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Tottenham Hotspur’s attack in 2025/26 has fallen way below the standards Thomas Frank will have expected, with the Dane previously working with numerous elite-level talents.

During his time as Brentford manager, he oversaw the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, with both players managing to register 20+ goal seasons in the Premier League.

At present, the Lilywhites don’t have a player capable of achieving such feats, with Richarlison the current top scorer on five goals from his first 12 appearances.

Investment is no doubt needed during the upcoming transfer windows to provide the manager with the ammunition he will need to take the club to the next level.

With January rapidly approaching on the horizon, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting multiple players who will improve the situation within the final third.

Spurs’ hunt for added attacking signings this January

Over the last couple of weeks, Spurs have been named as just one of the Premier League sides interested in a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Ghanaian international, with Arsenal and Liverpool just two other clubs interested in a deal for the 25-year-old this winter.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are willing to meet the attacker’s current £65m release clause, but it’s unclear if the player himself would be open to a move to North London.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently being lined up by the Spurs hierarchy, with Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa another talent the board are closely monitoring.

The Spaniard has already scored 11 times in his 18 appearances across all competitions, subsequently showcasing the impressive goalscoring nature he possesses in the final third.

The same news outlet has also confirmed that the Lilywhites are also willing to fork out a reported £80m for the 21-year-old’s signature, which could see the hierarchy splash £145m on the pair.

Why Spurs’ £102k targets would be Frank’s answer to Son & Kane

Over the last few seasons, the Spurs faithful have been massively blessed with numerous attacking talents, but none more so than Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

The pair featured together for just shy of a decade in North London, with the duo breaking numerous long-standing records during their time alongside one another.

As a result of their success alongside each other in the Premier League, they combined between one another for a staggering 47 goals in England’s top-flight.

Such a tally is higher than any other partnership in the division’s 33-year history, highlighting the success they achieved when featuring together at the Lilywhites.

However, none of the players remain on the books in North London, with Son moving to LAFC in the recent summer window, whilst Kane joined Bayern Munich a little over two years ago.

Frank will no doubt be wishing he could rely upon such stars in the present day, but he could be about to get his own version, if the hierarchy complete deals for Semenyo and Samu this January.

The former of the duo would likely occupy the left-wing position, but did possess a huge attacking threat, as seen by his tally of nine combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

His underlying stats further showcase his talents in attacking areas this campaign, with the Ghanaian completing 1.9 dribbles and creating an average of 1.4 chances per 90.

Out of possession, the Cherries star has been just as impressive, subsequently making 5.3 recoveries and winning possession 0.9 times per 90 in the final third – with both ranking him in the top 15% of attackers in the league.

Antoine Semenyo – PL stats (25/26)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	11
Goals & assists	9
Take-ons completed	1.9
Chances created	1.4
Progressive passes	3.6
Passes into opposition box	1.6
Shots on target	1.3
Recoveries made	5.3
Stats via FBref

However, he could form a deadly partnership with Samu in the years to come, with the Spaniard potentially being the beneficiary of Semenyo’s quality in North London.

During his spell in Portugal with Porto, the 21-year-old has already demonstrated his clinical nature, as seen by his remarkable tally of 36 goals in his first 60 outings for the club.

This campaign alone, he’s posted a 64% shot on target accuracy rate, whilst achieving a 0.86 goal per 90 record – ranking him in the top

8% of all strikers in Europe to date.

His tally of 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90 showcases his picker instincts, which could see him getting on the end of Semenyo’s mazy runs in North London.

The duo, who earn a combined £102k, would cost a reported £145m this January, but such a figure would be superb business for two players of their quality.

Since Kane and Son’s respective departures, the club have been lacking quality in forward areas, with various moves for Semenyo and Samu finally handing Frank the talent he’s craved since taking the reins.

Frank must drop Bentancur to unleash Spurs star who's just "like Modric"

Tottenham Hotspur face PSG looking to claim revenge for the UEFA Super Cup final.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 26, 2025

Luis Robert Jr. is being painfully honest about his status with the Chicago White Sox.

On Wednesday, the veteran outfielder was asked if he expected to still be with the team on Opening Day and said, "Honestly, no."

That's about as blunt as you can get.

"I know there were a lot of rumors around there. I didn't think I would be here," Robert said, per Chris Emma of 670 The Score. "But I'm glad that I'm here. … This was the organization that gave me the chance to make my dream come true."

Robert had a down season in 2024 as the White Sox turned in one of the worst seasons in MLB history. In 100 games, he slashed .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs and 35 RBIs. He missed a considerable chunk of time due to a hip flexor strain and never seemed to get right before the campaign ended.

He's still one of the top targets on the trade market but the White Sox have yet to move him.

أخطر الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك بتعيين طاقم تحكيم رواندي لمباراة الفارس الأبيض أمام كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية لدور المجموعات ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويستضيف استاد “بيتر موكابا” بمدينة بولوكواني مواجهة الزمالك وكايزر تشيفز يوم السبت الموافق 29 نوفمبر الجاري، في تمام الساعة الثالثة عصرًا، حيث يسعى الفريق الأبيض لتعزيز موقعه على رأس المجموعة الرابعة التي تضم أيضًا أندية المصري وزيسكو يونايتد الزامبي.

وكان الزمالك قد بدأ تحضيراته لملاقاة زيسكو في الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات، والتي ستقام على استاد القاهرة الدولي يوم الأحد 23 نوفمبر في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً.

طالع أيضًا.. طلعت يوسف: وضع الزمالك لا يسمح بالمنافسة على الدوري.. واستمرار عبد الرؤوف قرار صحيح حكم مباراة الزمالك وكايزر تشيفز في كأس الكونفدرالية

ويتكون طاقم التحكيم من صامويل أويكوندا حكمًا للساحة، ويعاونه ديودوني موتوييمانا وديدييه أيشيموي كمساعدين، فيما يتولى روريسا باتينس فيديل مهمة الحكم الرابع، كما اختار “كاف” سينون فيليب جورج من سيشل مراقبًا عامًا للمباراة.

MatériaMais Notícias

A palavra “família” esteve muito em evidência após a estreia de Lúcio Flávio na empreitada de comandar oBotafogo na reta final do Campeonato Brasileiro. No decorrer da vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Fluminense, domingo (8), no Maracanã, a busca por trazer de volta a identificação do Alvinegro depois do período conturbado que culminou na demissão de Bruno Lage ficou nítida em campo.

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A ansiedade por trazer de volta o Glorioso que a torcida se acostumou a conhecer passou pela escalação. Di Plácido voltou a ser titular, enquanto Tchê Tchê se juntou a Marlon Freitas e Eduardo. Na frente, Júnior Santos ganhou a disputa para formar a linha de frente com Victor Sá e Tiquinho Soares.

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Antes de a bola rolar, os botafoguenses presentes no Maracanã ratificaram o apoio, aos gritos de “ah, é Lúcio Flávio!”. E, assim que a bola rolou, não demorou muito para as características do treinador começarem a entrar em cena.

Munido de um papel, o ex-jogador anotava suas impressões sobre a postura botafoguense. Olhava para o campo e gesticulava para os atletas.

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-No futebol, a gente precisa fazer com que os jogadores entendam que todos são importantes. Quando a gente fala em relação à família é porque muitas vezes passa mais tempo com as pessoas que trabalha e precisa fazer com que o ambiente seja mais leve. A gente precisa fazer com que eles entendam que um depende do outro – afirmou em entrevista coletiva.

Lúcio Flávio e Carli: ‘entrosamento’ perfeito (Foto: Vitor Silva / Botafogo)

Outra pecularidade também foi tomando conta. Alçado ao posto de auxiliar após um pedido do elenco, Joel Carli saía do banco de reservas e conversava com o treinador interino. Trocavam ideias e o ex-zagueiro voltava para o banco de reservas.

Meticuloso, o técnico ia acompanhando as investidas de um Alvinegro que ia se impondo na etapa inicial. A equipe dominava as ações, pressionando a saída de bola adversária e, ao partir para o ataque, abusava da velocidade. Desta vez, Eduardo ficava mais próximo do ataque, conseguindo ser mais participativo.

Até que o lançamento de Tchê Tchê encontrou Júnior Santos livre para marcar na saída de Fábio. Lúcio Flávio celebrou num tom de alento, mas sem deixar de se preocupar com o que via em campo.

Minutos depois, Júnior Santos abriu caminho e Tiquinho Soares rompeu livre até ampliar o marcador. Lúcio Flávio ergueu as mãos para o céu e, logo depois, encontrou o abraço do goleiro Lucas Perri.

Em meio à espera sobre a checagem de um possível impedimento no gol, aconteceu uma situação curiosa: rapidamente, o treinador pegou uma prancheta e orientou jogadores que estavam próximos ao banco de reservas. Enquanto isso, Joel Carli, na área técnica, passava orientações.

-Carli esteve até alguns meses aqui do lado deles, conhece muito bem o vestiário. Sabe muito bem fazer a abordagem ali com os jogadores, levantar o astral de cada um para, quando forem designados, consigam jogar o melhor deles – garantiu o treinador.

Com o gol confirmado, enfim Lúcio Flávio recebeu uma sucessão de abraços.

Após um primeiro tempo exemplar, os alvinegros optaram por uma cautela. E, nesse momento, entrou em cena outro fator que estava em falta nas partidas mais recentes: a força defensiva.

À exceção de uma conclusão de John Kennedy que parou na trave e uma batida de Léo Fernández que exigiu Lucas Perri, o Botafogo não chegou a ser ameaçado com tanto rigor.

Adryelson e Victor Cuesta mantiveram sua sintonia fina. Nas laterais, Di Plácido mostrava-se bastante participativo ao subir ao ataque, e tanto o argentino quanto Marçal continham os avanços de Keno e Arias.

Perante o calor do jogo, Lúcio Flávio foi indicando quais eram suas variações para manter o jogo sob controle alvinegro. Um dos jogadores sacados foi Júnior Santos, destaque da equipe na partida.

-Quando ele saiu, agradeceu por transmitir a confiança e dar a ele essa oportunidade. Falei que ele tinha muito a ajudar o Botafogo. É um jogador que tem muito potencial, uma característica peculiar de muito arranque e muito querido pelo grupo – declarou o treinador.

As trocas fizeram o Alvinegro mostrar seu brio, garantindo a vitória. Ao fim da partida, o “novo” treinador foi acolhido pelo grupo e reverenciado pela torcida que tanto o acolheu como jogador: “ah, é Lúcio Flávio!”.

Com a visão de quem se acostumou a vivenciar o elenco do Botafogo, Lúcio Flávio soube fazer com que o elenco se sentisse de novo como uma família.

-O Lúcio (Flávio) tem uma ideia do nosso time muito parecida com a do Luís Castro, com a do (Cláudio) Caçapa quando estava aqui com a gente. Acho que ele tentou resgatar isso. Acho que o Lúcio tentou resgatar isso – afirmou Lucas Perri na zona mista do Maracanã.

O meio-campista Tchê Tchê também demonsrou felicidade com o novo treinador.

-Ele estava aqui com a gente. Um personagem importante tanto com a camisa, quanto na comissão técnica. Ficamos felizes por ele. Abraçamos ele desde que foi passado para nós que seria nosso comandante. A gente é uma família muito unida, muito humilde. Tem os protagonistas, mas cada um vai se equivalendo da força para o outro. Isso é que é o mais importante – afirmou.

O Botafogo volta a campo na quarta-feira, dia 18, contra o América-MG, no Independência. A Data Fifa dará mais tempo para os laços de família se estreitarem.

After Mohamed Salah finished fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed why he thinks France Football looked past the Egyptian’s incredible year.

2025 Ballon d'Or rankings cause controversy

As ever, the Ballon d’Or rankings caused plenty of debate. There wasn’t a place in the top 10 for either Virgil van Dijk or Harry Kane, whilst many have even disputed eventual winner, Ousmane Dembele. Truth be told, the award has lost some of its value ever since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo vacated their throne.

The most controversial placing was Salah’s. The Egyptian, who broke records as Liverpool sealed the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season at the club, finished fourth and below Vitinha, Lamine Yamal and Dembele. Whilst there’s an argument to be had that he shouldn’t have won the award, it feels harsh that he missed out on a place in the top three altogether.

Games

52

53

Goals

34

35

Assists

23

16

If the award is based on individual performance, then it’s hard to find a more worthy winner than Liverpool’s star. He was involved in more goals than Dembele, Yamal and, of course, midfield star Vitinha, but failed to finish above all three.

It comes just one year on from missing out on a nomination entirely in 2024, as France Football continue to look beyond Anfield’s Egyptian King. At 33 years old, it seems unlikely that Salah will have a better opportunity to win the award than in 2025, either.

Many have had their say as to why the winger missed out on the award, including Liverpool legend Carragher, who recently put Salah’s snub down to one particular reason.

Carragher reveals why Ballon d'Or snubbed Salah

Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher revealed why he believes Salah missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Dembele. The former central defender looked back on Liverpool’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and claimed that the French side’s victory made all the difference.

There will be many who disagree with that verdict, but previous years have highlighted just how important the Champions League is in deciding these awards.

Sky journalist shares "big" Crystal Palace news as Liverpool gifted Guehi boost

The Reds could yet get their man…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 25, 2025

With that, Salah’s snub arguably came down to two games against the European champions last season rather than the sensational campaign that he otherwise enjoyed.

علق حلمي طولان، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الثاني والمشارك في كأس العرب، على أنباء رحيل يانيك فيريرا عن تدريب الزمالك.

واستقر الزمالك برئاسة حسين لبيب، على توجيه الشكر إلى يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني، عقب تراجع النتائج في الدوري الممتاز.

طالع|مدرب عربي يقترب من خلافة فيريرا في الزمالك

وقال طولان، ضيف برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “اختيار فيريرا من البداية غير موفق”.

وتابع: “مدرب يحصل على 15 أو 20 ألف دولار فمستواه أقل بشكل كبير من مستوى الزمالك، النادي في حاجة إلى مدير فني صاحب مستوى عالي، وفيريرا لم يُظلم ولكن هو ظلم فريق الزمالك ولا يليق بالنادي”.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة طلائع الجيش، في الجولة الـ13 من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز يوم الأحد المقبل، في الساعة الخامسة على ملعب القاهرة الدولي.

تحدث خوان لابورتا، رئيس نادي برشلونة حول الضغوطات التي يمارسها إعلام ريال مدريد على التحكيم قبل مباراة الكلاسيكو المرتقبة.

ومن المقرر أن يواجه نادي برشلونة نظيره ريال مدريد مساء غدٍ الأحد، في تمام الساعة السادسة والربع بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

وقال لابورتا، خلال حضوره المؤتمر الـ 15 لرابطة مشجعي برشلونة في الأندلس: “نحن في وضع أفضل من السابق ولم نقع في فخ التنبؤات الكارثية التي لم تكن موجودة ولا متوقعة، أشعر أنا ومجلس الإدارة بأننا أقوى وأكثر اقتناعًا وعزمًا من أي وقت مضى على استكمال تعافي النادي من جميع أزماته”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رد فعل رافينها بعد تأكد غيابه عن مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

وأكمل: “برشلونة لا يُقهر، ولذلك أطلب منكم أن تبقوا أكثر تماسكًا من أي وقت مضى للدفاع عن شعارنا وجوهرنا وأن تدعموا فريقنا ومدربينا ولاعبينا أكثر من أي وقت مضى، أنتم روابط المشجعين، أعضاء برشلونة، لأن برشلونة ملككم لأنكم تحبونه وأنتم أفضل من يفهم متى يكون من الضروري دعم النادي واستقراره خاصة في أوقات الشدة”.

وأضاف في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “لنستعد لمباراة رائعة ونحن جميعًا على ثقة بأن فريقنا سيمنحنا فرحة كبيرة، لقد خلق خصمنا (ريال مدريد) جوًا غير لائق حول طاقم التحكيم”.

وأتم: “من خلال ما تفعله شبكتهم التلفزيونية، فإنهم يؤثرون على الحكام، إنها استراتيجية للفوز لا ينبغي على أحد أن يقوم بها، لا يمكنهم القول إن الحكام يؤذونهم أو يفضلون برشلونة، نحن لا نلعب دور الضحية وسنحاول الفوز في البرنابيو مرة أخرى”.

Russell Martin’s days as Glasgow Rangers manager are surely numbered.

To date, the shortest-serving permanent head coach in the Ibrox club’s 153-year history is Pedro Caixinha, who took charge of just 26 games in 2017.

For Martin to reach that mark, he would still need to be in charge by the time the Light Blues face Braga in the Europa League on 27 November which, right now, feels frankly fanciful.

On Saturday, the Gers were beaten 2-0 by Heart of Midlothian at Ibrox, meaning they’ve failed to win their opening five league fixtures for only the second time in their entire history, also doing so in 1978, currently sat tenth in the Premiership table.

Thus, supporters are already wondering who will replace Martin as manager, hoping the 49ers make this decision sooner rather than later, but should they go for a more left-field candidate, one praised for the “outstanding” job he did at his previous club, rather than the obvious options?

Leading candidates to become Rangers manager

According to reports, the two front-runners to become the new Rangers manager are Steven Gerrard and Sean Dyche.

Gerrard has been out of work since being sacked by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January, having won only 19 of 55 matches in charge.

His time as Aston Villa boss didn’t go particularly well either, but the Liverpool legend did enjoy a very successful time at Ibrox.

In 192 matches as Rangers boss, Gerrard collected 124 wins, leading them to memorable European victories over Porto, Feyenoord, Braga, Galatasaray and others, historically guiding the club to their sole top-flight title since 2011, crucially denying Celtic ten-in-a-row.

Manager Focus

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Other candidate, Dyche, meantime was sacked by Everton in January, but is best known for his work at Burnley, leading them to two promotions, six successive seasons in the top division and a maiden European campaign since 1967.

The Englishman is vastly experienced, having managed 332 Premier League games; for comparison, Martin has overseen just 16, winning only one.

Dyche would represent the archetypal safe pair of hands appointment, while re-hiring Gerrard would suggest the new owners are simply looking to the past to rediscover former glories, so they should instead target an up-and-coming young coach.

Rangers' dream Russell Martin replacement

When searching through the current out-of-work managers, one name leaps off the page and that is Danny Röhl.

Reports emerged over the summer that he was on the Gers’ shortlist, but it’s unknown if any contact was made.

After an unremarkable playing career, appearing for lower league German clubs FSV Zwickau, Sachsen Leipzig and Eilenburg, he retired at the age of 21 to focus on becoming a coach.

Well, this has certainly paid off because, after joining RB Leipzig in 2010, he worked as a youth coach and a video analyst before being appointed assistant manager in 2016, following die Roten’s promotion to the Bundesliga, working alongside Ralph Hasenhüttl.

After that, he went with Hasenhüttl to Southampton, before moving on to Bayern Munich, learning under Niko Kovač and then Hansi Flick at the Rekordmeister, subsequently working under Flick again with the German national team for two years.

However, after Flick was sacked as die Mannschaft boss in 2023, he took his first head coach role, appointed Sheffield Wednesday manager, thereby becoming the youngest permanent boss in EFL history at the age of just 34.

Well, Röhl would oversee 89 games in charge at Hillsborough, very much beloved by supporters, with Philip Buckingham of the Athletic describing the job he did in charge of the Owls as “outstanding”, suggesting that numerous big clubs should “covet” his signature.

The table below documents his statistics from his time in Yorkshire.

Matches

89

Wins

34

Draws

19

Loses

36

Win %

38%

Goals scored

122

Goals conceded

137

First league finish

20th

Second league finish

12th

While finishing 20th and then 12th may not appear spectacular, worth noting that, in his first season, when the German arrived in October, Sheffield Wednesday had failed to win any of their first 13 EFL Championship fixtures, losing ten of them, collecting 14 points from their final six matches to pull off a great escape.

Meantime, last season’s mid-table finish looks even more impressive given that owner Dejphon Chansiri is essentially running the club into the ground, with players and other staff repeatedly not being paid on time, if at all, hence why Röhl walked out over the summer.

Rangers themselves have already benefited from the crisis at Hillsborough, signing star winger Djeidi Gassama for around £3m, when it is clear to everyone he is worth more than that.

Thus, Röhl has already proven that he is capable of managing a crisis club, as well as coming in and having an instant impact mid-season, all things Rangers need right now, so the 49ers should be bold and appoint the 36-year-old as soon as possible.

49ers can axe Martin at Rangers by bringing 5-time trophy winner to Ibrox

As pressure continues to mount on Rangers manager Russell Martin, the 49ers should use their contacts to appoint a trophy-winning manager at Ibrox.

ByBen Gray Sep 9, 2025

The pending departure of Heung-min Son to LAFC is one that will leave a huge hole in the final third for Tottenham Hotspur, with the South Korean one of the best attackers in the club’s history.

He’s racked up over 450 appearances during his decade at the Lilywhites, scoring 173 times, with 11 of which coming during the 2024/25 campaign, helping the club end their 17-year wait for a trophy.

There’s no denying that at 33, it’s the right time for a move, but such a departure will leave Thomas Frank and the hierarchy with a huge task to replace his constant attacking threat.

Further additions will need to be made between now and the end of the transfer window to ensure the new boss has all the options he needs at his disposal to be competitive in the Premier League.

Daniel Levy has already commenced work to potentially make top-level additions, especially if the latest updates coming out of North London come to fruition.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Over recent days, Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as a potential option for Spurs this summer, with his £22m relegation release clause becoming active.

It was confirmed that the Lilywhites hierarchy are preparing an official approach to land the Moroccan, who registered six combined goals and assists last campaign.

However, he’s not the only forward-thinking player currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’re chasing, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.

They claim that Frank’s side have prepared a €60m (£52m) bid to land the Brazilian forward this summer, potentially being the perfect replacement for the outgoing Son.

It also states that the 24-year-old is hoping for a Premier League move during the current window, after being told he’s free to depart the LaLiga giants ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Spurs’ £52m target would be Frank’s answer to Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé has cemented himself as one of Europe’s leading talismen over the last couple of years – undoubtedly being a player every fan wishes played for their side.

The Frenchman burst onto the scene as a baby-faced teenager at Monaco back in 2017, before a huge move to PSG that secured his place as one of Europe’s elite.

He registered a staggering 256 goals in his 308 outings for the Parisians over an eight-year period, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history.

However, he would depart the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer last summer, joining European giants Real Madrid – a move which has seen him continue his excellent talents in front of goal.

The 26-year-old found the net 44 times in his 59 outings across all competitions throughout 2024/25, having a debut campaign to remember at the Santiago Bernabéu.

A player of his calibre would cost a pretty penny in today’s market, but Spurs could be about to land a player of his level – that’s if they complete a deal for Rodrygo this summer.

The Brazilian has been labelled as a similar player to Mbappé by FBref, managing to outperform his teammate in numerous key areas during the most recent season in LaLiga.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more progressive passes and carries per 90, handing Frank the attacking threat he craves upon Son’s departure.

He also managed to complete more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90, able to allow fellow new addition Mohammed Kudus to also hit the ground running in North London.

How Rodrygo & Mbappé compare in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Rodrygo	Mbappé
Games played	30	34
Goals & assists	11	34
Progressive carries	5.3	4.6
Goals per shot on target	0.3	0.3
Pass accuracy	86%	82%
Key passes made	2.5	1.3
Passes into final third	3.1	2.3
Carries into final third	4.1	2.9
Crosses completed	3.8	1.1
Progressive passes	5.1	4.3
Stats via FBref

Rodrygo’s dominance over his teammate is further reflected in his higher pass completion rate, whilst completing more crosses per 90, showcasing his impeccable nouse for creating chances in attacking areas.

He certainly won’t be a cheap addition for Spurs this summer, but the Brazilian has showcased that he has the ability to provide a real threat for the club within the final third.

If he can transfer such a skill-set over to England ahead of 2025/26, he could become the club’s main man in their ambitions of being successful in the Premier League in the near future.

Perfect Maddison replacement: Spurs preparing bid for "sensational" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time in making a move for a player to replace James Maddison.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 5, 2025

Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.

Real Madrid academy graduate Paz starring in Italy

Paz, who started out in the academy system at Real Madrid, has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most destructive creative talents in the Italian top-flight. As a result, he is attracting plenty of attention.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFull Argentina international in World Cup year

Much of that is positive, with senior international recognition coming his way ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but new challenges are being presented. Paz is having to find ways of influencing games when being denied time and space.

Just like Messi: Paz gets similar treatment

Messi has been able to achieve that over the course of his remarkable career, with records tumbling around the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and Fabregas is pleased to see a player at his disposal being treated in a similar manner.

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GOALFabregas puts Paz in Messi category

Ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Barca star Fabregas, who is now in charge of Como, has told reporters of Paz: “If you ask me, when every team played against Barcelona, surely they didn’t want Messi to touch the ball. He would score three goals per game.

“I don’t know. This is a positive thing for Nico. I mean, this will happen more. I said it at the beginning of the season, I told him too. This tells me now that they look at you differently. They want to compete against you in a different way.”