Tottenham face UEFA problem after confirmed player exit
Tottenham have some major work to do to be ready for the UEFA Champions League.
Despite ending a 17-year trophy drought at Tottenham by winning the UEFA Europa League, Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Friday (6 June) after a historically poor Premier League campaign.
However, although Spurs finished 17th, winning the Europa League does mean that Spurs will compete in Europe again next season in the Champions League, just without Postecoglou leading the charge.
Although it appears as though the Lilywhites have some work to do if they are to meet UEFA’s regulations after a confirmed player exit.
Alfie Whiteman released by Tottenham
Tottenham’s summer shake-up predates the departure of Postecoglou.
Daniel Levy has been focused on departures, with several more expected in the coming weeks.
On Saturday (31 May), Tottenham confirmed that Alfie Whiteman, Fraser Forster and Sergio Reguilón had all departed the club following the conclusion of their contracts.
| Player | Season | Appearances | Minutes |
| Alfie Whiteman | 2024/25 | – | – |
While Whiteman only made one senior appearance for Spurs, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the goalkeeper’s departure could leave the North London club with a problem due to his club-trained status.
“Whiteman’s exit causes an issue in terms of club-trained players,” Wenham said.
“Throughout the years, Tottenham have always been able to rely on Brandon Austin, Whiteman, previously Harry Kane, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp to fill the four club-trained spots you need for UEFA competitions.
“Tottenham probably didn’t think they’d be in Europe next year. However, here we are, in the Champions League, and we’ve only got one club-trained player in Austin.
“Therefore, I did think Tottenham would consider renewing Whiteman for another year. However, they let him go, which means they do have an issue in that regard.”
Tottenham are faced with a massive gap to fill
The issue of club-trained players seems less consequential given that Tottenham have yet to find someone to lead their European campaign next season.
Thomas Frank has emerged as the favourite after a successful season with Brentford, but Spurs have not made a final decision on his appointment.
The Lilywhites will need to decide soon to ensure they are prepared to compete for all trophies next year.