.

After joining Tottenham Hotspur as a 15-year-old, very few people would have heard of Harry Kane, but nearly two decades on, he’s now one of the most talked-about talismen in world football.

He emerged through the youth system in North London, before nailing down his place in the first team squad and subsequently breaking a whole host of long-standing club records.

There’s no doubt that the most impressive is his tally of 280 goals for the Lilywhites – a figure that makes him the highest goalscorer in the club’s 143-year history.

However, he’s since moved to Bayern Munich and carried over his incredible record to Germany, netting 103 goals in his 106 outings across all competitions after his £82m transfer in 2023.

Everyone knows Kane for his remarkable efforts in front of goal in the present day, but many aren’t aware of his tremendous rise as a youngster, which has led him to his world-class status.

Harry Kane

435

280

Jimmy Greaves

376

266

Bobby Smith

316

211

Heung-min Son

454

173

Martin Chivers

350

167

Harry Kane’s youth record at Tottenham

Unlike a lot of footballers in the present day, Kane’s journey to stardom was not a straightforward one, with numerous bumps and transitions appearing throughout his journey to professional success.

He once played for bitter rivals Arsenal as a youngster, but was released by the Gunners for being “too chubby” – but he was given a golden opportunity to further his career by Spurs at 15.

His rise was rapid for the Lilywhites, earning a scholarship just a year after his arrival – a feat that is often unheard of given the sheer competition for a career in professional football.

However, his success was all the more remarkable considering he transitioned into a centre-forward from his original central midfield role, but such a decision would prove to be an immediate success.

Tangible success was seen as a result in his first year at U18 level, as Kane netted a phenomenal return of 18 goals in just 22 outings, which in turn led to his first appearance in a first-team matchday squad in 2009/10.

There’s been no looking back for the England international since, but who will be the next player to make a name for themselves out of the Lilywhites’ impressive academy setup?

The player who could be the next Kane for Spurs

After the return of Fabio Paratici at Spurs this week, it would be a surprise to no one if the Italian tried to delve into the market to land a new talisman in the months ahead.

Richarlison has shown early glimpses of promise over recent months, scoring three times in the Premier League, but he’s struggled to meet the expectations demanded on him by Thomas Frank in recent weeks.

The Brazilian is now without a goal in his last four outings, with fellow striker Dominic Solanke also unable to make the desired effect due to his constant struggles with his ankle.

The aforementioned duo have cost the club upwards of £115m combined, but ultimately have failed to deliver the goods on a constant basis – with Paratici needing to rectify such business.

He could easily save the club millions in the years ahead should he put trust and faith in academy star Ashiah Haughton-Sinclair, with the teenager a player with a huge future in North London.

At just 14, it may appear as though he will have to wait a while for his first-team opportunity, but there’s no reason why he can’t force himself into the reckoning, given his staggering record.

It’s been claimed that the teenager has already racked up over 400 goals at various academy levels, with his name now one of the biggest talking points behind the scenes in North London.

He’s been featuring above his age group for the last few seasons, with Haughton-Sinclair often featuring for the U15 and U16 sides during the early months of 2025/26.

Last season alone, he netted 65 goals, but he’s continued his incredible goalscoring feats this time around, already finding the back of the net on 30 separate occasions.

He’s also laid on ten assists for his teenage teammates, taking his tally to 40 combined goal contributions – a simply remarkable feat given it’s only October.

As a result of his tremendous form, Haughton-Sinclair was recently named in the England U15 squad, capping off what has been a sensational few months for the youngster.

There’s little denying that he has a long way to go before making his mark in the professional game, but he’s already been handed a scholarship two years ahead of schedule, which highlights the faith shown in him by the club.

Should he continue on his current development path, there’s no reason why he can’t be the next big star to emerge out of the Lilywhites academy and potentially reach the levels achieved by Kane.

Frank has a "Harry Kane regen" who could end Richarlison's Spurs career

Tottenham Hotspur could save millions by unleashing a star who could follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 16, 2025

Ruben Amorim has vowed to Manchester United fans that he will do everything it takes to bring back the glory days at Old Trafford, despite being unsure if he will be the manager to lead the club back to trophies. His men stunned Liverpool at Anfield, ending years of humiliation in enemy territory with a spirited 2–1 win that sent the away end into ecstasy. The victory on Merseyside has definitely earned him more time in the hot seat, but another dry spell could see sack talk resurface again.

• United have sprung back to life under Amorim

  United fans left Anfield with a renewed sense of belief as goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire sealed a narrow victory over their fierce rivals. That was preceded by another triumph over Sunderland before the international break, making it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under Amorim's leadership. However, even after the victory, he had his feet firmly planted on the ground and asked his players to keep their heads down and work in training.

  "I think they asked me about the top four at the end of the question," he said. "So, I don't want to change so much with the difference of 20 centimetres. If [Cody] Gakpo shot 20 centimetres here, the narrative would be completely different. So, I just want to maintain some calm, some direction in what we are doing. That’s what I mean.

  "There is doubts if you are a manager in this kind of club, [and] you don't win a lot of games, people are going to doubt you. And they have reasons for that, but my point of view is that we need to be clear on our path and not changing so much because we win one game, that's all."

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• Amorim's assurance to Man Utd fans

  Since taking charge, Amorim has tried to instil a clear identity at United. He understands that it will take time to win either the Premier League or the Champions League, but he remains determined to walk the difficult path and gradually turn the fortunes of the Red Devils. 

  "I don't know how long it's going to take. What I can say is that I'm going to do what is the best for the club and that is going to be always my option," he told . "I will not do nothing to save myself and not think about what is best for the club and I think I proved a little bit of that during one year and that is something that I can promise to any fan of Manchester United."

  While Amorim has been under intense scrutiny, his biggest backer inside the club remains Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the man overseeing football operations at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe has made it clear that he sees the young Portuguese boss as part of a long-term rebuild, and that knee-jerk decisions are off the table.

  "Amorim is a good guy," the INEOS chief said. "I would say Ruben needs to demonstrate that he's a great coach over three years. That's where I would be – three years – because football is not overnight. Look at Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he had a miserable time the first couple of years."

  When pressed about whether the Glazer family could intervene and force Amorim’s dismissal, Ratcliffe’s answer was blunt: "It’s not going to happen."

• Amorim walking on thin ice?

  Amorim understands that he has the unenviable task of moulding a fractured squad into a cohesive, confident unit. Hence, despite such unwavering public support from the top, he knows that another barren spell might push him towards the exit door.  

  "If I'm going to be here in the final stage, I don't know," he added. "That is not my concern, but I'm going to do everything to help the club return to that place." 

  Michael Owen also believes that behind the scenes, Ratcliffe must be more pragmatic. "Behind closed doors, I'm sure he'd have a more realistic view, but in public he must back the manager. That's just how it works in football," he said to .

  "If Manchester United lost the next five games, the tone would change, but for now he's doing the right thing by supporting him. I like what he says and his principles. With time, investment, and stability, he can succeed. Some massive managers have failed at that club over the last decade, so at some point you have to stop chopping and changing and just stick with someone. The club has changed everything – managers, facilities, staff, even the boardroom. Now they need stability and time to piece it back together. That’s what Amorim can bring if he’s given the chance."

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  Brighton test looms large for Amorim

  The next challenge for Amorim’s revitalised side comes in the form of Brighton & Hove Albion, a team currently in blistering form under Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls arrive at Old Trafford unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions, including statement league wins over Chelsea and Newcastle United, and a comfortable Carabao Cup success against Barnsley. Draws with Tottenham and Wolves have further showcased their consistency, leaving them just one point behind United in the table after eight matchdays.

It was PBKS’ second and MI’s third such offence in IPL 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jun-20253:14

Shreyas Iyer’s hat-trick of sixes turned the match

Both Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya were fined after their teams, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) respectively, maintained slow over-rates during their IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 face-off in Ahmedabad on Sunday night.The game got off to a late start because of unseasonal rain in Ahmedabad just after the toss, which brought into effect the tweaked playing conditions of the tournament, allowing two hours of additional time to complete a full game, but the slow over-rates ended up pushing the finish time further.As it was PBKS’ second over-rate offence of the season, Iyer was fined INR 24 lakh, while Hardik, for his team’s third such offence, was fined INR 30 lakh. The rest of the members of the PBKS playing group were each fined either INR 6 lakh or 25% of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser, while those numbers went up to INR 12 lakh and 50% for MI.Despite this being MI’s third over-rate offence, Hardik will not have to serve a suspension, as he had to at the end of IPL 2024, which forced him to miss the first match of IPL 2025, since that rule was amended ahead of the ongoing season.PBKS rode on Iyer’s 41-ball 87 not out to knock MI out of the tournament, and took them to their first IPL final since 2014, where they will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3. With neither PBKS nor RCB – both in the mix since the inaugural season in 2008 – having won the tournament to date, we will have a new IPL champion come Tuesday night.

تحدث الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تطورات إصابات لاعبي الزمالك قبل انطلاق بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، مؤكدًا أن الجهاز الطبي للفريق يواجه ضغطًا كبيرًا بعد تعرض ثلاثة لاعبين للإصابة في المباراة الأخيرة أمام طلائع الجيش بالدوري.

واستضاف الزمالك نظيره طلائع الجيش، أمس الأحد، على ملعب استاد القاهرة، بالجولة الثالثة عشر من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري، واستطاع الفارس الأبيض تحقيق الفوز بثلاثية مقابل هدف.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية صباح اليوم الاثنين: “جماهير الزمالك كانت في حالة قلق بالأمس بعد الإصابات الثلاثة، وسأوضح الموقف بالتفصيل وفقًا لتوقعي ومتابعتي”.

وأضاف: “اللاعب خوان بيزيرا تعرض لإصابة في العضلة الخلفية، وكان يبكي بعد المباراة بشدة، ومن المقرر أن يخضع لفحوصات لتحديد حجم الإصابة، ولكن حسب المؤشرات، الإصابة تحتاج على الأقل لعشرة أيام من العلاج، وبالتالي من المؤكد بنسبة 100% غيابه عن بطولة السوبر”.

طالع أيضًا | شيكابالا يكشف هل أجبره جون إدوارد على الاعتزال.. وموقفه من رحيل فيريرا عن الزمالك

وأوضح شوبير أن إصابة العضلة الخلفية عادة ما تستلزم راحة أطول مقارنة بإصابة عضلة السمانة، مشيرًا إلى أن بيزيرا شعر بآلام واضحة أثناء المباراة.

وعن حالة الحارس محمد صبحي، قال: “صبحي يُعاني من إجهاد بسيط، وهذه الحالة عادة لا تستغرق أكثر من يومين أو ثلاثة على الأكثر، لذا سيكون جاهزًا للمشاركة في السوبر، ولا توجد أزمة في مركز حراسة المرمى خاصة في ظل وجود مهدي سليمان ومحمد عواد كخيارات مميزة”.

أما بشأن أحمد فتوح، أوضح شوبير: “فتوح بخير، ورغم خروجه المقلق خلال اللقاء، إلا أن الجهاز الطبي رفض إجراء التبديل السادس الخاص بحالات إصابات الرأس، حتى لا يدخل اللاعب في البروتوكول الطبي الذي يُلزم بالغياب أسبوعًا على الأقل، بناءً على ذلك، أرى أن فتوح قد يغيب يومًا أو يومين فقط، وسيكون جاهزًا للسوبر”.

واختتم شوبير حديثه بالإشارة إلى أن آدم كايد لن يتمكن من اللحاق ببطولة السوبر بشكل مؤكد، بينما موقف فتوح وصبحي مطمئن، وبيزيرا هو الغائب الأبرز عن اللقاء.

Big Picture: WTC points at stake for both sides

After a draw in the first Test in Galle, the action moves to Colombo with more World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line for a Test arguably more important for Sri Lanka than Bangladesh. As their remaining two home series in this cycle are against India and South Africa, two Tests without a win against a lower-ranked Bangladesh might leave the hosts feeling like they left points on the table.As for the visitors, they were the closer of the two sides to getting a positive result in Galle, and will be heading to Colombo with the belief that they can go one better. And with their remaining two away series this cycle against WTC 2025 finalists Australia and South Africa, the points might prove more valuable than most.It is also Sri Lanka’s first Test of the post-Angelo Mathews era, with the search for his replacement now moving into full gear. The first to get a go looks likely to be spin-bowling allrounder Sonal Dinusha, whose slow left-arm spin makes him a handy option – particularly in home conditions. With no Tests on Sri Lanka’s cards until next year, he’ll be itching to make this opportunity one to remember.Related

• Dhananjaya de Silva bets on pace in second Test against Bangladesh

• Focused Shanto regains form despite instability all around him

If Sri Lanka opt to throw all their spin eggs in the Prabath Jayasuriya basket, then one of Pavan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara or even Oshada Fernando could come in.Bangladesh, meanwhile, welcome Mehidy Hasan Miraz back after he missed the first Test with fever. You would expect the No. 2-ranked allrounder in the world to be welcomed back with open arms. But his replacement Nayeem Hasan was arguably the best bowler on show in the first Test.With the SSC surface expected to be dry and batter-friendly, both teams will be trying to decipher the ideal combination. Dhananjaya de Silva hinted that three seamers were likely for Sri Lanka – which could potentially mean a debut for Isitha Wijesundara – but if Bangladesh were to follow suit, it might mean Nayeem misses out.Bangladesh, though, have the seam options to go with a three-pronged spin attack, with both Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain available for selection. With Ebadot just returning from an injury layoff, Khaled could get the nod, particularly owing to his proficiency with the new ball.

Form guide

Sri Lanka: DLLLL
Bangladesh: DWLWLLAnamul Haque fell for 0 and 4 in the Galle Test•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Dhananjaya de Silva and Anamul Haque

For most of his career, Dhananjaya de Silva has batted at No. 6 or lower. He was tried at No. 5 for the entire 2021 as well, and to some success. But with Mathews retired, Sri Lanka’s Test middle order is getting its first real shake-up in over a decade. The biggest beneficiary of that might be the Sri Lanka captain himself. Dhananjaya looks set to slot into that No. 4 role – at least initially – a position he has batted in on only six prior occasions, and one where he averages just 20.33. DDS, as he’s commonly known, has always been the man for a crisis in Sri Lanka’s lower order, and Sri Lanka will be hoping that crisis-management mode kicks in upon the retirement of one of the country’s stalwarts.Anamul Haque’s Test career hasn’t been one to write home about. Having made his Test debut back in 2013, he was in the wilderness from 2014 to 2022. Anamul’s return to the national team was brief, though, as he was dropped after a single Test for another three years. At 32 years of age, his return against Zimbabwe this April was less comeback, and more a reintroduction. He scored 39, his highest Test score, the only time he batted in that game. The Galle Test brought Anamul scores of 0 and 4, not ideal either. But on an SSC track that is expected to be as batter-friendly – if not, more – now, if ever, is the time to deliver.Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be back in action after a fever•AFP/Getty Images

Team news

Sri Lanka will be pondering Mathews’ replacement, as well as whether to play three seamers. Milan Rathnayake’s injury has left open a spot for a bowling allrounder, and Dinusha seems likely to fill that role. Tharindu Ratnayake will be the one to make way if Sri Lanka go for an extra seamer.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Lahiru Udara, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Sonal Dinusha, 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Prabath Jayasuriya, 9 Vishwa Fernando, 10 Kasun Rajitha/Isitha Wijesundara, 11 Asitha FernandoBangladesh will have to decide how to slot in the returning Mehidy, while also pondering whether to go with three seamers or an extra spinner. It could be Nayeem who misses out if the extra seamer does come in. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also picked up a finger injury at training, but it doesn’t look likely to rule him out.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Jaker Ali (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Nayeem Hasan/Khaled Ahmed/Ebadot Hossain, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Nahid Rana, 11 Hasan MahmudOf active Sri Lanka players, Prabath Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at SSC•AFP/Getty Images

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka have lost four of their last eight Tests at the SSC. Prior to that, they had gone 21 Tests without defeat at the venue.
• Of active Sri Lanka players, Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at the SSC.
• Bangladesh have beaten Sri Lanka just once across 27 Tests.

Quotes

“Runs in the first innings is the key. Then we can try and take 20 wickets in the game. Toss will not be a major factor. Even in Galle, we were able to score the same number of runs as them.”
“To leave Naeem out is difficult. But we make sure everyone is on the same page, and if a decision has to be made, people understand that it’s what’s best for the team.”

Scott Currie and Chris Wood impress with ball as hosts struggle to 141 for 7 from 20 overs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Jun-2025

James Vince steered the Hampshire chase before rain arrived•Getty Images

Hampshire secured a rare win against Surrey in the Vitality Blast when rain brought an early close to their game at the Kia Oval with the visitors 15 runs ahead under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.Miserly bowling from Scott Currie and Chris Wood restricted a subdued home side to an underwhelming 141 for 7, Jason Roy top-scoring for the third time this season with 37, while Sam Curran and Laurie Evans made 34 and 33 not out respectively.Hampshire were cruising at 63 for 0 in reply when the rain came with skipper James Vince 33 not out and Toby Albert unbeaten on 28. It was only Hampshire’s second win in their last 11 meetings with Surrey in the Blast.As with their first two batting efforts in the Blast this season, Surrey struggled for fluency after being put in by Vince. Dom Sibley smote an early six, but the former England Test opener fell in the next over, a wicket for debutant South African slow left-arm bowler Bjorn Fortuin.Ollie Pope, unsure if he’ll retain the England No. 3 shirt for next week’s first Test against India, was starved of strike and made only 11 before an attempted ramp off Currie found the gloves of wicketkeeper Albert.Even Roy with scores of 92 and 69 behind him in the Blast struggled to break the shackles, two successive fours off John Turner from the last over of the powerplay the best of his contribution.Eyes were now on captain Curran, who laboured until unleashing successive sixes off Turner, the first of which disappeared down the exit steps beyond the midwicket boundary onto the concourse. He too though fell attempting a third big hit on the spin and only some late blows from Evans carried Surrey to a third successive score in the 140s.The first over of the chase brought drama, Dan Worrall finding the edge of Albert’s bat, only for Roy to grass the chance at second slip.Vince’s dismissive cover drive to end the over though suggested he was in the groove and he soon caressed another from Nathan Smith to the fence at point.Rain was now falling but three boundaries, one from a misfield on the fence helped raise the 50 partnership and put Hampshire well ahead of the DLS par score. Albert, growing in confidence, cut one from Surrey debutant, Kiwi international Mitchell Santner, to the fence just before the increasing rain brought a halt to proceedings.

Tottenham Hotspur face Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight, looking to extend their excellent start to life under new boss Thomas Frank.

The Lilywhites have only tasted defeat once in their first six competitive outings across all competitions, with this evening’s clash against the League One side their first in the League Cup for 2025/26.

Such a game will no doubt allow the Dane to rotate his first team squad and hand valuable minutes to players who have struggled to nail down a regular starting role.

It’s crucial that the manager finds the balance between youngsters and senior first-team options, with Grant McCann’s side already dumping out Championship opposition in Middlesbrough earlier this tournament.

Frank may have to make some bold changes to his side, potentially dropping one player who’s already been in tremendous form during the early stages of the campaign.

Why Richarlison should be dropped against Doncaster

Usual number nine Dominic Solanke has been out injured for the opening stages of the season, resulting in Richarlison being given the nod to lead the line by the new manager.

The Brazilian has failed to impress over recent seasons, but Frank’s arrival has given him a new lease of life, already finding the back of the net on three occasions.

He netted twice on the opening day of the season against Burnley, with the latter of his two strikes being named as the club’s Goal of the Month for August.

The 28-year-old also found the back of the net in Saturday’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, getting the ball rolling after being 2-0 down within the first half an hour.

The former Everton star has featured for 348 league minutes of the league season, potentially being in need of desperate rest to avoid picking up another injury.

It may appear a controversial decision given his recent form in North London, but he may need to be benched to allow one player to make a rare start for the Lilywhites.

The Spurs player who should make his first start tonight

During the off-season, Spurs made numerous impressive additions that have already strengthened the options at Frank’s disposal for his first year at the helm.

Mohammed Kudus was the most expensive one of the summer additions, costing £55m from local rivals West Ham United – already making an immediate impact in North London.

The Ghanaian has already registered four assists for the club, subsequently becoming the first player since James Maddison to register two assists on his debut for the club.

Players such as Xavi Simons and Joao Palhinha have also arrived during the off-season, subsequently cementing their place as regular starters in the first team squad.

However, the same can’t be said about Mathys Tel, after the French striker joined on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window.

Such a move generated huge excitement within the fanbase, but he’s yet to make a huge impact under Frank in the first month of his spell in the Premier League.

Mathys Tel – Spurs career so far
Statistics	Tally
Games played	24
Minutes played	1321
Goals scored	3
Assists	1
Yellow cards	3
Red cards	0
Average rating	6.75
Stats via FotMob

The 20-year-old has only made a single appearance in the league, only featuring for a total of 98 minutes in England’s top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign to date.

Such a lack of action could be a surprise given his impressive tally of three goals in his 20 appearances for the Lilywhites last season, with tonight the perfect opportunity to hand the Frenchman a rare start.

Tel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has still managed to impress despite his limited action, registering an 81% pass accuracy rate and a 50% dribble success rate.

He’s also won 5.5 duels per 90, whilst winning 1.8 fouls per 90, offering a constant threat to the opposition backline – something which Frank will want to utilise against the League One outfit.

Given his exclusion from the Champions League squad for the 2025/26 campaign, the Carabao Cup could be an excellent chance for Tel to gain valuable first-team minutes.

It’s also a chance for Richarlison to get a needed rest after his number of minutes early on this campaign, potentially giving the Frenchman a chance to stake his claim for a starting role.

The best since Kane: Spurs talent could steal the #10 shirt from Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur may already have a star who could be Thomas Frank’s new number ten.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 23, 2025

AC Milan are one of the most historic clubs in Europe. However, they have won just one Serie A title in the last 14 years.

Despite this, the Rossoneri still have a number of stars at the San Siro, and as a result, have an annual payroll of €94.7m, with the average player earning €3.3m a season.

But who earns the most? Every Milan player in the first-team squad has been ranked in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the 2025/26 season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Christopher Nkunku

€178,077

€9,260,000

Adrien Rabiot

€178,077

€9,260,000

Luka Modric

€124,615

€6,480,000

Rafael Leao

€123,269

€6,410,000

Youssouf Fofana

€106,923

€5,560,000

Christian Pulisic

€98,654

€5,130,000

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

€98,654

€5,130,000

Santiago Gimenez

€89,038

€4,630,000

Ardon Jashari

€89,038

€4,630,000

Pervis Estupinan

€89,038

€4,630,000

Samuele Ricci

€89,038

€4,630,000

Fikayo Tomori

€86,346

€4,490,000

Ismael Bennacer

€81,154

€4,220,000

Mike Maignan

€69,038

€3,590,000

Matteo Gabbia

€64,038

€3,330,000

Strahinja Pavlovic

€60,577

€3,150,000

Koni De Winter

€60,577

€3,150,000

Yunus Munsah

€49,231

€2,560,000

Warren Bondo

€36,923

€1,920,000

Zachary Athekame

€35,577

€1,850,000

Pietro Terracciano

€28,462

€1,480,000

Alexis Saelemaekers

€24,615

€1,280,000

Davide Bartesaghi

€21,346

€1,100,000

David Odogu

€17,885

€930,000

Lorenzo Torriani

€7,115

€370,000

Here's a detailed look at AC Milan's top 10 earners… 10 Santiago Gimenez €89,038 per week

Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez joined AC Milan from Feyenoord at the beginning of 2025, penning a deal until 2029.

In the second half of the 2024/25 season, Gimenez scored five Serie A goals in 670 minutes.

9 Ardon Jashari €89,038 per week

Ardon Jashari swapped Club Brugge for AC Milan in a deal worth a total of €39m.

The Switzerland international, who is primarily a holding midfielder, is on €4.63m a season for the next five years.

8 Pervis Estupinan €89,038 per week

After starring in the Premier League for Brighton, left-back Pervis Estupinan headed to the San Siro in a deal that saw the Seagulls receive £17m.

An Ecuador international, Estupinan is the fourth player on €4.63m a season and like Jashari, is under contract until 2030.

7 Ruben Loftus-Cheek €98,654 per week

English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek joined Milan from Chelsea in 2023.

Loftus-Cheek penned a four-year deal and has already made more than 70 appearances in red and black.

6 Christian Pulisic €98,654 per week

Also picking up €5.13m per season is Christian Pulisic, with the attacker really finding his feet in Italy after a tricky period with Chelsea.

Captain of the United States, Pulisic signed in 2023 and has been a regular ever since. He’s under contract until 2027.

5 Youssouf Fofana €106,923 per week

Midfielder Youssouf Fofana arrived in 2024 from Monaco at a cost of a reported €25m.

The France international was linked with the likes of Manchester United before signing for Milan, penning a four-year deal at the San Siro.

4 Rafael Leao €123,269 per week

Winger Rafael Leao has been attracting plenty of interest after his starring displays in Italy and is the top earner at AC Milan.

The Portugal international was signed for €35m in 2019, and should Milan cash in over the coming years, they could make a healthy profit.

3 Luka Modric €124,615 per week

Luka Modric signed a one-year deal with AC Milan in 2025 after leaving Real Madrid following 13 years at the Bernabeu.

With no transfer fee required, Modric signed a €6.5m deal and turned 40 at the start of the 2025/26 season.

2 Adrien Rabiot €178,077 per week

AC MIlan’s joint-top earner, Adrien Rabiot moved to the club from Marseille in 2025 after a short spell with the French club.

Formerly of Juventus, the midfielder signed a three-year deal and is in line to earn just shy of €28m in wages.

1 Christopher Nkunku €178,077 per week

Christopher Nkunku is also on €9.26m per season and signed a five-year deal with AC Milan after joining from Chelsea.

Costing around €42m, the French forward has played in Ligue 1, Bundesliga and the Premier League before moving to Serie A.

Tottenham striker Richarlison could leave the club in 2026, and it is believed that Thomas Frank has already been offered a replacement for the Brazilian.

Richarlison targeted by Orlando City with talks held

The 28-year-old started this season in electric fashion, scoring an early goal of the season contender with a bicycle kick against Burnley on the opening day, but doubts have surrounded Richarlison’s ability to lead the line on a consistent basis.

Signed for £60 million from Everton, the striker’s flashes of brilliance have been undercut by stretches of inconsistent form and bad luck with injuries.

Matches

11

Wins

6

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

Frank dropped Richarlison in favour of Mathys Tel against Leeds, with the Frenchman responding by scoring their opening goal of the game and helping Tottenham to a gritty 2-1 win at Elland Road.

With his contract expiring in 2027, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and the new-look Spurs board must make a decision on the striker’s long-term future soon.

Crystal Palace have been named as a potential destination for Richarlison, as have MLS side Orlando City, who’ve moved with the most serious intent so far.

Oscar Pareja’s side held a meeting with the forward’s representatives in London ahead of a potential 2026 move, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, with an exit for Richarlison next summer viewed as possible, even if he’s a “key player” for Frank at this moment in time.

Dominic Solanke’s injury woes, with the striker still out of action after minor ankle surgery, also highlights the potential need for Spurs to consider new striker options heading into next year.

Frank is said to have personally contacted Ivan Toney about the possibility of joining Tottenham on loan in January, according to some reports, and now Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović has emerged as an option too.

Tottenham offered Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović by agents

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, Vlahovic’s camp are reaching out to potential suitors, and they’ve held talks with Spurs.

The Serbia international’s contract expires in 2026, meaning he could be available either for free next summer or for a small fee in January. He’s started the campaign in fine form — scoring four goals in eight appearances so far — including a brace against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

That being said, he’d almost certainly have to take a dramatic pay cut on his rumoured £370,000-per-week wages if a move to N17 is to become possible.

As Tottenham are offered the chance to sign Vlahovic, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also weighing up free transfer offers next summer, Frank’s side could potentially sneak ahead of the European heavyweights by agreeing a low-cost winter deal.

Money won’t be an obstacle, especially since the Lewis family have just pumped £100 million into Spurs via ENIC.

What’s more, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has already called Vlahovic “one of the best of his generation”.