Three Tottenham players now face a crucial pre-season under Thomas Frank as their respective futures hang in the balance.
Tottenham Hotspur have been active in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with four new additions already through the door.
Two of those arrivals, Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai, are completely new to life at N17, while the other two, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, had already spent the last six months on loan and have now joined permanently.
Tottenham are reportedly still in the market for more reinforcements, having even submitted a bid for Morgan Gibbs-White, although negotiations with Nottingham Forest have since slowed progress on that front.
However, while incomings have taken a back seat in recent weeks, departures have dominated the headlines, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Josh Keeley sold, and Ashley Phillips heading out on loan.
More exits are expected, and three players in particular – Richarlison, Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine – now face a defining pre-season under new manager Thomas Frank.
Richarlison must prove his fitness to remain at Tottenham
There has been no shortage of speculation linking Tottenham Hotspur with new forward options this summer, with names such as Yoane Wissa, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Evann Guessand all floated, despite Richarlison still being part of the squad.
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That in itself is a clear indication that Thomas Frank and the club hierarchy may not be fully convinced by the Brazilian as the primary backup option in attack heading into the new season.
To be fair to Richarlison, despite enduring an injury-hit season, he still managed five goals and two assists in just 942 minutes of action.
However, his availability remains a major concern, with the former Everton man missing a minimum of ten matches each season since joining Tottenham back in 2022, including a staggering 37 games last term alone.
Reports have linked Richarlison with a potential switch to Palmeiras or even a move to the Middle East. If the 28-year-old has any intentions of staying at Tottenham under Frank’s management, then this pre-season will be pivotal. His fitness levels must improve, and this tour could determine whether he still has a future at the club.
Alfie Devine must impress amid Millwall interest
Alfie Devine has progressed through the Tottenham ranks but has so far struggled to establish himself in the senior side, spending much of his career on various loan spells.
His most recent loan at Westerlo saw him make 32 appearances, scoring six goals and assisting once in the Belgian top flight – not a bad return for a developing midfielder.
Now back with the Tottenham squad, Thomas Frank has given Devine a small opportunity, granting him 45 minutes in the pre-season opener against Reading.
He operated in the number ten role and managed to create one big chance, although Dominic Solanke failed to convert it.
While it would be unfair to judge him on a single game, the remaining fixtures this summer are crucial if he hopes to stay at Spurs.
Championship side Millwall are reportedly interested in a permanent move for Devine, and even among sections of the Tottenham fanbase, there is an acceptance that Devine could be sold, with supporters already naming their ideal price tags.
Despite becoming the club’s youngest ever goal scorer in an FA Cup tie, and having just two senior appearances under his belt, Devine still has much to prove – particularly when your own fanbase would not be too bothered by your departure.
If the 20-year-old can have a standout pre-season campaign, then maybe he could force his way into the Tottenham senior squad.
Dane Scarlett is running out of time to prove himself at Tottenham
It has simply never clicked for Dane Scarlett, either in a Tottenham shirt or while out on loan, and that is a worrying sign for a player of his age and position.
He was not included in the squad that faced Reading in Tottenham’s opening pre-season match, even though Thomas Frank named two separate elevens on the day, not even making the bench.
Scarlett spent the first half of last season on loan at Oxford United, scoring four goals and registering one assist in the Championship.
He was recalled for the second half of the campaign and did manage to chip in with a goal and assist in the Europa League.
However, with persistent inconsistency in his performances, this summer now represents a last chance for the 21-year-old. Should he fail to impress, a permanent exit from Tottenham may be on the cards.
His redemption arc could begin this Saturday, when Tottenham face Wycombe behind closed doors at Hotspur Way. If he fails to feature, then the writing could pretty much be on the wall.