The Times have revealed that the referees will tolerate much less obstruction during corner kicks and free-kicks during the upcoming season.
Premier League make obstruction changes
The report explains that tweaks are set to be introduced to VAR ahead of the new campaign, the most consequential of which is a higher threshold required to intervene.
In other words, the referee’s on-pitch decision will be respected unless there is a very clear error, with the move seeking to ape the ‘umpire’s call’ system in cricket.
It is also explained that the offence of blocking or obstructing will be penalised more stringently in set-pieces than it was last season.
Vicario struggled from set-pieces last season
Attackers thus would not be able to get away with trying to stop the movement of an opponent without being penalised.
This will be music to the years of Ange Postecoglou, who complained last season about the obstruction of Guglielmo Vicario.
The Spurs boss even revealed at one point that Tottenham had asked the PMGOL for clarification of the obstruction rules.
It is about time that the PMGOL came down on holding and obstruction as we have been seeing an increasing amount of set-piece shenanigans over the last couple of years, with attackers getting away with a lot of shirt-pulling and blocking.
Guglielmo Vicario will no doubt be delighted with that news.
Here we go: Tottenham has just reached verbal agreement with 25-year-old winger
Spurs are planning multiple loan deals
Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a series of loan deals, with Manor Solomon reportedly expected to be one of the players likely to depart on a temporary move soon.
Dan Kilpatrick from The Standard has given us a peek into the upcoming changes, hinting at a big shake-up in the Spurs’ squad.
Solomon, who joined Tottenham on a free transfer just last summer, is expected to be loaned out in the final weeks of the window.
This move is part of a broader strategy to make room for a new signing, as Tottenham looks to add another winger to their ranks.
The loan moves extend beyond Solomon. Kilpatrick highlights that other academy products, such as Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz, have already secured temporary moves to Oxford and Valencia, respectively.
Tottenham reportedly ready to seal transfer deal for 25-year-old winger
These loans are part of Tottenham’s push to provide their young players with crucial game time. Alongside them, Alfie Devine, Ashley Phillips, and Jamie Donley are also set to be loaned out before the window shuts, underscoring Tottenham’s focus on nurturing their emerging talent.
Striker Will Lankshear is another player who might see his first loan move to the EFL in the near future.
This potential move is aimed at providing him with more exposure and experience in competitive football.
In addition to these moves, Kilpatrick confirms that Tottenham will be parting ways temporarily with Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon. Both players are set to leave on loan, contributing to the squad adjustments and making space for new arrivals.
The choice to loan out Solomon specifically fits well with Tottenham’s current priorities. The club is eager to bring in another winger to strengthen their attack.
