So, after weeks of speculation, Thomas Frank has been confirmed as the new manager of Tottenham. The Dane heads to north London after seven years in charge at Brentford, where he’s established a reputation for being one of the shrewdest tactical operators in English football.
Attention will now turn to who Frank targets in the summer transfer window. The 51-year-old is expected to be handed funds to strengthen his new side’s Champions League campaign, having previously been credited for working on a tight budget with the Bees. Despite speculation, an 11th hour hijack of Byran Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United appears unlikely, but Spurs have already been linked with a host of other targets.
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Express Sport looks at Tottenham’s potential XI, with Frank likely to deploy the 4-2-3-1 formation he favoured last season…
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
The chances of Mark Flekken following Frank across London have already been dispelled, with the Dutchman having agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen in July. Following his lengthy injury lay-off last season, Vicario is almost certain to continue as the club’s No.1 under the new boss.
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
Again, not an area where the Dane is likely to implement much change. With Cristian Romero now looking increasingly likely to stay despite links to Atletico Madrid, him starting at centre-back alongside Micky van de Ven appears nailed on if both players stay fit.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie both played in the Europa League final, which ended in glory. However, Djed Spence will pressure the pair this season.
Defensive midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, Morten Hjulmand
Frank will be charged with improving Tottenham’s susceptibility to attacks, and the signing of Morten Hjulmand would go a long way to addressing that. The 25-year-old excelled for Sporting CP last season and is not only adept at breaking up play but also boasts the ability to pick out passes and shoot from distance.
Being Danish, the attraction to playing under Frank would be obvious. Could form a formidable partnership alongside Uruguayan international Rodrigo Bentancur.
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Forwards: Eberechi Eze, Dejan Kulusevski, Antoine Semenyo
Any Spurs fans who doubt Frank’s appointment would be appeased if he could seal two huge attacking signings. Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo have both been linked, with Spurs expected to step up their efforts when the window reopens on June 16.
Crystal Palace’s FA Cup hero Eze is also said to have been targeted by United and reportedly has a release clause of £68million. Unlike Frank though, Ruben Amorim can’t offer the carrot of Champions League or even European football.
According to talkSPORT, representatives of Bournemouth star Semenyo are said to have already met Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. According to transfermarkt, he’s valued at around £40m, but the Cherries are likely to hold out for more, given his contract runs until 2029.
Striker: Dominic Solanke
Solanke may be sitting nervously as speculation arises that Frank could bring Yoane Wissa with him to Spurs. However, the Bees are likely to guard against an immediate raid from their now former coach, and Solanke's work rate is a trait Frank will no doubt admire.
Potential Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Hjulmand; Eze, Kulusevski, Semenyo; Solanke.