Thomas Frank and Spurs could do with a helping hand from a familiar friend against Burnley once again.
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Tottenham Hotspur will begin the Premier League campaign by hosting newly promoted Burnley as Thomas Frank looks to get his tenure off to a winning start.
Spurs are of course in competitive action before that clash with the Clarets, taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, but the meeting with Burnley will be the first fixture that Frank is truly expected to win. Scott Parker’s side impressed in the Championship last season but it remains to be seen whether that foundation of defensive stability translates a division higher.
While a favourable fixture on paper, it does put pressure on former Brentford boss Frank. A home defeat to a side expected to be battling relegation would be a dreadful start to the 2025/26 season. To ensure victory, Tottenham Hotspur must push to sign Bryan Mbeumo before August 16.
Tottenham Hotspur must sign Bryan Mbeumo in time for Burnley clash
Spurs have been linked with a swoop for the Bees man this summer and those rumours have gathered pace since Frank was appointed. Last week, Sky Sports reported that the north London outfit had held initial discussions with Brentford over a transfer, which is expected to cost £60 million. Since then, transfer specialist Rudy Galetti has suggested that Spurs have ‘cooled’ their interest with Manchester United frontrunners.
Tottenham Hotspur must reignite that interest, especially with an absolutely must win fixture against Burnley up first. Frank has faced Burnley four times in his managerial career, winning two games and losing two.
The most impressive win against the Clarets managed by Frank came in October 2023 when Brentford picked up a 3-0 win at home. The player of the match that day? Bryan Mbeumo.
The forward scored and assisted in that victory, helping Brentford to an important three points. Mbeumo helped his side bounce back from a disheartening late defeat against Manchester United with an energetic display that epitomised how he can be a matchwinner.
Brentford winger prolific on opening day
Mbeumo teed up Yoane Wissa with a tap-in after 25 minutes and then scored a stunning curled shot in the second half himself. Sky Sports named him Player of the Match and awarded him a close to perfect 9/10 for his performance.
What’s more, the 25-year-old loves to start the season quickly and is the man for a big occasion. Prior to the 2024/25 campaign, there were questions whether the forward could fill the boots left by Ivan Toney but he replied with a goal in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on opening weekend. He also scored in the 2-2 draw with Spurs at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
With Spurs already linked with Mbeumo, it seems a no brainer to ensure that move is pushed through before opening day. Not only would that give Frank and the player chance to recreate that magic against Burnley but, wider, it would allow the forward plenty of time to embed himself at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In other news, Predicted Premier League table after Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham learn fixtures.