Harry Kane has described Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur as a surprise while praising the chairman’s record and wishing him well. The former Spurs star and current Bayern Munich striker told the media during England duty that he did not anticipate the move and acknowledged the clear transformation at the club during Levy’s tenure.

There are largely two schools of thought among Spurs supporters since the announcement. Some remain frustrated by what they view as limited investment in the playing squad. Others point to the significant off-the-field progress the club has made. Kane aligned with the latter view and underlined Levy’s role in that development.

“Obviously, it’s a bit of a surprise, if I’m honest,” Kane said. “I didn’t expect it, didn’t see that coming.

“Daniel has been a fantastic chairman for Tottenham in the 20 years or so he’s been there. Considering where the club was and where it is now, I think it’s been a big change, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.

“At any stage there’s always going to be change in clubs, and change in the higher positions. Obviously I don’t know too much about why or what happened. All I can say is I wish Daniel all the best in whatever’s next for him. We obviously built a relationship over the time we had together. I’m sure at some stage we’ll catch up.

“Overall for Tottenham, it’s a new chapter they’re trying to create now.”

Levy’s exit has triggered speculation about Tottenham’s future ownership, with at least two parties reported as having expressed interest in a possible takeover, including former Newcastle United shareholder Amanda Staveley. Tottenham have publicly rejected suggestions the club is for sale, insisting that all approaches have been unequivocally turned away.

Kane’s comments framed the departure as unexpected but respectful, and he left open the prospect of keeping in touch with Levy while noting the club is entering a period of change.

Eberechi Eze described a frenetic summer transfer period but said he never doubted his next step as he completed a move to Arsenal and was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium.

The 27-year-old, a boyhood Arsenal fan who spent time in the club’s academy, moved quickly once the club renewed their interest. Arsenal had held a meeting months earlier where the basic framework for a move was agreed, but the process fell quiet for an extended spell and at one stage it appeared he was close to joining Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Just four days separated news of Arsenal’s bid and Eze’s presentation on the pitch, a swift sequence he said he tried to savour. The introduction at the Emirates Stadium was, he added, a “special” moment for him and his family.

On the uncertainty and media attention, Eze was measured. “Worried? No. Because I play football,” he said. “That’s what I do and wherever I am, I want to be the best I can be and I’m confident I’ll do that wherever I am.

“I’m grateful that it’s Arsenal and that I’ve got the opportunity to play there and do what I do and I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot going on, it’s fun for me. This is why I play football. These are opportunities that you want. This is for me so I am enjoying it as much as I can. And do what I can.”

Reflecting on the presentation, Eze said he focused on the moment and on what it meant to those closest to him. “I was trying to [take it all in] because as you know, you have that moment and then that it’s gone,” he continued.“I was just there, looking at the crowd and watching everything happen and it was a cool moment—more for my family, seeing what it meant to them. I think that’s the special thing for me.

“For me, now, I’m just excited to play, excited to do my thing on the pitch, to work hard, apply myself and get to doing what I do. There’s been a lot of noise off the pitch but I just want to get down and play.

“And it’s not everyone that gets to experience these types of moments but yeah, I try to enjoy it and take it in my stride as much as possible because there’s always something that is coming. There is always another opportunity and challenge coming so that’s how I see it.”

Tottenham Hotspur have publicly rejected suggestions the club could be up for sale following the departure of chairman Daniel Levy. Levy’s exit prompted speculation over the club’s long-term ownership and several media reports of potential takeover interest.

Reports identified approaches from a group led by Amanda Staveley and from a Chinese consortium fronted by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng. Coverage also said ENIC, the majority owner, had been contacted about selling its 87% stake in the club. The Telegraph report the proposals were made after Levy’s exit was formalised.

The club and its majority shareholder responded with a firm denial of any intention to consider offers. The official statement was published in full and reads:

“The Board of Tottenham Hotspur Limited is aware of recent media speculation and confirms that its majority shareholder, ENIC Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd, has received, and unequivocally rejected, separate preliminary expressions of interest in relation to proposals to acquire the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of ENIC from (i) PCP International Finance Limited; and (ii) a consortium of investors led by Dr. Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited,” a statement read.

“As a consequence of ENIC’s majority ownership interest in Tottenham Hotspur, were any offer made to acquire ENIC and complete, a mandatory offer would be required under Rule 9 of the Code to acquire the shares of Tottenham Hotspur not already held by ENIC.

“The Board of the Club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the Club.”

Having now been named as interested parties, Staveley’s group are expected to release a statement confirming they will not place a formal bid. The club’s response leaves ENIC as the confirmed long-term majority owner and closes the door on reported approaches that followed Levy’s departure.