{
  "id": 296071,
  "title": "Souza is expected to stay with Tottenham this season, De Zerbi is backing him to be a game-changer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/souza-is-expected-to-stay-with-tottenham-this-season-de-zerbi-is",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T05:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/souza-expected-stay-tottenham-season-054500880.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tottenham Hotspur defender Joao Victor de Souza Menezes, 20, is expected to remain at the club for the upcoming season, with manager Roberto De Zerbi backing him to be a game-changer for the team. Despite attracting interest from FC Porto, Benfica, and a loan offer from the former, Spurs may reconsider their stance and allow him to join the Portuguese giants. The Spanish club has previously expressed serious interest in the young defender, making them a prime destination for Souza to further develop and gain regular competitive football experience. With rivals like Andy Robertson and Djed Spence vying for playing time, it is crucial that Souza secures meaningful minutes to reach his full potential. A season abroad in Portugal would provide valuable tactical education, confidence, and experience before his return to North London, ready to compete for a first-team place.",
  "summary": "Tottenham Hotspur defender Joao Victor de Souza Menezes was attracting interest in the transfer market as he seeks more playing time.However, according to Eduardo Burgos, the 20-year-old is poised to ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Joao Victor de Souza Menezes, 20, to stay at Tottenham this season.",
    "Manager Roberto De Zerbi backs him to be a game-changer.",
    "FC Porto, Benfica, and loan offer from Spurs attracted him."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Souza staying at Tottenham means he will likely continue to battle for playing time with established players rather than gaining experience through regular football elsewhere.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}