Tottenham Hotspur

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Savinho's involvement for Manchester City fell sharply last season after the club signed winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in January.

He played 821 Premier League minutes, scoring once and providing one assist, while featuring in only 31% of City's available minutes.

That was a significant drop from the previous campaign, when he played 54%.

Yet his 2024-25 numbers show why Tottenham are prepared to invest heavily in him. Savinho registered eight Premier League assists that season, all from open play, despite playing only 1,773 minutes. Only five players recorded more from open play.

On a per-90 basis, he ranked third for open-play assists with 0.41, while only Mohamed Salah created more chances per 90 than Savinho's 2.2.

His biggest threat, though, came from carrying the ball. Among Premier League players with at least 1,000 minutes in 2024-25, only Jeremy Doku averaged more progressive carries of at least 10 metres than Savinho's 6.8 per 90.

Savinho also led the division for carries followed by a chance created, averaging 1.3 per 90, while only Son Heung-min ended a carry with an assist more frequently.

He completed 2.6 dribbles per 90 with a 51% success rate and used those carries to draw defenders towards him before releasing team-mates.

That ability was even more evident during his breakout season at Girona. Savinho played 2,989 minutes in La Liga in 2023-24, with 65% of them coming on the left wing. He scored nine goals, supplied eight assists and established himself as one of the division's most dangerous one-against-one players.

At City, his role shifted. Across his two Premier League seasons, his most common position was on the right, accounting for 36% of his minutes, compared to 20% on the left. That versatility could matter at Spurs.

Tottenham could hijack Napoli'spursuit of Marseille and Algeria winger Amine Gouiri, 26. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

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The third-round draw for the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday, 26 August following the conclusion of Preston North End vs Everton.

Nine Premier League clubs taking part in European football join the 23 first-round winners from across the English Football League.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace will enter the competition at this stage, as the top eight Premier League clubs from the 2025-26 season plus Crystal Palace as Conference League winners.

It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the third round tie between Preston North End and Everton, kicking off at 20:00 BST.

Unlike the opening two rounds of the competition, the third round draw is not regionalised.

However, before the match at Deepdale there will be a pre-draw determining which of the Champions League and Europa League clubs will play at home or away in round three.

In order to avoid potential scheduling issues, the eight Champions League and Europa League clubs cannot be drawn against each other in round three.

When the draw takes place, the first eight fixtures decided are the ones involving clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. The remainder of the draw will be an open draw as usual.

Due to clashes with opening weeks of the Champions League and Europa League seasons, the third round will be played across two different weeks. They are the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September, 2026.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Tottenham have strengthened by spending heavily in the summer, but if Dominic Solanke is not going to be used regularly as a main striker, then this is where Roberto de Zerbi must look next.

Richarlison took the starting role in the opening weekend loss at Brentford, and while a deal for Manchester City's Omar Marmoush is progressing, is this actually his best role?

Kish Patel, Tottenham fan

Spurs desperately need forward players who can turn De Zerbi's quick attacks into decisive moments.

Currently, Tottenham have the players to play through pressure but don't have the players to maximise the situations this creates.

A winger and a striker who can improve us will be a drastic upgrade.

What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?

Get in touch with your views here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup second-round tie against Championship side Charlton Athletic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 19:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Striker Dominic Solanke is available to play and Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro will be named on the bench.

• Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined and James Maddison will miss the match because of "a small injury" in his shoulder.

• De Zerbi is unsure whether new signing Savio will "be ready" to start the game, but he is expected to be in the matchday squad.

• On Savio: "In terms of one-on-one, he's one of the best players and can play on either side.

• He said his side had enough quality to "do much better" in the opening 3-0 defeat at Brentford, but changing the mentality is "a big challenge".

• More from De Zerbi on Sunday's loss: "We need to get used to winning the matches. We have to change the mood. I think the environment has to change - the players inside and the people inside have to change this mentality."

• The Italian said Solanke is an "important player but he has to play much better than [he did] against Brentford", adding: "We need the striker to hold the ball when the opposition go man-to-man."

• De Zerbi said Spurs have been "working very well" in this summer's transfer market, but he couldn't say whether there will be any more incomings or outgoings.

Got a question about Spurs? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

"I don't buy the excuses from Roberto de Zerbi," says former Premier League winger Andros Townsend.

Following Tottenham's opening-weekend defeat by Brentford, the Italian head coach said summer signings Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali were "not in the best physical condition".

"It is the first time in my lifetime - that I can remember - when Tottenham have actually been smart, done their business early and paid over the odds to get players through the door to get a full pre-season under their belts.

"I can only imagine that was so on matchday one they would be ready to hit the ground running, so the situation is baffling to me.

"Before the game, I was really excited because I thought Tottenham could have a really good season. I do think they still could, but I don't buy the excuses from Roberto de Zerbi."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Nottingham Forest are determined to keep full-back Neco Williams this summer amid late interest from Tottenham.

Spurs' interest in the 25-year-old is at an exploratory stage, but sources close to Forest insist the City Ground club will not consider selling the Wales international this summer.

Williams proved a crucial player last season and is expected to play a key role for new manager Oliver Glasner this time around. Forest remain in talks with the former Liverpool defender over a new contract and it is their intention to extend his current deal - which expires in summer 2029 - to reflect his importance to the squad.

Reds boss Glasner has an interest in Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, which poses a potential discussion point between the two clubs, but Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi has insisted the 20-year-old Sweden international will stay in north London.

Tottenham have sold defender Djed Spence to Inter Milan and are open to signing a replacement - and it is understood De Zerbi would prefer one with Premier League experience.

Like Spence, Williams - who has made over 150 Premier League appearances - can play on both flanks, but is predominantly a left-back.

Spurs have options on the left in Destiny Udogie, Any Robertson and Ben Davies. Udogie is understood to have interest from Italy, while Robertson and Davies are in the latter stages of their careers.

At right-back, Pedro Porro is first choice but there is no direct competition - though Archie Gray can fill in.

As a result, there is a will at Spurs to sign a younger, versatile full-back before the window closes at 23:00 BST on 1 September.

Image source, Getty Images

Winger Savinho says "it's taken a while" but he is "very happy" to have signed for Tottenham.

The 22-year-old's move to north London has been more than 12 months in the making, with Spurs failing in a bid to sign him last summer.

"It's a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world," said Savinho.

"As soon as I spoke to the head coach, I knew I had to come. He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level, and I believe we can do that together, as a team."

De Zerbi added: "Savio is a player who brings energy, imagination and quality in wide positions. He has the courage to attack defenders and the ability to change a game with his creativity.

"We're very pleased to have him with us, and I'm looking forward to working with him, helping him continue to grow and seeing him bring his personality to the team."

Savinho joined Manchester City from French side Troyes in 2024, but his game time was limited under Pep Guardiola last term when he made just seven Premier League starts.

Spurs sporting director Johan Lange said the Brazilian "will excite our supporters every time he gets on the ball", adding: "He has already shown his quality at the highest level and we believe his ability, style and mentality will be a great fit for the squad we are building here.

"I'm looking forward to watching his development under Roberto's coaching."

Manchester City have entered the race to sign Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, with Tottenham also still working on a deal. (Soccer News NL - in Dutch), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.

Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.

Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.

Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.

The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.

Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.

Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

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Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin doesn't believe Roberto de Zerbi has a single player in his squad who would "put the scares up you" this season.

Tottenham, who have spent in the region of £237m this summer, fell to a shock 3-0 defeat against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, despite four of their statement summer signings being named in their starting XI.

"There were problems all over the pitch," Austin said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "They just looked like the same old Tottenham.

"As much as they have spent the money, I just don't see the return from it. They don't strike fear into teams any more. Put it this way: teams want to play against Tottenham to win.

"You feared playing Tottenham years ago because they had Harry Kane down the middle, now I would ask you to find me someone who is going to put the scares up you. There's nobody that does that.

"People say they don't have a leader, but they have Andy Robertson at left-back who has won every trophy there is going, so there are leaders in that team.

"You also have Sandro Tonali, who didn't score any goals for Newcastle United last season. I'm all for paying £100m for a player if they got 15 or more goals and assists from central midfield, but he didn't.

"I've said for the past two years that you can never replace Harry Kane, but what you can try to do is try to put someone down the middle who is going to put the ball in the back of the net - and Richarlison is not that person."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Rob: Most complete performance I've seen from a Bees team in the Premier League. Dominated from start to finish, Spurs hardly had a chance and 3-0 flatters them. I think Spurs need Igor Tudor to come in and steady the ship.

Mark: So refreshing to see the Bees playing positive, one-touch, attacking football. The link-up play is excellent and the addition of Sangare has really added strength. A totally dominant performance and a clean sheet!

Steve: Best ever opening-day performance at the highest level by Brentford. All the talk is about how bad Spurs were but credit Brentford who did not give them an inch for 90 minutes. Only one team was up to for the fight and Spurs know it was lucky it was only three. They were taken to the sword. Brentford deserve every plaudit.

Cliff: We taught Spurs a lesson that you need more than money to build a team. They could blow another quarter of a billion pounds and still wouldn't have what Brentford have. Passion, heart and togetherness from top to bottom, from the owner to the fans and programme sellers.

Tottenham fans

Tom: Same pathetic display from Spurs. The players should be ashamed of themselves. Brentford outfought, outplayed and outclassed the multi-million pound Spurs team who never turned up. No excuses, they were humiliated by a team that didn't cost anywhere near what Spurs cost.

Jon: What a shambolic performance. I was really looking forward to the season but, as always, Spurs fail to justify their fans' support. Disgraceful and abject, Gallagher and Bergvall especially useless. Another long and boring season ahead potentially.

Paul: The Spurs players looked as if they'd just met each other on the bus on the way to the stadium. Outfought, outran and especially outplayed. We desperately need to get a striker in as Richarlison is plainly not good enough and Solanke is hardly ever fit. Will Marmoush be the answer, (if we get him)? That remains to be seen, but we have to do something and quickly, because if we are going to defend that badly we're going to need to score two or three every game.

Amelia: Almost as bad as last season but I'm going to be generous and give them a month or so to settle in with all the changes. The only way is up...surely?

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Roberto de Zerbi, by his own admission, confirmed his role was more psychologist than coach when he was given seven games to keep Tottenham in the top flight following his appointment in March.

The Italian has been handed vast funds for a host of new players to ensure Spurs do not suffer a repeat of the nightmare campaign.

Saturday's dreadful defeat at Brentford was not the start he or the Spurs power brokers envisaged.

For all the change in transfer strategy and personnel, the manner in which Spurs capitulated at the first sign of pressure as they were run ragged by the Bees provided gruesome evidence that you need more than a huge transfer fund to give a team mental strength.

De Zerbi gave debuts to four of his new acquisitions in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali. They will feel the only way is up because they were at rock bottom here. None of them distinguished themselves, although neither did any others.

Midfielder Tonali cost £100m from Newcastle United, but was utterly outshone and overpowered by Brentford's record buy Mamadou Sangare, who was the game's outstanding performer.

Tonali's only memorable contribution was a first-half attempt on goal that flew horribly skywards, prompting the inevitable suggestion from Brentford supporters that Spurs had wasted their money.

Matheus Fernades, at £85m from West Ham, came on as a substitute, while Savinho and possibly Omar Marmoush will add strength, but it was the lack of heart and fight that will be De Zerbi's biggest concern.

Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall did not return after the half-time interval, although they might justifiably point out others could have accompanied them.

De Zerbi somehow needs to get into the heads of these Spurs players to give them strength and steel. That is not something that can be achieved with a wave of the chequebook.

Tottenham Hotspur starting XI:

Antonin Kinsky: Bad day for Spurs' new first-choice goalkeeper. Was at fault when he pushed out Jensen's shot for Janelt's goal. Distribution wayward. 5

Archie Gray: The youngest captain in Spurs history but not a day for celebration. Played as an emergency right-back and looked like, well, an emergency right-back. 5

Marcos Senesi: Struggled to cope with the physical presence of Igor Thiago and the movement of those around Brentford's Brazilian striker. 5

Jan Paul van Hecke: For Senesi read Van Hecke. Never comfortable in a shambolic Spurs defence. 5

Andrew Robertson: Tough debut for the veteran left-back, Struggled to cope with Brentford's pace and movement on the right flank. 5

Conor Gallagher: Took a couple of heavy early knocks and had a wild shot off target. Booked for trip on Sangare and no surprise when he was replaced at half-time. 4

Lucas Bergvall: Too many wasted passes and gave away possession poorly for Brentford's second goal. 4

Sandro Tonali: Desperately poor debut for Spurs' £100m signing. Ironic cheers for one first-half effort and did not exert any serious influence on the game. 4

Mikey Moore: The youngster was isolated on the right flank and had little support. but at least looked dangerous and gave Kelleher some work to do. 6

Richarlison: Ineffective. Lost heart as the game went on. 4

Mathys Tel: Early clever flick hinted at a threat, but was then anonymous. 4

Tottenham Hotspur substitutes:

Mateus Fernandes (on 45, Gallagher): Anonymous on debut. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur (on 45, Bergvall): Gave away a penalty. Poor. 5

James Maddison (on 68, Moore): No time make an impact. 5

Dominic Solanke (on 68, Richarlison): Game was over when he came on. 5

Destiny Udogie (on 86, Gray)

Subs not used: Dubravka, Danso, Davies, Williams-Barnett.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Bad game. We lost and suffered the difference in the duels. It was the key of this game. We didn't fight in the right way. Maybe credit to them because it's the best quality Brentford have.

"Our physical condition was not at the right level for all players because many came later after the World Cup and there were many new players in the squad and first XI. But we have to analyse this game better because we can't play this way in this type of game.

"I am surprised by the result and performance. I knew we were not in the right condition. We can't find an excuse. I am sorry for the result and performance. We are starting a new project and we couldn't find the principal.

"Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali are not in the best physical condition. We knew that before the game. We have to improve on that and many other things, like organisation and pressing.

"We can improve quickly but first, we have to understand this game better. I know their physical condition and new players but we have to put something more. We had to fight more. Players know I have a lot of confidence in them and we hope to improve quickly."

On more signings: "I don't want the excuse that the first XI was not enough to compete and get a result. Brentford's spirit on the pitch was great, it has to be the right example for us."

Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray, speaking to Sky Sports: "For some reason on days in football, a team can outfight another team, it's on us and the fans have been incredible."

On fitness in the starting line-up: "I don't think there's any excuses to be honest."

On hangover from last season: "We've got work to do, you saw that performance. It's definitely an improvement from last season. It's not the start we wanted, going into the mid-week game on Wednesday."

On looking ahead for the rest of the season: "The work we do in the week is about moving in the right direction but today we got out-fought."

On becoming Tottenham's youngest-ever Premier League starting captain: "It was an amazing moment and I'm grateful for the manager for trusting me but again, today wasn't good enough."

Did you know?

• Tottenham Hotspur suffered their joint-heaviest defeat on MD1 of a Premier League season, having also lost 3-0 to Manchester United in 2011-12.

• Against Brentford, Archie Gray (20y 163d) became the youngest player to start a Premier League match for Tottenham Hotspur as captain, overtaking Harry Kane v Burnley in April 2015 (21y 251d).

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham failed to win a single game after falling behind last season and once again they crumbled after Keane Lewis-Potter gave the Bees an early lead.

This was supposed to be the start of a new era for Spurs after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes.

Instead this was as bad as anything they served up last season as familiar failings were very much evident despite the new faces on show.

It was far too easy for Brentford at times, with Lewis-Potter left unmarked to score the first, Richarlison conceding possession before the second goal and the Spurs defence all over the place when Michael Kayode made it 3-0.

Tottenham are in talks to sign Manchester City forward duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Yet it is in defence where Spurs look in urgent need of reinforcements.

Skipper Micky van de Ven, who is injured, watched this horror show unfold from the bench as 20-year-old Archie Gray became the youngest player to captain the club.

But this was a day to forget for Tottenham and Gray, who was replaced in the closing stages and handed the armband to substitute James Maddison, who hardly played last season because of injury.

By then, many of Tottenham's travelling support had left the ground as Brentford fans teased their opponents by singing: "You're going down with the Fulham."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.