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Tottenham have now closed the door on a potential mid-season exit for one of Ange Postecoglou’s stars, it has been reported, with the club no longer interested in a parting of ways.

Tottenham searching for answers

A 6-3 thrashing at the hands of Premier League leaders Liverpool left Tottenham in the bottom half of the Premier League over Christmas. At almost the halfway point of the campaign, Postecoglou’s side have now lost more games than they have won, and are now a mammoth eight points off the top four, while they are still four points behind Manchester City despite City having won just one of their last eight league games, a run that included a 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham.

The north Londoners face a series of tough games ahead too, with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day followed by games against Wolves and Newcastle before a cup tie against Liverpool and a north London derby.

Nottingham Forest (Away)

Wolves (Home)

Newcastle United (Home)

Arsenal (Away)

Everton (Away)

Though Postecoglou is not believed to be under any imminent pressure, a failure to change the trajectory of the season could force Daniel Levy and co. into a change of manager.

Spurs are expected to be active in January as they look for solutions, with a new defender an absolute must for the north London side, while they could also do with more firepower in attack given the long-term injury to summer signing Wilson Odobert. However, they have now shut the door on a potential departure.

Tottenham refuse sale in January

That comes according to Brazilian outlet Ge.Globo [Via Sport Witness], who point to Richarlison as the player in question. The Tottenham no.9 is yet to start a Premier League game this season, with injuries restricting him to just five appearances from the bench, totalling just 88 minutes of action.

The Brazilian still has two and a half years left to run on his £90,000 a week deal in north London, but there had been suggestions that Spurs were ready to cut their losses on the £50m signing.

The latest report claims that “Tottenham met with Fluminense on Friday to discuss the forward” after Tottenham “had made it clear they were open to offers” for the Brazil international. For their part Fluminense had already publicly stated their admiration for the 27-year-old, with club president Mario Bittencourt telling the media “what is certain is that we have expressed formal interest in Richarlison”.

Tottenham in pole position to sign "complete" £25m centre-back in January

Ange Postecoglou is in the market for another body in that area.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 22, 2024

However, it is now claimed that the Brazilian side “did not receive a positive response” when they met Tottenham representatives on Friday, as Tottenham don’t “intend to negotiate about him in January”.

Of course, a mid-season exit was always unlikely given the price tag that would have likely been required for Spurs to part ways with Richarlison, who when fit is a key part of Postecoglou’s attack and the only recognised senior alternative to Dominic Solanke.

Given his fitness issues though, Tottenham cutting their losses in the future would not come as a massive surprise to anyone, and Fluminense could reignite their interest then.

Roy Keane was praised by his daughter Caragh for providing constant support through an "incurable illness" which forced her to reject her "dream job".

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Caragh diagnosed with lupus in 2021Had joint pain and alopecia among other symptomsRoy supportive of daughterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Diagnosed in 2021, at the age of 25, Caragh endured a difficult period marked by severe symptoms such as joint pain, alopecia, and painful blisters on her skin. Following extensive medical tests, doctors confirmed she had lupus, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. The severity of the illness left her physically drained and cognitively impaired, with significant memory loss and constant exhaustion. At its worst, Caragh spent nearly six weeks confined to her bed.

AdvertisementWHAT CARAGH SAID

Caragh had been offered what she described as her "dream job" at her former school in Manchester but was unable to accept the position due to the overwhelming impact of her illness.

Speaking to the Caragh said: "I cried on the phone because I had to turn down the job and just had to say, ‘I’m really sorry, but I’m really not very well at the moment.’ I wanted to be the best teacher I could be."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the challenges, Caragh was fortunate to have a strong and supportive family by her side. Growing up as one of five siblings – alongside her sisters Alanna, Shannon, and Leah, and her brother Aidan – she was raised in a household where her father, Roy, always made time for his children.

"My parents were worried, but they put on a brave face a lot of the time, and they’ve been so supportive," she said. "My dad puts things into perspective and always adds that bit of humour to lighten the mood."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Rather than letting her illness define her, Caragh has used her experience to create something positive. She founded Superkeen Foods, a company dedicated to providing nutritious food options tailored for those with autoimmune conditions. Her brand’s award-winning products include cereals that are free from gluten, nuts, milk, and eggs – making them 100% natural and suitable for individuals following an autoimmune-friendly diet. By channeling her struggles into a business that promotes healing and better dietary choices, Caragh has turned adversity into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar battles.

A misfiring frontline might not be the crux of Tottenham Hotspur’s mounting problems, but Ange Postecoglou will be sure to recognise the pressing need for something more up top.

Defensively, Spurs are in a bit of a rut, not least because Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are spending a second successive winter sidelined with injuries.

If the right opportunity comes along during the January transfer window, Tottenham will be sure to pounce. Well, a talented striker might just be up for grabs.

Spurs eyeing new centre-forward

As per The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Tottenham and Everton are set to join Fulham in the race for Evan Ferguson this winter, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s talented striker available on loan.

Ferguson, valued as high as £100m last summer, has struggled for game time this term due to the success of Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck. Aged 20, he’s got so much room for growth and already boasts a stunning ball-striking ability.

Tottenham aren’t the only team in for Ferguson’s touted signature, however, with Chelsea considering a move of their own. Daniel Levy needs to act quickly and with conviction.

What Evan Ferguson would bring to Spurs

Signing Ferguson on loan might be a move that benefits all parties, should Tottenham accelerate their interest over the coming weeks.

He’s only started two Premier League matches this season, scoring one goal, but is endowed with strength and speed and has been hailed as “one of the most exciting strikers” around by content creator Ryan Adsett.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Let’s not forget, Ferguson has already demonstrated his capabilities in the top flight, notching six goals from 15 starts as a teenager last year, only missing four big chances, as per Sofascore.

The 6-foot centre-forward might even shape into one of English football’s most potent forces, with his style of play even drawing comparisons to one Harry Kane.

Former Premier League striker John Aldridge has even said that Ferguson could become “an Irish version of Harry Kane” and that he reminds him of the Three Lions captain “in so many ways.”

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Alan Shearer

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Harry Kane

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Wayne Rooney

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Andy Cole

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Sergio Aguero

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Tottenham’s record scorer with 280 goals from 435 appearances as a senior Lilywhite, Kane is a modern great, one of the finest Premier League strikers in history, so Ferguson could do worse than draw comparisons with the Tottenham legend.

Kane, 31, may be tearing it up in the German Bundesliga but his standing in the English game remains firmly intact. He’s one of the very best to do it, and so perhaps it’s not all that surprising that Ferguson has actually admitted that he idolises the goal machine.

Given that Alan Shearer, another iconic marksman, has praised Ferguson for having the full package, it’s quite clear that Tottenham could be on to something if they were to complete the signing this winter.

Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi once said that Ferguson’s “improvement has been incredible” after his transition from the Irish game to the Premier League, and he still has so much left to offer.

His raw striking ability certainly offers shades of a young Kane; Spurs must welcome him to the fold and allow him to join a free-scoring team that perhaps needs something to complement and tussle with Dominic Solanke at number nine.

Spurs open talks for lightning-quick Dragusin upgrade in £25m "warrior"

The impressive talent could make Spurs far harder to play against.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 1, 2025

The Basque coach is at the forefront of the new tactical trend sweeping across the Premier League and the Cityzens need to face up to it

The March international break is traditionally when clubs begin to focus their plans for the next campaign. Chelsea have already officially signed Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo while Real Madrid have effectively agreed a contract with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Some are already looking at potential new managers, too, and one name in particular is causing plenty of excitement: Andoni Iraola.

The Basque is reported to be Tottenham's top candidate should they decide to move on from Ange Postecoglou while he is also being viewed as a potential candidate for the Real Madrid job if Carlo Ancelotti should leave. It is easy to see why there is a lot of interest in Iraola.

The 42-year-old has made humble Bournemouth one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League, if not Europe, and given them a fighting chance of qualifying for continental competition for the first time ever, with an outside shot at creeping into the Champions League. And he is a specialist at upsetting the biggest teams. His side have beaten four of the traditional 'Big Six' teams this season while outclassing the two big pretenders, demolishing Nottingham Forest 5-0 and thrashing Newcastle 4-1 away from home.

One Sunday he he will lead his team out in an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City, and with their visitors toiling in Pep Guardiola's worst-ever season as a coach and the Catalan even beginning to question if his methods still have a place in modern football, it is time City began to seriously consider Iraola as a potential successor in the not-too-distant future.

Getty Too intense for City

One of Bournemouth's most impressive wins in this remarkable campaign was when they became the first team in 11 months to beat Man City in the league. They only beat them 2-1 but Guardiola was in thrall to his side's victors, admitting his team could not live with the high-octane, lightning-quick Cherries.

"We couldn't match up to the intensity," he said. Iraola was also in no doubt that his side had deserved to win, remarking: "One thing is to beat City but another is to play better. We played with no fear."

Bournemouth will be aiming to replicate that performance when they host City in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final tie, with a place at Wembley in the club's first ever FA Cup semi-final up for grabs.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefeat sparked existential crisis

Before City arrived at the Vitality Stadium in November they had won seven of their nine opening Premier League games and were top of the table. But the defeat sparked a shocking downward spiral of results, of six defeats and two draws in nine matches. And in January Guardiola seemed to be grappling with an existential question about the way football was heading. "Today, modern football is the way Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton and Liverpool play," the City manager told . "Modern football is not positional."

Guardiola's Barcelona led the possession-football revolution – also referred to as positional play – along with the all-conquering Spain team that had many of the same players. But this season some of the most successful teams in the Premier League are the ones that see the ball the least. Take Nottingham Forest, who have the lowest average possession in the league (39.5 percent) and yet are third in the table – six points better off City – and closing in on Champions League qualification for the first time.

City still lead the way in possession in the English top flight with 60.8% while runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool also love to have the ball, ranking third in the table with 57.2%. But several teams with high ball possession are having dire campaigns. Basement club Southampton, who have just nine points, rank 10th in the possession table. Tottenham are fourth in terms of possession but are 14th in the real table. Manchester United are seventh in the possession table and 13th in the one that matters, on course for their worst finish since 1990.

Getty Images SportAt the forefront of a new movement

Bournemouth rank 15th in possession but are among the highest performers in the key metrics relating to fast attacks. The Cherries lead the league in counter-pressures, also ranking highest for shots following a high turnover (winning the ball within 40 metres of the opposition’s goal-line) and shots from transitions.

Bournemouth terrorised City in November with their fast breaks, even though their two goals came from slower build-up moves. They also demonstrated their power at counters in their recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham, when Milos Kerkez hared down the pitch from his own area and crossed for Marcus Tavernier to score. While City are renowned for their propensity to recycle possession and reset when they win the ball back, Bournemouth's first thought when retrieving it is to attack as fast as possible.

Iraola explained to recently: "The first thing we try to do when we recover the ball is play to the number nine. Because that is usually the moment when the opponent is less well positioned and you can find better spaces."

The game is heading in the same direction. According to , this season has the highest proportion of all shots coming from fast breaks on record (10.2%), as well as the highest proportion of goals (7.1%). If City do not adapt to this new reality, then this harrowing season will cease to be an anomaly in their golden era and will be repeated. And in Erling Haaland they have the most formidable centre-forward in the world, one who would thrive in a more direct team.

Getty Images SportExhilarating football

Bournemouth are not just successful. Rather like Iraola's former club Rayo Vallecano, they are exhilarating to watch. And while City fans will forever be in debt to Guardiola for the success he has brought them, the uncomfortable truth is that many supporters get frustrated with their short-passing game and would like to see them adopt a faster, more exciting style of play.

Iraola began his playing career with Athletic Club just as Guardiola's era with Barcelona ended but he came up against him on a number of occasions when the Catalan was in the dugout. Barca won every single one of their meetings, including two Copa del Rey finals, but Iraola got his own back against Barca as a coach, when his Rayo Vallecano side did the double on them in their first season back in the top flight. In four La Liga games against Barca, Iraola won three and drew once.

And before the two men met as coaches for the first time in 2023, Guardiola said of Iraola: "In Spain he is one of the youngest managers that has a better future – and training in the Premier League is an incredible success for him." Iraola has not just made it to the Premier League, he has thrived there. And he is part of the new tactical vanguard.

A mind-boggling surge in the value of digital rights included

Nagraj Gollapudi14-Jun-20222:42

Just how massive is the IPL’s new media-rights deal?

196% – That’s how much the overall value of the IPL media rights has skyrocketed compared to the previous cycle (2018-22), when talking in India rupees. In 2017, Star India had bought the consolidated IPL media rights (that is, TV and digital) for INR 16,347.5 crore for a set of 300 matches (60 per season, for five seasons). This time around, the overall value is INR 48,390.5 crore for 410 matches, which is 2.96 times or 196% higher than the previous cycle. In US dollar terms, the hike is 143%, from $2.55 billion to $6.2 billion.The per-game value of the IPL over the seasons•ESPNcricinfo LtdNo. 2 – In terms of per-match value, the IPL is now only behind American football’s National Football League (NFL) and ahead of English football’s Premier League. Each NFL match is worth US$ 35.07 million* (based on the ten-year rights deal signed in 2022), while the value of a Premier League match as per the rights deal signed in 2022-25 is US$ 11.34 million**. Based on the overall value of INR 48,390.5 crore for a maximum of 410 matches in the next cycle, each IPL game is worth INR 118.02 crore (US$ 15.11 million approx.).1.96 – An IPL match, based on media rights, is now worth nearly double (1.96 times) that of an India home game. The average value of each India home game – as per a five-year deal bagged by Star India, in 2018, worth INR 6,138 crore (at the time US$ 944 million) – is INR 60 crore, while an IPL game now costs INR 118.02 crore ($15.11 million approx.).!function(){“use strict”;window.addEventListener(“message”,(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data[“datawrapper-height”]){var t=document.querySelectorAll(“iframe”);for(var a in e.data[“datawrapper-height”])for(var r=0;r<t.length;r++){if(t[r].contentWindow===e.source)t[r].style.height=e.data["datawrapper-height"][a]+"px"}}}))}();