Football FanCast

Should Thomas Frank fail to present tactical and cultural improvements before the end of the 2025/26 campaign, it seems a given that he will be dismissed from his managerial post at Tottenham Hotspur.

Familiar territory for the Spurs faithful, cold and familiar territory. Frank is bound to feel hard done by following some of the circumstances at N17.

But then there's no question that his reign hasn't been good enough so far, with Spurs 14th in the Premier League and reliant on winning the Champions League to make it a season of silverware.

With ENIC Group active in the January transfer market, Frank has a chance to turn things around, but that doesn't mean a success plan hasn't been put into place.

The managers lined up to replace Thomas Frank

Tottenham's winter transfer plans are being conducted in line with Frank's needs to bring this struggling Spurs side out of their shell. However, the Lewis family are prepared to be adaptable.

Football Insider believe an interim manager could be appointed if the Danish coach is dismissed in the coming weeks or months, but Spanish sources suggest Xabi Alonso is already in the running after recently parting with Real Madrid.

However, there appears to be a preference for Premier League experience, and TEAMtalk believe Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is among the leading candidates for the role.

Iraola, 44, has done fine work on the south coast with the Cherries, shaping them into a secure attacking unit. But he perhaps wants to level up after several successful seasons, especially when you consider that his contract at the Vitality Stadium expires at the end of the current campaign.

Why Andoni Iraola would be a Frank upgrade

Tottenham's home form has left a lot to be desired for quite some time now, and with Frank's lot hosting imperilled West Ham United on Saturday, anything other than an assured victory could prove a tipping point.

Especially since Iraola's Bournemouth beat Spurs with a last-gasp winner last time out in the Premier League. There was a game which the north Londoners could not afford to lose, but they lost all the same, keeping them mired in the bottom half of the standings.

He's instilled the perfect philosophy for a club like Tottenham, and he's been hailed as the "best coach in the Premier League" by journalist James Horncastle besides, an expert man-manager who gets the most out of his attackers. Look at Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo more recently than that.

Moreover, there's a romanticism attached to a potential Spurs bid, with the club potentially repeating their one-time move for Mauricio Pochettino, who wound his way to north London after an excellent start to his career in English management with south coast side Southampton.

Those were the halcyon days. Tottenham failed to win a trophy under the Argentinian, but they were feared as one of the slickest and most stylish English outfits of their time, possession-based and with a focus on pressure and precision.

Both Pochettino and Iraola could be said to have overachieved on England's southern beaches, and given the career that Poch has gone on to have, leading a number of top European teams, ENIC Group might repeat the trick with Iraola.

For sure, the Cherries are imperfect, having snapped a long winless run with a win over Tottenham last time out, but the fact remains that they have punched above their weight class over the past few years, staying afloat even after selling numerous key players from defence last summer.

Even now, they produce impressive creative numbers, far above those of Frank's Tottenham.

This speaks of understanding and receptiveness from the squad, a willingness to put the vision into practice. Sadly, this has not been the case for the Lilywhites this year, and it's becoming clearer and clearer that change is needed.

To Dare Is To Do. Tottenham don't look like they dare to do much at the moment, tentative and afraid and lost in a system that is not working.

But Iraola, with his progressive and attractive brand of football, could be the right man to turn the tide over the coming years.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is dividing the fanbase amid a poor run of form, with a large portion of supporters calling for the Dane to be dismissed.

Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend by Aston Villa, and even though the north Londoners got revenge off the field by hijacking their deal for Conor Gallagher, there's now zero chance of any domestic silverware this term.

Their 2-1 loss to Unai Emery's side was a hammer blow for Frank, who watched his side mount an attempted second-half fight back after going 2-0 down in the first period.

Wilson Odobert's strike just after half-time wasn't enough for the Lilywhites to claw back any result from the third round tie, with all focus now on qualifying for Europe and a respectful run in the Champions League.

It is now far more likely than not Spurs will go trophyless this term after the club were initially expected to kick on from their Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou last May.

Frank's side are also a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, having won just three of their last 14 matches across all competitions, so the pressure is well and truly on Spurs' boss to arrest this very concerning slide.

If he can't, then the Lewis family, Vinai Venkatesham and co-sporting director Johan Lange will be making contingency plans behind-the-scenes at the very least — which is normal for any side vastly underperforming.

Exit-bound co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, believe it or not, never wanted Frank in the first place (The Athletic), with the Italian also recently proposing they hire ex-Juventus boss Igor Tudor as an interim boss for the remainder of 2025/2026 (Paul O'Keefe).

This temporary appointment almost certainly wouldn't have gone down well with Spurs fans, but luckily for them, a fresh report from TEAMtalk this week indicates Tudor is nowhere near their thinking.

According to TT's information, Spurs have three potential candidates in mind to replace Frank if he's sacked, and one of them is ex-fan favourite boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino open to taking Tottenham job after World Cup

The Argentine, who guided the club to an unprecedented Champions League final in 2019 with virtually zero financial backing, not to mention a quartet of top four finishes, remains high in Spurs' thinking.

As per TEAMtalk, it is believed that the 'high profile' Pochettino is very much open to replacing Frank at Tottenham, and is 'receptive' to a return, but only after the USA's crunch World Cup campaign on home soil this summer.

A reunion with the 53-year-old would rectify one of ex-chairman Daniel Levy's most controversial decisions in sacking the ex-PSG boss, and it would be a potentially popular choice despite his decision to briefly manage rivals Chelsea.

The tactician's proven Premier League experience, not to mention close ties with Spurs, is undoubtedly a serious pull when it comes to re-appointing Pochettino at the helm.

He's also gained invaluable experience since his surprise N17 exit, including a Ligue 1 title triumph at PSG in 2022, and a decent World Cup run with the USA later this year will only add to his appeal.

Chelsea's owners, in a joint statement back in 2023, hailed Pochettino as a 'world-class coach' with an 'outstanding track record', and it is very hard to argue.

"We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea," they said, via ESPN.

"Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board."

An "incredible" manager has now emerged as a contender for the Tottenham Hotspur job, amid a fresh update on Thomas Frank's future at N17.

Frank under pressure with results not improving

Tottenham suffered yet another setback at the weekend, being dumped out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage by Aston Villa, and having also struggled in the Premier League, Frank is now under considerable pressure.

Former scout Mick Brown has suggested the Dane may not be able to last too much longer, saying: “I think at some stage, something has got to give because it’s all feeling a bit toxic at Tottenham at the moment, and that’s not what anybody wants.

"Unfortunately for them, although you can see why they did it, I think they made the wrong decision and they might now have to back track on that decision."

With Frank taking just 27 points from 21 Premier League matches, the Lilywhites have now started looking at potential replacements, and it was recently revealed that positive talks have been held with recently-sacked Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.

However, the Spaniard is not the only option on the shortlist, according to a report from Football Insider, which states Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as a contender to replace the Tottenham boss, should he lose his job in the next few weeks.

With Glasner's contract not due to expire until the summer, however, Spurs may have to appoint an interim manager for the remainder of the season, as it is unlikely Palace will be prepared to part ways with the Austrian before then.

The report also drops a new update on Frank's future, revealing the 52-year-old is now on very thin ice, and could lose his job if his side lost at home against West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.

Glasner could be "incredible" Frank replacement

Speaking earlier this season, former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O'Neil, who recently joined Strasbourg, lavished the Palace manager with praise, describing the job he's done at Selhurst Park as "incredible."

Of course, the Salzburg-born tactician led the Eagles to glory in the FA Cup last season, while also winning the Community Shield, the Austrian Second League with LASK, and the Europa League during his time with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Having lifted four trophies, Glasner clearly knows what it takes to win, whereas it has been a torrid first half of the season for Frank.

As such, while it is frustrating Tottenham may have to wait until the season, Glasner has proven he could be a fantastic replacement for Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held positive talks with a "genius" manager, who could be brought in as a replacement for Thomas Frank.

Spurs eyeing new managers with Frank under pressure

With over half of the Premier League season played, Tottenham are languishing in 14th place, and the FA Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa at the weekend has ramped up the pressure on Frank even further.

Former midfielder Jermaine Jenas has suggested the writing could be on the wall for the Dane, saying: "I don’t think Thomas Frank is going to last very long personally, and I only say that because I watch a lot of like players’ mannerisms like their body language when they’re talking to him or if he’s talking to them.

"I was watching the Sunderland game the other day, and you know, players are coming off the bench and just not even looking at looking in his face when he’s talking to them. And there’s a clear I don’t know, there’s a clear breakdown in terms of maybe what he’s asking the players to do and the players just not agreeing with it."

With Spurs underperforming, they have set out to make some new additions to the squad this month, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher is set to complete a move to north London.

However, there may also be a change in the dugout, according to a report from Spain, which states Tottenham have now opened formal talks to appoint Xabi Alonso, who recently parted company with Real Madrid.

Positive discussions have been held with the Spaniard, and negotiations are said to be progressing nicely, with the ex-Madrid boss keen to replace Frank.

Should the talks continue to go smoothly, an announcement could be made within a matter of days, with Spurs seemingly now willing to pull the trigger on their current manager.

"Genius" Alonso could be exciting Frank replacement

Although the 44-year-old was unable to last a full season at Real Madrid, he did a fantastic job in his previous role at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the German club to the Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 campaign without losing a single game.

The former midfielder, who prefers to implement a 3-4-2-1 system, also won the DFB-Pokal in the same season and led Leverkusen to the Europa League final, so he clearly has the pedigree to succeed at Tottenham.

Sky Sports' Felix Fischer singled the ex-Leverkusen boss out for high praise in 2024 too, saying: "He is not only a genius tactician and in terms of how he prepares his team, but he is a gentleman. Everything he does, he does right."

The Frank appointment clearly hasn't worked out, with Spurs losing more games than they've won in the Premier League, and Alonso could be an exciting replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur are now closing in on a deal to sign a "special" star, who is keen on a move to north London, with a £40m offer being tabled.

Spurs close to agreeing new signing amid Frank uncertainty

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has suggested there are some internal doubts over Thomas Frank, following the most recent setback, with Tottenham exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa at the weekend.

The transfer expert said: "Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy are split on the future of Thomas Frank, but the club remain determined not to make a change this season.

"Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham believed he landed the right man in the summer when luring Frank across London from Brentford.

"However, we are now told by sources that Venkatesham was warned by some members of Spurs’ hierarchy that the former Arsenal man was not a good fit in terms of his system and the Tottenham players already in situ."

The Lilywhites are yet to pull the trigger on Frank, with the board now needing to decide whether to back their manager or sack him, and it appears as though they have opted for the former.

Santos defender Souza is expected to sign for Tottenham, and it looks like the Brazilian ace won't be the only new arrival, with David Ornstein confirming they are now closing in on a deal for Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher.

In a report for The Athletic, Ornstein states Spurs have submitted a €40m (£35m) bid for the midfielder, which is set to be accepted, and a move is now close, given that Gallagher is keen on a move to north London, despite rival interest from Aston Villa.

Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed Villa had also agreed a deal, but the ex-Chelsea man has opted to move to N17 instead.

The midfielder has found game time hard to come by this season, and a return to England is on the cards, with a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the 2026 World Cup still up for grabs.

"Special" Gallagher could be savvy signing for Tottenham

The former Chelsea man would arrive at Tottenham with plenty of experience in England, making 136 appearances in the Premier League across spells with the Blues and Crystal Palace, during which time he amassed 18 goals and 13 assists.

While at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old received high praise from Petr Cech, who said: "He's one of the players that's always cared about winning and about the club.

"You find that even young players can have special abilities to be a leader. Conor is one of those players - he's always worked hard, he's always cared and he always tries his best."

Tottenham Hotspur are now pursuing a £61m goalkeeper, amid doubts over Guglielmo Vicario's future in north London.

Spurs looking to sign new goalkeeper amid Vicario uncertainty

Vicario has received criticism at times this season, with Clinton Morrison making it clear he isn't a fan of the goalkeeper choosing to blame his teammates at times, rather than taking responsibility for his own mistakes.

The Italian particularly struggled in his most recent Premier League outing, shipping three goals in the defeat against AFC Bournemouth and failing to make a single save throughout the entire match.

With Vicario receiving criticism, the north Londoners have recently started looking at potential replacements for the 29-year-old, and it was revealed they are targeting Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, with the Spanish club potentially now willing to sanction a departure in 2026.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), the Tottenham goalkeeper is now unhappy and wants to leave in the summer, and AS Roma Live state they are now pursuing Mile Svilar as a replacement, but a deal could be on the expensive side.

Indeed, Svilar is valued at €70m (£61m), having only renewed his contract in 2025, and the Italian club are only willing to consider big offers, amid further interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Thomas Frank's side have sent scouts to watch the Roma star in action, and having been impressed by his performances, they have joined the packed race for his signature.

"Revelation" Svilar could be solid Vicario replacement

With Vicario receiving criticism at times this season, and reportedly keen to leave, it would make sense to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer, and the Roma shot-stopper could be an exciting option, having been praised for his displays in Italy and Europe.

After catching the eye in the 2024 Europa League semi-final, scout Ben Mattinson said: "Absolutely TOP performance from Mile Svilar again. Since De Rossi came in and make Svilar his #1 he’s been so consistent.

"Growing each game, his box presence and confidence claiming crosses has improved a lot. Alongside that he’s a composed distributor.

"A revelation for Roma."

The Serbian has performed remarkably well over the past year, conceding an average of just 0.71 goals per 90, which places him in the 99th percentile of all goalkeepers, while a save percentage of 80% ranks him in the 98th percentile.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was always going to be a huge year for Tottenham Hotspur, but once again, it appears to be one full of disappointment.

Thomas Frank took charge during the summer transfer window to try and inject a new lease of life, but his 14th-placed Premier League standing at present showcases the issues in North London.

That, coupled with exits from both of the country’s domestic cup competitions, could see the Lilywhites go on yet another trophy drought in the near future.

It’s safe to say the hierarchy are currently at a crossroads in his time in charge in North London, with a decision desperately needing to be made around his future.

However, it appears as though the Dane could be given one more transfer window to save his job, with numerous players being lined up for a switch to join his side this winter.

Spurs hold talks over deal to sign £26m sensation

Over recent days, numerous players have been linked with a switch to join Spurs this winter, with Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz one option being considered at present.

The attacking midfielder, who’s currently away at AFCON with Morocco, could be allowed to depart the LaLiga giants this winter after making just three starts to date.

However, it remains to be seen if the player himself would be keen on a switch to North London this window, which could lead the hierarchy to pursue other options.

The hierarchy appear to be working tirelessly to land new talent during the ongoing window, with Conor Gallagher undoubtedly the club’s main target at present.

According to Football London, the Lilywhites opened informal talks over the weekend regarding a potential deal to land the 25-year-old from Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.

The report states that Diego Simeone’s men would want a permanent exit for the former Chelsea man this window, with a £26m price tag subsequently being mooted in recent days.

The article also confirms that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are another side keen on a move for the Englishman, which could lead to a huge battle for his signature.

Why Gallagher would be Frank’s own Rice at Spurs

Over recent years, Spurs have often been dominated by local rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby, which has handed the opposition supporters the bragging rights.

Whilst the Lilywhites fans no doubt have a hatred for their rivals, there is certainly an ounce of jealousy over the quality of players on the books at the Emirates - with Declan Rice just one option the fans wish they had at their disposal.

The Englishman joined the Gunners in a £110m deal from West Ham United back in the summer of 2023, subsequently becoming one of the Premier League’s leading midfield stars.

He’s started to operate in a box-to-box role over recent months, which has allowed the England international to produce some incredible attacking numbers.

Rice has racked up 20 goals and 24 assists across all competitions since his move to the Emirates, with the player contributing massively to Mikel Arteta’s title challenge.

However, potential new addition Gallagher could be the Lilywhites’ own version of the midfielder, especially after FBref have previously labelled him as a similar player to the Arsenal star.

When comparing their respective figures from the ongoing campaign, the Atletico star has managed to better him in numerous key areas, showcasing how big of a talent Frank’s men would be getting.

Gallagher, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist John Cross, has achieved a better pass completion rate, whilst also completing more of his attempted short passes this season.

Such numbers showcase his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, which could hand Frank’s side the ball-playing box-to-box option they have craved this campaign.

He’s also completed more carries of the ball into the opposition’s penalty area per 90, further reaffirming the Atletico star’s phenomenal quality when in possession.

However, without the ball, Gallagher has been just as dominant over Rice, as seen by his higher tally of tackles won and interceptions made per 90 in 2025/26 to date.

The 25-year-old has also made more blocks and come out on top in more aerial battles per 90, which could arguably make him a more all-round talent than the Gunners star.

£26m for a player of Gallagher’s talent could be a phenomenal piece of business, especially if he reaches the levels produced by Rice in the Premier League in recent years.

However, given the interest from Aston Villa, the Lilywhites hierarchy need to work tirelessly to complete a deal to avoid one of their rivals snatching him from their grasp.

Tottenham Hotspur’s issues under Thomas Frank have been there for all to see, with the recent run of poor form cranking up pressure on the Dane in North London.

The 52-year-old has overseen a run of games which includes just three wins and four losses across all competitions, including the FA Cup, as seen during the weekend.

The Lilywhites crashed out at the first hurdle against fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, subsequently ending yet another chance of claiming a trophy in 2025/26.

Recent results have seen the club slide down England’s top-flight once again, currently sitting in a measly 14th place - just three places better off than last campaign.

However, despite the recent slump in recent weeks, Frank could be handed a chance to save his job, especially should the hierarchy decide to back him in the transfer market.

Spurs want move for English sensation this January

Over the last couple of days, links have started to gain momentum over a potential deal to land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but any deal would likely be an expensive one.

The English youngster has become one of the country's hottest prospects over the last few months, as seen by his run of call-ups to Thomas Tuchel’s side.

However, as a result, his price tag has only increased further, with the Eagles set to demand at least £80m, with Manchester United also in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.

He’s not the Englishman being eyed up by the Lilywhites in this window, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher once again a player on the hierarchy’s radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are now exploring a move for the 25-year-old this month, which could even be a loan deal, with an option to buy in the summer.

Various sources have confirmed that the former Chelsea star could be sold by Diego Simeone if the right offer arrives, which has led to the £26m fee being mooted.

However, TEAMtalk also suggest that Aston Villa are firmly in the race to land the midfielder, which may have forced Frank and Co to leap into action in the pursuit of his signature.

Why Gallagher would be a Lo Celso repeat for Spurs

Signing midfielders from Spain hasn’t been alien to Spurs in recent years, as seen with the £27m permanent deal to land Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis back in 2020.

The Argentine was seen as the man to replace Cristian Eriksen after his transfer to Inter Milan and provide competition for Dele, but it’s safe to say the move didn’t go as planned for both parties.

He racked up 108 appearances for the Lilywhites over a five-year period, which included loan spells to Villarreal after falling down the pecking order in North London.

Lo Celso was unable to provide the goods, like Dele did in the Premier League, with the Englishman often being the club’s shining lights in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

The attacking midfielder, who joined from MK Dons for just £5m in 2015, racked up 269 first-team appearances in the capital, subsequently scoring 67 times and laying on 59 appearances for his teammates.

As for the Argentine, he could only notch 10 goals and eight assists during his own time with the Lilywhites, which also led to numerous debates about his best position.

He would often feature in a number ten role, or even occasionally dropping slightly deeper as a number eight in an attempt to get the best out of his skillset in North London.

However, a deal for Gallagher could also present a similar predicament for Frank, with the manager needing to alter his midfield trio, should any move for the Atlético star be completed.

In 2025/26, the Dane has often operated with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur as two deep-lying options, with the likes of Xavi Simons featuring in a number ten position.

The aforementioned duo have often come under fire for their lack of creativity at the heart of the side, which could aid the manager in making a shift to a more progressive system.

Gallagher’s potential arrival could see Frank operate with a more box-to-box option, a role which the Englishman thrives in, as seen by his tally of eight goals in such a role on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

However, in the present day, he’s been just as impressive in such a role in LaLiga, with his underlying stats showcasing his quality at both ends of the pitch.

The 25-year-old has thrived in possession this campaign, as seen by his tallies of 92% passes completed, with 4.1 of his efforts per 90 going into the final third.

Such numbers would finally hand the Spurs squad the ball-playing option they’ve lacked at the heart of the side, which in turn could make them a more attacking threat.

However, out of possession is where the former Chelsea star has made a name for himself, as seen by his remarkable tally of 3.4 tackles won per 90 in 2025/26.

His tenacious playstyle with and without the ball has led to huge praise in recent times, with journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke dubbing the former Chelsea star as a “Poch-era Dele Alli”.

Such praise is a huge compliment to the Atletico star, especially considering the levels produced by his compatriot during his time in North London under Mauricio Pochettino.

Very few players have struggled to reach the same level in North London since, as seen with Lo Celso, with the Argentine another victim of the club’s struggles in recent seasons.

However, a move for Gallagher could put an end to such a streak, but it’s crucial that Frank adapts his current plans with the Lilywhites if he’s to get the best out of the £26m.

He’s constantly showcased in his career that he’s at his best when given the license to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, something which is currently lacking at the heart of the first-team.

If the midfielder does make the move to the Lilywhites during the current window without a guaranteed box-to-box role, it would be a surprise to no one if he emulated Lo Celso in failing to impress at Spurs.

For Tottenham Hotspur they will have been hoping for a seamless January. Thomas Frank would steer his side out of trouble, they'd go injury free and perhaps even sign a few players.

Well, it's been a nightmare start to 2026 for the Lilywhites. Frank's side are out of the FA Cup and have now only won one of their last seven games in all competitions.

The timing of Brennan Johnson's departure to Crystal Palace could not have been much worse either. While the Dane has defended the club's decision to cash in on the winger, they could have done with him now with Mohammed Kudus ruled out until April with a quad injury.

What that does mean, however, is that there is likely to be some excitement in the transfer window as Spurs hunt for replacements.

How the winter window is shaping up for Spurs

With Johnson gone and Kudus on the treatment table, a replacement is desired. They are reportedly keen on RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande but with an asking price soaring to around £100m, that one feels unlikely.

West Ham's Jarrod Bowen is another on their radar but his asking price, even if the Irons get relegated, would be a sizeable one.

As a result, the recruitment chiefs at Spurs may have to source cheaper alternatives. As it happens, their first move of the year is set to be a bargain addition to Frank's squad.

The name on the lips of supporters in recent days has been Brazilian full-back Souza. Last week it was revealed that Spurs had agreed a deal to sign the teenager from Santos in his homeland for a fee of around £13m.

Well, the move has now entered its final stages with reporter Ben Jacobs taking to social media late on Sunday night to reveal that the player is now heading to north London.

Jacobs said: "Souza will fly to England on Monday to complete his €15m move to Spurs. Five-year contract agreed."

While this isn't a move that will set the world alight initially, Spurs have been here before when it comes to making top-quality additions on the cheap. Dele Alli remains the best example.

In the last few years Tottenham have made impressive efforts to build for the future. While the managerial merry-go-round may hamper things behind the scenes, on the field there are a number of top drawer young talents making a name for themselves.

In the middle of the park Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall look like they could become Premier League mainstays. Both 19 years of age, they are two of the finest teen talents to don the Spurs jersey since they headed to their new stadium.

Elsewhere, you have some impressive talent brewing in the academy with Luca Williams-Barnett earning rave reviews. He even earned his first-team debut at the age of just 16 a few months ago.

Those players, and indeed Souza, are all hoping to follow Dele's path to success. Souza, in particular, feels like the one who could best replicate those accomplishments.

Back in 2015, a young Dele moved from MK Dons to Spurs in a deal worth just £5m. At the time he was just 18-year-old and having arrived in January, was sent back on loan to the EFL side to further his development.

It's safe to say he didn't look back, playing 269 times in Spurs colours, famously scoring as many as 22 goals in all competitions throughout the 2016/17 campaign.

Signed for a very modest fee, Dele wasted no time becoming one of the best young players in the country. That was until it all fell away. We know how things ended there, it's a sad tale.

Yet, at his peak, the attacking midfielder was one of the most exciting players in English football. Considering Spurs only parted company with £5m, it feels like MK Dons were made to look rather foolish.

Well, given his potential, Souza could be set to make his price tag look like a bargain, just as Dele did.

Just 19 years of age, the Brazilian sensation is a similar age to Dele when he first moved to Spurs, only he doesn't have any experience of English football just yet. What he does have, though, is quality in abundance.

Speaking about the Brazilian gem, South American football expert Tim Vickery said last week on talkSPORT: "It's terrific business. I like him very much. He's a good left-back. Physically strong, skilful, a good footballer. He can defend, he can attack.

"He's come through his first season which has been really difficult because Santos were fighting against relegation and it's a tough ask at Santos, because you've got all of that history and tradition of Pele but it's a club that represents a relatively small city in Brazil. They're really up against it but you've got all the demands, so it's a tough support base to play in front of and he's done really, really well."

So, like Dele once upon a time, it would appear that Souza is already ready to make an impact at first-team level.

To thrive in the Premier League, you need an abundance of qualities, notably physical strength. To play as a full-back or wing-back in England, you also need to be tactically astute, a player who can rampage forward and progress play.

Souza may be different in position to the former MK Dons star, but they share a likeminded ability to want to get the ball forward as quickly as possible. Also both signed for bargain fees and ready to take the Premier League by storm, there are plenty of reasons for Spurs to be excited about this one.

They have acquired several young talents since a wide-eyed Dele made his move 11 years ago but Souza looks like one of the finest since. After all, as the aforementioned Vickery put it, "he's on Ancelotti's radar as a left-back for Brazil" and you don't get earmarked for the Selecao at that age without being a mighty fine player.

Thomas Frank is a man under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have won just one of their last seven games and they are now out of the FA Cup.

Let's be honest, it's looking like another trophyless season for the Lilywhites. The odds of them winning the Champions League are pretty non-existent.

Combine that plight with their wretched injury record this term and it only makes things worse. Frank has been without record signing Dominic Solanke for essentially the whole campaign while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term absentees.

Summer signing Mohammed Kudus has now joined them on the treatment table and as Spurs enter the January window, they will need to source a replacement for the stricken Ghanaian.

Spurs submit bid to sign Kudus replacement

Kudus was forced off in the first half of Spurs' clash with Sunderland and sadly that is the last we'll see of him for a few months.

Suffering an injury to his quad, Frank confirmed that we won't see the former West Ham United man until after the end of the March international break. Considering that break falls right at the end of the month, he won't be back in action until April.

Considering the north Londoners had only just sold Brennan Johnson, the timing couldn't really be much worse.

That said, the recruitment team at Spurs have sprung into action and according to reports in Spain, have made their move to sign a replacement.

Indeed, one source suggests that with Spurs looking for an 'immediate boost in quality', they have identified Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz as a 'top target'.

Spurs have such a big interest in the player that they have already submitted a bid to the tune of €60m (£52m) to prise him away from the Spanish capital.

The Lilywhites are said to be confident that by offering him a 'leading role' in the team, it will entice him into leaving the Bernabeu for north London.

Why Diaz would be a cracking replacement for Kudus

It's a long time now since Diaz was on the books of Manchester City. Spanish-born but now a Moroccan international, the 26-year-old featured on 15 occasions for the Citizens, scoring twice.

He left Manchester behind and now finds himself playing for the greatest club side in the land, Real Madrid. You're not a bad player if you're earning regular game time for Xabi Alonso's charges.

Diaz may have only scored once across 18 matches this term but that does not paint the full picture of his qualities. After all, he has only actually started three times in LaLiga throughout 2025/26.

Last season, the winger scored six times and supplied eight assists. Sure, they're not jaw-dropping numbers but it's a fairer reflection of what he can offer. Consider that he only actually started 23 times across all competitions and that set of statistics are certainly more impressive.

So, why is he the perfect replacement for the injured Kudus? Well, like the Ghana star, he's not just a winger but he's an attacking midfielder too. Right-footed, he is slightly different to Kudus, but they're both equal parts creative and capable of finding the net.

A closer look at their numbers from 2024/25 helps substantiate that claim.

Evidently, Kudus is a trickier dribbler of the ball and far more likely to take on an opponent. Yet, Diaz looks like more of a complete package.

From limited minutes, he actually scored more goals per 90 minutes than Kudus last term and was a better chance creator, supplying his teammates with more key passes and progressive passes.

Hailed as an "astonishing" talent by Italian football expert Mina Rzouki during a loan spell with Milan, she also stated that Diaz "breaks the lines insanely well and his work in tight spaces." That sounds rather like Kudus, doesn't it?

What Spurs need at the moment is someone capable of creating goalscoring opportunities. Maddison, Kulusevski and Kudus are all out so Diaz ticks a lot of boxes for Frank and Co.

This would certainly be an astute signing from the recruitment chiefs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.