Daniel Levy is reverting to type despite promising to back Thomas Frank at Tottenham.
The Spurs chairman appeared to be on a new path as Spurs looked set to complete an exciting double deal of Mohammed Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White within days of each other.
However, Levy was left embarrassed by Evangelos Marinakis as the England international eventually signed a new contract with the East Midlands side, effectively ending the Lilywhites’ pursuit.
It’s an all-too-familiar tale for Spurs, who have grown accustomed to missing out on key targets in years gone by, with this summer proving no exception as Tottenham News rounds up Spurs’ missed targets.
Gibbs-White – Nottingham Forest
Over two weeks ago, news broke that Tottenham had triggered Gibbs-White’s £60million release clause, and that the 25-year-old was set for a medical at Hotspur Way within days.
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The development was met by stiff opposition from Forest, who moved to block the deal and claimed that Spurs’ approach was unlawful, threatening them with legal action.
Nevertheless, the North Londoners remained confident of pushing the deal through until Forest announced on Saturday (26 July) that their star midfielder had signed a new record contract.
Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo was among the first names linked with Spurs as Thomas Frank made signing a wide forward a priotity in N17, and targeted a reunion with the Cameroon international.
The 24-year-old had just registered his best goalscoring return with the Bees and was thought to be available for around £60million at the start of the summer.
However, Mbeumo’s head was turned by Manchester United, whom he supported as a child, and he eventually opted to join the Red Devils instead.
Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth
With Son Heung-min’s future in doubt since the end of last season, Spurs were also exploring left-sided forwards and identified Antoine Semenyo as a viable option.
The Bournemouth star was key to his side’s unlikely push for European football last season and fit the profile of a dangerous wide player with Premier League experience.
Once the Cherries had caught wind of Tottenham’s interest, they quickly tied Semenyo to an improved deal, extending his stay on the South Coast until 2030.
Yoane Wissa – Brentford
Frank was linked with another former player, Yoane Wissa, as he sought to bolster his striking options to cover for Richarlison’s potential departure and provide Dominic Solanke with competition up front.
Much like his former colleague Mbeumo, the 28-year-old had just come off the back of his best season in front of goal, and had entered the final year of his contract.
However, Brentford refused to sell both of their forwards in the same window, and are now locked in a vicious battle to keep Wissa on the South Coast as Newcastle continue to push for a move.
Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace
Perhaps the only player on the list who still could make the switch to Hotspur Way, Eberechi Eze has been linked with Tottenham for a long time.
The Crystal Palace playermaker had another fantastic season with the Eagles, topped by scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final to earn his club their first major trophy.
Spurs could yet make a move for the England international, but are facing stiff competition from bitter rivals Arsenal, who have seemingly stolen ahead in the race to sign the talented playmaker.