Last Word On Sports

Thomas Frank was appointed Head Coach at his new club on June 13, and the board have been looking to use their Europa League winning money to invest in his project. Many forward options have been discussed with Mathys Tel’s loan even made permanent, alongside the signing of young defender Kota Takai. Now, it appears that Tottenham Hotspur look to sign Mohammed Kudus as their first-choice this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur Want Mohammed Kudus as First-Choice After Bryan Mbeumo Chose Manchester United

Spurs Aim for Deal Well Below £85 Million Release Clause

Matt Law, of The Telegraph, has revealed that Kudus has been “identified as a primary target” for Tottenham. This comes after interest in many other Premier League forwards: they attempted a hijack of Manchester United’s quest to sign Bryan Mbeumo, but the Cameroonian informed the Lilywhites that he will only join the Red Devils.

They have also held a strong interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, however it now looks like a move for Kudus is the “most likely” signing. This may be because West Ham are reportedly willing to sell their star player to help finance a “summer rebuild” for Graham Potter, after a pretty dismal 2024/25 season. According to Fabrizio Romano, initial talks have taken place with his agents, with the player “open to Spurs talks”.

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Fans will be thankful to hear that Law also reports that Tottenham are “optimistic” to secure a deal that would be “well below” the Ghanaian’s £85 million release clause.

Where Does Kudus Play for Tottenham?

Kudus is a fantastically talented player, as shown by interest from other clubs like Chelsea. He is particularly useful in his ability to play all across the front-line. Across his career his primary position has been as a right-winger, though this is still in a minority of his games. The 24-year-old has played as an attacking-midfielder frequently, particularly in the season just gone, but has also played as a striker at times.

However, in North London he may actually be utilised as a left-winger. He has also played here very often due to Jarrod Bowen being on the right. For Tottenham, they already have Dominic Solanke at striker, James Maddison as a number ten, and Brennan Johnson on the right, with Dejan Kulusevski also interchanging with the latter two. Meanwhile, Son Heung-min is ageing and may even depart this summer, leaving a spot open on the left.

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Whilst his primary position will likely be on the left-wing, given the past injury troubles of Solanke, Maddison, Johnson, and Kulusevski, he will likely contribute in other areas of the pitch as well.

Thomas Frank’s new club have begun the summer transfer window by intending to support his new project with investment. This appeared to be a good sign for their future after a season in which Ange Postecoglou struggled to get results. However, Tottenham Hotspur have now been snubbed by Bryan Mbeumo, who would prefer a move to Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur Told Bryan Mbeumo Will Only Join Manchester United This Summer

Tottenham Deny Making Any Offer

David Ornstein, of The Athletic, has revealed that Mbeumo’s party has told both Tottenham and Brentford that he will not be making a move to North London this summer. In the case of a transfer, he will only join Manchester United. This is a huge blow for Spurs as the Cameroonian was a big target: after their hiring of Frank, the player was reportedly more keen on the move. Arsenal and Newcastle United have also held interest recently.

For United, they are still in talks, with their new £62.5 million proposal still falling short of Brentford’s valuation. The Red Devils are determined to find a compromise. Meanwhile, Spurs have denied rumours that they had made a bid for the player, and are “no longer pursuing the situation”. This stance will reportedly only change should United fail to complete the signing.

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It is yet to be seen whether this saga will end this summer: whilst United don’t need to sell before making the signing, they “plan to remain disciplined and avoid overpaying for players in the market”. This comes after years of high spending, but before a potential stadium expansion.

Is Antoine Semenyo Tottenham’s Answer?

The answer to Tottenham’s woes here may be Antoine Semenyo, who they have also been linked with. Another target of Manchester United’s, the Ghanaian also holds some very similar traits to their “monster” target. Capable of playing wide and up front, both players utilise their shooting ability from all areas.

Tottenham Hotspur are doing their best to prevent a Cristian Romero transfer to Atletico Madrid, despite both the player and the suitors seeming pretty keen on the move. This comes in yet another transition period for the club as Thomas Frank arrives at to unsettled team, which is not ideal given the pressure that will already be on the Dane.

Tottenham Hotspur ‘Refuse to Be Bullied’ Over Cristian Romero’s Potential Transfer to Atletico Madrid

Valuation of Over £60 Million

Matt Law of The Telegraph has revealed that Tottenham “refuse to be bullied into a cut-price sale” of Romero. Spurs value their centre-back at over £60 million, though there are “doubts” that Atleti would pay this. The Argentinian has been described as “disgruntled”, posting a tribute message to former coach Ange Postecoglou in response to the announcement of Frank’s hiring.

Read More: Micky van de Ven Questions Tottenham Hotspur’s ‘Strange’ Decision as Player Revolt Threat Revealed

Los Colchoneros have been putting public pressure on Tottenham, something that chairman Daniel Levy is not a fan of, as he prefers to do his business privately. Diego Simeone stated in an interview: “Do I want Cuti Romero? Of course. He’s a great player”. Whilst the 27-year-old appears to want to leave (saying just months ago “I’d love to play in La Liga”), and Atleti are keen to get their man, Spurs are “determined they will not be bullied into a cut-price sale”.

Losing a vice-captain alongside the potential departure of Son Heung-min (Captain) could be a big problem for Frank.

Tottenham Already Signing Romero Replacement?

Whilst the departure of Romero is not what the club will be hoping for this summer, if he does leave they may already be signing their long-term replacement. A deal has been agreed for Kota Takai, a Japanese wonderkid from the J League, for £5 million. The 20-year-old centre-back is still young, but will reportedly be a part of the first-team squad from the off, as Johan Lange expects him to “follow in the footsteps” of the likes of Lucas Bergvall as a rising talent.

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In the next couple of seasons, Takai could be the perfect Romero replacement. Meanwhile, in the short-term, the permanent signing of Kevin Danso should suffice; a £21 million deal was an obligation as part of his loan which was agreed back in the January transfer window.

Arsenal have made an initial bid for a defensive midfielder who was rumoured to be on Tottenham Hotspur’s shortlist. The Gunners are looking for a replacement for Thomas Partey, who is likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Arsenal Make Christian Norgaard Bid

Gunners Beat Spurs to Make Norgaard Offer

Arsenal have submitted a bid of around £9.3 million for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, according to David Orstein of the Athletic.

The Brentford captain currently has two years left on his contract, having been at the club for the past six years, joining from Fiorentina.

Sam Tabuteau from the Standard has suggested that Norgaard wants to play Champions League football and favours a move to Arsenal.

This will come as a blow for Thomas Frank, who had high praise for Norgaard and was keen on being reunited with his former captain.

He previously described Norgaard as a “late bloomer” and had lots of positive things to say when his contract was renewed in April this year.

Frank said: “A big reason why we have done okay is our culture, and Nørgaard is a big driver of that, on and off the pitch. At a club, there will always be transition of players in and out but it’s also important to have some stability.

“He’s also performed very well, maybe this season is his best so far.

“Sometimes, you don’t see it or recognise it as much when you are a holding midfielder, but he is so important in terms of breaking up play, interceptions and playing forward when you win the ball back.”

Read More: Bayern Munich Eye Shock Move for Arsenal Attacker After Contact Made

Partey Still Yet to Sign New Arsenal Deal

Having already lost Jorginho, Arsenal may also see Partey depart in this summer.

The Ghanaian is set to leave on a free if he cannot agree a new deal with the Gunners. It is understood that Arsenal offered a salary reduction for Partey, but with less than a week to go, Norgaard is one of the options for replacing Partey.

Partey recently spoke to the press about his next career move. He cited family as an important factor for his next step.

He said: “We are not getting younger. There are a lot of things where you have to look now with a family, where you want them to be happy. When you are young you just play anywhere.

“I’m an Arsenal fan, I can’t decide anything and just have to leave it to my agent and the club. Me, I just want to enjoy football.”

Arsenal’s move for Martin Zubimendi is “virtually complete” and will help bolster the midfield. But with Partey set to leave, the Gunners will no doubt be exploring their options, which includes Christian Norgaard.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified a new top transfer target, according to the latest reports. This comes after a busy few days for the club who have just made a record-breaking signing in Kota Takai.

Spurs Make ‘Unbelievable Finisher’ Eberechi Eze Top Target

Eberechi Eze Takes Precedence

Tottenham are looking to make a statement signing in Eberechi Eze this summer, as per the latest report by the Standard.

Previously, Eze was believed to be one of a few major signings that Spurs were weighing up.

Now it is understood that the club have moved Eze to the top of their shortlist, ahead of Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo as reported by Sam Tabutea of the Standard.

It will take a big fee to secure Eze’s services. His release clause is believed to be as much as £68 million.

In comparison, Mbeumo is currently under Manchester United’s bid of over £60 million. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are said to want as much as £70 million for Semenyo.

Meanwhile, Florian Plettenberg says that Tottenham are “closely monitoring” Eze, but that they “have not activated his release clause” and are “not close to doing so”.

Another report from Michael Bridge at Sky Sports News suggests that Spurs have “done more work” towards signing Semenyo or Mbeumo.

Eze has been a long-term target for Spurs, Manchester City and Newcastle United, to name a few, but as it stands, Eze still has two years left on his contract.

Read More: Tottenham Hotspur Agree Record Breaking Deal for Youngster to ‘Follow in Footsteps’ of Lucas Bergvall

What Eze Can Bring to Spurs

With the calibre of players Spurs are pursuing, it is clear that the club are keen to bolster their firepower.

The winger is already an England international with 12 caps and has become a vital player for Palace.

Eze has 57 goal contributions in 146 Premier League matches for the Eagles and is in his prime at 26 years of age.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner heaped praise on Eze, saying:

“Who’s a better player than Eze? For me he’s absolutely top.

“He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1, he’s such an unbelievable finisher, in some situations he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score and he’s someone who everyone likes.”

Despite their record-low finish of 17th, Spurs outscored the majority of teams in the Premier League last season with their tally of 64 goals scored. That said, the burden of their goals was not concentrated in any one source.

Adding another attacking talent to their squad will definitely not hurt the Lilywhites. There were injuries to all of Tottenham’s frontline last season, including Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, Dom Solanke, Richarlison and Heung-Min Son.

Eze would provide more than just depth, though. He would be a statement signing and would become another attacking focal point in the team.

Son has been linked with rumours of a move away from the club to Saudi Arabia. His experience and leadership are the two qualities that Spurs would miss the most, but the experienced striker has also been a key source of goals for the club over his lengthy career. Eze offers a different playstyle to Son, but is still an exciting attacker to watch with proven Premier League goalscoring experience.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed a deal for Kota Takai, a Japanese wonderkid, in a record-breaking transfer. This comes as Daniel Levy and the board attempt to rebuild the squad after what was a poor season, despite them ending a trophy drought at the end of it. It is surely likely that new coach Thomas Frank will have had some influence over this move.

Tottenham Hotspur Agree Deal for Kota Takai in Record-Breaking Transfer

Straight Into the First-Team Squad

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £5 million deal for Takai, from Kawasaki Frontale. Whilst the fee doesn’t sound like Spurs are breaking the bank, it is a steep price for a player out of the J League: this is a record fee for a native player out of the Japanese top flight.

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Alasdair Gold has disclosed that Johan Lange, Technical Director, has identified the 20-year-old as having the experience to “follow in the footsteps of the likes of [Lucas] Bergvall, [Pape Matar] Sarr, [Destiny] Udogie”. He believes that Takai has the potential to make a Premier League impact after a “settling in period”; the player is expected to be part of the first-team squad.

Tottenham Hotspur Invest in Thomas Frank Project

Tottenham’s business and proceedings this summer have suggested that they are investing in Frank’s project, both in terms of finances and boldness. They have already spent around £30 million to bring in Mathys Tel on a permanent, after an unremarkable loan spell.

They have also been linked with two of the hottest attackers on the market in Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo. This displays ambition, arguably something the Lilywhites have lacked in recent years both on the pitch and in the market.

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However, the signing of such a niche player arguably highlights the new direction that Spurs are heading in. Frank has always succeeded with maximising talent out of players who aren’t the most high profile, and tailoring them perfectly to his system. Whilst Takai may not slot straight into the side, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven occupying the centre-back positions currently, he could certainly be one for the future under progressive coach Frank, especially with Romero potentially leaving in the next year or two.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a club-trained player to bolster their Champions League squad. The latest reports suggest they could make a late move for a former player who is out of contract this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur Weigh Up Move for Kyle Walker-Peters

Kyle Walker-Peters Spurs Return on the Cards

According to football.london, Tottenham are considering a move for Kyle Walker-Peters.

The 28-year-old left Spurs in 2020, initially on loan to Southampton before moving there permanently. He went on to make 169 league appearances for the Saints.

There are believed to be several suitors for the experienced star, including Everton and Wolves.

The main motivation for Spurs re-signing Walker-Peters is to add another club-trained player to their Champions League squad.

Currently, the Lilywhites have just one club-trained player in Brandon Austin.

Eight players in the Spurs Champions League A-List squad must be locally trained. Only four of those can be association-trained.

UEFA’s rules state: “If a club have fewer than eight locally trained players in their squad, then the maximum number of players on List A is reduced accordingly”.

Bringing back Walker-Peters is just one of the solutions to maximising the players Spurs can call upon in the Champions League next season.

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Walker-Peters’ Career so Far

Despite being in the Tottenham youth academy from 2013-2015 and then graduating to the senior squad until 2020, Walker-Peters made just 24 appearances for the first team in all competitions.

First making his debut under Mauricio Pochettino, Walker-Peters went on to become a useful squad player.

In the 5-0 drubbing of Bournemouth in December 2018, he notched three assists. In doing so, he became the youngest player to provide three assists in a Premier League match since Jermain Pennant in August 2003.

Kyle Walker-Peters moved on to excel at Southampton. At one time, he was described by boss Russell Martin as a “beautiful footballer” after he scored an important goal against Bristol City in December 2023. In recent seasons he has been a key player for the club.

Unfinished Business for Walker-Peters in N17

Despite shining in some key matches for Spurs when deputising for his teammates, Walker-Peters never managed to secure his place in the first team.

This left the star with some disappointment, but ultimately, he was thankful to Pochettino for giving him his chance to break through.

He said: “I never understood why I didn’t play much after I got man of the match, but the manager has to make decisions and what he thinks is best.”

“I just always made sure in training I worked hard and really tried to improve for myself, because ultimately when that opportunity does come, as it did at the end of the season, I had to show I’d improved and I was capable to play. I think I did that.”

According to football.london, Walker-Peters is “keen” on a return to Spurs. While Tottenham are interested in bringing him back to the club, they are pursuing higher priority transfers.

The defender is unlikely to be challenging for a first-team spot at Tottenham. But his versatility in playing at left-back or right-back means he does provide good cover with extensive Premier League experience.

Tottenham Hotspur ended last season on a massive high, winning the Europa League and therefore adding silverware to their trophy cabinet for the first time since their 2008 Carling Cup. They look to advance more as a team under new coach Thomas Frank in the 2025/26 campaign, though a potential Saudi transfer for Son Heung-min could complicate things. However, Spurs fans may now have a glimmer of hope with this departure delayed for a peculiar reason.

Saudi Transfer for Son Heung-min Complicated for Peculiar Reason

Son Crucial to Commercial Appeal on Tour

Sami Mokbel has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour to Asia is “emerging as a factor in the future of Son”. This tour includes a trip to their captain’s homeland, South Korea, where they will play against Newcastle United. The journalist continues: “any exit is likely to be delayed” as any absence from the forward is “likely to risk complications with tour organisers”. Son is “crucial to the commercial appeal” of Tottenham’s visit, and so him being away for contract negotiations would have significant financial implications.

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Whilst talks are likely to be delayed until after the tour, which takes place in late July / early August, a move could still be on the cards, with interest from Saudi Arabia at current. Mokbel understands that an offer would have to be “way about valuation” for Spurs to accept, as it would be such a “significant departure”. However, based on the Saudi Pro League’s track record in purchasing European players, this is not unlikely.

Will Son Be Crucial to Tottenham Hotspur Next Season?

Whilst the South Korean has more than established his place in Premier League history, netting 127 goals, his role in North London may not be too crucial next season. The 32-year-old has had his critics in the past year, managing less than ten league goals in 2024/25 for the first time since his debut season.

Tottenham now have quite a range of wide talent at their disposal: Dejan Kulusevski is an incredibly talented player, whilst Brennan Johnson is coming off the back of the season of his life. Youngsters Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore provide depth, and the club have just completed the permanent signing of Mathys Tel.

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Furthermore, it is unclear as to what Frank’s attitude is towards Son’s future role in his side. Perhaps the club legend is no longer crucial to the side, and commanding a big fee could be his final contribution to the Lilywhites.

Deal Almost Agreed Over Young Star

Tel is set to leave Bayern Munich and join Spurs on a permanent deal, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, with an agreement expected to be reached. A fee of just under £30m, alongside around £8.5m for the loan fee and £4.2m in add-ons, make up the costs incurred by the Europa League winners.

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In a later tweet, Romano also stated that the player has accepted his new club’s contract conditions. Moreover, the clubs have reportedly finalised the agreement for the previously mentioned fees.

The addition of Tel to the squad of newly appointed manager Thomas Frank would make it their third incoming of this summer. This is alongside fellow loanee from last season, Kevin Danso, who joins from Lens, whilst wonderkid centre-back Luka Vuskovic finally arrives in the Premier League following the agreement of his deal in 2023.

How Tel Could Look Under Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur

Throughout his time at Brentford, Frank used many different formations. He utilised back threes and back fours to a similar degree and looks to play adaptable and aggressive football. This is shown through his pressing structures being man-to-man and using a high line, which is similar to Ange Postecoglou.

Tel, in his first few months with the club, experienced many highs and lows: he couldn’t necessarily get to the heights expected. It would be fair to say he still displays signs of rawness, which is expected at age 19. However, under Frank, this may change.

As seen by his time with the Bees, Frank places a lot of emphasis on width, whilst asking his teams to produce crosses. One example is that Brentford have ranked inside the top six for successful open-play crosses in all of the last three seasons.

This is something that would suit the French attacker’s style of play. His crossing is a strength, with excellent floated deliveries and the ability to do this with both feet. In addition, Frank also looks for pace and power in his attackers. This is another attribute that the youngster contributes to, as he has previously been described as ‘very quick’. However, power could be something worked on, especially given Frank’s success with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbuemo.

With Thomas Frank taking the Tottenham Hotspur helm this week, a new rumour has emerged about a Brentford star who is now more interested in following in his former coach’s footsteps.

Tottenham Hotspur Hold Initial Discussions for Bryan Mbeumo

More Details on Mbeumo Spurs Move

Tottenham Hotspur have held initial talks for Bryan Mbeumo, according to an exclusive from Sky Sports News.

It is understood that Mbeumo is more “intrigued” in joining Spurs due to Frank now being the manager.

This comes as a blow for Manchester United, who have already had a bid of around £45 million plus £10 million in bonuses rejected for the winger.

Currently, the fee to take Mbeumo away from Brentford is over £60 million. The star has one year left on his contract with an option to extend it for a further year.

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The Potential Impact of Mbeumo Joining Tottenham

Mbeumo could be a huge signing for Spurs. The 25-year-old is reaching his peak after scoring 20 goals and getting eight assists across 38 Premier League matches last season. He was the fourth top scorer, only beaten by Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.

Tottenham only scored two fewer goals than Brentford in the league last season, despite 15 points separating the two clubs in the table.

That said, there were no out-and-out goal scorers for Spurs. This is partly due to the number of injuries that affected the squad, but this still tells the tale of a side that could benefit from another source of goals.

Brennan Johnson (11), James Maddison (9) and Dominic Solanke (9) were the club’s highest goalscorers in the league last campaign.

After having such a successful season at Brentford, Mbeumo would be a great fit to bolster Tottenham’s attack. He would immediately make the starting eleven for Frank and fit into his system.

Frank has previously described Mbeumo as the best penalty taker in the Premier League.

He said: “Mbeumo has very, very good mentality, composure and focus. I think it’s trusting the process, trusting his strategy, so he did exactly the same as he’s doing for every single penalty and he knows that’s what he needs to do in the future.”

Mbeumo’s Journey so Far

Starting his career in France, Mbeumo emerged from the Troyes youth academy before going on to make 46 appearances for the senior team.

Brentford snapped Mbeumo up in 2019 for a club record fee of around £5.8 million.

Since then, he has made 242 appearances for the Bees, scoring a phenomenal 70 goals while making 51 assists.

It didn’t take long for Mbeumo to become an influential player at Brentford. While Ivan Toney proved to be an important source of goals for the club, it was while he was pushing for a move away that Mbeumo proved his worth as a goalscorer and creator.

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Future-Proofing the Spurs Frontline

Signing a player of Mbeumo’s calibre is not just a great signing for the short term. There are rumours surrounding Son Heung-Min’s future at the club, especially since the South Korean has finally achieved his goal of winning a trophy with Spurs. Football London understands that Son is open to making a move more than ever, with Saudi Pro League clubs lining up to take the 33-year-old away this summer.

It would be bittersweet for Spurs fans to see their club captain leave after showing such loyalty to the club. But bringing in Mbeumo could prove to be a push factor for Son moving on to his next challenge. Alternatively, a bit of competition and extra depth might help the likes of Son, Johnson and Kulusevski to improve their goalscoring form and get the necessary rest when needed.

Tottenham will have more leeway with Premier League PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) after winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football for next season. So the bigger price tag for Mbeumo could be worth it for a ready-made goalscorer and creator.