Jay Harris
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📝 Tottenham Hotspur reporter @TheAthleticFC 🎙️Appear on @VFTLpodcast which is now available on YouTube 🌍 Veteran of two AFCONs & I sometimes cover Brentford
Articles by Jay Harris
Andy Robertson’s leadership skills – ‘He’ll be able to guide Spurs in a good direction’ Original
When Cristian Romero joined Atletico Madrid for £34million in August, he became the third captain to leave Tottenham Hotspur in the last four years, following in the footsteps of Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min. Other senior figures have also been sold, including the club’s all-time top goalscorer Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. There has been a huge loss of leadership, which at least partly explains their determination to sign Andy Robertson.
Lucas Bergvall signs new Tottenham contract, three months after telling club he wanted to leave Original
Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur. Friday’s announcement comes after the 20-year-old midfielder’s future was uncertain throughout the summer. The Athletic reported in June that the Sweden international had expressed a preference to leave, with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United submitting bids which were rejected by Spurs.
How Lucas Bergvall ended up staying at Spurs despite Forest and Newcastle bids
Tottenham Hotspur changed their long-held attitude towards selling in the transfer market this summer. In the past, they were guilty of holding onto unhappy players for too long and watching their value depreciate. Over the past six months, however, chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about the need for a different strategy. However, they did not sanction a departure for Lucas Bergvall.
Richarlison left out of Tottenham’s 2026-27 Premier League squad
Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League squad. The striker was told before the Premier League transfer deadline that he would not be included in their squad so he could find a new club. Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in July 2022 in a deal worth up to £60million. The Brazil international has under a year left on his contract and his future has been unclear throughout the summer.
Richarlison left out of Tottenham’s 2026-27 Premier League squad
Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League squad. The striker was told before the Premier League transfer deadline that he would not be included in their squad so he could find a new club. Richarlison joined Spurs from Everton in July 2022 in a deal worth up to £60million. The Brazil international has under a year left on his contract and his future has been unclear throughout the summer.
Tottenham’s hectic summer window: Explaining the club’s transfer and wage policy shift
The arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo late on Tuesday evening marked the end of one of the most radical transfer windows in Tottenham Hotspur’s history. This summer, Spurs spent more than £300million ($405m) on 10 players, all of them from Premier League clubs. They paid three fees well in excess of their old transfer record and shattered the wage structure that had defined the club for a generation. The perception of Tottenham in the marketplace has changed forever.
Explained: Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping ban and what has happened since he last played
Tottenham Hotspur made an unexpected move on transfer deadline day by signing Mykhailo Mudryk from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Spurs have been in the market for an extra attacker and pivoted to Mudryk after missing out on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Iliman Ndiaye of Everton.
Tottenham sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea, with £75m buy option
Tottenham Hotspur have completed a deal to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season. The north London side have the option to make the move permanent for a fee of £75million. The Athletic reported on Monday that Spurs had enquired about Mudryk. They have also agreed a deal to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea, marking the first time that a player has moved directly between the two clubs since 2009, when goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini joined Spurs.
Tottenham sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea, with £75m buy option
Tottenham Hotspur have completed a deal to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season. The north London side have the option to make the move permanent for a fee of £75million. The Athletic reported on Monday that Spurs had enquired about Mudryk. They have also agreed a deal to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea, marking the first time that a player has moved directly between the two clubs since 2009, when goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini joined Spurs.
Tottenham ‘can’t buy mentality’ — and that is a big problem
“You can’t buy mentality in the transfer market.” Roberto De Zerbi’s analysis of Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United had nothing to do with tactics. Spurs have spent over £300million on eight new signings this summer but the psychological scars that have been inflicted on them over the last few years are taking longer than anybody would like to heal. Spurs finished 17th in back-to-back seasons and have lost 41 of their last 78 top-flight matches.
Roberto De Zerbi says Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have asked to leave Tottenham Original
Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr were left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s squad for their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday because they have all asked to leave, according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Richarlison, 29, was Tottenham’s top goalscorer in the Premier League last season (11 goals) and started in their opening game of this campaign, which they lost 3-0 to Brentford.
Tottenham 0 Newcastle 2 – Elanga, Wissa shine for Jaissle, De Zerbi struggling to shape team
Goals by Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa gave Newcastle United their first win under new coach Matthias Jaissle and condemned hosts Tottenham Hotspur to their second defeat in as many games to start the Premier League season. After a goalless first half, the game sprang to life just past the hour left when Elanga scored his second goal in two games after controlling a header from Amar Dedic, and finishing on the turn.
Savio and an electric cameo that thrilled Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur pursued Savio for 12 months. It took him less than 10 minutes to demonstrate why they paid up to £85million to finally sign him from Manchester City. The Brazilian was named on the bench for Spurs’ 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening which earned them an away tie against Liverpool in the third round. The first 70 minutes belonged to Mikey Moore, the academy graduate who might leave on loan following Savio’s arrival.
Brentford close to finalising £40m deal for West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf
Brentford are close to finalising a deal to sign West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf for a fee in the region of £40million ($54.4m). The 21-year-old was absent from the matchday squad for West Ham’s 4-1 win over Southampton in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, and the home loss to London rivals Charlton Athletic at the weekend.
Introducing Mamadou Sangare, the Premier League’s ‘absolutely unbelievable’ new midfield star
How did Brentford sign Mamadou Sangare for less than £50million? The 24-year-old midfielder stole the show in Brentford’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. On his first appearance in English football, Sangare overshadowed Spurs’ £100m club-record signing Sandro Tonali and Lucas Bergvall.
What went wrong for De Zerbi at Brentford? How good is Sangare? What else do Spurs need after £250m spend?
Tottenham Hotspur have spent significantly this summer but Roberto De Zerbi’s side were comprehensively beaten by Brentford on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Spurs have committed to spending nearly £250m on transfers already this summer, with a deal worth up to £85m for Savinho agreed with Manchester City and one for his team-mate Omar Marmoush progressing too.
Tottenham Hotspur 2026-27 preview: With money spent and the squad rebuilt, how high can they finish?
The mood inside Tottenham Hotspur has undergone a transformation over the last six months. When Roberto De Zerbi was appointed as head coach on a five-year contract in March, it looked like they were going to be relegated. Spurs had not won a game in 2026 and fans were grappling with the prospect of spending at least 12 months stuck in the Championship.
It is essential Spurs avoid another season of injury woe. This is how they are trying to do it Original
Forget about hiring Roberto De Zerbi on a lucrative five-year contract and spending nearly £250million on six new signings. If Tottenham Hotspur want to be successful this season, they need to avoid another injury crisis. Spurs have been wounded by back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League and fitness issues played a significant role on both occasions. There are many different factors involved and this is not the first time they have tried to tackle them.
Tottenham outclass Hoffenheim: Does Richarlison start? Should Moore stay? Has Bergvall got a Spurs future? Original
Tottenham showed more evidence they will be a different proposition this season under Roberto De Zerbi as Richarlison scored once and Mikey Moore twice in a 3-0 win over Hoffenheim, the first of a friendly double-header this weekend. De Zerbi fielded a strong line-up, with new signings Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Sandro Tonali all starting.
Atletico Madrid sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham Original
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentina international, 28, moves to the Spanish capital in a deal worth in the region of €40million (£34.1m; $46m). He has signed a long-term contract with Atletico while Spurs hold a 15 per cent sell-on fee.
Premier League strength test: How ready is your club for the new season with a week to go? Original
The start of the 2026-27 Premier League season is one week away, with the first game, Arsenal vs Coventry City, kicking off next Friday. So, how ready are your club for the campaign to come? What has changed in the past fortnight? Have new signings made a club’s best team significantly stronger? Are young players making a case for inclusion through their pre-season form? And which clubs are having to navigate challenging injury issues?
Tottenham and Inter Milan in talks over €30m Djed Spence deal
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Inter Milan over deal to sell Djed Spence to the Italian side for a fee in the region of €30million (£25.6m). A source close to the situation, granted anonymity to protect relationships, said Spence is keen on a move to the Serie A champions, who are in the market for a new right back after the sale of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid.
Tottenham and Inter Milan in talks over €30m Djed Spence deal
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Inter Milan over deal to sell Djed Spence to the Italian side for a fee in the region of €30million (£25.6m). A source close to the situation, granted anonymity to protect relationships, said Spence is keen on a move to the Serie A champions, who are in the market for a new right back after the sale of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid.
Spurs are getting better at selling young players – but the process didn’t start this summer Original
Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer activity this summer has taken just about everybody by surprise. We are not talking only about spending nearly £250million on six new signings, breaking their transfer record twice in the process with the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali from West Ham United and Newcastle United respectively, but also making strategic sales. Chief executive officer Vinai Venkatesham has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about how Spurs need to improve at selling.
Tottenham’s retooled midfield is now overcrowded. So who makes way? Original
There were a couple of surprises when Roberto De Zerbi announced his squad for Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand. Lucas Bergvall was named in the 35-man travelling party despite the uncertainty over his future, while Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Guglielmo Vicario stayed at home. The Athletic reported earlier this summer that Bergvall expressed a preference to move on after two years in north London.
Roberto De Zerbi says Tottenham are chasing a ‘bomba’ signing. So who could it be? Original
Tottenham Hotspur have been the busiest Premier League club in the transfer market this summer. They have spent nearly £250million ($337m) on six players, breaking their transfer record twice in the process, and are showing no signs of slowing down. Spurs are working hard on their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand and head coach Roberto De Zerbi has teased supporters that something exciting is about to happen.
Brentford close to agreeing club-record deal for Lens’ Mamadou Sangare
Brentford are close to agreeing a deal to sign Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare. A deal has not yet been finalised but Brentford are closing in on a move for the Mali international, with the transfer fee expected to exceed the package of £37million ($49.2m; €43.2m at current rates) plus £5m in add-ons they paid Bournemouth for Dango Ouattara last year. Crystal Palace had been interested in Sangare, though felt as though they match the financial package that Brentford were offering.
‘Inside, I still have that little kid who loves football’ – This is the real Xavi Simons Original
It’s a sweltering day in south-east Spain and around 100 children are queuing up to meet a local hero. Xavi Simons was born in Amsterdam but grew up in the quiet village of Rojales in Alicante. The Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder is here to open a football pitch next to the school he attended before a life-changing move to Barcelona’s academy at the age of six. Despite the oppressive heat, Xavi signs every single shirt and takes photos with members of the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
Romero and Martinez, the ‘best, worst’ defenders at the heart of Argentina’s back line Original
Cristian Romero loves being aggressive with opposition strikers but it was the English media he lashed out at following Argentina’s dramatic World Cup semi-final victory.
Tottenham reject Nottingham Forest’s opening Lucas Bergvall bid Original
Tottenham Hotspur have rejected Nottingham Forest’s opening offer for midfielder Lucas Bergvall. Despite not yet agreeing a fee, Forest’s interest in Bergvall remains and negotiations are expected to continue. The 20-year-old midfielder is Forest’s primary summer target and the player they want to replace Elliot Anderson, who Manchester City have agreed to sign in a deal worth £116million ($153m).
Yoane Wissa’s nightmare season has given way to dream World Cup. Next up, England Original
The past 12 months have not gone according to plan for Yoane Wissa but now he is preparing for the biggest moment of his career. The 29-year-old is set to lead the line for the Democratic Republic of Congo when they face England in the round of 32 at the World Cup today. This is only the second time DR Congo have qualified for a World Cup. They competed in 1974 under the name Zaire but lost all three of their games. Wissa has become the African nation’s hero over the past two weeks.
What do fans of the eliminated teams think of this expanded 48-team World Cup? Original
As the World Cup’s group stage finished, 16 countries packed their bags and headed home, leaving 32 remaining — the same number of teams that started recent World Cups. It took 72 matches to get to the point where the last-32 ties were set. The expansion was controversial but it also opened up football’s biggest tournament to lots of countries that might otherwise not have made it. Some of those are out, others have impressively made it into the knockouts.
The World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams has hugely benefitted African countries. Between 1998 and 2022, 32 sides qualified for each edition of the tournament. For the previous World Cup in Qatar, 54 African nations competed against each other for only five of those 32 spots. There were 13 places up for grabs for the 55 European teams. It was an imbalance which has finally been addressed at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
England World Cup verdicts: How far will they go? Hopes and worries from group stages Original
England finished top of Group L after an undefeated campaign in which they collected seven points and never looked in danger of missing out on the knockouts. It was also a start to their World Cup campaign in which assistant coach Anthony Barry repeatedly raised concerns in half-time TV interviews, and England failed to score against Ghana or in the opening 45 minutes against Panama. So should England supporters be excited, concerned or a bit of both before the last 32 game against DR Congo?
Brentford submit bid for Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony
Brentford have submitted an offer for Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony and talks are ongoing over a fee. One of Brentford’s priorities in this transfer window is to improve their attacking options. This is the second offer they have made for a winger this summer as The Athletic reported that Brentford had made a bid for FC Koln’s Said El Mala last month but no progress was made in the negotiations.
Brentford submit bid for Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony
Brentford have submitted an offer for Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony and talks are ongoing over a fee. One of Brentford's priorities in this transfer window is to improve their attacking options. This is the second offer they have made for a winger this summer. The Athletic reported that Brentford had made a bid for FC Koln's Said El Mala last month but no progress was made in the negotiations.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi ordered to stand trial on rape charges after losing court appeal
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been ordered to stand trial on rape charges by a French court after losing an appeal. The Versailles appeal court said in a statement to The Athletic that an investigating chamber had concluded there was sufficient evidence for the Paris Saint-Germain full-back to stand trial. Hakimi, 27, is part of Morocco’s squad at the 2026 World Cup and has played the full 90 minutes of both of their group stage matches against Brazil and Scotland.
‘The GOAT is on fire’: Lionel Messi’s World Cup heroics spark acclaim across the game
Exactly 20 years after scoring his first goal at a World Cup, and on his 200th international appearance, Lionel Messi is still effortlessly producing moments of magic. Why would anybody doubt him? Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria helped holders Argentina make the perfect start to their title defence with a 3-0 victory. It was the forward’s 27th appearance across six editions of the competition.
Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic dilemma: Brighton’s bid raises some big questions
Tottenham Hotspur are stuck in a predicament. Luka Vuskovic is one of the most exciting talents in world football. The centre-back scored six goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances on loan at Hamburg last season, including towering headers and clever backheel flicks. The 19-year-old’s stock will keep rising as he is set to star for Croatia at this summer’s World Cup, starting with their first group-stage game against England on Wednesday evening.
It took them a while to warm up but once they got going, France showed why they are many people’s favourites to win the World Cup this summer. Didier Deschamps’ side turned on the style in the second off with two goals from Kylian Mbappe and one Bradley Barcola, to defeat Senegal 3-1. Senegal were in fact much the better side in the first half, as a disjointed France side frequently gave the ball away and lost midfield duels.
Tunisia set to fire head coach Sabri Lamouchi after just one World Cup game Original
Tunisia are set to fire their head coach Sabri Lamouchi after only one World Cup game. Sources briefed on the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, said on Monday that Tunisia intended to part ways with Lamouchi following Sunday’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their World Cup group stage opener. His anticipated departure would see him become the first coach to be fired just one game into a World Cup tournament.
Seven things for Tottenham Hotspur fans to look out for at the 2026 World Cup
Tottenham Hotspur will have 10 players competing at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That figure could increase if Marcos Senesi, who will join Spurs on a four-year deal when his contract with Bournemouth expires at the end of June, is a late addition to Argentina’s squad following an injury to Leonardo Balerdi.
Seven things for Tottenham Hotspur fans to look out for at the 2026 World Cup
Tottenham Hotspur will have 10 players competing at this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That figure could increase if Marcos Senesi, who will join Spurs on a four-year deal when his contract with Bournemouth expires at the end of June, is a late addition to Argentina's squad following an injury to Leonardo Balerdi.
Tottenham confirm Marcos Senesi signing on a free transfer Original
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer. As The Athletic reported last month, Senesi has signed a four-year deal with the north London club after his contract and will officially join on July 1 when his Bournemouth terms expire. “From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building,” Senesi said, via the club website.
Tunisia, oh Tunisia… Their fans have become used to a team that relishes the role of the underdog
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Tunisie Ya Tunisie, Maak Rabi w enibi — Tunisia, oh Tunisia, God and the Prophet are with you Tunisia became the first African country to win a game at a World Cup when they beat Mexico 3-1 on their tournament debut in 1978.
Daniel Levy sells majority of stake in Tottenham’s parent company ENIC, says press release
Former Tottenham Hotspur executive chairman Daniel Levy has agreed to sell the majority of his stake in the club, according to a press release sent out on behalf of the purchasing company Eight Sports Capital Limited. The Lewis family now own 70.12 per cent of ENIC, Tottenham’s parent company, and the remaining 29.88 per cent is owned by Levy through family trusts. In total, ENIC’s stake in Spurs is 87.62 per cent and the rest of the club is owned by minority shareholders.
Andy Robertson completes Tottenham transfer after Liverpool exit
Andy Robertson has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent following his departure from Liverpool. The Athletic reported in the Transfer DealSheet on June 2 that Spurs were progressing with a deal for the left-back. Robertson, 32, confirmed in April he would be departing Liverpool in the summer upon the expiration of his contract, with Spurs swiftly taking pole position to sign him if they retained their status as a Premier League club.
Andy Robertson completes Tottenham transfer after Liverpool exit
Andy Robertson has complete his move to Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent following his departure from Liverpool. The Athletic reported in the Transfer DealSheet on June 2 that Spurs were progressing with a deal for the left-back. Robertson, 32, confirmed in April he would be departing Liverpool in the summer upon the expiration of his contract, with Spurs swiftly taking pole position to sign him if they retained their status as a Premier League club.
Tottenham squad audit: Who stays? Who goes? New deals? Where are the gaps? Original
Tottenham Hotspur have a huge rebuilding job to do. They have burned through four head coaches in 12 months and narrowly avoided relegation. Roberto De Zerbi has had a positive impact since he joined in March despite inheriting an injury crisis after the final-day win over Everton that Spurs only have “10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay”. The squad is unbalanced and The Athletic reported earlier this week that signing a new left winger and central midfielder are high on the priority list.
Tottenham Hotspur 2026 Transfer DealSheet: Latest on summer window plans Original
Tottenham Hotspur have recorded back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. If they want to return to the top half of the table, they need to spend wisely this summer. Spurs tried to be ambitious in the transfer window last year but failed to complete deals for Antoine Semenyo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons arrived for a lot of money, but both missed a significant amount of game time through injury.
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