Olsen has been extremely impressive in his first season in the Belgian top flight following his switch from Bologna to Club Brugge last summer.

(Photo by Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Despite the fact that his season was interrupted by injury, the winger, who can also operate as a right wing-back, ended the 2022-23 campaign with nine goals and seven assists across all competitions (Transermarkt).

Tottenham’s interest in Olsen first came to light back in December of last year when Het Nieuwsblad reported that the Lilywhites were monitoring the player following his impressive start to the season.

It was subsequently reported by De Morgen a few months later that Spurs did show interest in the wide man in January but Brugge did not want to let him go at the time as they believed the Denmark international would develop further at the club.

Olsen hints that Tottenham interest was true

Olsen has now seemingly hinted that there was a bit of truth to reports of Tottenham’s interest but he did not give way to many details.

When asked if the Lilywhites wanted to sign him during the January window, he told Ekstra Bladet (15/06/23 as relayed by Sport Witness): “I can’t say it that way. Maybe a little bit, yes. But nothing close at all.”

Olsen admitted that he dreams of playing in the Premier League in the future and hinted that the injury he suffered following the World Cup scuppered his chances of moving in January.

The Club Brugge star added: “At some point, I would like to try the Premier League before my career ends one day. Whether it will be now, I don’t know. Time will tell. I am also open to other choices.

“It hasn’t been so concrete that there have been negotiations at all. I was injured in January after the World Cup, so that also put everything on hold a bit.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Olsen was very likely a Fabio Paratici target as the former Spurs managing director would have followed the Dane closely during his three seasons at Bologna.

I suspect that Tottenham were primarily looking at the 23-year-old as an option for the right wing-back role, which is why I do not think he would be on the club’s radar any longer.

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Olsen has scored nine goals and provided six assists across all competitions for Brugge this season but most of those came during the first half of the campaign.

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After the winger’s impressive start to the season, Het Nieuwsblad reported last December that Tottenham were eyeing a move for him ahead of the January window.

De Morgen have now revealed that Spurs did show interest in Olsen in January when the player was valued at €20m (£17.7m) but Brugge did not want to let him go at the time as they believed the Denmark international would develop further in the second half of the campaign.

However, that has not quite materialised, partly due to the injuries the 23-year-old suffered, and his value has now reportedly fallen to €17m (£15m).

The publication asserts Olsen’s name is ‘no longer’ on Tottenham’s wishlist and that his ‘dream transfer’ to the Lilywhites now seems to be ‘completely’ off the table.

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not think Tottenham’s interest in Olsen ever got to the stage where the club were seriously considering an offer for the winger.

He was likely one of many players that Paratici and his network of scouts had their eye on ahead of the January window. 

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Olsen’s stock has grown considerably since his switch from Bologna to Brugge back in January of this year, with the versatile wide-man having found the back of the net 14 times and provided another 13 assists in 39 appearances for the Belgium side (Transfermarkt).

(Photo by Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has also established himself as a regular for Denmark and he started two games at the World Cup as Kasper Hjulmand’s side crashed out of the tournament in the group stage.

Tottenham’s interest in Olsen first came to light back in September when  Ekstra Bladet (23/09/22 as relayed by Sport Witness) claimed that the North London club had sent scouts to watch the youngster this season.

Tipsbladet also subsequently backed up this claim a week later, stating that Spurs were taking a ‘close look’ at the winger.

Het Nieuwsblad have now claimed that Antonio Conte’s men sent scouts to Qatar to run the rule of the Olsen at the World Cup.

The report asserts that the interest from Spurs in the Club Brugge star is ‘already concrete’ but explains that the Belgian club have not received an offer from the Lilywhites for the player yet.

Spurs Web Opinion

I believe that Paratici and Conte could be eyeing Andreas Skov Olsen as an option for the wing-back role (potentially on the right, even though he is left-footed).

However, the 22-year-old would rank a fair way down in Spurs’ wishlist for January, with Conte likely to want a more experienced operator like Denzel Dumfries.

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The 22-year-old was named in Denmark’s starting eleven for their World Cup Group D opener against Tunisia and was brought off in the 65th minute of the stalemate.  He found himself benched in yesterday’s 2-1 defeat against France and did not get the opportunity to take to the field.

Tottenham are said to have sent a scout to Qatar to watch Skov Olsen among other targets and their interest in him is said to be ‘already concrete’.

He was part of the Brugge side which won the Belgian title last season, having only joined the club last January from Serie A outfit Bologna and penned a contract until the summer of 2026.

SpursWeb Opinion

Tottenham are likely to be watching a number of targets during the tournament in Qatar and will certainly be looking to bring in a player to help compliment Dejan Kulusevski, given the lack of attacking impetus down the right while the Swede was nursing his hamstring injury.

Brugge are likely to want a considerable amount more than the £6.4m they paid to sign him, especially to try to persuade them to sell halfway through the season, especially considering they are still in the Champions League where they will face Benfica in the last 16 of the competition.

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Among the sides who topped their respective groups, most would have perhaps wanted to face Brugge in the next round.

(Photo by Kristian Skeie – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

However, Tottenham would not have been too displeased at the fact that they were drawn against AC Milan, as they could have potentially been handed a much tougher draw.

Conte will now get the chance to return to the San Siro to take on the Rossoneri for a place in the final eight of the competition.

One would have thought that Brugge would be quite pleased, given that they were drawn against Benfica. However, Hoefkens has now insisted that he would have rather seen his side take on a bigger European name like Spurs or Chelsea in the next round of the competition.

He told Sporza (07/11/22 as translated by Sport Witness): “I might have preferred Tottenham or Chelsea. Especially Tottenham. They are of the same strength as Benfica, but it is also a huge name in Europe.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Despite Conte’s record in Europe being relatively poor, I think the way we play is well suited to progressing far in the Champions League. I would back us to overcome Milan over the two legs and I do not think any of the big guns would want to draw us in the quarterfinals if we do get there.

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The print edition of O Jogo (14/09/22 – via Sport Witness) reported earlier this month that representatives from Spurs were spotted attending Porto’s Champions Lague clash with Brugge at the Estadio do Dragao.

The Belgian side emerged 4-0 winners in that game, with Olsen finding the back of the net but the Portuguese publication did not reveal which player the North London club were watching.

Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet (23/09/22 as relayed by Sport Witness) have now suggested that the scouts from Spurs and the other Premier League clubs were there to run the rule over Olsen.

The versatile 22-year-old, who can operate in either flank or as a right wing-back, has impressed since his switch to Belgium from Bologna in January.

The Denmark international has now spoken about the rumoured interest from Tottenham and other English clubs.

He is quoted as saying in the Ekstra Bladet report: “I am incredibly happy to be at Club Brugge. It has given me back my joy, and that is precisely what is crucial for a footballer. 

“Brugge also know very well that I will not be with them forever. The Premier League is the biggest league in the world. And yes, it is a dream to play in that league at some point in the future.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fact that Andreas Skov Olsen was at Bologna for two and a half years, means that Paratici and Conte will be well aware of the 22-year-old’s attributes. In addition, the Dane has impressed at wing-back over the last 12 months. So, there might be truth to reports of Tottenham watching the Brugge star closely.

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Tottenham did not have a very good outing in Portugal on Tuesday as they fell to their first defeat of the season at the hands of Sporting Lisbon.

O Jogo reveal that representatives from the North London club had other business in the country the following day.

They were reportedly spotted attending Porto’s clash with Brugge, which the Belgian side won 4-0 to move to the top spot in Group B while leaving the Portuguese side rooted at the bottom of the table.

The report in O Jogo does not provide any information on the players who Spurs were scouting.

However, it is revealed that Tottenham were not the only ones to send scouts to the match, with representatives from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla, also thought to be present.

Spurs Web Opinion

The player (or players) we were scouting were likely from Porto rather than Club Brugge as this is not the first time Spurs scouts have been spotted at Estadio do Dragao this season.

Representatives from the Premier League club were reportedly present to watch the clash between Porto and Sporting last month (A Bola – 21/08/22 via Sport Witness).

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De Ketelaere, who made his senior debut for Brugge at 19 years of age back in 2019, shot into the limelight during the 2021/22 campaign, finishing the season with 14 goals and seven assists in the Belgian top flight (Transfermarkt).

The attacking midfielder was linked with a move to Spurs in January, with Voetbal Nieuws reporting at the time that Antonio Conte wanted to bring the 21-year-old to North London.

Calciomercato.com have now provided an update on De Ketelaere’s future, stating that the Milan hierarchy like the youngster ‘very much’ due to his physicality and tactical flexibility.

The report makes no mention of Spurs but suggests that several Premier League clubs are on the Belgian international’s trial, with Leicester City said to be the front-runners.

However, it is asserted that Milan have already made contact with Brugge regarding De Ketelaere, with the Rossoneri intending to do ‘everything possible’ to snap up the player.

Calciomercato.com also claim that the attacking midfielder is valued at over €30m (£25.6m) but Brugge are open to negotiating the price.

Spurs Web Opinion

De Ketelaere is evidently a fantastic talent but he would be a signing with an eye towards the future rather than someone who is guaranteed to strengthen Spurs’ starting eleven.

Although the 21-year-old’s versatility might make him a good fit for Conte’s set-up, there would be an element of risk involved as there is no guarantee that the Belgian will flourish in the Premier League.

I believe that the Serie A would be the right fit for the Belgian at his current age, given that he will get more time on the ball in Italy.

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De Ketelaere has caught the attention of clubs around Europe with his performances this season, netting 13 goals and seven assists in the Belgian top-flight so far (Transfermarkt).

The versatile forward was linked with a move to Spurs in January, with Voetbal Nieuws reporting at the time that Antonio Conte wanted to bring the 21-year-old to North London.

CalcioMercato have now revealed that the youngster, who is contracted to Brugge until 2024, would like to move to ‘a big European team’ this summer.

However, the report explains that De Ketelaere is particularly ‘fascinated’ by the idea of playing in the Serie A. 

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is a fan of the Belgian international and the club are said to be evaluating a move for the forward. 

Additionally, AC Milan are also thought to be tracking De Ketelaere ahead of the summer transfer window.

Spurs Web Opinion

De Ketelaere seems to have a high ceiling but I suspect that the youngster would want to join a club where he is guaranteed to be a starter in order to continue his development. That would probably rule Spurs out of the running, particularly given the start Kulusevski has made to his career in North London.

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De Ketelaere established himself as a regular in Brugge’s starting eleven last campaign but the youngster has seemingly gone up another notch this season.

The versatile attacking midfielder has registered 12 goals and seven assists in the Belgian top-flight so far this season (Transfermarkt) and also impressed in the group stages of the Champions League.

CalcioMercato revealed back in November that the youngster was interesting both Spurs and Milan ahead of the January transfer window.

Voetbal Nieuws subsequently revealed that Leicester City are also keen on the 21-year-old, who is valued by Brugge at around €40m (£33.4m).

TMW have now claimed that De Ketelaere is at the top of Milan’s wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window. It is explained that the youngster’s ability to play across the front three allied with his potential, appeals to the Rossoneri.

The Belgian international is described as being one of ‘the hottest goals’ for Stefano Pioli’s side this summer.

Spurs Web Opinion

De Ketelaere seems destined to reach the top and one would expect plenty of clubs to show interest in the 21-year-old this summer, given that his current deal with Brugge runs out in 2024.

The youngster might be an ideal addition for Spurs as he would be able to cover for Kane upfront if the England captain needs a rest while also being capable of playing alongside Kane and Son in a front three. 

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Lang, who spent last season on loan at the Belgian club from Ajax, has impressed since the move was made permanent last summer. 

The 22-year-old has notched eight goals and 12 assists so far this term and featured in all of Brugge’s matches in the Champions League group stage (Transfermarkt). 

His displays this term have put him firmly on the radar of a number of clubs ahead of this summer’s transfer window, with Jeunes Footeux reporting that he is being monitored by a handful of English sides.

The report adds that Brugge value Lang between €35-40 million (£29-33m), with his current contract running all the way until the summer of 2025. 

And former Brugge and Belgium forward Verheyen wonders whether the likes of Tottenham and rivals Arsenal will come calling for his services at the end of the season. 

He told Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad: “Lang is 22 and sees [Club Brugge] as a stepping stone. 

“It is difficult to predict whether he will reach the very highest level, which he aspires to. He will not dream of clubs like Brighton. But the question is whether clubs like Arsenal or Tottenham will come this summer.”

On Lang’s loss of recent form, Verheyen added: “The momentum is important and that is now somewhat gone. The Champions League group-stages, in which he proved himself, have been behind us for a while.

“But okay, he has time [on his side]. Who knows, he might even make it to a top league.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Lang has impressed for Brugge and he is at an age where he can still continue developing. The reported price seems relatively modest too, so it will be fascinating to see if Spurs plan on making an approach for him this summer. 

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De Ketelaere established himself as a regular in Club Brugge’s starting eleven last campaign but the youngster has seemingly gone up another notch this season.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play as a striker and on the left wing, has scored nine goals and registered six assists in the Belgian top-flight so far and impressed in the Champions League group stages.

CalcioMercato revealed back in November that the youngster was interesting both Spurs and AC Milan ahead of the January transfer window.

However, Voetbal Nieuws suggest that Tottenham’s main competition for De Ketelaere looks set to come from Leicester City.

The report reveals that Brugge are demanding €40m (£33.4m) for the player in January and states there is ‘virtually no chance’ of the player leaving this month.

It is asserted, however, that a transfer in the summer seems to be ‘a forgone conclusion’ for De Ketelaere. 

Spurs Web Opinion

De Ketelaere would be an excellent fit for Conte’s system as the youngster can cover for Kane upfront while also being versatile enough to feature across the front three. 

However, like Bryan Gil, he would be a signing based on future promise rather than a player who can be expected to instantly make the starting eleven stronger.

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De Ketelaere impressed after breaking into the Brugge’s starting eleven last season and the youngster has hit even greater heights this campaign, with nine goals and six assists in 21 league games so far.

The versatile attacking midfielder, who can operate out wide and as a striker, is reported to be the subject of interest from Spurs and AC Milan in January.

Some sources have claimed that Brugge initially valued De Ketelaere at more than €25m (£21.3m) but their asking price is set to come down following their elimination from the Champions League.

If Aouna’s latest update is to be believed, Spurs could also face competition from Leicester for the 20-year-old, with Brendan Rodgers’ side thought to be ‘very interested’ in the Belgian international.

However, the journalist revealed that the Foxes are only planning on making an offer for De Ketelaere in the summer.

Spurs Web Opinion

One would expect Spurs to be in the market for a forward in January given the lack of options Conte has at his disposal.

A versatile forward like De Ketelaere, who can operate as a striker as well as in the two number ten roles in the 3-4-3, would likely be Conte’s preference.

However, the Italian might be looking for a more readymade option rather than a young player with potential like the Belgian.

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De Ketelaere, who broke into Brugge’s senior side in 2019, hit the limelight last season after establishing himself as a regular in the club’s starting eleven.

The 20-year-old has continued to shine so far this campaign, with five goals and five assists in 17 league matches.

The versatile attacking midfielder, who is also capable of playing up top, in the number ten role or out wide, has also already featured on multiple occasions for the Belgian national side.

It was reported last month that Spurs and Milan were set to battle it out for the Belgian wonderkid’s signature in January.

CalcioMercato have now provided an update on De Ketelaere’s future, claiming that Brugge’s exit from the Champions League makes it more likely he will depart next month.

The report explains the attacking midfielder has been on Milan’s radar for a long time and the Serie A giants are continuing to monitor his progress.

It is stated that Bruge previously valued the youngster at more than €25m (£21.3m) but their asking price could now decrease, which makes him a more attractive target for the Rossoneri.

Spurs Web Opinion

Conte tends to like attackers like De Ketelaere, who are versatile and capable of taking up different positions across the frontline. At 20 years of age, the youngster still has plenty of room to develop. 

Going for a young attacker of De Ketelaere’s profile might be the best way for Spurs to go in January rather than buying an experienced striker who knows that he would have to play second fiddle to Kane.

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De Ketelaere has been making waves since breaking into Brugge’s starting eleven in the 2019/20 season before establishing himself as a regular in the club’s starting eleven last campaign.

The versatile forward, who is capable of playing through the middle, out wide or in the number ten role, has started this campaign in fantastic form, with five goals and three assists in the Belgian top-flight so far.

The forward has been rewarded for his impressive form by being handed two senior caps for the Red Devils.

The 20-year-old has particularly caught the eye in Brugge’s Champions League outings against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig this campaign.

CalcioMercato report that De Ketelaere is one of AC Milan’s targets for January, with the Rossoneri keen to strengthen their attacking department.

However, the report adds that Milan are now expected to face competition from Spurs for the Belgian starlet when the transfer market reopens.

Spurs Web Opinion

If Spurs do move for De Ketelaere, he would likely be seen as one for the future than someone who can have an instant impact. Signing the Belgian would also likely rule out the North Londoners’ chances of moving for Vlahovic. Another potential thing to consider could be how the Belgian’s arrival could affect the development of Dane Scarlett.

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The Club Brugge striker has scored in each of the Belgian side’s outings in the Champions League group stage this season against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig and has netted on three occasions in eight appearances in the domestic top flight (transfermarkt).

Tottenham decided not to take up the option to sign Carlos Vinicius on a permanent deal this summer following his season-long loan deal from Benfica and did not bring in a replacement to act as cover for Harry Kane.

Vanaken has earned 13 caps for Belgium with his most recent goal for his country coming in last month’s 5-2 win against Estonia.

The 29-year-old’s father has suggested that the forward could leave Brugge at the end of the season and scoop a third Jupiler Pro League golden boot in the process.

“One more top year with Club, maybe a third Golden Shoe, and then a top transfer,” Vanaken’s father was quoted by The Express.

“Arsenal, Tottenham – let those teams come.

“Me giving him a push? No. I have two children and the most important thing is that they are happy. Then the rest comes.”

SpursWeb Opinion

It sounds like more a case of Vanaken wanting his son to earn one big contract at 29, rather than wanting to actually play regular first-team football which is always a tough ask while Harry Kane is still at the club.

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However, it is said that Brugge are now waiting to see what Alderweireld wants to do as it remains unclear as to whether he wants to stay at Spurs, leave for another club or return home to Belgium.

If the Tottenham defender does decide to return to his home country then Club Brugge are reportedly ready to move for him before their rivals, Royal Antwerp.

Voetbal 24 add that Brugge realise it will not be cheap to sign the experienced Tottenham star but are willing to make a ‘significant effort’ to get him on board.

The same publication reported earlier this year that Club Brugge had set their sights on Alderweireld, while Toby’s father revealed that his son is planning to play closer to home in the future.

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Alderweireld has been a fantastic servant to Spurs since arriving at the club in 2015 but the central defender’s standards have slightly dropped over the last two seasons.

It seemed until a couple of months ago that the Belgian was coming back to his best after he formed a formidable partnership with Eric Dier at the back.

However, he has failed to maintain the same standard of performances recently and has been in and out of the side over the last few weeks.

The 31-year-old struggled to cope with Wycombe’s physicality on Monday and was brushed aside too easily for their goal in the first half at Adams Park.

The defender’s current deal, which he signed midway into last season, runs until 2023 but it remains to be seen how long he will be at the club.

Voetbal24 claim that Club Brugge could offer Alderweireld a route back to his native Belgium with the club are weighing up whether to make a bid for the Tottenham star in the summer.

Spurs Web Opinion

I would not be surprised if we sold both Alderweireld and Sanchez in the summer and brought in two central defenders. Some Spurs fans seem to believe that the Belgian is still our best centre-back and while one can make the case that he is still very good when we are playing with a deep line and defending in a low block, the club will know that his value will likely diminish substantially after next summer.

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Dost was reportedly one of the striker’s on Tottenham’s radar during the summer transfer window (Football Insider) but the experienced target man ended up staying at Frankfurt, with Spurs snapping up Carlos Vinicius on loan from Benfica instead.

Dost has since admitted that the North Londoners did show interest in signing him during the summer.

The 31-year-old has now sealed a return to his native Belgium, with Frankfurt confirming that he is set to join Brugge in January.

HBVL claim that Dost rejected an offer from Jose Mourinho’s side as he did not want to be used as a backup.

Spurs Web Opinion

This is by no means the only report linking us with a move for another number nine during the January transfer window. Perhaps that is an indication that Mourinho and his coaching staff are not completely convinced by Vinicius and the club is exploring other potential long-term options.

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Tottenham are already through to the knockout stages of the Europa League with one game to spare but the group stage has not gone without hiccups, with Spurs being beaten by Antwerp and held to a draw in Austria by LASK.

Mourinho admitted last week that his side are one of the favourites in the competition but warned that their chances of winning the trophy could be affected by the teams who drop into the Europa League from the Champions League.

With four of the eight Champions League groups having concluded on Tuesday, Tottenham learned the identity of four of the teams that will be dropping into the competition.

Manchester United will be one of those, having been beaten 3-2 by RB Leipzig, while Belgian side Club Brugge, Russian side FC Krasnodar and Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv will also be joining them.

Four more teams are set to drop into the Europa League knockout stages after this evening’s matches, with there being a real possibility of one of Inter Milan or Real Madrid being among them.

One of either Ajax or Atalanta from Group D will also enter the competition tonight.

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