Tottenham Hotspur are already facing a dilemma in their attempts to bring in a new midfield presence as their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson has been complicated in the aftermath of Hotspur Way decision-makers opting against signing Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is still waiting to discover whether he has done enough to save his job, with chairman Daniel Levy expected to confirm if a managerial alteration will be made in the coming days, the north Londoners have been putting plans in place to upgrade a squad which ended their trophy drought.
A first half goal from Brennan Johnson in the Europa League final against domestic counterparts Manchester United brought Tottenham's 17-year wait for silverware to a close last month, but there remains uncertainty over who will be in the hot-seat and dressing room heading into next term.
Spurs Not In Line to Complete Larsson Swoop
Sweden international poised to be out of north Londoners' reach
Tottenham are on course to miss out on landing Larsson, according to GMS sources, as Eintracht Frankfurt have become even more adamant that they will not sanction his departure after replacement target Jobe Bellingham has made it clear that he wants to join Borussia Dortmund if he leaves Sunderland.
Spurs have not been the only side showing interest in the Sweden international, leading to his current employers expecting offers after he played a key role in sealing qualification for the Champions League, but they are facing an uphill battle to agree a deal as preparations are made for next season.
GMS sources have been informed that Eintracht Frankfurt's inability to turn Bellingham's head will indirectly hinder Tottenham in their pursuit of Larsson, who was a regular starter during the 2024/25 campaign, and they do not want to let him go after already insisting it would take more than £50million to alter their stance.
The central midfielder still has four years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket in excess of £30,000-per-week, making matters even more difficult for Spurs and leading to it being increasingly likely that they will have to turn their attentions elsewhere in the transfer market.
Tottenham's setback in their push for Larsson came after they already decided against signing Cardoso from Real Betis, GMS sources have learned, resulting in Angel Gomes potentially coming back into focus as a priority target as he prepares to leave Ligue 1 side Lille as a free agent later this month.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Hugo Larsson won six ground duels and made five tackles during Eintracht Frankfurt's Europa League quarter-final first leg draw with Tottenham Hotspur in April
Larsson Not Preparing to Agitate for a Switch
Midfielder willing to remain patient ahead of eventual big move
GMS sources have been told that Larsson is not entertaining the possibility of agitating for a move away from Eintracht Frankfurt, despite Tottenham being joined by the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City in the hunt for his signature, and he is prepared to wait for his big move away from Deutsche Bank Park.
Although the 20-year-old has been described as 'exceptional' and would have Champions League action on offer if he opted to push for a fresh challenge in north London, he is poised to compete in the same competition if he remains in his current surroundings after finishing third in the Bundesliga.
Tottenham are determined to recruit a fresh option in the middle of the park, GMS sources understand, but hitting a major stumbling block in the race for Larsson soon after snubbing the opportunity to land Cardoso has resulted in Postecoglou being in danger of being unable to bring in a priority target.
GMS sources recently revealed that there were doubts over whether Spurs would be prepared to meet Eintracht Frankfurt's demands for their fan favourite, but the latest indications would suggest that a move to the capital is not on the cards ahead of the 2025/26 campaign getting underway.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 03/06/2025