Tottenham Faces Pre-Season Concerns After Bayern Munich Defeat
Tottenham Hotspur is entering the 2025-2026 season, culminating in a Super Cup match against the winners of the UEFA Europa League and Champions League, with a growing sense of unease following a important pre-season loss and ongoing transfer market activity. The club is navigating a period of transition after the departure of key player son Heung-min to MLS side LAFC, and anxieties are rising about a potential repeat of last season’s struggles.
A recent 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on August 4th at Allianz Arena highlighted the team’s current vulnerabilities. Bayern scored three goals in the second half, compounding concerns as this was Tottenham’s final planning match before the start of the new campaign.
Tottenham has been actively reshaping its squad, securing central defender Kevin Danso on a permanent deal, finalizing the transfer of Matías Tagliamonte (previously on loan), and adding Japanese defender Takai Kota from Kawasaki Frontale. They’ve also brought in Mohamed Kudus from West Ham United and a player from Bayern Munich (name not specified in original text).
However, manager Thomas Frank is seeking further reinforcements. The absence of Son Heung-min, coupled with a long-term injury to james Maddison sustained during the pre-season Asian tour, creates significant gaps in the squad. While Dejan Kulusevski offers versatility as a right winger and attacking midfielder, he requires more time to fully recover from his previous form.
Tottenham previously pursued Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White but were unsuccessful. Currently,James McAtee of Manchester City is a target. Reports indicate Tottenham is prepared to offer a £40 million (approximately ₩74.6 billion) bid for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder. sources suggest Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, might potentially be willing to accept the offer as mcatee isn’t a central figure in their plans. Frank is also reportedly in discussions with Manchester City regarding another winger, Sabine (full name not provided).
The club is also exploring options on the wings, with interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. Though, Tottenham faces competition from North London rivals Arsenal for Eze’s signature, possibly leading to a competitive transfer battle.
Tottenham is monitoring FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. Barcelona is open to selling Araujo due to financial pressures, with a potential price tag of up to £43 million. Though, other English clubs, including one referred to as “the body” (likely a typo for a club name), are also interested in the defender.
Source: Sports Dong-A (as indicated in the original article)
