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De Zerbi Tells Tottenham Wonderkid He’s in Plans This Season

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Roberto De Zerbi seems keen to still put his trust in youth at Tottenham Hotspur despite a busy record-breaking summer transfer window.

The Lilywhites have splashed the cash on three high-profile players, with Sandro Tonali becoming the club’s record signing in a £100 million deal. A hefty £85m was spent on Mateus Fernandes, while Jan Paul van Hecke reunited with De Zerbi in a £52m deal.

Those three are set to be a major part of De Zerbi’s plans to drive Spurs back into European contention next season. While there’s been a big push for a rebuild, the Italian coach is still keen to turn to youth.

De Zerbi Tells Olusesi He’s Staying

Callum Olusesi (Tottenham) REUTERS/Scott Heppell

There has been some speculation over Callum Olusesi’s future amid the 19-year-old missing out on a place in De Zerbi’s 36-man squad for a pre-season tour in New Zealand. He had been linked with a permanent exit in January and Standard Sport reported that Hoffenheim and PSV Eindhoven were eyeing the English youngster.

The same outlet now claims that De Zerbi has informed Olusesi that he is part of his plans and is expected to stay and challenge for minutes. He made his Premier League and Champions League debut last season, featuring three times at senior level.

Olusesi is missing Spurs’ trip to New Zealand as he recovers from an injury, but the versatile midfielder is one of several academy players who are set to compete for first-team minutes. Defender Jun’ai Byfield and Luca Williams-Barnett are also going nowhere, although the latter might not be ready for senior football.

De Zerbi’s Lilywhites face Auckland FC, Sydney FC and Chelsea in the coming days during their pre-season tour. While Byfield wasn’t included, Williams-Barnett was alongside new signings Tonali, Fernandes and Van Hecke.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Tottenham Building For Now and Future

Roberto De Zerbi clapping the Tottenham fans

Spurs needed to take immediate action in the current market after last season’s relegation battle. They avoided the drop on the final day of a dismal campaign.

The torment of the past 12 months has been firmly put behind them with probably their most exciting transfer business since the magnificent seven in 2013. It was impossible for the higher-ups to continue targeting short-term fixes or bargain buys rather than elite players as they have.

That said, there remains a need to build for the future and that includes trusting in the youth academy. Olusesi, dubbed “great” by Ange Postecoglou, is one of the teenage prospects tipped for a bright future amid impressive displays for the U21s.

Spurs legend Jermain Defoe is a massive fan, and he believes the midfielder has “great potential.” The iconic striker explained how he can play as a six, eight or even as a ten, and this analysis speaks volumes about why De Zerbi will be handing him opportunities.

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Argentine TV Names 10 People Responsible for ‘Argentinophobia’

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An Argentine TV station has put together a starting XI of high-profile names they believe are responsible for ‘Argentinophobia’ following the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina came ever so close to retaining their title after progressing all the way to the final. They were flawless in the group stage as they beat Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

They then defeated Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England to set up a showdown with Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium.

However, they fell at the final hurdle as they were defeated by the European nation. Spain triumphed 1-0 as Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Argentine TV Calls Out 10 People Responsible For ‘Argentinophobia’

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Argentina were criticised by many during the tournament. Some were upset that they received some favourable refereeing decisions during their campaign, while others were critical of their behaviour on the pitch.

Jonatan Viale, in an appearance on Todo Noticias, has now called out 10 high-profile names from around the world that are the main culprits of ‘Argentinophobia’.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan is among the names that have been called out. Hassan was extremely unhappy after his Egypt side were knocked out of the World Cup at the last 16 stage by Argentina.

After the match, Hassan accused FIFA of favouring Lionel Messi and the South American nation.

Piers Morgan also features. Morgan was very critical of Argentina throughout the tournament. After Spain beat them in the final, the Englishman wrote on X: “Disgusting behaviour by the Argentinians at the end, especially Paredes. Just a bunch of nasty violent thugs, and a disgrace to football. Never been so happy to see a team lose.”

Viale has written in response: “Do we really have to put up with an English journalist spouting this nonsense?”

Another big name that features is Samuel L. Jackson. The American actor called Argentina ‘one of the most racist countries in the world’ following the World Cup final.

Viale has also called out American streamer IShowSpeed. The 21-year-old was present at many Argentina matches cheering on their opponents. The Cristiano Ronaldo mega-fan got into numerous altercations with Argentina fans, while he celebrated wildly when Spain beat them in the final.

The others they have called out are New York Mayor Zohran Mamdan, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Spanish singer Rosalía, Chilean actor Pedro Pascal, Spanish streamer Ibai and former Lebanese adult star Mia Khalifa.

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Argentina President Slams Argentina’s Critics

Argentina after defeat to Spain at World Cup final REUTERS/Mike Segar

Argentine president Javier Milei has slammed the country’s critics. Taking to social media, he wrote: “The problem with Argentina is that we stand out. We don’t go unnoticed, people are jealous of us, and we’re good at almost everything. I’m sorry, but someone had to say it.”

In another post, which showed him wearing an AI-created Argentina shirt under a blazer, he continued: “Long live Argentina, damn it!” While another said: “Do you have enemies? It means you once defended something. We defend Argentina.”

Some players have also addressed the criticism. Lisandro Martinez wrote in a statement following the World Cup final: ‘”Remember that ‘the fall of the great is the joy of the mediocre.’

While Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister said in a social media post: ‘“And thank you also to those from other countries who send us messages mocking or rejoicing in our pain. Without meaning to, you help us feel more and more proud to be Argentinian every day.’

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Fabrizio Romano: Crystal Palace Agree Personal Terms to Sign Raphael Le Gue

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Crystal Palace have agreed personal terms with Stade Rennais defender Raphael Le Guen over a move, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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Real Madrid Ready to Sell Tchouameni to Man Utd After Major U-Turn

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Real Madrid are willing to sell midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni to Manchester United this summer, despite new Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho’s desire to keep hold of the Frenchman, according to the Sun.

Tchouameni has been a pivotal figure at the Bernabeu for four years now, helping lead the Spanish giants to a Champions League triumph and a La Liga title. However, after a spat with teammate Federico Valverde last season, the 26-year-old has lost his status as an untouchable figure in Madrid, and the club are now considering cashing in on him this summer to fund a move for Manchester City’s Rodri.

Mourinho is said to have planned to keep Tchouameni, but these plans have changed now that the possibility of landing Rodri has become a potential reality.

United are interested in signing the Real Madrid star, and it’s believed a fee of around £68 million could get the deal over the line.

Real Madrid Now Willing to Sell Aurelien Tchouameni to Man Utd

Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni lifts Champions League trophy
Aurelien Tchouameni with the Champions League trophy
via Reuters

United have already signed Youri Tielemans for £35 million and Andrey Santos for £50 million this summer, as they enact a rebuild in the middle of the park, prompted by the departure of Casemiro and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte.

It’s been widely reported that Tchouameni is the dream target to complete this midfield rebuild, although the indications up until now have been that the player is not for sale.

The Sun report that this stance has now changed, against Mourinho’s will, because Los Blancos are looking to raise funds ahead of an ambitious move for Rodri.

It’s understood that a fee of around £68 million, roughly what Real Madrid paid for him in 2022, could be sufficient for bringing him to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid signed Tchouameni to replace Casemiro, who left for United that summer. The Red Devils are now looking to pry the France international to Manchester as a replacement for the Brazilian, in what could be a full-circle transfer saga.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Aurelien Tchouameni Would Fix Man Utd’s Midfield Issues

Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates for France Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

United have already gone a long way to fixing their issues in the middle of the park this summer. The north-west side have lacked a midfield passer for several years, outside of the more advanced Bruno Fernandes, and have finally added one to their ranks in the form of Tielemans.

They’ve also added a dynamic, defensively-minded midfielder in Santos, who can develop alongside Kobbie Mainoo, and the pair can eventually form United’s starting double pivot in a few years.

Tchouameni would be the final piece. The former Monaco man would provide the defensive platform for Tielemans and Fernandes to progress the ball and create chances in the final third, anchoring an increasingly stable back four at Old Trafford.

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