Thomas Frank will be expected to make an immediate impact at Tottenham after choosing to switch Brentford for North London.
Daniel Levy made the executive decision to dismiss Ange Postecoglou despite ending the 17-year wait for a trophy following the Europa League triumph.
Nevertheless, Tottenham moved to acquire one of the most exciting managers in English football, Frank, and wasted little time backing the new manager, with the Lilywhites wrapping up the £55 million signing of Mohammed Kudus.
However, after a disastrous 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last term, further signings will be required to close the gap at the top of the table, and with Champions League football to contend with this season, Tottenham could arm Frank with his very own Claude Makelele.
Tottenham aim to sign ex-Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher
TBR Football understands Tottenham have reached out to Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher to gauge the level of interest in signing the former Chelsea midfielder.
The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge before making the switch to La Liga last summer – he could be set for a swift Premier League return with Newcastle United also monitoring developments.
Speaking to The Sun in 2020, Gallagher revealed that during his loan spell at Swansea City, he received expert tutelage in West London, moulding his game on Chelsea legend Makelele.
He said: “Because I’m only 20, I was too young to remember watching Claude – but he is such a legend and it’s great to have someone like him, who played in my position, helping me.
“He watches my games and gives lots of great advice. He has given tips on when I’m receiving the ball in midfield to always be scanning and look forward.
“And then there will be stuff when they have the ball and we’re pressing them – he’ll explain and show me the right way to press.”
Conor Gallagher could be Tottenham’s Claude Makelele
The Frenchman was a phenom during his five-year spell in English football with the defensive midfield position often referred to as the ‘Makelele role’.
One of Spurs’ most significant weaknesses last season was in the centre of the pitch, and while Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall show promise, Frank could greatly benefit from more experience in his engine room.
Gallagher was a workhorse for Atletico Madrid during his debut campaign in Spain, winning 71% of his tackles, improving on his 61% success rate during his final season at Chelsea.
Furthermore, he continued to contribute on the business end of the pitch with four goals and four assists in all competitions, more than double the output of Spurs’ most senior midfield pairing of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.
TBR Football exclusively reported in April that Tottenham will look to offload Bissouma, and while Frank’s arrival leaves this stance subject to change, it is clear the Dane is eager to bolster his midfield ranks.
Should Spurs proceed with a move for Gallagher, not only will they acquire a midfielder in the mould of Makelele, but one who will also look to add a creative spark in an uninspiring midfield at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.