More stories

  • in

    Tottenham trigger Son Heung-min’s contract extension blocking South Korean from negotiating free transfer exit in summer

    TOTTENHAM have exercised their option to extend Son Heung-min’s contract by a further year.The South Korean icon’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season.Son Heung-min is set to stay at Tottenham for a further 12 monthsCredit: GettyBut as SunSport told you last year, Spurs always planned on taking up their right to add another 12 months to the 32-year-old’s terms.They have now done that, meaning skipper Son is contracted until the summer of 2026.The forward has been a fantastic signing since joining from Bayern Leverkusen for £22million in August 2015.Son now has 125 Premier League goals, placing him joint-18th with Nicolas Anelka on the all-time list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has 169 goals in total for Spurs, in 431 appearances.Son has not been at his scintillating best this season and started Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle on the bench.But Tottenham still were always keen on tying him down for a further year.Boss Ange Postecoglou likened him to Mo Salah last month, in the sense that critics write off a top player like they both are at their peril.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSon has scored five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season.He also bagged against Roma in the Europa League, and straight from a corner in the League Cup clash with Manchester United.Son Heung-min tells Tottenham flops to applaud fans after defeat at BournemouthThe Spurs skipper is set to be back in action tomorrow night, when his injury and illness-depleted side take on Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.He will then likely be the star attraction as non-league Tamworth welcome Tottenham this Sunday. More

  • in

    Tottenham newbie Antonin Kinsky blew coaches away, is likened to Petr Cech and has famous ex-footballer father

    ANTONIN KINSKY’S switch to Spurs happened so fast the young goalie had to make a late dash to pick up some boots and gloves.The ambidextrous Czech, 21, was so certain he was staying at Slavia Prague that he had arranged to receive some new mitts from his glove sponsor this past Sunday.Antonin Kinsky has signed for Spurs for £12m from Slavia PragueBut after turning his phone on on Friday evening after a relaxing sauna and massage, he discovered his Tottenham transfer was on – meaning he was in need of some fresh gear.Kinsky, whose qualities have been compared to the great Petr Cech, said: “I realised that if I was flying out on the Saturday morning, I’d need gloves and boots. I didn’t have either at home, so I started looking. “I drove to Plzen and then to (Prague district) Eden, where I would have gone anyway to say goodbye and take one last look at the stadium. “Now I’ve got everything I need, so I’ll pack up at home and head off.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKinsky eventually sealed a move worth £12.5million plus add-ons, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract.But because he is still waiting on his work permit, which could take up to 48 hours to arrive, his chances of featuring against Liverpool are viewed as unlikely.That means Brandon Austin, who waited nearly 10 years for his first Spurs appearance against Newcastle on Saturday, is set to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on what will be his 26th birthday, provided Fraser Forster is still ill.But after that, Kinsky will step in and look to make himself Ange Postecoglou’s go-to guy between the sticks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat is even when Guglielmo Vicario returns from a fractured foot in late February, with the Italian posting a video of himself out of his protective boot on Sunday.Because ambitious Kinsky, nicknamed ‘Toni’, has not just been brought in as a back-up to Vicario, but to challenge him.Chelsea fans beg Petr Cech to return to club after spotting what he did in Sky Sports studio during Crystal Palace clashHis move had been earmarked for the summer, when veteran Forster is out of contract, but got pushed forward following Vicario’s serious injury.Kinsky is likely to be the first of a few January signings for injury-hit Spurs, who are also keen on a defender and attacker.While Forster has struggled to play out from the back like Postecoglou wants, Kinsky’s footwork was a big attraction when he was identified by Spurs technical director Johan Lange.His passing success rate of 83.9 per cent is better than any other goalkeeper with five appearances or more in this season’s Europa League.Kinsky has been playing in that competition for Slavia, but due to a rule change, CAN also play in it for Spurs this term too.The blond-haired starlet, who has perfect English, constantly listens to Czech rap and idolises late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, was an outfield player as a kid.But he moved in goal in a bid to follow in the footsteps of his dad, also called Antonin Kinsky who won five caps for the Czech national team and remains a huge influence on his son.Kinsky’s dad Antonin won five caps for the Czech national team as a keeperCredit: GettyKinsky Jnr’s 12 clean sheets in 19 league games has helped Slavia go seven points clear at the top of the Czech league.It was his first season as Slavia’s No1, but it was back-to-back loan spells to small-town club MFK Vyskov between 2021-23 which toughened him up for first-team football.Rostislav Horacek was Kinsky’s goalkeeping coach at Vyskov and remembers being blown away by the confident youngster’s potential after just “two or three training sessions”.The 57-year-old said: “The guys in the pub laughed at me when I said that I had an 18-year-old boy in the second league who would one day play for the national team.“But I was convinced of it. He has everything.“He always looked forward to tough matches like a little kid looking forward to ice cream.”Kinsky is comfortable with both feet and used to play outfield in his youthCredit: GettyChelsea legend Cech is the benchmark for Czech keepers, having won 124 caps for his country in a stellar career, but Horacek sees an obvious comparison.While he also gave an insight into the ability Kinsky – or ‘Tonda’ as he called him – has with both feet.Horacek told Flashscore: “I asked him in training which foot he prefers, but he said it doesn’t matter. He kicks with both equally.“At Slavia, he had a great defence in front of him. (It meant that) he often goes 40 minutes without a save and then has to quickly resolve a difficult situation. READ MORE SUN STORIES“That is exactly what Petr Cech used to do at Chelsea. He had a strong defence in front of him, led by John Terry, but then had to show off with one or two saves. Tonda is strong in this.”Petr Cech has been described as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all timeCredit: PA:Press AssociationTottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. More

  • in

    Spurs starlet forced to retire aged just 23 and more than two years after horror injury that ‘ultimately ruined career’

    TOTTENHAM starlet Jamie Bowden has announced his retirement from professional football at just 23 years old.The highly-rated youngster took to Instagram to reveal that he has been forced to hang up his boots following an ankle injury suffered back in 2022.Jamie Bowden has been forced to retire at the age of 23Credit: GettyAddressing his fans and followers, Bowden wrote: “Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end.”On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me.”Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham.”I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things. I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be.”My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound. God is with us throughout.”I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days.”I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBowden left the Tottenham academy in July 2023 after over 15 years on the books with the north London club.The versatile midfielder joined the Spurs setup as a six-year-old and was regularly on the cusp of breaking into the first team – making the bench in the Europa League and Premier League.Tottenham announce the signing of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia PragueAs mentioned in his statement, Bowden spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan in League Two with Oldham Athletic.That taste of professional football saw the former Republic of Ireland youth international score his only professional goal, as well as racking up five assists.Since Bowden’s release from the Spurs academy, he has tried to revitalise his career elsewhere.A short trial with AFC Wimbledon ended unsuccessfully, before the youngster jetted off to Europe to try and earn a spot with Spanish third tier club Deportivo de la Coruna.Unfortunately, despite taking part in a friendly match and a number of training sessions, the decision was made not to offer him a contract.Bowden has hinted that he may continue working in football despite making the decision to stop pursuing the dream of a playing career.Tottenham offered support to former first team star Ryan Mason following his injury-forced retirement at just 25, with the former England international now an assistant coach under Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE SUN STORIESBowden’s former academy teammates were quick to wish him luck in the comments of his retirement post.Stars such as Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine were amongst those to pass on a message to the former rising star. More

  • in

    Tottenham in latest injury blow as left-back Destiny Udogie expected to be out for eight weeks with hamstring issue

    DESTINY UDOGIE is set to miss the next two months with a hamstring injury.The Italy star, 22, suffered the problem early in the second half of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at home to Wolves on Sunday.Destiny Udogie is facing eight weeks on the sidelines with his hamstring injurySpurs boss Ange Postecoglou already has a massive list of injured playersCredit: PAHe was forced off in the 50th minute as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou faced up to yet another of his first-choice back four to be crocked.SunSport understands Udogie reckons it will be eight weeks before he is back playing 100 per cent.But he does not require surgery, unlike last season when he was forced to go under the knife after damaging his left quad in training.That ended up ending his season and ruling him out of the Euros in the summer.Read more in footballSpurs have a hectic schedule of 12 games over the time period Udogie is likely to be missing.Those include the North London Derby later this month, both Carabao Cup semi-final legs against Liverpool – as well as a possible banana-skin FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.Postecoglou already has No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario out with a fractured ankle.While centre-backs Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are also injured.Most read in FootballUdogie’s good mate Djed Spence returns from suspension this week and will likely deputise at left-back against Newcastle on Saturday.Postecoglou’s squad has been hit by a large quantity of hamstring injuries during the Australian’s time in charge, such as to Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Van de Ven this season.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossGiven that record was similar at his previous clubs, it has been mooted that the intensity the Australian wants his players to train and play at is a contributing factor.But Udogie, who missed September’s Europa League win at Ferencvaros with another hamstring injury, is understood to think his current issue is down to bad luck. More

  • in

    Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0: Elanga scores winner as Spence red card and Dragusin injury cause chaos for Spurs

    HE would never admit it, but Nuno Espirito Santo must have particularly enjoyed this one.The tight-lipped Portuguese suffered a miserably short spell as Spurs boss back in 2021, getting the sack after just 17 games.Anthony Elanga hails his clincher for high-riding ForestCredit: GettyElanga bursts through to slot the hosts’ 28th minute winnerCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski react to defeatCredit: ReutersBut it has been a wholly joyful experience at the City Ground for Nuno, whose victory here over his former side sent Nottingham Forest into third.Current Tottenham incumbent Ange Postecoglou, in contrast, had to suffer chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” after a ninth league loss of the campaign.That seems premature given both the Aussie’s crippling injury list – with Radu Dragusin forced off late in this defeat – and how his side are faring in the cups.But many more of these, and you would start to fear for the 59-year-old, who saw Forest old-boy Djed Spence sent off in stoppage time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving said that, there is no shame in losing to Forest this term – even if Nuno being at the helm is an extra sickener for Spurs fans.This is the only side to have beaten near-perfect Liverpool this season and who are now on a run of four straight wins in the league.Champions League qualification is becoming less and less of a pipe dream with every passing victory for the former European Cup winners.Few fans would be expecting it, of course.Most read in FootballCraig Pawson sent off Tottenham defender Djed SpenceCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut they are certainly in the picture, and rightfully so on this evidence, having prevented the league’s top-scorers from netting and moving ELEVEN points above them in the process.Forest looked every bit the hard-to-beat, organised outfit that Nuno has turned them into throughout the game.Ruben Amorim reacts to Man Utd’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford They had bite in midfield – you always will with Ryan Yates – and a threat on the counter thanks to speed merchants Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga on the flanks.It is a formula that is becoming increasingly reliable, similar to the one Nuno produced at Wolves.As for Postecgolou’s box-of-chocolates Spurs, there really is no telling which version of them you are going to get from match to match.One thing you can bank on though is that for all their exciting attacking play, they will always give up chances.Particularly with the patched-up defence Postecoglou is having to put out over this festive period, including Spence starting his fourth game in a row, having waited two-and-a-half years to be included in a Spurs’ starting line-up.Tottenham signed the 24-year-old from Middlesbrough in 2022, but it was because of his stellar form on loan at Forest in their promotion-winning Championship campaign.The home fans referenced that with a chant of “You used to play for a big club” as Spence waited to take an early throw.While Brennan Johnson, who joined Spurs from the Tricky Trees last year for £47.5million and back starting here, suffered some pantomime-villain boos.Spurs were by no means poor in the first 45 here, but were also nowhere near their swash-buckling best.Son Heung-min should have teed up an open Johnson inside the first five minutes but instead weakly shot straight at Matz Sels.Hardman Yates clattered into Son five minutes late and copped his fifth yellow of the season – a surprisingly low amount but one that will see him suspended for Sunday’s trip to Everton.The two teams traded half-chances and long-rangers before Elanga broke the deadlock on 29 minutes.It was Spence who lost the ball, allowing Forest to break through Morgan Gibbs-White, who carried the ball downfield and then played a defence-splitting ball through for Elanga.The rapid Swede had the composure to match his pace as he slotted round the advancing Fraser Forster to complete a classic Nuno counter.It prompted the sacking chants towards Postecoglou from the standing section of the Peter Taylor Stand, who also aimed a “You’re just a fat Aussie b***ard” taunt at the Spurs chief.Postecoglou was facing up to a ninth league defeat before the New Year.His side would have gone in level had Johnson managed to beat Sels just before the break, but once again the ex-Newcastle stopper produced a top stop.That theme continued after the break when on 57 minutes, Johnson looked all the world as if he would score after ghosting in with a clever flick, but Sels proved his nemesis again.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs had few other chances, truth be told, and then saw Spence go in injury time after a foul on sub Jota Silva earned him a second yellow.Spurs had not lost on Boxing Day since 2003, when ‘Mad World’ by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules was top of the charts – a fitting theme to the crazy heights Nuno’s Forest are scaling this season.Forest keeper Matz Sels shows his delight at another fine victoryCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Arsenal join THREE Premier League rivals in transfer race for PSG frontman Randal Kolo Muani after Bukayo Saka injury

    FOUR Premier League clubs are battling for the signature of France star Randal Kolo Muani.Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have been exploring a deal for the speedy Paris Saint-Germain frontman.Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with a move away from PSGCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have joined the race, with winger Bukayo Saka facing more than two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou desperately needs options given his side’s injury crisis.And Kolo Muani’s electric pace and ability to play anywhere along the frontline appeals.City boss Pep Guardiola wants to freshen things up given their dreadful form and a loan deal would suit both parties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPSG are keen on an obligation-to-buy clause with Frenchman Kolo Muani not part of boss Luis Enrique’s plans.Liverpool are weighing up their options with Mo Salah out of contract in the summer and allowed to talk to foreign clubs in the January window.Boss Arne Slot is a big fan of Kolo Muani, who has performed better for country than club of late.The 26-year-old was chased by Europe’s biggest clubs after scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022-23.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelinesCredit: RexHe joined PSG for £80million in September last year. But he has scored just four times in 14 appearances for the club this season and made just two Ligue 1 starts.He was not in PSG’s squad for recent games with Monaco and Lyon.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossEnrique said: “I could speak about it, but I won’t.“My decisions say it all, even if all of my decisions can be changed.”Kolo Muani netted in the penalty shootout as France were beaten by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.He was also denied by keeper Emi Martinez’s ‘save of the century’.France boss Didier Deschamps continues to pick Kolo Muani despite his lack of game time.Aston Villa also had dialogue with PSG, who were interested in a swap with striker Jhon Duran.But Villa are not interested in parting with the Colombian ace, 21. More

  • in

    Poyet sees Tottenham’s wild inconsistency under Ange and says things have not changed since he played for them

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU may be experiencing a wildly inconsistent season – but for Gus Poyet, things at Spurs are the same as they ever were.Tottenham started off last week beating Southampton 5-0 and Manchester United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup – but then were trounced 6-3 at home to Liverpool on Sunday.Gus Poyet played for three seasons at Spurs before going on to be a managerCredit: SportsfileIt means supporters never know what to expect from Postecoglou’s side.But Poyet sees no difference to how things were when he was playing for the club 20 years ago.And the Uruguayan does not believe that will change until the club fundamentally switches at its core.Poyet, who assisted Juande Ramos the last time Spurs won a trophy in 2008, told SunSport via Odds comparison: “It was like that when I played for them. I promise you, it was.Read more in football“We were there, we were able to beat the best team and then have the worst results. I remember being 3-0 up against Manchester United at home and we lost 5-3.“How can you be so good in the first half and so bad in the second half? “This year against Brighton was the same. Two-nil up at half-time and then they lost 3-2.“Things, they don’t change, until there is something from inside, and I mean right from the core, that change. Most read in Football“In Spurs, that core didn’t change over the years. It’s more or less the same.”Some supporters believe that change would involve chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC departing the club.Ange Postecoglou’s side have won seven and lost eight in the league – but scored more goals than any other teamThere was a protest ahead of the Liverpool game, and some balloons were released in the 24th minute to signify 24 years of ENIC ownership.But Poyet did not single out Levy or the way the club is run as the core switch that is needed – more a mentality shift akin to opponents Liverpool where everything is calmer.The ex-midfielder, who scored 23 goals in 98 Spurs games between 2001-04, added: “It’s a situation with Spurs where every year is like this wish from everyone that it’s going to be the year that something will change.“For whatever reason, I cannot explain, it’s unique, something always happens.“A bad result, or a terrible second half, or an incredibly bad performance.“The ups and downs are too dramatic. For a team to improve over the years, to be consistent, or to be there, you need to be more calm in the good and bad times.“We can talk about Liverpool, being good for so many years, but because you are competing with someone like Man City who are so good as well, it doesn’t mean you are going to win.“But you need to maintain it and not get frustrated for one bad result or one bad season.“With Spurs, everything is a bit up and down.“It has to come from inside, the consistency, from the core of the club. That’s something that will be important for Spurs if they want to achieve some stability.”A driving factor for the frustration that has engulfed Spurs in recent years is their 17-year wait for silverware.Postecoglou will hope to end that this term and is into the Carabao Cup semi-final, where they face Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESTottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossPoyet, who won the FA Cup as a Chelsea player, added: “If I was a Tottenham coach, I would not be thinking about anything else except winning a trophy.“You’re not going to win the Premier League but can I win a cup? Yes. Winning a trophy makes players winners. When you become a winner, it becomes a habit.” More

  • in

    Mo Salah provides huge update on Liverpool contract situation as he breaks Premier League record in Tottenham thrashing

    MO SALAH made history in Liverpool’s thrashing at Tottenham – and provided an update on his contract situation. The Premier League leaders ran out 6-3 winners at Spurs with Salah scoring twice. Mo Salah gives an update on his Liverpool futureLuis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister also got in on the goals as Liverpool extended their lead at the top. And Salah became the first player in Prem history to reach ten goals and ten assists before Christmas. He told Sky Sports: “I didn’t think about it before the game to be fair but I’m glad I done it, a few times. “Something made me happy and proud just keep working hard.” READ MORE IN footballSalah, 32, is approaching the final six months on his contract but is yet to strike an agreement to extend it. The Anfield legend has publicly revealed his desire to stay at the club but continues to admit no deal has been reached. Asked if there is an update, Salah replied: “No.” Salah is now Liverpool’s fourth highest scorer of all time on 229 goals – with Ian Rush leading on 346. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if he can beat Rush’s record, Salah responded: I don’t know how he scored that many goals, to be fair.”I think the football in that time was quite seven versus seven and not really 11 versus 11. “He’s a great legend for the club and we have a good contact. Whatever I’m going to end my career with I’m happy about it, so let’s see.”Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool loss More