There is a cautious sense of optimism beginning to unfold at Tottenham Hotspur this summer, as Thomas Frank prepares to lead the football club into a new era in 2025/26.
The Dane has already faced numerous challenges and bumps in the road during his first few months in North London, whether that be on or off the pitch.
His side fell to defeat in the UEFA Super Cup final earlier this week, despite being two goals ahead of the Champions League winners with just a matter of minutes remaining in the contest.
Further issues on the pitch have also arisen, resulting in James Maddison missing the majority of the upcoming Premier League season after suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season outing against Newcastle United.
Such a blow wouldn’t have been as bad if they had completed a deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, but after his failed move - he will remain a case of what could’ve been.
Frank has subsequently been frantically scrambling to land a new number ten - even alluding to it on Friday - potentially turning to various options in the coming months.
Spurs’ crisis in the attacking midfield department
New signing Mohammed Kudus cost the Spurs hierarchy a whopping £55m from London rivals West Ham United - adding further quality into the attacking department.
The 24-year-old, who’s primarily a right-winger, can also operate in a centre-forward position, as seen in his first competitive outing against PSG earlier this week.
However, he could provide a solution to the current problem within the Lilywhites side, having featured in such a role at the London Stadium for the Hammers throughout 2024/25.
Another alternative could be to delve back into the transfer market, potentially making a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze - a player they’ve been following for the majority of the window.
The 27-year-old, who has stated his desire to join Frank’s men already this summer, could be available for around £60m - with Arsenal also said to be monitoring his progress.
After Kudus’ big-money to the side already this summer, a move for the Eagles' talent would be another statement of intent by the hierarchy in their quest for added success following last season’s Europa League triumph.
However, one other attacking talent already on the books in North London has also endured his own rise, subsequently seeing a massive jump in his current price tag.
The Spurs player who’s worth more than Kudus & Tel
Over recent seasons, Spurs have conducted some shrewd business in the transfer market, playing a crucial role in their ability to end their 17-year trophy drought.
Brennan Johnson, who cost £47.5m from Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2023, scored the winner against Manchester United, with finish writing his name in the club’s history forever.
However, he’s not the only young attacker to make the move to the Lilywhites and impress, with Mathys Tel originally joining the side on loan from Bayern Munich last January.
The Frenchman made 20 appearances across all competitions, scoring three times, including on his first start in the FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa back in February.
At just 20, he still has bags of time to fulfill his potential under Frank, especially after the hierarchy decided to make his temporary spell permanent at the start of the window.
Owner Daniel Levy forked out £30m for the youngster’s signature, with Tel agreeing a six-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, despite missing his spotkick in the shootout with PSG, he has still seen his market value soar over recent weeks, showcasing the bargain Spurs landed the forward for this summer.
Tel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is now valued at €75m (£65m) by CIES Football Observatory - a near two-times increase on the fee paid a couple of months ago.
His subsequent valuation is higher than the fee paid for Kudus and the asking price of Eze, highlighting how highly rated he is and the potential he possesses.
If he can develop further under Frank’s guidance in North London, he will be an excellent signing and one that could provide needed versatility in the front line.