Manchester City have entered the race to sign Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, with Tottenham also still working on a deal. (Soccer News NL - in Dutch), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.
Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.
Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.
Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.
The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.
Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.
Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League striker Charlie Austin doesn't believe Roberto de Zerbi has a single player in his squad who would "put the scares up you" this season.
Tottenham, who have spent in the region of £237m this summer, fell to a shock 3-0 defeat against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, despite four of their statement summer signings being named in their starting XI.
"There were problems all over the pitch," Austin said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "They just looked like the same old Tottenham.
"As much as they have spent the money, I just don't see the return from it. They don't strike fear into teams any more. Put it this way: teams want to play against Tottenham to win.
"You feared playing Tottenham years ago because they had Harry Kane down the middle, now I would ask you to find me someone who is going to put the scares up you. There's nobody that does that.
"People say they don't have a leader, but they have Andy Robertson at left-back who has won every trophy there is going, so there are leaders in that team.
"You also have Sandro Tonali, who didn't score any goals for Newcastle United last season. I'm all for paying £100m for a player if they got 15 or more goals and assists from central midfield, but he didn't.
"I've said for the past two years that you can never replace Harry Kane, but what you can try to do is try to put someone down the middle who is going to put the ball in the back of the net - and Richarlison is not that person."
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Brentford fans
Rob: Most complete performance I've seen from a Bees team in the Premier League. Dominated from start to finish, Spurs hardly had a chance and 3-0 flatters them. I think Spurs need Igor Tudor to come in and steady the ship.
Mark: So refreshing to see the Bees playing positive, one-touch, attacking football. The link-up play is excellent and the addition of Sangare has really added strength. A totally dominant performance and a clean sheet!
Steve: Best ever opening-day performance at the highest level by Brentford. All the talk is about how bad Spurs were but credit Brentford who did not give them an inch for 90 minutes. Only one team was up to for the fight and Spurs know it was lucky it was only three. They were taken to the sword. Brentford deserve every plaudit.
Cliff: We taught Spurs a lesson that you need more than money to build a team. They could blow another quarter of a billion pounds and still wouldn't have what Brentford have. Passion, heart and togetherness from top to bottom, from the owner to the fans and programme sellers.
Tottenham fans
Tom: Same pathetic display from Spurs. The players should be ashamed of themselves. Brentford outfought, outplayed and outclassed the multi-million pound Spurs team who never turned up. No excuses, they were humiliated by a team that didn't cost anywhere near what Spurs cost.
Jon: What a shambolic performance. I was really looking forward to the season but, as always, Spurs fail to justify their fans' support. Disgraceful and abject, Gallagher and Bergvall especially useless. Another long and boring season ahead potentially.
Paul: The Spurs players looked as if they'd just met each other on the bus on the way to the stadium. Outfought, outran and especially outplayed. We desperately need to get a striker in as Richarlison is plainly not good enough and Solanke is hardly ever fit. Will Marmoush be the answer, (if we get him)? That remains to be seen, but we have to do something and quickly, because if we are going to defend that badly we're going to need to score two or three every game.
Amelia: Almost as bad as last season but I'm going to be generous and give them a month or so to settle in with all the changes. The only way is up...surely?
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Roberto de Zerbi, by his own admission, confirmed his role was more psychologist than coach when he was given seven games to keep Tottenham in the top flight following his appointment in March.
The Italian has been handed vast funds for a host of new players to ensure Spurs do not suffer a repeat of the nightmare campaign.
Saturday's dreadful defeat at Brentford was not the start he or the Spurs power brokers envisaged.
For all the change in transfer strategy and personnel, the manner in which Spurs capitulated at the first sign of pressure as they were run ragged by the Bees provided gruesome evidence that you need more than a huge transfer fund to give a team mental strength.
De Zerbi gave debuts to four of his new acquisitions in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali. They will feel the only way is up because they were at rock bottom here. None of them distinguished themselves, although neither did any others.
Midfielder Tonali cost £100m from Newcastle United, but was utterly outshone and overpowered by Brentford's record buy Mamadou Sangare, who was the game's outstanding performer.
Tonali's only memorable contribution was a first-half attempt on goal that flew horribly skywards, prompting the inevitable suggestion from Brentford supporters that Spurs had wasted their money.
Matheus Fernades, at £85m from West Ham, came on as a substitute, while Savinho and possibly Omar Marmoush will add strength, but it was the lack of heart and fight that will be De Zerbi's biggest concern.
Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall did not return after the half-time interval, although they might justifiably point out others could have accompanied them.
De Zerbi somehow needs to get into the heads of these Spurs players to give them strength and steel. That is not something that can be achieved with a wave of the chequebook.
Tottenham Hotspur starting XI:
Antonin Kinsky: Bad day for Spurs' new first-choice goalkeeper. Was at fault when he pushed out Jensen's shot for Janelt's goal. Distribution wayward. 5
Archie Gray: The youngest captain in Spurs history but not a day for celebration. Played as an emergency right-back and looked like, well, an emergency right-back. 5
Marcos Senesi: Struggled to cope with the physical presence of Igor Thiago and the movement of those around Brentford's Brazilian striker. 5
Jan Paul van Hecke: For Senesi read Van Hecke. Never comfortable in a shambolic Spurs defence. 5
Andrew Robertson: Tough debut for the veteran left-back, Struggled to cope with Brentford's pace and movement on the right flank. 5
Conor Gallagher: Took a couple of heavy early knocks and had a wild shot off target. Booked for trip on Sangare and no surprise when he was replaced at half-time. 4
Lucas Bergvall: Too many wasted passes and gave away possession poorly for Brentford's second goal. 4
Sandro Tonali: Desperately poor debut for Spurs' £100m signing. Ironic cheers for one first-half effort and did not exert any serious influence on the game. 4
Mikey Moore: The youngster was isolated on the right flank and had little support. but at least looked dangerous and gave Kelleher some work to do. 6
Richarlison: Ineffective. Lost heart as the game went on. 4
Mathys Tel: Early clever flick hinted at a threat, but was then anonymous. 4
Tottenham Hotspur substitutes:
Mateus Fernandes (on 45, Gallagher): Anonymous on debut. 5
Rodrigo Bentancur (on 45, Bergvall): Gave away a penalty. Poor. 5
James Maddison (on 68, Moore): No time make an impact. 5
Dominic Solanke (on 68, Richarlison): Game was over when he came on. 5
Destiny Udogie (on 86, Gray)
Subs not used: Dubravka, Danso, Davies, Williams-Barnett.
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Bad game. We lost and suffered the difference in the duels. It was the key of this game. We didn't fight in the right way. Maybe credit to them because it's the best quality Brentford have.
"Our physical condition was not at the right level for all players because many came later after the World Cup and there were many new players in the squad and first XI. But we have to analyse this game better because we can't play this way in this type of game.
"I am surprised by the result and performance. I knew we were not in the right condition. We can't find an excuse. I am sorry for the result and performance. We are starting a new project and we couldn't find the principal.
"Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali are not in the best physical condition. We knew that before the game. We have to improve on that and many other things, like organisation and pressing.
"We can improve quickly but first, we have to understand this game better. I know their physical condition and new players but we have to put something more. We had to fight more. Players know I have a lot of confidence in them and we hope to improve quickly."
On more signings: "I don't want the excuse that the first XI was not enough to compete and get a result. Brentford's spirit on the pitch was great, it has to be the right example for us."
Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray, speaking to Sky Sports: "For some reason on days in football, a team can outfight another team, it's on us and the fans have been incredible."
On fitness in the starting line-up: "I don't think there's any excuses to be honest."
On hangover from last season: "We've got work to do, you saw that performance. It's definitely an improvement from last season. It's not the start we wanted, going into the mid-week game on Wednesday."
On looking ahead for the rest of the season: "The work we do in the week is about moving in the right direction but today we got out-fought."
On becoming Tottenham's youngest-ever Premier League starting captain: "It was an amazing moment and I'm grateful for the manager for trusting me but again, today wasn't good enough."
Did you know?
Tottenham Hotspur suffered their joint-heaviest defeat on MD1 of a Premier League season, having also lost 3-0 to Manchester United in 2011-12.
Against Brentford, Archie Gray (20y 163d) became the youngest player to start a Premier League match for Tottenham Hotspur as captain, overtaking Harry Kane v Burnley in April 2015 (21y 251d).
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesTottenham failed to win a single game after falling behind last season and once again they crumbled after Keane Lewis-Potter gave the Bees an early lead.
This was supposed to be the start of a new era for Spurs after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes.
Instead this was as bad as anything they served up last season as familiar failings were very much evident despite the new faces on show.
It was far too easy for Brentford at times, with Lewis-Potter left unmarked to score the first, Richarlison conceding possession before the second goal and the Spurs defence all over the place when Michael Kayode made it 3-0.
Tottenham are in talks to sign Manchester City forward duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush.
Yet it is in defence where Spurs look in urgent need of reinforcements.
Skipper Micky van de Ven, who is injured, watched this horror show unfold from the bench as 20-year-old Archie Gray became the youngest player to captain the club.
But this was a day to forget for Tottenham and Gray, who was replaced in the closing stages and handed the armband to substitute James Maddison, who hardly played last season because of injury.
By then, many of Tottenham's travelling support had left the ground as Brentford fans teased their opponents by singing: "You're going down with the Fulham."
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Brentford's performance
What did you make of Tottenham's display?
Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.
There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday as the opening weekend continues, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Hull City v Man Utd (12:30)
Everton v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Ipswich v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Nottingham Forest v Leeds
Brentford v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Ipswich v Sunderland" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Tottenham match", for example.
How to follow the opening Premier League weekend across the BBC
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
New this season: Match of the Day Predictor
Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.
Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.
You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link
There is a lot of excitement surrounding Tottenham and I understand why.
Sandro Tonali is an excellent signing for them in midfield while, at the back, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke are both very good defenders and Micky van de Ven has penned a new deal too.
I am really looking forward to seeing Spurs under Roberto de Zerbi and the expectation will be that they do well. Without European football, they must be thinking about the top six.
Keith Andrews had a sensational first season as Brentford manager and it will be interesting to see how they set up - will it be a case of 'counter-attack Keith' again?
The way I see this game going, Spurs will have most of the ball but Brentford are well organised and very dangerous on the break.
Igor Thiago had an incredible campaign for the Bees last time and they have got Kevin Schade too, so I don't see them struggling for goals.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
It has been a long road back for James Maddison, but after missing the majority of the 2025-26 campaign, the Spurs midfielder is ready to return to full-time action on the field.
Maddison said he was going through a "traumatic experience" during his rehabilitation, but the "positive distraction" of his partner being pregnant helped him during his "toughest year of his life".
The 29-year-old, who is now a father of five children, told Kelly Somers about the day-to-day tasks of being a professional footballer and a dad.
"A lot of nappies flying about, a lot of accidents at home, but it'll all be worth it. We still love it. I wouldn't change it for the world," he said.
As well as changing Spurs' fortunes on the pitch, Maddison remarked how Roberto de Zerbi organised a team social to help bond the group together.
Maddison explained: "We're all going to be drinking alcohol, we're all going to be having a good night.
"He wanted us to have a night where we all just relax. That feeling that we got made everyone feel more knitted together, straight away."
Although De Zerbi told Maddison he could sit on the bench last season in his "slippers", the Italian will now have the England international in the team ready to make an impact from the first whistle.
The Football Interview will be available on BBC One at 12:45 every Saturday during the Premier League season, as well as on BBC iPlayer, BBC Football YouTube and the BBC Sport website and app.
Paul Birch
BBC Sport journalist
After a traumatic season in which they narrowly avoided relegation, Tottenham look to start 2026-27 in better fashion against a Brentford side that are looking to build on an excellent campaign under Keith Andrews. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes going into their opening-weekend encounter.
After back-to-back 17th place finishes, surely the only way is up for Tottenham, especially after the club loosened their purse strings in spectacular fashion this summer.
After the farce of missing out on top transfer targets Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze last summer, they've made no mistake this time round. Having signed Mateus Fernandes for a club record £85m, they smashed it again just days later with the eyebrow raising £100m acquisition of Sandro Tonali.
Throw in the arrival of Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, ball playing centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Marco Senesi, who played 20 minutes of the World Cup final for Argentina, and it's easy to see why optimism is high.
Attacking signings remain a work in progress but if the double swoop for Man City duo Omar Marmoush and Savinho can get over the line then the league woes of the last two campaigns will surely be confined to a distant but unpleasant memory.
The lowlights of a wretched campaign included going 15 matches and 118 days without a league victory, managing just three wins at home and having to avoid relegation to the second tier for the first time since 1977 on the final day of the season.
All of which is not good enough for what is the world's ninth-richest football club.
The arrival of boss Roberto de Zerbi has been galvanizing and he accounted for 30% of the club's league wins last season despite only being in charge for seven matches.
Two of the lowest ever top-flight points tallies Spurs have accrued have taken place in each of the last two seasons
In a huge contrast to Tottenham's travails, Brentford enjoyed a superb season under Keith Andrews.
Tipped by many to be relegation candidates, they revelled in confounding the doubters. They just missed out on European qualification for the first ever time by a mere point after their season petered out with just one win in their last 10 league matches.
Central to replicating their success will be getting Igor Tudor to fire again in front of goal. Only Erling Haaland scored more than his 22 top-flight goals last season which helped him secure a place in Brazil's World Cup squad.
The striker boasted the best shot conversion rate of any player to take 25 or more shots in the Premier League last season with 22 goals from 84 shots.
While the Bees haven't created a lot of headlines in this summer's transfer window they've still made some interesting signings while also not losing any of their big names.
Their record against opponents Tottenham is poor having won just one of their 10 Premier League matches against the north Londoners, and Spurs are unbeaten in their five trips to the Gtech Community Stadium.
