Football Insider

Thomas Frank is the ideal manager to get the best out of Jack Grealish if he moves to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Tottenham and England keeper Paul Robinson tipped Grealish to succeed if Spurs win the race to sign him from Manchester City.

Grealish’s future looks set to lie away from Man City after he started just 16 matches in all competitions last season, and Spurs have emerged as one of several clubs keen on either a loan or permanent deal.

Tottenham completing a £55million deal to sign West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus could throw a spanner in the works for their hopes of signing Grealish, but Robinson argued that he would “thrive” under Frank.

The 2008 League Cup winner told Football Insider that Frank’s style of man-management could be key to unlocking the best of Grealish‘s ability as he looks to get his career back on track away from Man City.

Frank connection to produce the best of Grealish at Tottenham

Grealish could still be available to Tottenham for as little as £40m on a permanent deal this summer, but it remains to be seen if Frank will sanction such a level of spending on the out-of-form 29-year-old.

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Speaking on the latest Inside Track, Robinson argued that Frank is a perfect foil for Grealish to showcase his best form once again if Spurs were to sign him, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

“If somebody can get it over the line permanently, then whoever gets Jack Grealish next year, you’re getting an excellent player”, he told Football Insider.

“I’d love Tottenham to be in the mix for Jack Grealish, and I think it’d be a great landing spot for him because of Thomas Frank.

“Thomas Frank is a great man manager, with the way that he treats his players. That type of manager, I suspect that Jack Grealish would thrive under – especially in a World Cup year.”

Grealish a great alternative after Morgan Gibbs-White dispute

Tottenham’s chances of signing Grealish may have descreased after Kudus’ arrival, but they looked set to be reduced even further after reports that Spurs had agreed a deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Nottingham Forest playmaker would take up any starting spot Grealish could hope to earn in North London, but Gibbs-White’s move is now unlikely after Tottenham were accused of an illegal approach.

Daniel Levy’s future as Tottenham owner looks set to take a twist as new investment emerges in North London during the summer transfer window.

The 62-year-old has often been heavily criticised by supporters due to his lack of investment on the pitch, voices which were exacerbated by Spurs’ foolish last-ditch bid for Marc Guehi during the winter window.

However, with Mohammed Kudus signed from West Ham, and an attempt to secure Morgan Gibbs-White’s signature, Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Tottenham are ready to spend £200million.

While Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Cristian Romero, and Yves Bissouma have all been linked with exits, the only departures from North London have been loans and free agents so far.

An influx of big-money transfer links has now raised questions over possible investment from an outside source, now former agent, and now-Spurs source, Paul O’Keefe, has shared an update on the behind-the-scenes situation.

Daniel Levy set for different role at Tottenham

Taking to X (11 July), O’Keefe wrote: “I understand that there will be investment as well as a large sponsorship deal for Tottenham. Interestingly, the changes will see a management reshuffle as well as new roles.

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He continued on X: It’s likely Levy stays, but potentially in a different or reduced, and perhaps, even non-football related role. Vinai’s appointment and the departure of Cullen were the first part of a broad realignment of the club. It remains to be seen what impact that has on the football strategy.

O’Keefe finished by saying on X: “The question is whether someone is investing in ENIC for it to invest in the club, or if they are coming in directly.”

Thomas Frank ready to make important changes on the pitch

Football Insider verdict

Stefan Borson told Football Insider that any investors are unlikely to retain Levy’s services should a takeover deal be completed in the foreseeable future amid links with Saudi Arabia.

There has been very little movement in the boardroom over the last few seasons, but with Spurs finally trying to push the boat out on the pitch, whispers are beginning to circulate.

Of course, Thomas Frank will be extremely pleased with the extra funds being allocated to his team, though Ange Postecoglou will have a word or two after barely being given a penny during his two seasons.

While a deal for Gibbs-White has fallen through for Tottenham, possibly even leading to a transfer ban for the Lilywhites, there is still plenty of business to be done over the next few weeks.

Football Insider understands that Tottenham have been handed a boost to sign Evann Guessand, with Daizen Maeda also being linked with a move away from Celtic.

It is an exciting time ahead for those at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while proceedings could bring a change of roles, fans will be far more focused on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing to replace James Maddison with Harvey Elliott this summer.

Maddison joined Spurs from Leicester in 2023 and has since registered 16 goals and 21 assists in 75 outings across all competitions.

But the England international endured some frustrations last season, often being relegated to the bench by former manager Ange Postecoglou and starting just 21 Premier League games.

Despite Thomas Frank replacing Postecoglou, Maddison continues to be rumoured with a Spurs exit, with the club continually linked with other creative players.

Spurs interested in Liverpool outcast Harvey Elliott

One of the latest playmakers Spurs have been named alongside is Liverpool‘s Harvey Elliott.

The 22-year-old was sensational this summer as he netted five goals in six appearances to help England win the U-21 Euros.

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However, both under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, Elliott has struggled to hold down a regular starting place at Anfield.

The former Fulham youngster started just two Premier League games last season as the Reds won the title, with 22 of his 28 appearances overall coming from the bench.

Elliott has just two years left to run on his contract at Liverpool, who may feel the time is now to cash in on the young talent.

Former Premier League scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider (10 July) that it’s ‘certain’ Elliott will leave the Reds this summer, naming Spurs among the sides interested in bringing him on board.

Harvey Elliott signing could push Maddison out the door

There is a reality where Frank could make space for Maddison and Elliott in his squad, with the pair able to play both on the wing and through the middle.

However, the imminent signing of Mohammed Kudus complicates matters, with the Ghana international sure to command a starting spot out wide.

If Spurs were to sign Elliott, they might in turn look to cash in on Maddison while he’s still just 28 years old and, given his Premier League record, not short of admirers in the market.

Mohammed Kudus is set to complete a big summer move to Tottenham Hotspur and it’s safe to say West Ham United fans are not happy.

Kudus has been a big hit at the London Stadium since arriving from Ajax two years ago, notching 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions.

But as is often the case, great form for West Ham has seen Kudus regularly linked with a move away from the club.

Widespread reports broke on Wednesday (9 July) that London rivals Tottenham and West Ham had reached an agreement over Kudus — with The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas confirming a fee in the region of £55million.

Mohammed Kudus transfer sends West Ham fans crazy

Given the rivalry between Spurs and West Ham, it’s completely understandable that fans of the latter are fuming at the news of their star forward’s transfer.

And with Kudus still having three years to run on his contract, many West Ham fans have been left wondering how the club didn’t secure a bigger fee — aiming criticism at the club’s key decision-makers.

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However, it’s important to remember that Kudus only managed five goals and three assists in 32 Premier League appearances last season.

Some fans have been eager to point out how much he underperformed in 2024/25, suggesting the fee Spurs are paying is fair and frees up some much-needed funds for Hammers boss Graham Potter.

A busy transfer window for West Ham

The sale of Kudus will be just the latest step in what is proving to be a busy summer for West Ham as they seek to help Potter lift them from their 2024/25 return of 14th in the Premier League.

Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Danny Ings, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Lukasz Fabianski have already left the club, clearing significant funds from the salary budget. Evan Ferguson and Carlos Soler have also departed at the end of their loans, while Jean-Clair Todibo’s temporary stay has been made permanent.

There are also serious doubts over the future of Emerson and Lucas Paqueta, but according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, the Hammers are pushing hard to bring talented full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf on board from Slavia Prague.

“West Ham have been looking to sign a left-back,” Brown told Football Insider (July 8).

“It’s a position they’ve wanted to strengthen in for a while, because from what I’m told they’re not completely convinced by Emerson.

“Now they’re looking at the lad from Slavia Prague, who of course, they have good links to.

“A lot of that comes from the influence at boardroom level, but they brought in Soucek and Coufal and they know plenty about the players at that club.

“The Czech part-owner will be playing a big part in it, I’m sure.

“Diouf’s agent has been speaking to the chairman, which I always think is an issue at West Ham when the chairman starts speaking to different agents.

“They can’t base the deal just on that, they have to use their scouting knowledge.

“But it seems like this is a deal they want to do and they’re making good progress towards it.”

Tottenham Hotspur have significantly strengthened their attacking options with the imminent signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The 42-time Ghana international enjoyed a productive spell at the London Stadium, registering 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions — despite the Hammers generally underperforming during that time.

Now, Kudus is set to trade East London for North, with The Athletic reporting (9 July) he’ll join Spurs for £55million off the back of the Lilywhites’ triumph in the Europa League final — sealing Champions League football despite finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Kudus — who also garnered interest from Newcastle and Chelsea — is Spurs’ fifth signing of the summer following the conversion of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso’s loans into permanent deals and the arrivals of youngsters Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai — with Spurs looking to back new manager Thomas Frank.

His move will, of course, draw the ire of the West Ham fanbase, but there’s far more to it than that.

Mohammed Kudus arrival could spell trouble for Son Heung-min

Kudus‘ arrival is a huge statement of intent from Spurs, who will now seek to re-establish themselves at the top of the Premier League table and add another trophy to the Europa League crown won under Ange Postecoglou.

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However, for Son Heung-min, this may be just the latest step on his path away from Tottenham.

The South Korean is a club legend, notching 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances across all competitions to date since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

Given his status as one of the Premier League’s most fearsome attackers, there have surely been plenty of opportunities for Son to leave for pastures new, but he’s remained faithful to Spurs.

However, last season saw a major dip in Son’s performances, failing to register double-figure goals in the Premier League for the first time since his debut Spurs campaign. 10 goals overall represents his worst return since that same 2015/16 campaign.

Son Heung-min and Tottenham facing difficult decision

At 33 years old, Son has started to look a shadow of his former self and was even dropped to the bench by Postecoglou for the Europa League final, playing just 23 minutes at the end of the match.

The likes of Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski have often been preferred in his position, while Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert are involved in the battle for places on the wings.

The addition of Kudus — along with Tel on a permanent basis — will surely only serve to push the veteran further down the pecking order.

Son — whose contract expires next summer — must now decide whether he wants to remain as an experienced squad player or find a new challenge.

Indeed, Spurs must also consider whether or not they want to keep such a handsome salary package on the books, given the reduced playing time Son is likely to endure.

Manor Solomon looks set to return to Tottenham Hotspur this pre-season despite his form for Leeds United last term.

Leeds‘ return to the Premier League comes after they won 100 points, scored 95 goals and lifted the Championship trophy, as Solomon’s last-minute winner at Plymouth sealed the title on the final day.

The Tottenham loanee scored 10 goals and added 12 assists to become a crucial cog in Daniel Farke‘s promotion-winning side, but a permanent deal for the Israel international is yet to be agreed this summer.

Solomon’s departure from Elland Road was officially confirmed on 1 July as Leeds farewelled him and Joe Rothwell, but Daniel Farke remains fond of the winger as his Premier League squad takes shape.

Solomon sends ‘remember’ message amid Leeds transfer links

Football Insider revealed back in April that Leeds’ higher-ups saw Solomon as one of six players who are ready-made Premier League starters, and the Whites have shown a clear intent to sign him permanently.

Solomon has also attracted interest from both Marseille and Everton so far this summer with no option to buy the winger included in his initial loan deal at Leeds, and as things stand he remains a Spurs player.

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The 25-year-old hasn’t publicly declared where he plans to play next season, but posted a selection of images on Instagram (8 July) which included him playing and training with the Israel national team.

Solomon’s post was liked by Pascal Struijk and Wilfried Gnonto as well as Junior Firpo despite not including any images of his time at Leeds, and had the four-word caption of: “A summer to remember”.

Solomon switch unlikely as Leeds step up transfer plans

Football Insider Verdict

Solomon’s social media activity doesn’t give much inclination as to where his future lies as he prepares to return to Tottenham for pre-season training, but Leeds will still press on with their plans to sign him.

Former Peacocks goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 4 July that Leeds are doing their upmost to reach a permanent transfer agreement with Tottenham, but have so far been unsuccessful.

Tottenham defender Archie Gray has reacted to a major announcement made by the North London club.

The former Leeds United man made a good account of himself last term, even though Spurs finished just one place above the Premier League relegation zone.

Gray made nine starts during Tottenham’s triumphant Europa League run, epitomising his importance to former boss Ange Postecoglou.

The versatile 19-year-old is now hoping to achieve further success under the stewardship of new head coach Thomas Frank.

Gray reacts as Tottenham make key coaching appointments

On Monday, 7 July, Tottenham announced Frank’s coaching staff ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The North London club posted on their official Instagram account: “Following the recent appointment of Thomas Frank as our new Head Coach, we can now confirm the full composition of our men’s first team coaching staff ahead of the new season.

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“Further to the previously-announced arrivals of Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach), Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), we can confirm that Matt Wells will remain on the coaching staff as First Team Assistant Coach.

“In addition, we welcome Cameron Campbell as First Team Individual Development Coach and Fabian Otte as First Team Goalkeeper Coach – they arrive following spells at RB Leipzig and Liverpool, respectively.

“Furthermore, we’re pleased to announce that Stuart Lewis and Dean Brill have been promoted into new roles from our Academy.

“Stuart is now First Team Academy Transition Coach following four successful years leading our Under-18s. As part of this new role, he will aid the development and integration of our young players into the senior set-up.

“Dean becomes First Team Assistant Goalkeeping Coach, having previously worked as Head of Academy Goalkeeping.”

The post attracted a like from Gray, who made 28 Premier League appearances last season.

Gray set to thrive under Frank

Football Insider verdict

Amid a host of injuries to first team players at Tottenham last season, Gray featured more heavily for the North Londoners than he otherwise would have done as a teenager who had only previously played for then Championship club Leeds.

However, the 19-year-old did not shy away from his heightened responsibilities and performed well as a centre back, fullback, and midfielder when required.

Gray further exemplified his talent by making three appearances during the England Under-21s’ successful European Championship campaign.

But after excelling under Postecoglou, the former Leeds man is set to perform even better under Frank, who has proven his exceptional coaching ability throughout his Brentford career.

The former Bees boss managed to turn ex-Championship players such as Bryan Mbeumo into some of the Premier League’s most notable players, and should be able to help Gray hit a new level in Tottenham colours.

Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray was quick to react on social media as Spurs confirmed their latest signing ahead of the new season.

Spurs have already seen significant change this summer, with Thomas Frank taking over from Ange Postecoglou last month as the new head coach.

The club wasted no time in getting to work in the transfer market, as Tottenham secured Mathys Tel on a permanent deal following his brief loan spell.

The Tottenham hierarchy are expected to back Frank heavily, with interest shown in players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus as part of plans to strengthen the squad.

In the latest development, the club announced on social media that they have made another signing, but this time, a player who will join their academy setup as part of their long-term strategy.

Tottenham confirm Max McFadden signing after Leeds exit

Tottenham have officially announced the signing of Max McFadden, with the midfielder joining the club’s Under-21 squad following the expiry of his contract at Leeds United.

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The 19-year-old took to Instagram to share his excitement about the move, writing: “Happy to have joined this amazing club, can’t wait for this next chapter to begin. COYS.”

Supporters may have noticed Gray, who also came through the Leeds academy before joining Spurs last summer, leaving a message of support on the post saying: “Go on the boy.”

McFadden has signed a contract at Spurs running until 2027. The midfielder spent the last three years at Elland Road after previous spells with Colchester United, West Ham and Southend United.

Last season, he made 12 appearances in Premier League 2 for Leeds, scoring two goals in under 700 minutes of action.

The versatile youngster is capable of operating in several positions across midfield, having featured as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and even leading the line as a striker.

Tottenham face Chelsea competition for Mohamed Kudus signing

While Spurs continue to strengthen their youth ranks, they are also working on bolstering their senior squad, with West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus among their top targets this summer.

Reports suggest the Ghana international is open to a move to North London, but Tottenham face strong competition from Chelsea for Kudus, who are considering a late swoop to hijack the deal.

Football Insider revealed West Ham have already rejected an offer from Spurs fro Kudus, believed to be worth around £50m with £5m in add-ons.

With Chelsea monitoring the situation closely, Spurs may need to act fast with an improved bid if they are to avoid missing out on the forward.

Tottenham have been issued a stark warning over defender Cristian Romero and his future at the club as Atletico Madrid intensify their interest.

Diego Simeone has made Romero one of his top targets to bolster his defensive ranks this summer and Spurs are expected to accept an offer from the Spanish side.

The 27-year-old has a £60million valuation placed on him by Spurs, who bought him for £42.5m from Atalanta in 2021.

Romero has since made 124 appearances for the club and started in their Europa League final win over Manchester United.

Frank issued warning as Romero seeks exit

Pundit Tony Cascarino, talking to talkSPORT, felt Spurs shouldn’t need to convince Romero to stay put in North London.

Cascarino believes the Argentine does not want to remain at the club: “Convincing players I am not a fan of that you shouldn’t be trying to convince a player to stay.

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“You’ve got to want to be there and I’m not sure he wants to be at Spurs.

“I’ve always felt that he’s played his best football that he’s played his best football when he’s had to and when Atletico have made a clear indication they want him.”

The former Chelsea player then provided a message for new Spurs boss Thomas Frank: “That would be one of his issues [Frank], he’s got to look players in the eye and find out do you want to be at this football club.”

Frank should be prioritising defence over attack

Football Insider verdict

Spurs are standing firm in their valuation of Romero, and whilst Frank may not want to sell the defender, if the 27-year-old does not want to be at the club then he should be allowed to leave.

Frank already has plenty on his to do list and a £60m boost to his transfer funds would be a welcome increase.

Romero, and his partnership with Micky van de Ven, would be a loss that Frank would need to replace.

Defensive additions have so far not been a key part of Frank’s summer spending despite Spurs conceding 65 goals in 38 Premier League games last season.

The Dane is targeting forward options with Mohammed Kudus a top target from West Ham.

The club could also activate Eberechi Eze’s release clause or make a shock swoop for Celtic’s Daizen Maeda.

Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey has also been linked with a move to North London.

Given his Brentford teams were known to be defensively sound and compact, Frank is currently trusting the Spurs squad he has inherited to become harder to beat.

Romero’s departure would force a defensive addition to be signed, something which Frank should be focusing more on.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has responded to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire amid speculation he could leave North London this summer.

New Spurs manager Thomas Frank has Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze on his list of transfer targets, which could force Maddison out of the club.

The 28-year-old has been at Spurs for two seasons after joining from Leicester City in a £40million deal in 2023.

A knee injury forced him to miss the final six matches of the season and he could only watch from the sidelines as Spurs beat Manchester United in the Europa League final to win their first trophy in 17 years.

Maguire message prompts Maddison reaction

Maguire took to Instagram (6 July) to post multiple pictures of him reflecting on his post-season break.

The 32-year-old has become a key player at United since Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November, making 40 appearances for the Red Devils last season, scoring four goals.

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Maguire captioned his post: “Summer 25 – Memories made,” with a red love heart emoji, which was liked by Maddison.

The pair were team mates for a season at Leicester City back in the 2018/29 season helping the Foxes to a ninth placed Premier League finish that campaign.

Frank’s forward’s search could lead to Maddison exit

Football Insider verdict

Frank’s pursuit of Eze currently looks set to be hijacked by closest rivals Arsenal.

It was exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Arsenal are exploring the prospect of activating Eze’s £68m release clause after enquiring about his availability.

The Gunners though are accelerating plans for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, so it remains to be seen whether they can afford both players alongside a striker.

Eze may therefore still be available, and his arrival could limit opportunities for Maddison in the number 10 position.

The seven time capped England star will have to prove to Frank during pre-season that he deserves a place in the Danes starting line-up.

Forwards though may be required at Spurs this summer with the uncertain futures for Richarlison, Son Heung-min, Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil.