It was Ange Postecoglou who signed O’Riley at Celtic, with the youngster going from strength to strength since his move up North from MK Dons.

The 22-year-old is having a breakout season, having scored six goals and provided four assists so far (Tranfermarkt), and according to TEAMtalk, his displays in the Champions League have impressed a number of Premier League clubs.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Could Postecoglou raid Celtic to sign Matt O’Riley

This is said to include Tottenham, who are thought to be watching the central midfielder closely, but it is explained that the North London club might put off a move for the player until next summer.

West Ham United and Brighton are also said to be monitoring his progress and it is revealed that Brentford are really keen on signing the Celtic star, although the Scottish club’s asking price could prove prohibitive for the Bees.

The report states that since the Bhoys have lost many top players recently, they are keen to hold on to O’Riley and it would take a club record fee to convince them to part ways with the player.

The publication adds that Celtic expect bids to arrive for the midfielder and are likely to hold out for a fee of around £30m for the youngster.

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no doubt that Tottenham will be in the market for a midfielder in January as Hojbjerg looks certain to depart. O’Riley ticks some boxes, given his age and homegrown status and Postecoglou would know well of his qualities, having watched him in close quarters.

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Over the last couple of weeks, we have relayed plenty of reports which have talked up the chances of Jota potentially reuniting with Ange Postecoglou at Spurs.

This includes a report from Football Insider on October 8 which explained that the winger has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Al-Ittihad since his move to the Saudi Arabian club this summer.

The report stated that the Saudi Pro League side have exceeded their limit of foreign players allowed and that Tottenham are exploring a move for the attacker.

CaughtOffside subsequently suggested last week that the injuries to Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic have made signing another winger a priority for Spurs, with Jota being at the top of  Posteoclgou’s wishlist.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Celtic enter the race to re-sign Spurs target, Jota

If TEAMtalk’s latest update is to be believed, Celtic have now also thrown their hat in the ring for Jota’s signature ahead of the January transfer window.

The report states that the 24-year-old is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League, with Spurs of many clubs monitoring his situation.

The outlet reveals that the Portuguese star’s representatives are currently in talks with Al-Ittihad over a possible resolution to their client’s future, with a contract termination also on the table.

The publication asserts that Jota might be left with a difficult choice between returning to the club where he made his name and reuniting with Postecoglou at Spurs.

Spurs Web Opinion

The long-term injury to Perisic means that Tottenham will likely enter the market for another winger in January. Jota will be relatively inexpensive and the fact that he knows Postecoglou’s system well would make him an attractive option for Spurs.

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It seems that almost every Celtic player is being linked with a move to Tottenham since Ange Postecoglou took over at the North London club.

Naturally, the Australian will probably have some desire to reunite with players that made him such a success up in Scotland.

As things stand, however, it’s hard to imagine Postecoglou wanting to change much about the Spurs squad. The Lilywhites are unbeaten in the league so far and currently sit in the top four.

Reo Hatate signed for Celtic in January of last year for just £1.4m (Scottish Sun), with Postecoglou putting his experiences in Japan to good use.

It was claimed in June that Spurs were monitoring Hatate (Daily Mail). Obviously, that came to nothing, and the rumours may well go away for good with the latest news that the player will commit his future to Celtic.

(Photo by Richard Callis/MB Media/Getty Images)

Hatate to sign a new deal with Celtic

According to the latest from the Daily Mail, the Parkhead club are now “close to an agreement” which will see them extend Hatate’s current deal.

It is thought discussions have been ongoing for the last two weeks and “positive” steps have been taken of late which has the player’s agent expecting “final confirmation” of the improved terms very soon.

Apparently, Hatate had previously rejected a new contract back in August (Scottish Sun), but is now seemingly happy to put pen to paper.

Spurs Web Opinion

It’s hard to know how much truth was ever in the links between Spurs and Hatate and how much was just assumptions based on Postecoglou.

He is a great little player who would probably succeed in the Premier League, but this new contract will likely kill any chances of a deal happening any time soon.

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Jota made a £25m switch to Al Ittihad in the summer but The Mirror reveal that he will not be able to feature for the side in the Saudi Pro League.

This is because Saudi clubs are only allowed to use eight overseas players domestically but Al Ittihad have nine at their disposal, which means that the Portuguese star can only play in the AFC Champions League and Club World Cup games this season.

It is explained that several Premier League clubs, including Spurs, are now keeping an eye on the attacker’s situation.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Tottenham are keeping an eye on ex-Celtic star Jota

The Mirror add that Ange Postecoglou wants to add another forward to his squad after the injury sustained by Ivan Perisic and that the Australian could be in favour of reuniting with the 24-year-old, who had a lot of success under him at Celtic.

However, the publication explains that Jota’s request to have his contract terminated has been rejected by Al Ittihad, with boss Nuno Espirito Santo keen to keep hold of the player.

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect this is baseless speculation based simply on the fact that Postecoglou worked with Jota at Celtic. I do not think there is much evidence to support that the 24-year-old is good enough for a top-six Premier League side.

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Following Postecoglou’s arrival at Spurs, there was plenty of speculation linking several Celtic stars, including Hatate, with moves to the North London club in the summer.

In fact, 90 min reported back in June that the Glasgow club’s hierarchy was fearful that the Australian would come calling for the Japanese midfielder.

(Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

However, that never materialised, with the 25-year-old staying put at Parkhead, but some in Scotland remain convinced that the former Kawasaki Frontale man will soon be subject to interest from the Premier League.

Guidi suggested that Celtic might have had a gentlemen’s agreement with Postecoglou about not coming for any of their players last summer and suggested that the 58-year-old could look to reunite with Hatae next year.

Could Tottenham move for Reo Hatate?

The journalist told Go Radio about the midfielder: “He’s a massive player. No doubt clubs were looking at him and that turned his head for different reasons (amid current contract talks). He could still be sold in the summer.

“He’s the type of player I could see Postecoglou coming in for. It strikes me as an unwritten rule between Postecoglou and Celtic ‘you don’t come for any of our players. Don’t come for them for a year. Don’t unsettle them’.

“But, see next summer. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ange Postecoglou trying to get one or two Celtic players. I think Hatate will be top of the list.”

Ferguson agreed with that assessment, remarking that Hatate is more than good enough to succeed in the English top flight.

The former Rangers star said: “He’s one player who I think can go down and play in the Premier League. No problem, at all.

“I would expect them to come in January. I would like them to come in January. That’s one of the players, he’s a Postecoglou-type player. He is a player that still has more to go and he is at a brilliant age as well.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The reason Ange has not raided Celtic for any player is probably not due to any gentlemen’s agreement but because no Celtic player is good enough to improve Tottenham’s starting eleven.

Hatate is evidently a talented player but if anyone is going to take a punt on him, it would be a side like Burnley or Sheffield United.

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Tottenham did not replace Harry Kane with an out-and-out centre-forward in the summer, instead choosing to sign the versatile Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.

Richarlison came up with the goods yesterday as he recorded a goal and an assist off the bench to rescue a win over Sheffield United, while captain Son Heung-min netted a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over Burnley when he was tasked with leading the line.

GENK, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 12: Daizen Maeda of Japan looks on during the international friendly between Japan and Turkey at Cegeka Arena on September 12, 2023 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

Spurs now eyeing Daizen Maeda from Celtic

TEAMtalk have now suggested that Ange Postecoglou is looking to bolster his options upfront in January and is considering the possibility of raiding his former club for Maeda.

The Japan international has quite a modest record at the Scottish club, with 32 goal contributions (19 goals and 13 assists) in 76 appearances until now.

However, the report alleges that it is the 25-year-old’s relentless engine and willingness to press, along with his versatility, that appeals to Postecoglou.

The publication asserts that Celtic would hope to get a fee of £25m or move for Maeda if Tottenham come knocking in January.

Spurs Web Opinion

Maeda certainly fits the profile of a forward that Postecoglou tends to favour but his numbers at club and international level are quite poor, and they certainly do not suggest that the forward is capable of making a step up to Premier League level.

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The now-Tottenham boss has been named alongside Pep Guardiola, Simone Inzaghi, Xavi, and Luciano Spalletti – although his bright start to life in North London should not be taken into account.

(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Postecoglou won the treble in his final season with Celtic, which earned him a move south to the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur, where he has won four of his first five league matches.

Not only that, but the Australian climbed his way through the ranks in his home country, even taking on the international position, before expanding his horizons in Japan, Scotland, and now England.

Postecoglou has revolutionised the way Spurs play in N17, bringing the crowd back on side after three years of defensive, counter-attacking football from often divisive managers.

#TheBest FIFA Men's Coach Nominees!

Pep Guardiola
Simone Inzaghi
Ange Postecoglou
Luciano Spalletti
Xavi

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 14, 2023

Ange Postecoglou nominated for Best Men’s Coach

FIFA list the reason for Postecoglou’s nomination as: ‘Won a second successive Scottish Premiership title with Celtic FC | Won the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup to earn the club its eighth domestic treble | Named Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland Manager of the Season for 2022-23.’

You can vote for the former Celtic and now-Tottenham manager by heading to the FIFA website.

Spurs Web Opinion:

I don’t think Ange has too much hope against some of the names on that list, but making the shortlist for the top five coaches of the year is a huge achievement, especially from outside the big five European leagues. Let’s hope he is listed again next year!

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While Johnson might not be an established superstar yet, he arrives at Tottenham with a big reputation, having shown plenty of promise in his debut Premier League campaign last term.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

Reports over the last few days have indicated that Ange Postecoglou had identified the 22-year-old as his top attacking target, and that Spurs believe they have secured one of the best talents in British football (Telegraph).

There were perhaps some eyebrows raised at the £47.5m fee that Tottenham paid for the Wales international but Bailey believes the Lilywhites have an ‘incredible player’ on their hands.

Spurs were offered ex-Celtic star Jota this week

There were some suggestions towards the end of the transfer window that Spurs had been alerted after Al Ittihad made Jota available (90 min) and Bailey has now confirmed that Postecoglou was offered the chance to reunite with the Portuguese winger.

The journalist said on the Talking Transfers Podcast: “He’s a great signing I think myself.

“It’s clear that Ange wanted this type of player and they were offered Jota as well who might be coming back from Saudi Arabia sometime soon. I think Johnson is an incredible player who will become a firm fan favourite there.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We have heard some several independent and reliable sources that Postecoglou really wanted Johnson, which is perhaps why Spurs paid nearly £50m for the 22-year-old. It will be interesting to see how the Australian uses the former Forest star.

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Jota was one of the standout players for Ange Postecoglou’s treble-winning Celtic side last season, with the winger scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions in 2022-23 (Transfermarkt).

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Jota is back on the market and Spurs are looking

The 24-year-old’s displays in Glasgow saw Al Ittihad pay £25m for his services at the start of July but less than two months after the move, it turns out they are already trying to offload him.

90min claim that the Saudi Pro League champions have informed clubs that the Portuguese winger is available for sale, with the news said to have alerted Tottenham.

The publication suggests that Postecoglou could look to reunite with the versatile Jota, who can operate in either flank, but the report does not specify the fee that Al Ittihad are demanding for the player.

Spurs Web Opinion

I believe this is lazy speculation based simply on the fact that Postecoglou worked with Jota at Celtic.

There is absolutely no evidence that the 24-year-old is good enough for Premier League level and I would be extremely surprised if Ange wanted the Portuguese winger ahead of the likes of Brennan Johnson.

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In Postecoglou, Spurs have hired a head coach who, in many respects, is the polar opposite of the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

While his predecessors at Tottenham came with impressive CVs, filled with success at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the Australian is only embarking on his second job in the continent following his two-year spell in Glasgow.

The 56-year-old is also temperamentally quite different to Mourinho and Conte, while his footballing philosophy is also poles apart from the Italian and the Portuguese coaches.

While Postecoglou might be the man to deliver the kind of attacking football that Spurs fans crave, some have questioned if success in the Scottish Premiership shows one’s readiness for the Premier League, given the gulf in class between the two divisions (Telegraph).

Postecoglou responds to criticism about his CV

The new Spurs head coach has now pointed out that there is a lot of pressure that comes with the Celtic job, given that finishing second with the Bhoys is considered a failure.

Postecoglou said in his first press conference as Tottenham boss (via Football.London): “I’ve had people say that if you’re at Celtic you can only finish first or second, but second is last. I wouldn’t be in a job.

“With what people perceive as a step up you are working with bigger players and a bigger organisation. I’ve never seen it as a step up, only a new challenge for me.”

Spurs Web Opinion

One can argue that Postecoglou’s possession-basked, high-risk methods would arguably work even better at a higher level when he is working with players of a better technical standard.

However, there is no question that he will have a steep learning curve in the Premier League as he will be coming up against some of the best managers in world football.

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Given the tremendous success that Ange Postecolgou had at Celtic Park, winning five of the six trophies up for grabs in his two seasons in Scotland, unsurprisingly, there have been suggestions that he could poach some players from his former side.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

The one whose name has been most heavily linked with a move to Spurs is the prolific Kyogo Furuhashi (The Sun) but Tottenham’s rumoured pursuit of the 28-year-old now appears to be over after he put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Glasgow this week.

It was reported by 90 min last month that Celtic also fear approaches for midfielder Reo Hatate and winger Jota from the Lilywhites this summer.

Meanwhile, The Sunday People – (25/6; page 61) claimed two weeks ago that Postecoglou wants to bring former Tottenham academy graduate Cameron Carter-Vickers back to N17.

Spurs will not raid Celtic for any players this year

However, Bridge has now insisted that Spurs are not planning on making approaches for any player from Parkhead this summer.

When asked if Postecoglou could raid Celtic, the journalist told Sky Sports: “My understanding is that’s currently not on the agenda.

“Postecoglou’s knowledge of the Asian market played a key role in Celtic’s brilliant first season under the Australian. It ultimately blew their rivals away.

“Three of his very successful signings – Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Jota – will be upset about his departure and all look more than capable of playing at a higher level, but whether they are the required level for Tottenham is another question.

“One you can now rule out is Jota, as he looks set to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There never appeared to be any concrete basis to the speculation linking the aforementioned Celtic players with a move to Tottenham.

It always seemed like lazy paper talk based only on the fact that Postecoglou had taken over at Spurs.

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The 28-year-old found the back of the net 34 times and provided five assists across all competitions in 2022-23 (Transfermarkt), playing a crucial role in the Bhoys’ march to a historic domestic treble.

It has previously been reported by The Sun last month that Ange Postecoglou wanted to bring the Japanese intentionally with him to Tottenham while The Daily Record had reported last week that the striker was also on Burnley’s radar.

When asked about the speculation over his future last week, Furuhashi decided to keep his cards close to his chest and failed to commit himself to the Scottish giants (Daily Record).

However, Tottenham’s pursuit of the centre-forward now appears to be over, with Celtic announcing that the former Vissel Kobe man has committed himself to a deal that runs until 2027.

Kyogo Furuhashi signs new Celtic contract

Kyogo said after signing the new deal: “I am very happy to extend my stay for four years at this incredible club. It is an honour to represent Celtic Football Club and our amazing supporters.

“Last season was unbelievable. From the start of the campaign, our aim was to do as well as we could in every competition we played in. We worked very hard every day, on and off the pitch, to win silverware and put smiles on our fans’ faces.

“To win my first Treble, and help secure a world record-breaking eighth Treble for the club was a very proud moment for me and I cherish the memories of celebrating this with our fans. They have been so supportive of me since I joined Celtic so I will work hard to repay them.

“Next season our objective is the same – to bring success to our Club. I am excited to defend our trophies and the opportunity to represent this huge club in the Champions League. My personal motivation is to score more goals and help my teammates win matches.”

Spurs Web Opinion

One would assume that this deal likely rules out Kyogodeparting Celtic this summer unless any club is willing to launch a bid of around the £30m-£35m, which I do not think anyone would consider paying for a player from the Scottish Premiership.

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Maddison’s signing could be a revolutionary turning point for Spurs. Since the departure of Christian Eriksen in January 2020, Spurs have lacked a creative attacking midfielder (No.10). This has left them without an engine in midfield, and against opponents that sit back, Spurs have struggled.

ENFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: James Maddison poses as he signs for Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on June 28, 2023 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Maddison will be the dynamo that Spurs have so desperately craved; his elegance and ability on the ball will allow the Lilywhites to thrive against teams with a low block. Maddison has been a star for Leicester in recent seasons, culminating in his transfer to Spurs.

Despite Leicester being relegated, Maddison was still effective as ever – he was there, shining light in a tunnel of complete darkness. Maddison had a successful campaign in the league, where he scored 10 goals and picked up nine assists (Sofa Score).

Maddison played most of the season as a central attacking midfielder. However, he is incredibly well-versed and has played on both flanks for England and for Leicester. This utility could be essential for Ange Postecoglou when he finds his ideal starting XI. 

For Spurs, he is exactly what they need. His arrival in N17 is one that has united fans, and this has been a rarity in recent seasons. Not only that, but his play style is flattering to the eye, and he will excite the fans with his dynamic and forward-thinking nature. We saw this at Leiscter with Maddison and Barnes being the driving force behind their attack.

Postecoglou could use Maddison in Matt O’Riley role

Maddison will most likely play where Matt O’Riley did for Celtic last season. As the No. 8 on the right-hand side has the most attacking responsibility, this role will be the best-suited position for Maddison.

He will be instructed to pick up the ball from the inverted full-backs and drive at the heart of the opposition’s defences. This perfectly encapsulates his talents, and he will thrive doing so.

Maddison will also be required to join the front three in the press to make it an imposing front four. Maddison did only make 16 ball recoveries in the opponent’s half last season. However, he made 81 tackles and 40 interceptions throughout the season (Football Transfers).

Where he lacked in direct pressing, he made up for it elsewhere. This is not to say that Postecoglou couldn’t mould him into a pressing midfielder, as he did with O’Riley at Celtic.

Not only will Maddison impact the press and Spurs’ play in possession, he will also be a dead-ball specialist.

Spurs have longed for a free-kick artist in recent years, and when Spurs have been awarded free-kicks at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, you often hear groaning and muttering about its inevitable clash against the wall.

Maddison will now fill this void, as he is one of the finest free-kick takers in the league.

Last season, Maddison scored two free-kick goals; he delivered these beauties against Brentford and Nottingham Forest (Sofa Score).

Dean Henderson stood still and watched the ball soar in as he was deceived by Maddison’s free-kick. The stunning goal ended up at the far post despite most players opting for a curling effort towards the near post. This ability to place the ball on either side of the keeper gives Maddison an extra-special element of deception.

An added bonus that comes with the purchase of Maddison is that he is a homegrown player. Spurs have been teetering on the borderline for this in recent seasons, and Maddison will help keep Spurs over the eight-homegrown player threshold that is set by the Premier League (Premier League).

Maddison could end up being a bargain for only £40 million, but he will have to adapt to a Postecoglou system, which does differ from how he played at Leicester.

There is no doubt that Postecoglou wouldn’t have completed this deal if he didn’t believe he could fit the bill. If Maddison can steer clear of injury, Spurs could have a special talent on their hands and a player that complements the free-flowing attacking style the squad will play next season.

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Furuhashi has been prolific since signing for the Bhoys from J League club Vissel Kobe back in 2021, with the 28-year-old finding the back of the net 34 times in 54 appearances in 2022-23 (Transfermarkt).

The Sun claimed earlier his month that Ange Postecoglou is keen on reuniting with the Japanese striker at the North London club.

However, the report explained that Spurs were not the 28-year-old’s only admirers, with Lazio and clubs in France and Spain alleged to be monitoring the player’s situation.

The Daily Record then reported last week that Furuhashi is also wanted by Burnley, with Vincent Kompany said to be intent on snapping up the striker ahead of the Clarets’ return to the top flight.

Furuhashi chooses not to comment on transfer links

However, the Celtic star has chosen to keep his cards close to his chest when asked about a potential summer transfer.

When quizzed on the speculation over his future, Furuhashi told The Daily Record: “No comment.

“The future will bring what the future brings. I’m only thinking about doing my best for the club I belong to now.

“I went to Celtic and achieved results. I hope to improve my technique and grow even more.”

Spurs Web Opinion

These are certainly not the words of someone who has made up his mind to remain at Celtic. At 28 years of age, the Japanese striker will likely jump at the chance to move to a top league. 

However, I do not think Tottenham will make a move for Furuhashi irrespective of what happens regarding Kane’s future as the Lilywhites would want a player who is proven at the highest level.

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Now that Ange Postecoglou has reached this Promised Land? Well, to quote a typically pithy Aussie turn of phrase, he’s not going to die wondering.

Spending the best part of a year researching and then writing Revolution – Ange Postecoglou: The Man, The Methods and The Mastery, due out later this year, it quickly became apparent that this fascinating character is inspired by more than just a free-wheeling desire to play ‘nice’ football.

So you can pretty much ignore the pragmatic pundits and concerned punters predicting that, obviously, Postecoglou will have to temper his philosophy to suit a far more demanding environment. This guy won’t veer off course by even a tenth of a degree. History teaches us that.

And what a history it’s been. Behind the headlines, the trophies won, the wins and losses accumulated, lies a tale of triumph against remarkable odds, complete with Sliding Doors moments, cunning plans, time spent in the wilderness years, bold strokes of maddening genius and, yes, one or two flirtations with the sack. Usually just before he led his team on a spectacular winning run.

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There’s been plenty of pain along the way. Setbacks on the international stage, in particular, that would have prompted some to have stepped away from the brutal world of football management.

But take it from someone who spent a bit of time in the old Prahran neighbourhood of Melbourne, chatting with people who had worked with and for Ange, as well as interviewing old pals who had known him since they were little nippers in primary school. He’s not as other men are. Has never been content to take the path of least resistance.

This is a guy who has consistently faced down critics. A dreamer with the drive to bend reality to his will. A character who, at the age of 10, decided he would one day manage a team at the World Cup. Chutzpah? Weapons grade, mate. And backed up by ability.

In terms of influences, everyone I spoke to testified to the part play by his father, Jim, a typically hard-working Greek immigrant who took his family to Australia in 1970 because he and wife Voula wanted a better life for young Angelos and his older sister, Elizabeth.

When the boys in the house would get together to watch football, the seemingly always exhausted dad would direct his son’s attention towards the flair players and the teams who played an expansive game. The great Netherlands sides of 1974 and ’78, obviously. But also the swashbuckling Leeds gang who mixed magic with menace.

Having fallen hard for the great Liverpool team who would enjoy so much success in England and Europe, Ange had his beliefs ingrained at an early age.

Serving as South Melbourne captain when the legendary Ferenc Puskas was manager only strengthened his conviction on how the game should be played. How it must be played, if you’re not merely going to pull off the odd shock result – but consistently dominate even the best opponents.

He has evolved, tactically, over the years. That’s been an absolute necessity in a game as fast-changing as football.

But the principles at play when he took South to play Manchester United and Vasco da Gama at the inaugural FIFA World Club Championships still underpin everything he does. The style that prompted Brisbane Roar fans to christen their club ‘Roarcelona’ remains a template for any Ange team.

Daniel Levy’s first move, once he lured Postecoglou away from Celtic, should really have been to fit that shiny new stadium with seatbelts. Buckle up, Spurs fans. Things are about to get wild.

Entertainment will be guaranteed. Not just on the pitch but in the transfer market, with high player turnover a common facet of his career to date.

Behind the scenes, if previous patterns are repeated, there may well be dissent from players, coaches – possibly even directors – unable or unwilling to understand what the new gaffer is trying to build.

Postecoglou will take any brickbats hurled at him. Quietly sideline the non-believers. And carry on doing what he was hired to do.

Fullbacks will be inverted. Pressing will be on the intense side of frenetic. Bodies will be thrown into the opposition final third with instructions to overload and overpower defences.

Because Ange Postecoglou is nothing if not his own man. He has his tried and trusted methods.

Whether that’s enough to master the toughest competition he’s ever faced, possibly even the most competitive league on earth, is an open-ended question.

Having worked so hard and waited so long to be hand an opportunity in the English game, however, the last thing he’ll do now is wobble or waver. 

Revolution – Ange Postecoglou: The Man, the Methods and the Mastery by John Greechan will be published by Arena Sport in October (available now to pre-order)

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Furuhashi has been prolific since signing for the Bhoys from J League club Vissel Kobe back in 2021, with the 28-year-old finding the back of the net 34 times in 54 appearances in 2022-23 (Transfermarkt).

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The 28-year-old’s displays have allegedly caught the attention of several clubs, including Tottenham, with The Sun reporting at the start of this month that Ange Postecoglou wants to reunite with the Japan international in North London.

The publication claimed that Furuhashi is valued by Celtic at £20m and that Lazio were also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Meanwhile, The Daily Record suggested a couple of days ago that Burnley had also entered the race for the Bhoys star, with Vincent Kompany said to be keen on swooping for the striker ahead of the Clarets’ return to the Premier League.

Furuhashi could cost Spurs just £16m from Celtic

The Sunday Mirror have now alleged that the Scottish giants are open to offers for Furuhashi and would cash in on him if the price is right.

In fact, it is asserted that the club’s returning head coach Brendan Rodgers has been informed that they will consider a sale if they receive a bid in excess of £16m.

Spurs Web Opinion

Not only is there no evidence that Furuhashi is good enough to make the step up to the Premier League but it is clear that Tottenham do not need a number nine this summer, with Harry Kane looking set to stay and Richarlison more than capable of operating centrally.

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Carter-Vickers was seen by many at Spurs as an extremely promising talent while making his way through the age group ranks of the club’s academy.

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Former boss Mauricio Pochettino even suggested back in 2017 that the centre-back had the potential to become ‘the best defender in England’ (Football.London).

However, the USA International struggled to break into the Tottenham first team, making a total of just five senior appearances for the North London club (Transfermarkt).

Following a successful loan stint at Celtic during the 2021-22 season, the Scottish giants took the option to buy Carter-Vickers permanently for £6m last summer, and the 25-year-old enjoyed another impressive season at Parkhead, playing a crucial role in the Bhoys’ historic treble win last season.

Postecoglou is keen on a reunion with Carter-Vickers

The Sunday People have now suggested that a return to Tottenham could be on the cards for the centre-back this summer.

It is explained that Postecolgou wants the Spurs hierarchy to raid his former club for Carter-Vickers as he goes about strengthening the Lilywhites’ backline ahead of his first season in charge.

Spurs Web Opinion

The difference in quality between the Scottish Premiership and the Premier League is so vast that it would not make much sense to sign any player based on their performances up north. 

However, Postecoglou has worked with Carter-Vickers closely for two years and would understand the 25-year-old’s strengths and weaknesses better than most.

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Furuhashi joined Celtic from Japanese side Vissel Kobe back in 2021 and has been prolific in Scotland ever since. The 28-year-old has scored 54 goals in 83 games for the Glasgow side (Transfermarkt).

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Last season alone, Furuhashi bagged 34 goals in all competitions for Celtic (Transfermarkt) and was instrumental in helping Ange Postecoglou achieve an historic treble with the Scottish giants.

Postecoglou, of course, has now moved on and taken over the top job at Tottenham. The Australian has a busy summer ahead of him as he looks to strengthen a Spurs side which disappointed on all fronts last term.

It has already been reported by The Sun that Postecoglou is keen to be reunited with the Japan international in North London.

However, it is thought the player has admirers in Italy, France, and Spain, too.

Spurs may have to battle Burnley in Furuhashi race

Now, it has emerged that Burnley have entered the race to sign Kyogo Furuhashi this summer as the Clarets look to add firepower that can keep them in the Premier League.

That’s according to the Daily Record, who claim Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is “targeting” the Celtic striker during this transfer window.

Kompany is heading into the top flight without Burnley legend Ashley Barnes, and Nathan Tella, whose loan spell from Southampton has come to an end.

Apparently, Furuhashi is on Kompany’s “hit-list” of strikers who he will look to sign if a permanent move for Tella cannot be secured.

It is believed new Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is “desperate” to keep the marksman at the club, but is “braced for approaches” from England.

Spurs Web Opinion

That goalscoring record is mightily impressive, but we have to be wary of how well those numbers in the SPL would translate to attacking returns in the Premier League.

I’m sure Postecoglou would love to work with Furuhashi again, but I can’t see it being a transfer we pursue too keenly.

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Tottenham ended their arduous managerial hunt earlier this month when they lured Postecoglou away from Celtic as Antonio Conte’s replacement.

Wherever the Australian has gone in his career, he has won trophies, which fills Spurs fans with hope their club’s fortunes can turn around. However, one thing Postecoglou does not do very often when taking a new job is bring his previous coaching staff with him.

Nevertheless, it seemed Ange Postecoglou was willing to make an exception this time around. Reports suggested he was attempting to bring his former Celtic coaches John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan with him to North London (Daily Record).

Celtic, meanwhile, were hoping to prevent losing their coaches by activating a clause in Postecoglou’s contract that stopped him from luring his backroom team south (Football Insider).

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Kennedy and Strachan will stay at Celtic instead of move to Spurs

Kennedy was said to have been keen on reuniting with Postecoglou at Tottenham, but will now continue in his role as assistant manager at Parkhead (Sky Sports).

It was revealed last week that Chris Davies, the former assistant to Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, was set to join Postecoglou’s new look coaching staff (Matt Law).  Ryan Mason will also take his position as part of Postecoglou’s set-up having finished his role as interim head coach.

Now, Rodgers has been announced as the new Celtic manager to replace Postecoglou, and it seems he has been able to convince Kennedy and Strachan to stay in Scotland with him.

Celtic Football Club took to Twitter to say: “We are also pleased to confirm that John Kennedy will support Brendan Rodgers as the club’s Assistant Manager – along with first-team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell, and B Team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea.”

Rodgers added: “I wanted John to be with me as we move forward.

“He is someone I know well and respect and he will be very important to myself and our players.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Postecoglou doesn’t usually take coaches with him, and maybe that is for the best in the case of Spurs.

We need a completely clean slate in so many areas, from top to bottom, at this football club. I’d rather see Postecoglou collaborate with new coaches to keep things fresh and hopefully offer new perspectives to his time at Celtic.

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Multiple reports over the last week have indicated that Postecoglou wants to offer key roles to coaches John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan, at Tottenham (Football Insider).

(Photo by Alex Todd/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

However, Record Sport reported on 9 June that Celtic had ‘cold shouldered’ the approach from Spurs for the duo.

The report stated while the two coaches want to follow Postecoglou to the Premier League club, Tottenham would have to thrash out compensation with the Glasgow giants to get the pair.

It was asserted that Postecoglou might have to look elsewhere to fill his backroom staff if the Lilywhites are unable to come to an agreement with Celtic.

Spurs could miss out on John Kennedy

The Mail have now revealed that Rodgers, who is on the verge of returning to Celtic Park to fill the vacancy left by the Australian, is now putting his final touches to his backroom staff.

It is alleged that the Northern Irishman made it clear to Kennedy on Tuesday that he sees him as an important part of his plans at the club.

The publication adds that even though the 39-year-old has expressed his desire to leave Parkhead, he is bound by the terms of an agreement blocking Postecoglou from poaching Celtic’s staff.

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect that Postecoglou might have already started looking at other options to fill his backroom staff, with Celtic seemingly determined to hang on to Kennedy.

The Australian is certainly no stranger to working with a new set of staff, having done so every time he has switched clubs.

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