Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank haven't got many aces to play, with his shallow pool of credit after succeeding Ange Postecoglou last summer already close to depletion.

The fanbase, as a collective, is fed up. Any joy raised by Spurs' title-winning triumph in the Europa League last season has been dashed by more misery on the domestic front.

Frank will take charge against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening, but the Londoners are in deep trouble, and they probably need some help before the January transfer window slams shut.

Conor Gallagher has been signed, and he impressed even as Spurs lost at home to West Ham United on Saturday, but it's clear that ENIC Group need to move for a new forward if they want to stop the rot in the Premier League.

Spurs lining up winter move for forward

Tottenham remain intent on signing a forward, especially now that Richarlison has joined Mohammed Kudus on the injury front.

Even with Spurs lacking firepower in the final third, Frank has decided to exclude Mathys Tel from Tottenham's Champions League knockout squad, prompting fury from the young Frenchman's camp.

Reports had already surfaced this month regarding Tel's future in north London, with the 20-year-old mooted for an exit following an internal dispute with Frank.

If he leaves, Tottenham will need to have a reliable replacement lined up.

And according to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta could be the man for the job, inching closer to the door at Selhurst Park.

Juventus are the frontrunners for the France international, but a number of unspecified clubs are said to have held talks with the player's representatives, with Spurs, Manchester United and Aston Villa keen.

Why Mateta would end Tel's Spurs career

Mateta, 28, is a fine representation of persererance, having overcome hurdles in his career to establish himself as one of the most potent Premier League strikers of recent years.

The Eagles talisman wants to leave south London, though, and Spurs could strike gold by signing him, landing an upgrade on Tel, who is a natural finisher but lacks maturity in the final third, with a desire to play on the left wing too.

Palace's main man is not just confident and accurate in front of goal, but able and physical in the build-up, with Sofascore showing that he has won four duels on average per Premier League fixture in 2025/26.

But scoring goals is his bread and butter, and he is set to hit double digits in the English top flight for the third successive year, so industrious and determined.

Tel is already struggling for game time, and that peripheral role would only continue with Mateta added to the mix, thus pushing his younger compatriot closer to the exit at the season's midpoint.

Mateta might not be the flashiest forward on the block, but his power and precision have led analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson to describe him as "one of the best strikers in the Premier League".

Tottenham need instant improvements. Tel is a top talent, but he's raw and unpolished. Mateta, however, is at the top of his game and is an established and proven goalscorer in the Premier League.

With a signing like this, Spurs might just strike gold and finally turn a corner after flattering to deceive in the final third.

Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange held a lunch meeting with Thomas Frank on Monday as questions continiue to mount about the manager's future at Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank reveals Monday meeting ahead of Dortmund clash

Frank claimed it was business as usual at Tottenham despite intense speculation over his future before Tuesday’s visit of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

A 2-1 loss at home to West Ham on Saturday pushed Frank towards the exit door, with Spurs supporters chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” following an eighth defeat in 14 matches.

Frank claimed to have “the trust of everyone” in the post-match press conference, but reports suggest talks have taken place at Tottenham over sacking the manager after only seven months in charge.

Ahead of the visit of Dortmund, Spurs boss Frank said: “I have just been feeling the trust along the way. I have said that after every match.

“I had lunch with Nick (Beucher), Johan (Lange) and Vinai (Venkatesham) today, so all good. I know it is part of the media circus and the only thing I am focused about is tomorrow.

“As long as we win football matches and make sure we do that, win enough, then everyone will support us.”

As if the manager needed more speculation however, a very popular figure has been spotted in London this weekend.

Postecoglou returns to London

Indeed, Ange Postecoglou, who left Tottenham well-liked amongst much of the fan base despite their poor league position under the Australian, was pictured in London over the weekend.

As per Football.London, the 60 year-old was attending a rugby league match between London Broncos and Widnes, taking place in Wimbledon.

The report claims it 'feels like a matter of when, not if, Frank is shown the door', and Postecoglou would certainly be a popular candidate with the players and staff around N17.

"He's the most incredible, captivating talker," former assistant coach Matt Wells said in a recent podcast. "After his first meeting, I purchased a diary so that I could just write down the meetings he was doing.

"They were literally that good. He had clarity and convinction in the way he wanted the team to play. He was unwavering."

Against the wishes of many a supporter in north London right now, Thomas Frank will take charge as Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their Champions League tie on Tuesday evening.

The mood at N17 is, to say the least, miserable, and it is hardly contentious to claim that Frank is a man on borrowed time after an awful six-month stint at the helm.

Tottenham lost at home to relegation-threatened West Ham United at the weekend, and the manner of the loss was perhaps worse than the result itself.

It would be naive to suggest that Frank is solely to blame, but a captain to takes the wheel of a sinking ship will still be held responsible, and Frank has provided very little to suggest he has what it takes to turn things around.

The latest on Thomas Frank's Spurs future

Overwhelmingly, the Tottenham fanbase have lost faith in Frank's ability to lead this club forward. The Danish coach is more pragmatic than Ange Postecoglou, but his deep principles gathered many plaudits with Brentford, and ENIC Group sought a stable and intelligent manager to spearhead this next chapter.

But the home defeat to West Ham in the Premier League, Spurs' seventh of the season in all competitions, has led to "board-level talks", as per Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, and an increasing feeling that Frank will be dismissed.

Should that be the case, Spurs will need to line up a successor, for failure to do so could spiral the club back into a relegation fight for the second successive year, as is the concern of the Lewis family.

If Frank persists in the dugout for the time being, Tottenham might earmark outgoing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as the man to replace him.

Glasner will remain at Selhurst Park despite extraordinary rebuke against the board following his side's recent defeat away to Sunderland.

Regardless, the 51-year-old will move on when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, and Tottenham's recent interest has been well-documented.

Why Glasner would be an upgrade on Frank

Frank's Tottenham tenure has eroded, burned away before it could get going. A turnaround is, of course, not impossible, but it's highly improbable that he will lead the squad to a sustained period of success.

Glasner could be the perfect man to turn things around. After all, in 2025, he won the FA Cup and then the Community Shield with Crystal Palace, having previously lifted the Europa League when with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The key thing here is that he achieved such feats as an underdog, taking the material in front of him and creating something special. His resourcefulness and sharp tactical eye have even led journalist Buchi Laba to hail him as "one of the best coaches in the world".

His three-man backline will take some getting used to, but Tottenham have implemented that strategy in the past, finding success with a 3-4-3 during the height of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

But Glasner is nothing if not fluid and adaptable. Moreover, his Crystal Palace side are sixth in the xG standings this season, fashioning far more openings than Spurs, whose lack of creativity has stifled any hopes of progress.

But he's also a winner, and that is important. Sky Sports pundit Jamie O'Hara has even said that Glasner is a "better manager" than Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, having defied expectations in south London to bring home multiple pieces of silverware, all the while shaping Palace into a stylish outfit.

Oftentimes, O'Hara's assertions should be taken with a pinch of salt, but there's a ring of truth about his take on Glasner. The Austrian, indeed, has won three titles since Arteta lifted the FA Cup during his first season at the Emirates helm.

This is an unsavoury situation, but one which needs dealing with swiftly. Tottenham are going nowhere under Frank's management, or if they are, they are going backwards.

PA Media have shared a major update on the future of Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, as the club weigh up options to replace the Dane.

Tottenham's 2-1 home defeat to West Ham appears to have been the straw that broke the camel's back for Frank's time in North London.

The former Brentford boss was booed by his own fans after the away defeat at Bournemouth and again this weekend following Callum Wilson's late winner for a relegation-threatened Hammers side.

Mauricio Pochettino's name is being floated around in media circles but the more likely option appears to be Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, who is apparently in the box seat to take over if Frank is sacked.

Frank is due to take Tottenham training on at 2:15pm on Monday, and PA Media have shared an update ahead of the open session.

Tottenham officials weighing up Frank's future

According to their reporter George Sessions, Frank's assertion that he still has the club's backing may not be entirely true.

"No announcement has been made on Thomas Frank’s future, but key figures at Tottenham are weighing up whether to call time on his tenure, Press Association understands.

"A 2-1 loss at home to West Ham pushed Frank towards the exit door, with Spurs supporters chanting 'you’re getting sacked in the morning' following an eighth defeat in 14 matches.

"Frank claimed to have 'the trust of everyone' in Saturday’s post-match press conference, but PA understands talks have taken place at Tottenham over whether Frank should be given Tuesday’s Champions League visit of Borussia Dortmund.

"The Danish coach took training on Sunday at the club’s Hotspur Way facility with no final decision over his future reached amid discussions between chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and other members of the executive board."

Another name could join the fray is former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, who is currently out of work and may perhaps be easier to bring in than established Premier League names like Hurzeler or Fulham manager Marco Silva.

The Spaniard typically plays an extremely attack-minded 4-3-3 formation and won a La Liga title with Barcelona in 2023.

Having also lifted six trophies during his time with Qatari side Al-Sadd SC, the former legendary midfielder has won eight total honours as a manager.

Tottenham Hotspur now want to make a move for a "really impressive" manager, who could be brought in to replace Thomas Frank.

Spurs eyeing replacements for Frank after West Ham loss

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Frank is now in real danger of being dismissed as Tottenham boss, following the 2-1 defeat against London rivals West Ham United on Saturday, saying: "Yes, Tottenham tried to show support for Thomas Frank by appointing John Heitinga, former Arne Slot assistant at Liverpool, as a new part of the backroom staff during the week.

"So, trying to add one more piece to the backroom staff and to show support in a beautiful picture with Thomas Frank and John Heitinga.

"But then over the weekend, Saturday, Tottenham lose again. Now the situation is very, very complicated for Thomas Frank at Tottenham, his job is at serious risk, so let’s see what happens in the next hours and days."

It was yet another disappointing performance from the Lilywhites, who recorded an xG of 1.44, compared to 2.69 from the visitors, and Frank's side are now 14th in the Premier League table.

Consequently, it is no surprise the Dane is under pressure, and it was recently revealed that USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is one of the replacements under consideration, but the Argentinian isn't the only manager on the shortlist.

According to reporter Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), Tottenham now want to make a move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian recently confirming he is going to leave the Eagles at the end of the season.

Since then, Glasner has hit out at the Crystal Palace board, with Nixon revealing there is a belief from within his current club that he could be lining up a move elsewhere.

However, with the 51-year-old's contract not due to expire until the summer, Spurs will have to pay compensation if they want a deal done immediately.

"Really impressive" Glasner could be exciting Frank replacement

Frank has personally lauded the Palace boss in recent weeks, saying in December: "I think Oliver has done a top job at Palace in many ways, really, really impressive.

"There is a clear identity of the team - defend low, very compact, very difficult to break down, incredibly good on the counters - probably one of the best in the league. They are very good on set pieces as well, one of the best on corners, long throws, so, very strong on set pieces as well."

The plaudits are fully justified, given that the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager led Palace to the first major trophy in their history last season, winning the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory against Manchester City in the final.

Glasner, who prefers to implement a 3-4-2-1 system, has also stabilised the Eagles in the Premier League, with his side finishing 10th in his first campaign and 12th last season.

Having also won the 2021-22 Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, the Palace manager is very experienced, and could be an exciting Frank replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur have often been the home to numerous top-level attacking talents, with many of whom handing the supporters memories to last a lifetime in North London.

Heung-min Son is just one player to fall into that category, with the South Korean winger spending a decade with the Lilywhites after joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015.

Very few people would have envisaged the phenomenal impact he would have on the club, subsequently making 454 senior appearances across all competitions.

The now 33-year-old, who left to join LAFC last summer, netted a staggering 173 goals and 101 assists during such a period, placing him fourth on the club’s all-time scoring charts.

However, after his departure, Thomas Frank has been unable to rely upon a consistent figure on the left, which could lead to a potential big-money move for a new attacker during the January window.

Over the last couple of weeks, Spurs have been touted with moves for a whole host of attacking talents, many of which are currently plying their trade in the Premier League.

Manchester City star Savinho is just one player who has appeared in their sights at present, after previously targeting a move for the Brazilian during the summer window.

However, a deal could now be tricky to complete during the winter window, after the 21-year-old picked up an injury on New Year’s Day, which could rule him out for numerous months.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy have been forced to target alternative options, with Brentford star Kevin Schade another player currently being targeted this January.

According to CaughtOffside, Frank’s men have made contact with Keith Andrews’ side over a possible move for the winger who has already netted six league goals this campaign.

The report also states that Newcastle United and Aston Villa are two clubs also interested in landing the German star before the transfer window slams shut.

However, any deal would be yet another statement of intent from the hierarchy, with the Bees placing a £50m price tag on him if they were to consider any possible deal.

Why Schade would be Spurs’ best LW since Son

After Son’s departure last summer, it has left boss Frank with the challenge of finding an alternative option to fill the void and provide the goods within the final third.

Randal Kolo Muani, who was signed on loan from PSG last summer, was brought in to operate as a number nine, but has been forced to feature out wide in recent months.

The Frenchman has struggled to adapt to the demands of featuring in such a role, as seen by his tally of zero goals in his first 15 league appearances of the season.

Xavi Simons, who also joined in the summer, has been asked to play off the left, with such a position taking away from his best qualities, as seen by his own goalscoring tallies.

The Dutch international has only scored once in the league, whilst laying on just three assists - a poor record given the £52m fee paid for his signature in the summer.

However, the recent news over a possible move for Schade in the near future could finally hand the Dane the consistent option he’s craved since taking the reins during the off-season.

Away from his impressive goalscoring tally in 2025/26 to date, the German has produced some remarkable underlying figures which showcase his ability within the final third.

Schade, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Frank, has registered a 49% shot on target accuracy rate, whilst also scoring a goal with every four shots on target registered.

Such numbers demonstrate the attacker’s remarkable ability to find the back of the net in the final third - something which Frank’s side have greatly lacked so far this campaign.

He’s also completed 1.2 key passes per 90 in the Premier League this season, with such numbers showcasing his ability to create opportunities for others around him - just as Son did in North London.

The Brentford star’s threat in the final third simply can’t be understated, with his tally of 2.9 take-ons attempted and 1.4 fouls won demonstrating that many teams are unable to live with his pace and direct nature.

£50m for a player of the 24-year-old’s quality would be an excellent piece of business for Frank’s men and one that could potentially save the Dane’s tenure with the Lilywhites.

Should he join and get anywhere near the levels produced by Son, there’s no doubt Schade would be a fan favourite and one that could catapult the club up the Premier League table.

A "world-class" manager is now a leading candidate to become the new Tottenham Hotspur manager, with Thomas Frank under serious pressure.

Frank on thin ice after West Ham defeat

West Ham United were without a win in ten Premier League games prior to Saturday afternoon, even losing 3-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux during that time, but Nuno's side emerged as 2-1 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Callum Wilson's injury-time winner secured all three points for the visitors, and Frank is under serious pressure, despite the board being reluctant to part ways with the former Brentford boss.

It has subsequently been revealed that Tottenham are assessing the Dane's position as manager, with some members of the club's hierarchy of the belief that his position is untenable, in light of the north Londoners taking just 27 points from 22 Premier League games.

Earlier this week, it emerged that AFC Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is among the Lilywhites' top targets to replace Frank, and a different option has now entered the frame.

According to a report from Football Insider, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is now among the leading candidates to replace the 57-year-old, given that Frank has led his side to just three wins in their last 15 games.

A reunion with Pochettino is now becoming increasingly likely, with the USA manager open to a return, although a move wouldn't be until after the World Cup, which suggests an interim may be required until the end of the season.

Spurs are big admirers of the Argentinian, and there is a belief appointing him could be a savvy move when it comes to pleasing the supporters, who are unhappy, following a very disappointing first half of the campaign.

"World-class" Pochettino could be Frank upgrade

Frank, of course, was unproven at the highest level prior to taking the Tottenham job, and he has performed very badly thus far, winning just 11 of his opening 32 matches in all competitions.

Pochettino, on the other hand, is vastly experienced, having managed the likes of Spurs, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, winning three trophies during his time with the French club.

Not only that, but the 53-year-old was lauded as a "world-class coach with an outstanding track record" in a joint statement by Chelsea's owners back in 2023, before going on to lead the Blues to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Earlier in his career, the former Southampton boss also did a fantastic job at St. Mary's, and, of course, led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final.

Pochettino, who likes to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, could clearly be a big upgrade on Frank, but hiring the former Tottenham manager could get a mixed reaction from his supporters, given his willingness to join rivals Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur may have to alter their plans for the remainder of the January transfer window after they were hit with a big injury blow this week.

Thomas Frank confirmed that Richarlison is expected to be out of action for almost two months with a hamstring injury, which means that they will be without their first-choice number nine for a significant run of games.

The Brazil international's presence at the top end of the pitch will be missed because he is currently their top goalscorer in the Premier League, with seven goals in 21 appearances, per Sofascore.

His expected absence for two months could cause the club to consider accelerating plans to bring in another forward, particularly with Mohammed Kudus also out through injury.

Spurs leading the race to sign Serie A star

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not Richarlison's injury will force them to speed up their plans, they are reportedly looking at an attacker from the Serie A.

According to Sports Boom, Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs eyeing up a possible move for Juventus centre-forward Jonathan David in the January transfer window.

The report claims that Spurs, Wolves, Newcastle United, and West Ham United are all keen on signing the Canada international to bolster their squad this month.

It adds that Tottenham and Newcastle are the two teams currently leading the race to secure his signature, although it does not reveal how much money it would take to convince Juventus to cash in.

Sports Boom claims that David has expressed an interest in playing in the Premier League, which will come as a boost to these interested sides, but Juventus are not keen to lose him midway through the campaign.

Why Spurs must sign Jonathan David

The Lilywhites must win the race to sign the former Lille marksman because he could be the perfect replacement for Richarlison, and eventually be the player who ends the Brazilian's career in North London.

Richarlison has already missed 74 games through injury for Spurs since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, per Transfermarkt, and that number is set to increase with this latest absence.

That is why Spurs must use this window to finally replace the Brazilian striker with a more reliable option, both in terms of availability and goalscoring, and that option can be David.

The Juventus star, unlike Richarlison, has an unbelievable fitness record in his career. Per Transfermarkt, he has only ever missed three matches through injury, highlighting his impressive durability.

This suggests that he would be available far more often than Richarlison, who misses too many games through injury, and that would make him even more reliable for Frank in the number nine role.

David has had a difficult time at Juventus since his move from Lille last summer, scoring three goals in 20 Serie A games, but he has scored two goals in his last three league outings for the Old Lady.

The 26-year-old's form for Lille across his five seasons in France before his move to Italy is the real reason why he is such an attractive target as a replacement for Richarlison, though, as he was incredibly prolific throughout that period of his career.

As you can see in the table above, the Canadian star hit at least 25 goals in each of his last three seasons in France, and 13 or more in all five years, which is a sublime return.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig described David's form for Canada as "mind-blowing" and he has since gone on to score 37 goals in 73 caps for his country, per Transfermarkt, which is an impressive haul.

The centre-forward has consistently scored goals for club and country throughout his career, and finally looks like finding his feet in Italy after two goals in his last two matches.

That is why the former Lille star could be a phenomenal addition to Frank's squad for Spurs in the January transfer window, because his fitness and goalscoring records suggest that he could be a supremely reliable signing and a perfect replacement for Richarlison.

If David can carry his goalscoring form over to English football, his arrival as the main number nine for Spurs could force Richarlison to consider his long-term future at the club if it means that he struggles to start many games when he is back from injury.

Tottenham are real fans of one Brentford star, with Spurs and other interested parties believed to have made contact over a potential deal.

The Lilywhites are actively pursuing attacking reinforcements following the signings of Conor Gallagher and Souza, with manager Thomas Frank desperate to address a mounting injury crisis that has decimated his forward options.

The club are rumoured to be exploring multiple striker targets as they battle to climb away from the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Spurs will be without Richarlison for the next seven weeks due to a hamstring injury, with the Brazilian joining Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison on the sidelines.

Richarlison's latest setback came just 31 minutes into last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa, leaving Frank with severely limited attacking options.

According to Sports Boom this week, Tottenham are keen on signing Jonathan David from Juventus this month, with Spurs reportedly viewing David as the ideal elite-level competitor for their front line and prepared to test Juventus' resolve with substantial enquiries.

The 26-year-old Canadian has managed five goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Juventus this season after joining from Lille on a free transfer last summer.

Newcastle are also strongly pursuing David too, with the Magpies viewing him as a 'transformative signing' capable of making a major impact on their season.

However, Juventus reportedly maintain a strict not-for-sale stance, viewing the striker as fundamental to their long-term plans and unwilling to negotiate mid-season.

Tottenham are also monitoring Porto's prolific forward Samu Aghehowa. Alasdair Gold reports that Spurs are one of several European heavyweights closely watching the 21-year-old Spain striker, who has netted 19 goals across all competitions this term.

The striker has scored 46 goals in just 71 games for Porto in total since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2024.

However, acquiring Aghehowa could mean paying his substantial £87m release clause, potentially obliterating Tottenham's transfer record. Porto have reportedly made clear they have no interest in selling mid-season unless the clause is triggered in full.

The attacking injury crisis extends beyond Richarlison.

Dejan Kulusevski has not featured this season after undergoing knee surgery in May, with the club stating in early January he was still 3-4 weeks away from returning to training.

Meanwhile, James Maddison suffered ACL damage in a preseason game against Newcastle United in August, with his campaign over before it even started.

Dominic Solanke returned from the bench against Villa after almost five months out with an ankle injury requiring surgery, offering Frank some much-needed relief.

That being said, with Randal Kolo Muani failing to find his feet since arriving on loan, and Brennan Johnson sold to Crystal Palace, Tottenham's need for attacking reinforcements has become critical.

According to CaughtOffside, the north Londoners are looking at signing Brentford star Kevin Schade as an option to bolster the wing, even if he predominantly features on the left.

After losing Kudus and Kulusevski to injury, with Johnson also out the door, Frank is in glaring need of a right-winger rather than a left-winger, but perhaps he could be put out on the right to cut inside.

CaughtOffside and journalist Mark Brus claim Tottenham 'really like' Schade, but face competition from Newcastle and Aston Villa, who are also poised to enter the race for him.

Brus adds that there have been contacts from interested clubs, including Spurs, over signing the Germany international, but a winter deal is very unlikely and is more one to watch for the summer.

Brentford also value the forward at up to £52 million, so he won't come cheap by any means.

Schade has bagged six goals and three assists in all competitions under Keith Andrews this season, and Spurs have long been linked with the 24-year-old who is a sure-fire contender for a place in Julian Nagelsmann's World Cup squad.

Nevertheless, Frank desperately needs an option for this month, so if they can't do a deal in January, they need to swiftly move on with around a fortnight of the window remaining.

Given the lowly Premier League standing of 14th at present, it’s crucial that Tottenham Hotspur make key additions to aid Thomas Frank in quest for success in the role.

The Dane has only achieved a 35% win rate across all competitions to date, which has no doubt played a huge role in the Lilywhites’ dismal season in England’s top-flight.

Injuries have no doubt played a part, with the forward line now desperately lacking depth after recent injuries to the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison.

The midfield area could also become depleted should things take a turn for the worse, with Rodrigo Bentancur joining James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall on the sidelines.

However, the hierarchy’s recent business in the market could soften the blow, with the board forking out a hefty sum of money for their latest senior addition.

Why Spurs spent £34m on Conor Gallagher this January

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Spurs had won the race to land Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher, with the Englishman returning to the Premier League after an 18-month absence.

At one stage, it appeared Frank’s men would lose out to Aston Villa, but the £34m fee forked out for his signature appeared to have clinched the deal in the Lilywhites’ favour.

Such a move has handed the manager the experience and quality he’s craved in recent weeks, with his stats from the current campaign highlighting his quality.

Gallagher has thrived in possession in 2025/26 so far, as seen by his tally of 92% passes completed, with 4.1 of his attempts per 90 going into the final third.

Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, which would hand another super orchestrator in possession, which could aid Frank’s possession-based system.

However, without the ball is where the former Chelsea star has made a name for himself, as seen by his superb tally of 3.4 tackles won per 90 this campaign.

The aforementioned tally puts him in the top 15% of all players in LaLiga, which further reaffirms his quality at regaining the ball for his side when they are under pressure.

The figures listed make him the perfect box-to-box option for the manager in North London, which could allow him to finally ignite his career after a dismal start to his stint at the helm.

The Spurs star who is already another Gallagher

As previously mentioned, the Spurs midfield does possess some serious quality, but the injury setbacks have massively halted Frank from finding out his best three-man partnership.

The hierarchy have spent big money on such an area in recent years in an attempt to make the club competitive in the Premier League, but so far it’s been to no avail.

Frank will no doubt be hoping he’s given more time to achieve such success in North London, with Gallagher a player who could certainly help the Dane in his quest.

After such a move this window, the 25-year-old will no doubt be a regular starter in the months ahead, but the biggest question will be around who should start alongside him.

The player the Dane should utilise in such a position is Archie Gray, with the youngster a player who can massively impact the club in a positive way for many years to come.

Like Gallagher, the hierarchy forked out a pretty penny for his services, subsequently paying Leeds United a reported £40m for his signature in the summer of 2024.

Last season was his first in North London, but he largely had to operate in numerous unnatural roles during such a campaign due to various injuries in the backline.

Ange Postecoglou often started the 19-year-old in a centre-back and full-back role, with only a handful of his senior appearances coming in his familiar central midfield position.

However, the 2025/26 season has seen the Englishman return to the midfield department, as Frank has started to show faith in the teenager to succeed.

Such a decision has been a blessing in disguise for Gray, with the youngster producing numerous impressive figures that have made him a talented an option as Gallagher.

He’s featured in 11 Premier League games so far this campaign, even netting his first senior goal in the narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace back in December.

However, his underlying stats also showcase his talents, which has led to the youngster receiving high praise from numerous credible sources in recent months.

Gray has completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 33% of his attempted crosses - subsequently ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the division.

He’s also completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst making 1.2 interceptions per 90, leading to Ben Mattinson dubbing him a “future £100m” footballer.

Other tallies, such as 3.9 ball recoveries per 90 and 0.9 shots per 90, demonstrate his incredible box-to-box nature, which could make him as impressive as Gallagher in the years ahead.

The prospect of the pair operating alongside one another in North London could make the side a force to be reckoned with, but it’s down to Frank to get the best out of the duo.

If they can replicate such numbers alongside one another, their investments could turn into potential bargains, with Gray a player who could certainly command a staggering fee given his tender age.