Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to attack the January transfer window, and if Thomas Frank gets it right, he might just land a new forward who could turn his debut season at the helm into a successful one.

However, while incomings are anticipated down N17, Spurs are also expected to push one or two of Frank's first-team players to the exit, with Yves Bissouma, who has not played at all this season after being dropped in August, expected to leave after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide, again.

However, for less transgressive reasons, Brennan Johnson could also be on his way out, having fallen down the pecking order after poor form.

Spurs consider swapping Brennan Johnson out

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is the talk of the town, but ENIC Group are also keeping an eye on another high-performing winger in Europe.

The versatile Cherries forward has been in fine fettle in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and supplying three assists for Andoni Iraola's side.

He is far more consistent than Johnson, who bagged 17 in all competitions last season - including the winner against Manchester United in the Europa League final - but has regressed under Frank's wing.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing the Wales international on loan this winter, and that could free up room for a Semenyo alternative who is turning the heads of some of the Premier League's top clubs.

Indeed, according to Sky Germany, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is on Tottenham's shortlist ahead of the New Year, albeit with top-flight rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City also in the mix.

The 19-year-old joined the Bundesliga club this year and has quickly established prolific form, combining that sharpness with frightening physical faculties.

Leipzig know they have a gem on their hands and have priced him at a jaw-dropping €100m (about £87m). This would make him the most expensive player in the Londoners' history.

Why Spurs should sign Yan Diomande

Diomande moved to Germany after cutting his teeth with Leganes in Spain, and he has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the brightest young wide forwards in the game, having scored seven goals and four assists across 16 outings this season.

That includes a recent hat-trick over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and it's his natural sharpness in the danger area that has led journalist Bence Bocsak to hail him as a "generational talent".

Diomande is not just more talented than Johnson: he ruthlessly outstrips him across a vast range of metrics, and his developing goalscoring may soon see him overtake the 24-year-old's standout quality.

When you look at how Diomande ranks up against someone like Johnson, it perhaps becomes clear why there is such a vested interest being focused, with the Welshman simply not offering enough in the build-up and when against the run of play, that and the desertion of his potency in front of goal.

There's no question that Johnson has a natural ability to work his way into promising positions and chalk his name onto the scoresheet, but his overall play has hardly been good enough this season. For example, he's not dribbling enough - look at his efforts in comparison to Diomande's - and he's only succeeding with 33% of his infrequent efforts.

Diomande, for sure, is one of the most exciting dribblers in Europe. He is fleet-footed and instinctive with his output when carrying the ball forward. He has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig for "having a sensational debut season" in Germany.

Tottenham need to get this one done. If they are serious about becoming major, consistent players both domestically and abroad, this is the kind of statement signing needed, not just boosting output but reshaping the general threat of the team.

Tottenham Hotspur's form has been somewhat patchy this season, and ENIC Group are looking to strengthen the first-team ranks this January despite handing £150m to new manager Thomas Frank in the summer.

Injuries have put pressure on the London club once again this season, with the win over Brentford last weekend ending a run of six matches in the Premier League without victory.

However, it's true that Spurs have left something to be desired in attack this season, and that is holding them back. With that in mind, they might just be something in recent rumours that Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is on their radar.

The latest on Spurs' interest in Semenyo

You can trace Tottenham's interest in Ghana international Semenyo back to the summer, with an official enquiry sent to Bournemouth this summer. Chairman Bill Foley didn't want to let him leave, and the versatile forward has shown why on the field.

Spurs are persistent, though, and it's understood that they, along with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, are ready to move for his signature this January, now that a £65m release clause becomes active.

While Spurs will fight tooth and nail to get a deal over the line, it will candidly be difficult with two of the division's heavyweights in the mix. Should things not go their way, ENIC will have alternative targets earmarked.

However, they may already be a rising star on the books who has the profile to become Tottenham's own version of the in-demand forward, and he's currently completing a year out on loan.

Spurs may already have their own Semenyo

Last season, James Maddison hailed Mikey Moore for his "young, fearless mentality", having earned a place in Ange Postecoglou's squad sporadically throughout the campaign.

A decision was made when Frank replaced Ange at the end of the 2024/25 season that the 18-year-old's development would be best served at a club that could offer him more minutes, and so he joined Rangers in Scotland on a one-year deal.

A "superstar" of a talent, as said by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Moore has torn development opponents to shreds over the past few years, scoring 21 goals and supplying 15 assists across just 34 games for the Londoners' youth side.

With ferocious dribbling and close control, Moore has what it takes to develop into a leading winger in the Premier League, his dynamism lending itself to roles on both attacking flanks.

It's been a tough campaign for the teenager, walking into a Rangers side who have fallen by the wayside, but he has started to play with a measure of form for new manager Danny Rohl, scoring in both of his past two Premiership matches.

There's something quite unique about the 5 foot 11 winger's profile, with data-driven site FBref likening his creativity and economical sprinting outbursts to Premier League stars like Morgan Rogers and Lilywhites teammate Mohammed Kudus.

But it's the opinion of Spurs writer James Harris that Moore could "bring back the old Aaron Lennon" to the club with his pace and grace down the wing. The former England international's explosiveness made him an incredibly effective and unpredictable opponent on his day, but he only scored 30 goals across 376 outings for the outfit.

Moore, with his impressive track record as a youngster, could better Lennon by some margin in that regard, potentially rivalling someone like Semenyo for output in the Premier League.

Whether that will be as the Ghanaian's teammate at Tottenham, however, remains to be seen.

Tottenham Hotspur have experienced all the emotions over the past several years, and the plan is that Thomas Frank will instil stability and a winning culture over the years at the helm.

However, the Danish coach has been through some turbulent waters across his first several months in the dugout, with attacking play far from fluid.

Creativity has been at a low ebb in the Premier League, and while neither James Maddison nor Dejan Kulusevski has kicked a ball this season due to injury, Frank will be expected to spark more fruitful playmaking returns going forward.

We have seen green shoots in recent weeks, Spurs currently riding a two-match winning run, but the squad need to kindle some new talismanic figures, with the absence of the likes of Heung-min Son keenly felt.

Why Spurs are missing Son

Tottenham have markedly failed to replace Son and Harry Kane after the respective superstars' sales in recent years, and though the South Korean was on the decline last year, he still posted 23 goal contributions across all competitions.

That's natural potency you just can't teach, only guide in the right direction. The 33-year-old is now playing over the pond for Los Angeles FC, but Frank could certainly do with a new superstar to emerge and prove themselves in Son's stead.

His leadership and devastating ability were something shared with Kane, but stripping it further back, Christian Eriksen too.

For sure, the Lilywhites would benefit from the Dane's creative flair right now, especially with Maddison and Kulusevski both out of action. Eriksen notched 69 goals and 88 assists across 305 games for the north London club, and former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy marvelled at his "world-class" quality while at White Hart Lane.

It would be easy to turn toward the transfer market for solutions, and though Frank needs to find a formula that creates a natural well of creativity and coherence in offence, he may actually have two new recruits who are well on their way to emulating the likes of Son and Eriksen before them.

Spurs' new Son and Eriksen duo

Eriksen and Son were instrumental parts in creating a Tottenham team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, that was among the most feared and entertaining on the continent.

It was always going to be a struggle to replace such players, but in Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, Frank might just have the tools to resculpt the aforementioned.

Simons, 21, has endured a tough start to life down N17, but with two goals from two matches, the Dutch number ten is beginning to show why ENIC Group paid north of £50m to bring him over from RB Leipzig during the summer, beating Chelsea in the transfer battle.

He has been hailed as a "superstar" of a talent by analyst Ben Mattinson, and he ranks among the top 3% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that Eriksen-esque passing range that will only develop further over the months and years.

A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.

Kudus might not be cut from the same cloth as Son, but he certainly has that wow factor about him, capable of doing things with a football that those around him and against him simply can't match.

The fact that the former West Ham winger sits as the Premier League's joint-top assist maker this season says much of his ability. Analyst Raj Chohan has even hailed Simons' "game-changing" ability, suggesting he has more in his locker than the still-impressive Kudus.

Perhaps the most exciting part is that the best is yet to come. After all, Son took a while to get going after joining Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, while Eriksen needed Christmas to come and pass before uncovering a Midas touch in the final third in 2013/14, when he joined from Ajax.

We must be patient, but there's no denying that Tottenham have signed several forwards with the capacity to stand out not just among their peers but against anyone in the Premier League.

Tottenham haven't clicked into gear yet this season, but there have been plenty of positives to take as Frank navigates through the first months of this post-Ange Postecoglou era.

And with Simons coming into his own and Kudus showing off his skilful qualities, the Londoners have all the tools they need to reach the next level when the different parts all come together.

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.