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'Paratici's know-how invaluable for Spurs'published at 15:49 BST 15 October
15:49 BST 15 October
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
One of the biggest unkept secrets in English football is finally out: Fabio Paratici's official return to Tottenham Hotspur has been confirmed.
Of course, since severing ties with Spurs because of his suspension, the Italian - renowned as one of Europe's leading sporting directors - has been working on a consultancy basis for the club.
BBC Sport has reported regularly over the year that the wheels were in motion towards Paratici returning to the club on an official basis in 2025, though there was a dalliance with AC Milan in the summer.
So it is testament to Paratici's reputation that the club's new-look ownership team have retained their commitment to re-employing the administrator.
The attraction to Paratici is clear. He has one of the most extensive contacts book in the game - who he doesn't know probably isn't worth knowing.
It will be interesting to see how he works with joint sporting director Johan Lange, but either way, Paratici's know-how and understanding in the transfer market will continue to be invaluable for Tottenham.
'Important evolution in how we operate' - Paratici returns to Spurspublished at 10:58 BST 15 October
10:58 BST 15 October
Image source, Getty Images
Returning Fabio Paratici believes himself and new co-sporting director Johan Lange can "build a special future" for Tottenham.
On Wednesday, the club confirmed Paratici had returned alongside Lange, who has been promoted from technical director to form a new structure for their men's football operation.
Italian Paratici first joined Spurs in 2021, but left in 2023 after an appeal against a two-and-a-half year Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities dating back to his spell at Juventus was rejected by Italy's highest sports court.
Despite the ban, which expired in July, Paratici has been working for the club in an unofficial consultancy capacity.
"I'm delighted to be returning to a club that I love," he told club media.
"I have been working with Johan, Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and Thomas [Frank] as a consultant for a number of months and I now look forward to returning to London and joining the team full-time.
"I'm convinced that working in partnership with Johan we can build a special future for the club and our supporters."
Venkatesham added: "This is an important evolution in how we operate. The remit of a sporting director today is vast, and by uniting two exceptional leaders in Johan and Fabio, we're setting the foundations for sustained success.
"They are both outstanding football minds, with complementary expertise and strong track records. This structure reflects our ambition and our determination to compete at the very highest level to deliver for our supporters."
Gossip: Semenyo release clause kept quietpublished at 07:16 BST 15 October
07:16 BST 15 October
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo does have a release clause in his contract but the Cherries are keeping it under wraps because they want to hang on to the 25-year-old Ghana international, who has been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United. (Talksport), external
Meanwhile, Spurs are the latest club to express interest in signing Rangers and Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin. (TeamTalk), external
How will Levy's exit impact the running of the club?published at 17:48 BST 14 October
17:48 BST 14 October
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham fans have been putting their questions to BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel. You can read several of his responses further down this page.
David asked: How do you think the reshaped ownership and change of chairman will alter the overall running of the club? Will player purchases change significantly and will the limited wage structure change?
Sami: That's the million dollar question, David. For their part, they are certainly making the right noises.
The decision for long-serving executive chairman Daniel Levy to stand down in September came with the message that it was a move taken with a view to improving sporting success.
The Lewis family's firm insistence that the club is not for sale also lends itself to the growing sense that they new regime are fully committed to driving on the field improvements.
The proof will be in the pudding, of course, but so far the indications appear to be positive.
Where is Frank looking to upgrade in January?published at 17:19 BST 14 October
17:19 BST 14 October
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Our senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on Tottenham. In the third part, he discusses Spurs' potential January transfer plans.
Trevor asked: There has been some criticism of Vicario for a while now, mainly his decision making on corners and crosses. Should the club be looking at an alternative keeper in January or maybe give Antonin Kinsky more of an opportunity?
Sami: I have to disagree here Trevor. I think Vicario is an excellent modern day goalkeeper.
I get your point for sure, there have been moments when he's appeared susceptible in his own area – particularly when his area is congested. But as a shot-stopper he is very good and he is comfortable in possession, which is a key component for goalkeepers in today's game.
I don't believe a new goalkeeper will be a priority for Tottenham anytime soon. With regards to Kinsky – he made a very promising start to life at Spurs when he arrived in January. He played regularly under then manager Ange Postecoglou because Vicario was a long-term injury absentee.
But I've been told that his performances dropped off, even in training, once Vicario moved closer to fitness. That certainly raised an alarm for the previous coaching team.
Ole asked: Which positions is Frank looking to upgrade in January and how much of the £100m investment he got will he spend?
Sami: You'd imagine a new centre-back to apply genuine pressure on to Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven will be among Frank's priorities. Romero and Van de Ven are up there with the best partnerships in the division, but strength in depth at centre-back is an area that needs work.
Looking at the squad they may be lighter than they'd like in attacking areas – but the returns to fitness of Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani should help ease those concerns.
What Tottenham should, and I expect will, be looking to commit money towards is the permanent signing of Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese has been excellent since his initial arrival from Bayern Munich on a loan deal – his full-time signing should be a no-brainer.
Check back over the Tottenham page from Tuesday to see more of Sami's Q&A
Will Spurs target another striker?published at 14:57 BST 14 October
14:57 BST 14 October
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Our senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on Tottenham. In the second part, he discusses Spurs' striking options.
Stuart asked: Are we going to buy a top-quality striker?
Sami: Problem with this Stuart is who could they sign?
On the face of their early season performances it is clear that one area they are lacking in is at No 9. Identifying it as an area to strengthen is one thing, but actually going out and signing someone better than what you already have is far easier said than done.
The realistic options are few and far between. We should also remember that Tottenham have been without recognised centre forward Dominic Solanke this season which has been a major blow to Frank for obvious reasons.
Richarlison has done a very good job starting the season as the team's No 9. But Solanke was signed for a lot of money in the summer of 2024 and, you'd imagine he will come straight into the team when he is fit.
Edward asked: New transfer Kolo Muani hasn't played yet. Apparently he's suffering from a dead leg. I have played rugby and had plenty of dead legs to know that a dead leg doesn't last six weeks. What is the real reason for his absence and when will he make his debut?
Sami: Painful! The good news is that Kolo Muani has played in a behind-closed-doors friendly versus Watford, completing 45 minutes as he makes his return to fitness.
His pending availability will come as a significant boost to Frank, particularly given Solanke's recent absence.
With regards to an injury more sinister than a dead leg perhaps Kolo Muani doesn't have as high a pain threshold as you, Phil!
Check back over the Tottenham page from Tuesday to read more from Sami's Q&A
Are Spurs fans getting carried away with strong start?published at 14:10 BST 14 October
14:10 BST 14 October
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Our senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on Tottenham. In the first part, he discusses Spurs' start under Thomas Frank.
Matt asked: A lot has been made of a good start to the season from Spurs and being top three after seven. But when you dive in you see we've have played Leeds, Burnley, West Ham and Wolves already. Do you think some are getting a bit carried away at this early stage?
Sami: I agree to a point – certainly that we should reserve judgement until we are halfway through the season at the very least. But the early signs are certainly positive.
Thomas Frank has added a solid structure to the team and clear pattern of play that wasn't necessarily apparent during certainly the latter days of Ange Postecoglou's reign. They are far harder to beat under Frank, though Postecoglou's detractors will tell you that isn't difficult.
But I'd agree, until we have a bigger body of work to analyse, we should hold off on making definitive readings of how Tottenham are progressing. But the signs look good.
The one factor that does intrigue me, however, is how supporters may react to the pragmatic style of football if they start to lose form. Fans have a history of turning on manager's who employ a defensive approach when results aren't going their way.
Will it be different with Frank?
Check back over the Tottenham page from Tuesday to read more from Sami's Q&A
'Best we've had' or making 'shaky mistakes'? Fans on Vicariopublished at 13:07 BST 14 October
13:07 BST 14 October
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Guglielmo Vicario's season so far, and what you make of his performances, as our Tottenham fan writer Ali Speechly (you can read her blog below) says scrutiny of the goalkeeper is intensifying.
Here are some of your comments:
Alan: Some Spurs supporters have expectations beyond what is reasonable and nowhere is this more true than when looking at goalkeepers. Stats very rarely lie and Vic is a good keeper in a good team so be grateful and support the man.
Robert: When an outfield player makes a mistake, the keeper can often get him out of trouble. But, when a keeper makes an error, it usually ends in a goal. Vicario's shot-stopping ability is not in question. However, his command of the penalty area and his ability to come for crosses is questionable, often due to a lack of communication and resulting in unnecessary collisions with his defenders. Antonin Kinsky, and even Brandon Austin, have demonstrated better ability in this area, but are they better shot-stoppers? That's the conundrum.
John: Vicario has been a good servant for the last few years but is now making shaky mistakes. Coming for crosses is poor, not being able to collect shots cleanly is worrying to his defence. Maybe now is the time to give him a rest and give Kinsky an extended run to see what he can do.
David: Not sure what all the fuss is about. Vic is a great shot stopper and while he needs to work on his strength in the air on set pieces, he has saved us much more than he's let us down. It's the most difficult position to play on the pitch and he's been a great buy!
Nick: Vicario is the best keeper we've had in a very long time. Occasional issues with crosses shouldn't overshadow the games he has won for us with his shot stopping.
Liability or unsung hero?published at 08:28 BST 14 October
08:28 BST 14 October
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Scrutiny of Guglielmo Vicario has increased in recent weeks, ranging from mild criticism, to some Spurs fans even calling for the goalkeeper to be dropped in favour of rookie keeper Antonin Kinsky.
At the heart of the complaints is a perception that our number one is conceding 'soft' goals.
However, Vicario's stats this season are actually very impressive.
With only Arsenal's David Raya ahead of him in the save percentage category, Vicario is leading the way in terms of prevented goals.
Last season, I wrote about Vicario often being the difference between a marginal defeat and abject humiliation.
Now, as part of a much-improved Spurs side competing under Thomas Frank, so far this term Vicario has made saves that have either secured all three points instead of one, or helped salvage one point from the brink of having none at all.
Our manager clearly has faith in the Italian – officially naming him in his five-man leadership group.
As fans, we can have similarly unrealistic demands of players – particularly goalkeepers – and this is what exacerbates frustrations when errors inevitably occur.
We all know there is nowhere to hide as a goalkeeper.
Despite sometimes spending large parts of a game with very little to do, when you are called into action, the slightest mistake can lead to a goal.
As such, it takes a special mentality to play in this position, and Vicario's stats suggest he is much stronger than some may think.
While competition for places is always a healthy thing, we are in safe enough hands for now.
Spurs defender Davies set to become Wales centurionpublished at 09:50 BST 13 October
09:50 BST 13 October
Dafydd Pritchard BBC Sport Wales reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Ben Davies is inching closer to becoming Welsh football's latest male centurion.
The 32-year-old is set to join Chris Gunter, Gareth Bale and Wayne Hennessey in the 100-cap club in Monday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff.
The Tottenham defender has been a mainstay of the national team since his debut in 2012, featuring in three major tournaments during a golden period.
Davies is a reluctant star. He is the rock around which Wales' defence is built, yet he is not celebrated like some of his peers.
That is partly by design from Davies, who is happy to cloak himself in the relative anonymity which comes with having played alongside the likes of Bale and Harry Kane.
Davies is also now Spurs' longest-serving current player, with more than 300 appearances to his name.
He was close to being named Wales' permanent captain when Aaron Ramsey succeeded Bale in 2023 but, given Ramsey's frequent absences because of injury, Davies is getting used to wearing the armband.
He is expected to lead the team against Belgium and, in doing so, will become only the fourth man to earn 100 caps for Wales.
Davies will be as important a player as ever for Wales but, given the huge stakes for both teams and their World Cup hopes, his achievement may not get the attention it might have done. Just as he likes it.
Spurs Q&A lined up for next weekpublished at 17:24 BST 10 October
17:24 BST 10 October
Image source, Getty Images
Thomas Frank's positive start after a busy summer is just one of many talking points surrounding Spurs, from ownership questions to ticket prices and tactical approaches.
Next week, BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel will be answering your questions.
Thank you for all those you have sent in. We have forwarded a selection onto Sami so return here next week for his answers.
How Frank is tweaking Tottenhampublished at 12:47 BST 9 October
12:47 BST 9 October
Joe Bradshaw BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image caption,
*Stats per 90
Too open. Too high a line. Players keep getting injured.
The criticisms that dogged Ange Postecoglou in his second season were varied and pointed as Tottenham limped to 17th place in the Premier League table.
After seven league games of 2025-26, his successor Thomas Frank has Spurs riding high in third with four wins, two draws and just one defeat so far.
Not only that, but they have only conceded five goals, the joint-second best record behind Arsenal (three).
So bar the improvement in results, what has changed?
Frank is much more of a pragmatist than Postecoglou and the type of football Tottenham are playing bears that out.
Witness the rise in long balls per 90, suggesting a far greater willingness to get the ball forward quickly.
And take a look at these passing maps from Tottenham's home games against Wolves over the past two seasons.
Image source, Opta
Image caption,
A passing map from Tottenham v Wolves - December 2024
In the first, from December 2024, Postecoglou's defenders are much deeper to receive the ball from the goalkeeper. The most common passing is between the two central defenders and left-back Destiny Udogie.
Image source, Opta
Image caption,
A passing map from Tottenham v Wolves - September 2025
In the second, from September 2025 under Frank, Tottenham's midfield is far more congested, with Guglielmo Vicario often launching the ball towards the halfway line to instigate attacks.
It is a similar story for average positions for those games. Again, Postecoglou's defenders are more spread, with two midfielders patrolling the halfway line and a spread front four. Frank's line-up is far more bunched, albeit again with a forward four.
Of course, this is only one game so a very small sample size, but it hints at a tactical transformation.
More broadly, Spurs are also sticking the ball in the penalty area more frequently, averaging 23.3 crosses per game compared to 19.8 last season.
That is despite the lack of a central focal point with their best header of the ball from last season, Dominic Solanke, mostly sidelined through injury.
What is also striking is the efficiency Tottenham have demonstrated so far.
Postecoglou's side took more passes and created more chances per game, but Frank's version have a higher shot conversion rate this season. It has meant that, although last season's Spurs were among the league's top scorers, 2025-26 Tottenham are actually averaging slightly more goals per game (1.9 v 1.7).
So far, the numbers are pointing to a more clinical, more business-like Tottenham Hotspur – and one that is flying high near the top of the Premier League.
Games against Aston Villa and trips to Monaco, Everton and Newcastle before the month's end should offer a rigorous test of just how far they have come.
Gossip: Orlando City eye Richarlison movepublished at 07:39 BST 9 October
07:39 BST 9 October
MLS club Orlando City want to sign 28-year-old Tottenham forward Richarlison next summer and have spoken with the Brazil international's camp. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic wants to move to the Premier League in 2026, with the 25-year-old striker preferring a move to Tottenham or Chelsea. (TBR Football), external
Whether Tottenham recall Mikey Moore from his Rangers loan could hinge on the Ibrox club's next managerial appointment and if the 18-year-old is given more playing time. (TeamTalk), external
Kudus is the two-way sparkpublished at 15:28 BST 7 October
15:28 BST 7 October
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham's early-season rise has owed much to a collective identity set by Thomas Frank, but very few players have embodied their newfound graft and flair like Mohammed Kudus.
Since joining the north London club from West Ham for £55m, Kudus has added attacking incision but also intensity without the ball, as reflected by the statistics, highlighting his impact on both ends of the pitch.
Kudus ranks in the 90th percentile for goal-creating actions among Premier League wingers and attacking midfielders, meaning he's performing better than 90 per cent of his positional peers in that category. (Percentiles show how a player compares to others in their position - 100 being the best, and 50 is average.)
That creative influence is backed up by his 70th percentile for key passes. Key passes are those that lead directly to a shot, underlining his role as a reliable link between Tottenham's midfield structure and their front line.
The Ghanaian's ability to beat players remains elite. His 97th percentile for successful take-ons places him among the best ball carriers in the league, but what's changed this season is how those dribbles fit Tottenham's tactical rhythm.
Under Frank, Kudus has become more disciplined in when and where to drive forward. He's not dribbling for show; he's breaking lines, drawing fouls, and creating overloads in key areas.
Equally impressive is the 25-year-old's defensive contribution - a side of his game that often goes unnoticed. He sits in the 97th percentile for tackles in the final third, showing an exceptional willingness to press and recover possession high up the pitch.
Add to that his 77th percentile for combined tackles and interceptions, and you get the picture of a player who's fully bought into Tottenham's aggressive off-ball structure. He's not just a creative outlet - he's the one who leads the defending from the front.
Kudus' blend of technical quality, pressing intelligence and work rate has helped Tottenham evolve into a side capable of dominating territory as well as transitions. He's become the bridge between their creativity and their counter-press.
The numbers underline what's visible every weekend: a player performing with conviction and maturity, shaping Spurs' attack while setting the tone defensively high up the pitch.
In short, Kudus is becoming the prototype of the modern Premier League attacker - one who can both make the difference and make the system work.
Can Frank find balance between discipline and creativity?published at 09:22 BST 7 October
09:22 BST 7 October
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Thomas Frank has rightly prioritised improving the team's defensive play, and, although still not perfect, it is considerably more organised and robust than at any point under Ange Postecoglou.
The trade-off with discipline and structure is that it does not necessarily produce exciting football. Well, at least not immediately anyway.
The integrity of Frank's foundations is clear to see and holds much promise for a successful future. In other words, you can see what he is building – and it looks good.
While the injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are frustrating, to imply that we are devoid of creativity without them is unfair to the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, not to mention Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr.
It is also worth noting that both Kulusevski and Maddison have had dry spells for Spurs, with the latter in particular being accused of ghosting whole matches before.
While we are definitely a stronger side when they are fit, there is nothing wrong with healthy competition for their positions, and less established players must prove why they should not automatically be replaced once the cavalry arrives.
Kudus's goal against Leeds United on Saturday will hopefully be a catalyst for a scoring streak. Clearly, Simons is still finding his feet, but he looks much more comfortable and effective in the number 10 role, and that failed rabona pass should provide him with a valuable lesson in decision-making.
Rather than a lack of creative spark, the most significant deficit at Spurs right now is a quality striker. This should be comprehensively addressed once Randal Kolo Muani recovers from the most Spursy of introductions to the club – a dead leg.
Ange made recklessness look exciting. Now it's time for Frank to show that discipline can foster creativity.
RJ: Great effort by Leeds once again and probably deserved a point. But physicality and endeavour are only going to take us so far in the Premier League. Missed chances at this level are going to continue to prove costly. Dominic Calvert-Lewin in particular has to start putting away at least one of the golden opportunities that keep coming his way.
Apple: The home run had to come to an end sometime but it is sad that it had to be because of two deflections. On that performance, I think we should survive on the provisio that someone can put the ball in the net.
Danny: We matched Spurs during the game. The biggest concern is where the goals are coming from. A lot of good chances missed and that will be our downfall. It is very worrying.
Chris: Today showed how far Leeds have to go to stay in the Premier League. Some players are not physically strong enough to compete with the best and they are too slow in moving the ball forwards. Also, we were missing Dan James and Willy Gnonto who can get at opposition defences.
Spurs fans
Stan: Great to get the win in a tough match but the player that no one talks about is Guglielmo Vicario. We nearly conceded when Joe Rodon hit the post early on with Vicario flapping. Leeds' goal came after Vic parried the ball straight to an attacker, not the first time it's happened this season. True, he made two excellent stops late on, but he never looks secure especially dealing with balls in the air. We need to consider an upgrade or give Antonin Kinsky a turn.
Peter: What we needed. After a draw with struggling Wolves and at Bodo/Glimt, Thomas Frank must have been desperate for a win. Don't think it is worth criticising anyone for Noah Okafor's goal. I was really happy that Mathys Tel got on the scoresheet. He is good enough to start elsewhere but because we have so many attackers, he doesn't get many. He and Mohammed Kudus scoring made everyone's day better because they needed a goal to really get going. After seven games, third place!
Paul: A really good performance against a well drilled Leeds team that had not lost a game at home for a long time. We were good in transition and really ought to have another goal to the good by half time. We were caught out on a couple of occasions but other than we were solid defensively. Good to see both Tel and Kudus getting on the score sheet. Mind you, Kudus could do with releasing the ball sooner than he tends to. Overall though he deservedly was man of the match.
Martin: If the highlights on MOTD were any reflection of the whole game, it looked like we got away with another one. I'll take that if the boys keep battling, but better sides than Leeds will expose those weaknesses. A win's a win so we move on but we're riding our luck on the pitch.
Image source, Getty Images
