Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to make headway under Thomas Frank's stewardship. However, the Danish coach's side have been inconsistent since he arrived in the summer, and he has confirmed he will be in the market for transfers in January.

Though the defence have encountered some problems throughout the campaign, Spurs' attacking play has drawn plenty of criticism, with xG (expected goals) recording a total of just 14.8 from 15 fixtures, as per FBref.

Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have both been sidelined since the summer, while Dominic Solanke has suffered more issues of his own, but there's a sense that Heung-min Son's potency in the final third has been missed.

ENIC Group appear to have recognised this, with plans drawn to sign an attacker next month.

Spurs' January search for a forward

Tottenham are 11th in the Premier League but only trail fourth-place Chelsea by four points. With a bit more flair and precision up front, Frank's side could start playing with the consistency that has been missing.

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is on the London club's shortlist, but Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in striking a £65m deal this winter.

With six goals and three assists in the league this year, the 25-year-old could restore the Son-like presence to Spurs' side, but he's not the only one on Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici's radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Kenan Yildiz is on Tottenham's radar as one of their 'dream' targets, having been bumped up ahead of Atalanta's Ademola Lookman.

Juventus' financial problems mean they would be open to parting with one of their most coveted players, who has started the season in fine form.

His signature won't come cheap. Arsenal have also been linked with the Turkish international, with Juve reportedly demanding £88m.

What Yildiz would bring to Spurs

Yildiz is one of the brightest attacking midfielders in the world. The 20-year-old became a regular presence in Juventus' first team last season, posting 20 goal contributions in all competitions.

This year, he's cranked his efficiency in the final third up a notch, already with six goals and six assists apiece across 20 matches.

European football writer Danny Corcoran has observed that the versatile attacker has "Mbappe-like ability" when running with the ball, and he ranks among the top 8% of positional peers across Europe for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90.

Eight goal involvements from just 12 Serie A starting appearances underline how Yildiz could grow into one of the most prolific forwards in Europe, so such an ambitious bid on Tottenham's part could land a blistering new goalscoring star to replace Son.

The South Korean, 33, left the Lilywhites from Los Angeles this summer after winning the Europa League in May, ending a decade of service with a trophy.

While the likes of Mohammed Kudus have been in promising form this season, he lacks the old captain's clinical edge in front of goal, something Yildiz could add to Frank's side.

Son scored 127 goals from 333 Premier League outings, and Yildiz might just have natural goalscoring ability to replace him, just as competent out on the left wing as he is playing off the central striker.

Any dynamic forward who shares some of Real Madrid superstar Mbappe's athletic and physical attributes has a chance at making it big in the Premier League, and this could be the spark that Frank's team need to kick on and challenge for a place in the top four while pushing deep in cup competitions too.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are facing competition from a number of clubs to sign one of the greatest young talents in European football.

Tottenham and Liverpool set for busy January window

Both sides are expected to be busy in the January transfer window after sluggish starts to the season, with Thomas Frank confirming as much from Tottenham's perspective this week.

“More or less after the window shut in September we had the first formal meeting and it is an ongoing process that,” Frank explained ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

“I, of course, also get to know more and more the squad and players, so one thing is the daily interaction and also I have seen a lot of games live. Watched them back and you see all the small good habits and bad habits from the players.

“What can you affect? Or that will be tricky? Or how the relationship is? So, that knowledge gets us closer and closer to knowing what we want.

“We will definitely be in the market, no doubt about that. We want them as early as possible, like every other time and let’s see if we can have them before the 31st of January.”

Arne Slot meanwhile will certainly be on the lookout for reinforcements after admitting he is glad his Liverpool side are out of the Carabao Cup due to injuries within the squad.

While both sides are expected to consider defensive reinforcements - with Marc Guehi still top of Liverpool's list - they are also strongly linked with a potential superstar up front in the shape of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande.

Liverpool are said to be in talks over a move while Spurs' negotiations are believed to be advanced, but Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has shared an updated on the 19 year-old this week.

"Top clubs from England all have Yan Diomande in their sights: Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and many more.

"Contrary to other reports, there are no concrete or advanced talks with any club.

"Contract until 2030 with no release clause. A move after the World Cup is possible. Leipzig are considering a fee of over €100 million. Incredible talent."

The two clubs will meet in North London on Saturday December 20, and given Liverpool's history of lining up swift winter deals in the final days of the year, there could be more clarity on the forward's future by then.

Thomas Frank has done a lot of tinkering since taking the helm at Tottenham Hotspur, and recent form seems to be swinging in the direction of progress, following recent wins over Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

It wouldn't be wasted energy to pause and consider Tottenham's shift from Ange Postecoglou's high energy, attacking play toward Frank's more pragmatic tactical take.

Pragmaticism is not necessarily a bad thing. Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti are two notable modern adherents of the style, after all. But there's no denying that Frank's Spurs could do with a bit more flair in the final third, pumping creativity through the forwards while maintaining the stable, structured roots.

How to achieve this? Well, ENIC Group seem to think Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo might hold the key.

Why Spurs want to sign Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo has scored six goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League this season. Only three players have notched more goal involvements: Erling Haaland (15), Igor Thiago (11), Bruno Fernandes (10).

The 25-year-old's £65m release clause becomes active in January, and there's set to be a swarm of interest in his signature, Tottenham getting ready to launch a bid, joined by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Semenyo has only gone from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola's wing, now considered one of the best in the Premier League business.

In fact, pundit Chris Waddle believes he is "the best winger in the country".

Tottenham would strike the golden jackpot by landing his signature, and to help them on the way to making it happen this January, ENIC may want to cash in on some deadwood.

Spurs could fund Semenyo move by selling "liability"

Tottenham have not quite clicked under Frank's stewardship, but they are getting there, with the likes of Xavi Simons playing themselves into form recently and emphasising the green shoots.

However, not everyone has been a winner since the Danish tactician's appointment, with Yves Bissouma having been excluded from Frank's matchday squads all season. The 29-year-old's last appearance came in May, on the final day of the Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bissouma has not played under Frank, dropped at the early stage of the new manager's tenure after turning up late several times for training.

Given the recent allegations that the tough-tackling midfielder has been filmed inhaling nitrous oxide, Tottenham have had enough, and want to cut ties after more than three seasons.

However, the Mali international has a clause in his contract which could extend it next year, thus allowing the Lilywhites more bargaining power when offloading him.

Bissouma has long been regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League, however this has not been channelled through application with enough regularity.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 14% of Premier League midfielders for pass completion, the top 13% for tackles won and the top 10% for clearances per 90.

Tottenham are developing, though, and while Frank's midfield unit have left something to be desired this season, it's clear that Bissouma is not the progressive solution, branded as "a liability" by football writer Andrew Gaffney, during Postecoglou's first season in charge.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has been hard at work this season, trying to instil his philosophy and foster a more stable environment for a club who went through all the emotions last year.

There have been signs of success, but it's clear much more work is still ahead for an outfit who fancy themselves capable of settling at the top of European football, with the foundation and potential in up-and-coming talents to throw down with any of the continent's heavyweights with a bit more work.

But Spurs could do with some more firepower right now, especially after selling Heung-min Son to Los Angeles during the summer.

Son's sale emphasises the regression in terms of world-class forwards in north London over the past several years, and that's something the club need to fix in 2026.

Where Spurs are looking to strengthen in Jan

Tottenham are heading into their first transfer window without Daniel Levy's influence in a very, very long time. How intense Johan Lange hopes to make this winter window remains to be seen, but with Yves Bissouma ostracised and set to be sold, midfield is a priority.

More dynamism is needed in the centre of the park, but Spurs could do with some more creativity and sharpness in attack. Who, then, might be at the top of the Christmas shopping list?

Well, according to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites still have a vested interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, and they are ready to break their wage structure in order to bring the 25-year-old over to N17.

Semenyo, a Ghana international, also has admirers in Liverpool and Manchester City, so this is going to be a tough one to pull off, with the versatile forward's £65m release clause presenting itself in January.

Why Spurs must sign Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo is a potent goal threat, but his prolificness in the final third is built atop an unrelenting, tenacious work-rate that differentiates him from other wingers.

Justin Kluviert, Semenyo's Cherries teammate, hailed his dance partner for his "world-class" quality, reaching such a level because of his hard work and consistency on the field.

With six goals and three assists to his name, the £75k-per-week Semenyo is already riding the crest of a wave, but given his likeness to Bryan Mbeumo, who excelled under Frank's wing last season, he could reach a staggering new level by moving to Tottenham and assuming the role of attacking talisman.

Tottenham did try to convince Mbeumo to follow his old manager to north London this summer, but the Cameroonian's heart was set on Old Trafford, where he is now shaping into something of a talisman for Manchester United.

However, if Spurs were to add Semenyo to their ranks, Frank would craft a new version of Semenyo who could reach levels that the 26-year-old Red Devil has never reached.

It's clear that Mbeumo has failed to match Semenyo this season, and given the similarities between the two wingers, Frank could fashion the latter into his new talisman.

Semenyo is arguably performing at a higher level now than Mbeumo was last year for Brentford, where he posted 20 goals in the Premier League and dominated down the right wing. Certainly, he is outstripping the Red Devils iteration.

If Tottenham truly mean business this season, they need to make a statement and add some bona fide quality to their frontline. Semenyo would do the trick, dovetailing into Frank's set-up.

Thomas Frank needs consistency at Tottenham Hotspur, having blown hot and cold in the months since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout.

Postecoglou won the Europa League last season, but he was dismissed from his duties - some would call it Daniel Levy's final act - and a new era has been ushered in, with Frank making a series of signings and reworking the Spurs set-up.

Room for one more? The Londoners' attacking efforts have left something to be desired this season, and with so much on the line this term, ENIC Group have a dream of signing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth during the January transfer window.

The latest on Spurs' interest in Semenyo

Bournemouth supposedly rejected an offer from Tottenham for Semenyo's signature during the off-season. But the Lilywhites are back in the running, ready to contest Liverpool and Manchester City for the Ghana winger's services, with his £65m release clause going live in January.

It's going to be difficult, luring the 25-year-old to north London next month. While all the pointers suggest Semenyo will leave the Vitality Stadium, he has a range of elite outfits to pick from, and Liverpool and City often get their way in the transfer market.

But Tottenham do need a talismanic force on the left flank. After all, Heung-min Son left for Los Angeles after lifting the Europa League trophy, and his presence and influence have been keenly missed.

Patience, though, is so often a virtue in football, and while Spurs don't have a frontline firing on all cylinders right now, Frank leads a number of players who could become real stars down the line.

And there's one in particular who has fired himself into form over the past week, with his market value a reflection of just how talented he is.

The Spurs star who's overtaken Semenyo

This summer, Tottenham completed a series of signings, and when we look back on that window, we might view Xavi Simons as being the pick of the bunch. The Netherlands star, 21 years old, moved from RB Leipzig for about £51m in August, having been pursued by Chelsea.

He hadn't hit the ground running this season - far from it - but Simons is starting to grow into his skin, and his silky, combative style of play suggests he could have been perfect for the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Yes, Simons' natural playmaking qualities make him a tailor-made fit for that thrilling chapter of the previous decade. He has been flagged for a lack of physicality amid early-season struggles, but Simons is beginning to put those to rest, settling into life in London.

This is a show-stopper of a midfielder, boasting something special, something different to his teammates. When Frank gets his squad playing to his tune from a creative vantage, you can bet that Simons will be smack-bang in the middle of the success.

Already he ranks among the top 8% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for passes attempted and ball recoveries, as well as the top 3% for ball recoveries per 90 (data via FBref).

A ball recovery is defined by the number of loose balls recovered by a player.

And he's beginning to showcase an aptitude for the defensive side of the game, working hard in recovery and getting stuck in when against the ball.

Hailed by statistician Statman Dave for his ability to create "magic" on the ball, Simons suffered a tough start to his Tottenham career, but he has shown flashes of elite quality throughout the campaign, and now, with two goals from as many games, there's a sense that the Dutchman could be about to kick on.

Could we be set to return to the halycon days of Poch's reign? Tottenham didn't win a trophy then, but the football was good, envied, and Simons looks like he could be an architect of such a revival of creativity and sharpness in the final third.

He has just started to earn some recognition, having already proven himself on the financial front, with CIES Football Observatory suggesting his value has already skyrocketed to £95m since his summer move, above Semenyo's maximum market value of £67m.

Semenyo would be a terrific addition, and there's no question that offensive signings will be made in 2026, but Tottenham fans must remember that their club have signed one of the most exciting playmakers in the business, and after seeing his market value skyrocket, he's only going to keep getting better.

Tottenham are facing a difficult decision over the long-term future of a Spurs player who shone last season under Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs look to extend mini winning run against Nottingham Forest

The Lilywhites travel to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon aiming to extend their recent resurgence against Nottingham Forest in a crucial Premier League encounter.

Thomas Frank's side have finally discovered momentum after enduring a torrid November without a single league victory.

Consecutive triumphs over Brentford and Slavia Prague have injected fresh confidence into the squad, with Tuesday's emphatic 3-0 Champions League win particularly impressive, even if it was against weaker opposition.

The comprehensive victory over Prague featured goals from Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, who both delivered from the spot to extend the club's remarkable 23-match unbeaten home European run.

Last Saturday's 2-0 home win against Brentford represented arguably Tottenham's finest all-round display of the campaign, barring their win at Man City in August, with Frank describing the performance as "very complete."

“I think that was a very complete performance, one of the best performances of the season overall, definitely the best at home, and not only because of the win," Frank told reporters.

“I think we looked such a threat going forward. I like the forwardness, penetration, unpredictability. We varied the attack a lot. I like the aggressiveness in the duels and in the pressure, also that clean sheet mentality we need to have. We gave away four shots in the whole game against a very difficult Brentford team.

Simons has emerged as a catalyst during this revival, chipping in with three goal involvements across his last two appearances.

The £51m summer signing from RB Leipzig finally appears to be justifying his substantial transfer fee, which could actually cost Spurs a whopping £125 million over a seven-year contract when factoring in wages, agent's fees and add-ons.

Tottenham's away form provides genuine encouragement heading into their clash with Forest.

Only Arsenal have defeated them on the road this season, and they've averaged the joint-most points per match on average away from home too, level with Crystal Palace.

Tottenham could also climb into the top six with a victory against Sean Dyche's side, provided other results go their way.

Frank will likely select Kudus on the right and either Randal Kolo Muani or Wilson Odobert on the left, with Richarlison up top again.

Kudus is set to play another key role after being Tottenham's standout attacker this season, making his £55 million price tag seem like a bargain whilst keeping Brennan Johnson glued to the bench recently.

Speaking of the Wales international, there's actually been an intriguing update on his future this week.

Brennan Johnson could now leave Tottenham in 2026

According to TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, Johnson's long-term future at Tottenham is now uncertain after failing to fully convince Frank and his coaching staff.

The 24-year-old arrived from Forest in the summer of 2023 for £47.5 million, amassing over a century of appearances with 27 goals and 18 assists across all competitions.

Despite these numbers, and finishing last season as the club's top scorer, Johnson isn't an automatic starter in Frank's plans.

With his contract running until 2028, next summer represents a crucial juncture for Tottenham. The club will need to decide whether to offer Johnson an extension or cash in while his value remains high, particularly as they plan to strengthen across the next two transfer windows.

As a result, Jones reports that Johnson could leave Spurs in 2026.

The forward actually began this current campaign brightly, scoring in his opening two Premier League games, but his form has stalled dramatically since, failing to register any additional goals or assists in the league.

This inconsistency has raised questions about his suitability for Frank's system moving forward, despite playing a starring role under Postecoglou and scoring that Europa League final winner against Man United.

Tottenham Hotspur have undergone a series of changes this year, ending their interminable drought on the trophy front before dismissing the manager who won the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou.

It was a polarising decision, but it did make sense. Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, after all, and Ange's tactics lacked the stability needed to complete and flourish both domestically and abroad.

Thomas Frank is in the process of recoding the Tottenham first team, and the Danish coach has overseen some exciting summer signings, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons standing out, while cutting ties with some flotsam too.

Now, ENIC Group and Frank are in concert: further refinements are needed. In midfield, much is to be desired, and with Yves Bissouma having been made surplus to requirements ahead of the January transfer window, don't be surprised to see the Londoners add a new star to their engine room.

Spurs searching for new midfielder

Bissouma, without question, is one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League. But his gifts have gone to waste, with a host of disciplinary issues plaguing him since joining Tottenham over three years ago.

Bissouma has not made a single appearance under Frank's wing, and following his latest transgression, a decision has been made by the hierarchy to part ways with the 29-year-old this winter.

This opens the door for an exciting addition, and the Lilywhites have one in mind.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are interested in signing Nicolas Raskin, and Rangers are 'likely to accept' any bid, as they would find it difficult to turn down a compelling offer this January.

Though new coach Danny Rohl values the 24-year-old highly, the pull of Premier League and Champions League football would allow Spurs to complete a deal somewhere in the region of £25m, a figure touted when Wolves came calling earlier in the year.

What Raskin would bring to Spurs

Raskin may need to take a step up from the Scottish Premiership to prove his talent one the grandest stage, but his qualities have already been recognised by the Belgium national set-up, and he has earned nine caps for his country.

This is an "utterly sensational" player, as he has been described by UEFA coach John Walker, combative in his deep-lying berth while progressing play and making intelligent contributions throughout, finding the right pass, making a well-timed tackle.

With this in mind, Raskin could prove to be Tottenham's next version of Mousa Dembele, whose performances down N17 have left him remembered as one of the club's most talented players of the modern age.

Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne actually described Dembele "the best in the world" when in his Spurs prime, with his wicked blend of athleticism and technical grace setting him apart from his positional rivals.

Raskin, in a Rangers side that have left much to be desired this season, has established a similarly surpassing level. Can he carry that form into the Premier League? Could he become a focal point for Frank's central system?

He is active in the duel, creative on the ball, incredibly athletic. Dubbed a "pitbull" of a midfielder by Dutch journalist Bob Faesen in the past, this could be a player cut from a similar cloth when considering his countrymen.

That pitbull-like presence may also see Raskin bring a bit of Victor Wanyama back to north London, the midfield powerhouse having cut his teeth with Southampton before moving to Tottenham and playing a significant role throughout 2016/17, arguably the apotheosis of the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Like Raskin too, however, the Kenyan sensation had honed his craft at one of the two Glasgow giants, Celtic, prior to moving south of the border, having effortlessly made that transition into life in the Premier League.

With the strength of Wanyama and the artful ball skills of Dembele, this could be a significant addition for a Tottenham team who have lacked dynamism and flair in the middle of the park.

Sweden boss Graham Potter has now shared an update on injured Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski and his current condition, hinting at a potential return date.

Tottenham without Dejan Kulusevski since May through knee injury

Kulusevski's knee injury has evolved into one of Tottenham's most frustrating injury sagas, with the Sweden international sidelined since May's 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old was forced off after just 19 minutes at Selhurst Park with discomfort in his right patella, initially appearing a relatively minor issue.

However, medical examinations then revealed damage serious enough to require surgery, with Kulusevski undergoing the procedure on May 14th — ruling him out of Tottenham's Europa League final triumph over Man United.

Former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed disappointment when confirming the setback, explaining that medical staff were initially relieved the structural integrity of the knee seemed intact.

The Australian expected Kulusevski to miss 'at least a few months' but provided no definitive return timeline, acknowledging uncertainty about whether the Swede would even be ready for the 25/26 season opener in August.

Seven months later, Kulusevski remains unavailable and has failed to make a single appearance under Thomas Frank.

His prolonged absence has seriously impacted Tottenham's creativity, particularly given James Maddison's ACL injury that will keep the playmaker out for most of this campaign.

Spurs have been forced to rely on makeshift solutions in the number ten position, with summer signing Xavi Simons being their only natural alternative in that role.

Footage emerged of Kulusevski training with Spurs coaches in Dubai during a warm-weather rehabilitation camp, encouraging supporters who have grown impatient with his prolonged absence.

However, Frank's most recent update provided little comfort, simply stating he would only share news when Kulusevski is "when they are ready to really be close to being involved in the squad".

Potter shares Kulusevski injury 'truth' with Tottenham timeline given

Now, speaking on Fotbollskanalen podcast, as translated by Sport Witness, Potter has now hinted at a possible timeline for the £110,000-per-week forward.

The Sweden boss is confident that Kulusevski could be ready for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in March, claiming that the former Juventus star has a 'really complicated' injury.

"I met Dejan last week, as I’m aware he’s fighting back from his injury. I had a good conversation with him," Potter explained.

“He really has had a complicated injury. That’s the truth. He’s on his way back and he’s in a good place, but when you’re close you can have setbacks and you can have frustrating days when things don’t go the way you want because it’s a long process. He’s in good spirits and in a good place, and desperate to come back and help.”

When asked if Kulusevski will be ready for the Ukraine clash, Potter said he is 'convinced'.

"I’m convinced of that (that Kulusevski will be in March)," the coach added.

"That’s my feeling based on having spoken to him and understanding where he is. I think that’s the last part of the rehabilitation that he needs to go through.

“My experience when someone has been out for a long time is that it can be a bit up and down and frustrating, but he’s in a good place. I think the problem with football – and looking ahead to March – is that nobody knows for sure where he’s going to be. If you can predict that, you’re a genius. It’s about being patient with him and supporting him. I’m confident he’ll be there.”

Few could've envisaged that Kulusevski would be absent for this long, and Frank will be desperate to call upon him at the earliest opportunity.

The ex-Serie A star bagged 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances last term, marking himself out as one of Spurs' chief creators, and they're a much better side when he's available for selection.

Losing both him and Maddison has undoubtedly had a major effect on Tottenham, but it shouldn't be too long before he takes to the pitch again.

Tottenham Hotspur have turned the page in recent matches, but Thomas Frank will know he has much more still to write before his north London project is firing on all cylinders.

But recent wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague have fuelled the Danish coach with fresh optimism, new belief. The boos have been extinguished, for now.

This mini-revival has legs, especially with Xavi Simons firing his way into form over the past week, but Spurs still lack sharpness in the final third and fuel to get the forwards into positions of promise.

For this reason, ENIC Group are looking to sign someone who can make a difference this winter.

Spurs' search for a new forward

Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is undoubtedly Tottenham's top pick ahead of the January transfer window, but we simply cannot ignore the mounting interest from rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom hold greater pull at the top of the Premier League.

There's a sense that Spurs need a show-stopping forward, someone of a level with Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, neither of whom has been properly replaced as talismanic figures.

However, if Semenyo does move elsewhere, Ivan Toney could be the perfect Christmas addition.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham chiefs have held informal talks over a bid for the 29-year-old, with Everton and West Ham United doing the same.

Toney is into his second season in Saudi Arabia, and while he fancies a return to the Premier League to bolster his chances of making Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad for the World Cup, tax-related obstacles could prove a hindrance for the £400k-per-week centre-forward.

Why Toney would be perfect for Spurs

Toney has scored 42 goals and supplied eight assists across 62 appearances for Al-Ahli, and though the move has been lucrative for the former Brentford striker, it has come at the expense of sporting merit as he was growing into a superstar.

But this is a powerful, physical centre-forward. He is a well-known name on the English scene and he might just have a point to prove after a year overseas.

Could it be that Toney would even prove to be a better signing than someone like the 25-year-old Semenyo, who would cost £65m?

Toney, after all, knows Frank's system well, having lifted the Bees into the Premier League and kept them comfortably afloat with prolific performances over three campaigns.

Semenyo, let's not forget, has fallen from form after an emphatic start to the season. In fact, you would have to trace back to October 3rd to find the last time the Ghana international notched a goal involvement in the Premier League.

And with Dominic Solanke locked in the infirmary, Richarlison inconsistent and potentially into his final year in north London, surely an experienced and proven number nine would be the icing on the cake for a Spurs side desperate for an upswing in attacking results.

If there are any qualms over Toney's capacity to dovetail into the Tottenham culture, it might be pertinent to note that he has been hailed by England teammate Declan Rice saying he is "like Harry Kane" for his devastating goalscoring ability but also his link-up play and intelligence when deeper.

It was a joyful and poignant moment when Heung-min Son made his homecoming before Tottenham Hotspur defeated Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

He implored Spurs supporters not to forget him, and that's not something that's likely to happen after the club legend crowned many years of thrilling service with a European trophy before the summer.

But Son's return emphasised this new era down N17. Son plays in the United States with Los Angeles, and fellow talisman of the past, Harry Kane, is fighting for glory and maybe the Ballon d'Or over in Germany with Bayern Munich.

Tottenham have had to refashion themselves, especially with Thomas Frank now pulling the strings in Ange Postecoglou's old seat.

There have been ups and downs so far this season, but recent results suggest that things are coming together in his post-Son world. Indeed, Frank is unearthing new leading figures.

The biggest winners under Frank so far

He hasn't been perfect, but Richarlison has undoubtedly made a solid start to the season, having scored seven goals and supplied two assists in all competitions this season. The Brazil international has filled a hole left by Son's departure and Dominic Solanke's frustrating injury problems.

However, Richarlison hasn't been the standout forward in the Londoners' squad. Mohammed Kudus, for example, has stood out since completing a £55m transfer from West Ham United during the summer. His pace and playmaking have been shining lights throughout a difficult start to the season for the club as a creative front.

Xavi Simons now has two goals in two games. In the Premier League last weekend, he was immense, converting against Brentford after a spectacular solo run and finish.

The 21-year-old has endured a tough start to life in England, but he's really coming into his own now, looking every bit the £50m-plus player that ENIC Group paid for. Who knows, he might even play himself into a more affluent ballpark down the line.

He's not the only one, though. One of Tottenham's most promising youngsters has really settled into this new Spurs system, making headway after a season under Ange's wing that left him exposed and under the cosh.

Spurs' "future £100m" superstar

Tottenham have a long-term project which promises so much. Plenty of polish still needs to be applied, but the likes of Lucas Bergvall and out-on-loan stars Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic are stars of the future, for sure.

However, Tottenham also have an up-and-coming English talent who could shape into Frank's own version of Arsenal centrepiece Declan Rice in Archie Gray, who has already chalked up 57 senior appearances for the Lilywhites for about £30m in July 2024. He was 18 years old and a product of the Championship.

Not only has Gray established himself in Spurs' first team despite more than his share of adversity, but he has been noted as a "future £100m centre-midfielder" by analyst Ben Mattinson, gifted technically and combative and cultured beyond his years.

His performance against Slavia Prague on Tuesday drew plenty of plaudits and served as a reminder to those of a Spurs persuasion that they have a prospect with the potential to be as good as any of his English countrymen.

Rice burst onto the scene with West Ham, led David Moyes' side to their golden era, lifted the Conference League title before leaving.

Now plying his trade for Arsenal, Rice is gunning for the Premier League title. He is one of the best midfielders in the world, having completed his move to the Emirates for a £105m fee.

Could we see Gray hit the same high notes? There's certainly a weight of expectation around the 19-year-old's skillset, and now that he is playing most of his football in midfield, his natural area, he is shining, making progress.

Postecoglou's injury troubles last year led Gray to be shoehorned into central or wide defensive roles. This came at the expense of fluency and progress on an individual level.

He's making headway now, alright, with content creator AliceTalksFooty even noting that, "Archie Gray has really impressed me every time I have seen him play under Thomas Frank."

Keep an eye on this one; he might just be shaping into the new Rice.