Football FanCast

Whilst it may have been a quiet international break for many, the same can’t be said for Tottenham Hotspur, given the changes taking place behind the scenes.

Daniel Levy’s departure in recent weeks has seen changes being made to the higher-ups in North London, with Fabio Paratici returning after departing multiple years ago.

The Italian previously filled the Sporting Director role between 2021 and 2023, but has returned to the Lilywhites to work with John Lange and the rest of the recruitment team.

He will also work closely with Thomas Frank to help lead the club back up the Premier League table, with a real impetus being placed on the hierarchy to make the right decisions.

Big-money additions are one thing, but departures will also need to be made to free up space in the squad and make funds to attract players to take the club to the next level.

Why Richarlison is on borrowed time at Spurs

Brazilian striker Richarlison has been the manager’s first choice talisman during the first few weeks of the campaign due to injuries to other players, such as Dominic Solanke.

The 28-year-old has featured in all seven of the Lilywhites’ league outings to date, scoring on three occasions - with two goals coming on the opening day victory against Burnley.

However, since the 16th of August, he’s ultimately fallen way below the expectations of the fanbase, with his figures from his most recent outing highlighting his lack of impact.

He featured for the entirety of the Champions League clash against Bodo Glimt, but only registered ten touches of the ball - an average of one touch every nine minutes.

Along with his lack of impressive form, Richarlison has also been linked with a move to the MLS to join Orlando City - potentially handing Paratici the perfect chance to cash in on his services.

It’s unclear how much the hierarchy would recoup for his services, but it would be a great opportunity for the pair to part ways - with numerous other talents also needing to be offloaded in the near future.

The Spurs trio who are on borrowed time after Paratici’s return

The dismal finish in the Premier League last campaign highlights the need for changes across the board, with Frank only having one window to make the sales and signings he desires.

With £100m being spent on additions, it has made competition for places somewhat harder, with numerous players struggling to get into the side as of late.

Brennan Johnson is one player who cost a pretty penny back in 2023, with the club forking out £47.5m for his signature from fellow top-flight side Nottingham Forest.

Whilst he ended last season with 18 goals - the most of any player in the squad - he’s struggled to replicate such form after falling behind Mohammed Kudus in the pecking order.

In the league, he's made four substitute appearances in a row, which could tempt Paraciti to cash in on his services whilst his stock is still at its highest.

Johnson isn’t alone in struggling for minutes, with Ben Davies another player who has been unable to force himself into Frank’s plans after his summer appointment.

The centre-back has been an unused substitute in every Premier League game of 2025/26, failing to make a single appearance in any competition to date.

Given his lack of action, it’s evident that the manager doesn’t see the 32-year-old as part of his squad going forward - which, like Johnson, could see him sold before the end of his current contract.

The third and final player who could struggle for minutes in the future is right-back Pedro Porro, that’s despite starting all but one league outing in 2025/26.

He’s been in North London since January 2023, even being brought to the club by Paratici, but the emergence of Djed Spence could see him lose his starting position.

The 25-year-old has cemented his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in recent months after picking himself off the canvas after seemingly having no future with the Lilywhites.

As for Porro, he could be forced to make way, with the former Middlesbrough man needing the opportunity to feature regularly after Destiny Udogie’s return on the opposite flank.

If all three of the players were to be moved on in the near future, it would save the club a total of £265k-per-week - huge funds which could go towards multiple top-level talents.

Such a decision may seem harsh, but ultimately, football is a cutthroat industry with huge calls needing to be made to allow the club to push for Premier League glory.

Going into the transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur had one clear objective under new boss Thomas Frank - improve the quality and depth across all areas of the pitch.

That was certainly achieved during the £100m+ spending spree, with the hierarchy completing a deal in the region of £55m for winger Mohammed Kudus.

Much was made around his transfer after joining from rivals West Ham United, but it’s safe to say the Ghanaian has already adhered himself to the supporters in North London.

The 25-year-old has already opened his account for the Lilywhites, scoring the winner in the last outing against Leeds United - subsequently adding to his tally of four assists in the Premier League.

However, Frank’s side could have looked a lot different had they completed a move for one of their other targets instead of landing Kudus during the off-season.

How close Spurs were to signing Mbeumo this summer

After appointing Frank from Brentford over the summer, there were always going to be rumours over which players he would bring with him - but one stuck out more than the rest in the form of Bryan Mbeumo.

The Cameroonian international scored 20 times in the Premier League last campaign, with such form making him one of the hottest properties during the recent transfer window.

At one stage, it appeared as though the Lilywhites had a genuine chance of landing the 26-year-old, even reportedly making an offer for his services after the Dane’s appointment.

The player himself spoke about the 51-year-old’s appointment, wishing him the best in North London, which only fuelled speculation over a potential switch to follow his former manager across the capital.

However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Manchester United completed a £71m transfer for Mbeumo, a figure that was way over the original offer that was supposedly made by the Lilywhites.

After joining the Red Devils, the Cameroonian claimed that he only had his heart set on a move to United during the summer - subsequently dismissing any interest in following Frank.

Missing out on his signature will no doubt have been a disappointment to the fanbase, but they shouldn’t have to worry, with one player already in their ranks already similar to Mbeumo.

The Spurs star who is Frank’s next Mbeumo

The return of Fabio Paratici this week will give the fanbase an added reason to be positive after their impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under Frank’s guidance.

He spent a couple of years in the role between 2021 and 2023 before stepping down, but he’s now been brought back into the club to fill the Sporting Director role once again.

It will no doubt hand him the responsibility of recruiting new players to add to the Dane’s early success, whilst overseeing those who could be offloaded.

However, he’s already showcased his tremendous work within the transfer market, conducting phenomenal business to land Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus for just £25m.

The Swede would have been an unknown quantity to many in North London, but he’s made himself a fan-favourite with his incredible performances prior to his recent injury setback.

He registered 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last campaign - the best return of his career - and certainly playing a huge role in the club’s Europa League success.

Such is the level of his quality, he was labelled as a similar player to Mbeumo by FBref - a huge statement given the performances of the former Brentford star in 2024/25.

When comparing their respective stats during the same time period, the Lilywhites gem managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, with Kulusevski highlighting the quality he possesses when fit.

The former Juve star, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Jay Harris, completed more progressive passes per 90 (4.7), subsequently registering more key passes per 90 (2.5).

Such figures highlight the creative nature the Swede possesses, with such a feature massively adding to Frank’s side when he returns from his latest injury.

He also completed more take-ons per 90 (1.4), whilst notching more carries into the final third per 90 (2.5) - highlighting his desire to transfer the ball into dangerous areas whenever possible.

There’s no denying that a deal for Mbeumo would have further strengthened the Spurs first-team squad, but ultimately it would have been a huge risk paying such a fee after one impressive season.

With Kulusevski, the club have one of the most underrated players in the division, with the forward able to take his career to the next level under Frank in the years ahead.

Tottenham have been handed a major boost which could leave members of the Spurs squad thrilled, as detailed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Thomas Frank looking to extend excellent Spurs start against Aston Villa

Thomas Frank has lost just two out of his first 11 games in charge of the Lilywhites, including excellent wins away to Man City, West Ham and Leeds United.

While ex-chair Daniel Levy's decision to part company with Ange Postecoglou — despite the Australian guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years — was met with a very mixed response, the call has so far been vindicated.

Aston Villa, who are in the midst of a mini-revival after a very poor start to 2025/2026, winning their last four games in all competitions, pose a tricky test for Frank's side as former Arsenal boss Unai Emery looks to keep Villa's good form going.

Much like the last international break in September, it's been a very eventful last fortnight for Spurs in the build up to their Premier League return.

Last week, the club announced a £100 million capital injection from the Lewis family, which could partly be reinvested into Tottenham's recruitment drive or bolstering their wage structure (Kaveh Solhekol).

Soon afterward, the North Londoners confirmed that Fabio Paratici has returned to the club in an official full-time capacity, after months of reports tipping the Italian to come back after his worldwide FIFA ban ended.

Paratici was managing director between 2021 and 2023 before he was forced to resign, and has regularly worked as an outside consultant for the club, including the most recent summer window.

The 53-year-old advised Johan Lange — who he now works alongside in a co-sporting director role — CEO Vinai Venkatesham, and Frank on Tottenham's transfer strategies, with Paratici now back at N17 as a proper employee.

Before his exit two years ago, the transfer chief played a key role in signing key first-team stars like Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr, with Paratici now tasked as Tottenham's 'dealmaker' while Lange shoulders the responsibility of scouting and data-driven recruitment.

Romano shares why Paratici return is "really important news for Tottenham"

Speaking via his YouTube channel after the announcement of Paratici's re-hire, famous reporter Romano shared exactly why it is "really important news" for Tottenham — suggesting that members of the squad will be thrilled as well.

“Really important news for Tottenham because Fabio Paratici, who is also really appreciated by many of the fans, people at the club, players as well, what he did at Tottenham is really important," Romano said.

“Creating the crucial part of the squad we see right now playing in the Champions League, winning a trophy with the Europa League. Some of the best signings in recent years at Tottenham are thanks to the work of Fabio Paratici, now back in control.”

Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in transfer dealings, Paratici is also known for his extensive contact network across Europe, with Michael Bridge jokingly reporting it's as long as the Yellow Pages (Sky Sports).

Paratici’s reputation as a fierce negotiator is another significant asset. He’s renowned for his ability to navigate complex deals, and his savvy approach to negotiations ensures Tottenham can compete in the transfer market without overpaying, while still landing impactful players to strengthen the squad.

Beyond his contacts and negotiation skills, Paratici is also rumoured to possess a relentless work ethic. He is hands-on and detail-oriented, often working long hours to ensure all aspects of a deal are covered.

This dedication translates into a focused recruitment strategy that aligns with the club’s ambitions, with Paratici's presence coming as a big boost for Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur have made some big additions over the last couple of years, with many of which have made a huge impact on their recent success in Europe.

The hierarchy has been boosted in recent days, after it was confirmed that former Sporting Director Fabio Paratici would return to his role after a two-and-a-half-year absence.

He’s been known to make key additions such as Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski during his previous stint in North London, but he could be about to land similar quality in the future.

With the transfer window still a couple of months away from reopening, the 53-year-old has a key period ahead of him to identify players who would improve Thomas Frank’s squad.

However, the Italian has wasted no time in finding players who could become top targets when the chance arises at the midway stage of the Premier League campaign.

Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent under Paratici

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been hugely touted with a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his impressive start to the new campaign.

The 25-year-old has already scored six times and registered three assists in his seven league outings, with it being reported that he currently has a release clause in his deal at the Vitality.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović a talent who is firmly in their sights, according to TEAMtalk’s latest report.

They claim that Paratici’s links with the Old Lady could help the Lilywhites in their pursuit of the centre-forward, with his deal set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

It also states that Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Serbian international, but they could face competition from Chelsea for his signature in the near future.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus

In an attempt to build on their Europa League success, Spurs spent over £100m on new additions during the off-season to help strengthen Frank’s chances in the role.

Mohammed Kudus was just one of the additions made, with the hierarchy paying local rivals West Ham United a whopping £55m for his services and signature.

The Ghanaian has already made himself a fan-favourite in North London after making an immediate impact in the Premier League under Frank’s guidance.

The 25-year-old has scored once and registered four assists - the most of any player in the squad - whilst laying on more goals for his teammates than any star in the division.

His assists alone highlight the quality he possesses within attacking areas, but such numbers could improve further should Vlahovic make the move to England in the near future.

Whilst he’s already netted six goals in his 11 outings in 2025/26, his underlying stats further highlight why his addition would be perfect for Kudus in the years ahead.

The Serbian, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Luca Toni, has averaged 1.2 shots on target per 90, with 43% of his efforts troubling the opposition ‘keeper.

Such numbers could hugely play into the hands of Kudus, given his assists, but the big-money addition also ranks in the 97th percentile for crosses completed, which would certainly be perfect for Vlahovic.

The Juve star has also won 2.4 aerial duels per 90, with such a figure handing the Dane’s side a needed focal point to play off when they find themselves under pressure.

He’s ranked in the 92nd percentile of all players in Italy for goals scored per 90, with such numbers making him the perfect talisman to complete the Lilywhites’ attack.

It’s unclear if a deal would be completed in January or the summer, but it’s evident that a deal for the 25-year-old would be one that could add a new dimension to the frontline.

If he can strike up a partnership with Kudus, it would also take the latter to the next level and hand Frank’s side a greater chance for added success in the near future.

Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was a divisive figure during his near-25-year tenure as Spurs' head honcho, but a recent transfer revelation could prove that some of the criticism aimed at him might have been wrong.

Daniel Levy leaves behind mixed Tottenham legacy as new era arrives

Levy, who was once the club's key figurehead in making crucial decisions, was forced to resign from his post in September when the Lewis family ultimately decided to usher in a brand-new era at N17.

The 63-year-old once operated with a "vice-like" grip on the Lilywhites when it came to the day-to-day running of Tottenham, but that control eventually weakened due to the growing involvement of Joe Lewis' kids, most notably Vivienne, as Levy's influence gradually diminished behind-the-scenes (Paul O'Keefe).

Now, CEO Vinai Venkatesham heads a new leadership structure which includes new co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici, with the duo set to lead Spurs' recruitment drive following the end of the 'Levy era'.

Tottenham's decision to move on from their former chair left senior Premier League executives "stunned", according to Miguel Delaney, and it is definitely worth looking back on Levy's reign to pick it apart.

Replacing Sir Alan Sugar and taking his seat on the board in 2001, Levy helped to steadily grow Spurs from a mid-table Premier League side into a club with consistent Champions League appearances and ambitions of competing for major trophies.

One of Levy’s most notable accomplishments was overseeing the development and completion of Tottenham’s state-of-the-art new stadium, which opened in 2019.

The iconic venue not only elevated Spurs’ matchday experience, but also positioned the club as a global brand with one of the most impressive grounds in world football. The move was a massive commercial success, boosting revenue streams and providing the infrastructure for sustained growth.

Despite these off-field successes, Levy’s reign was definitely not without controversy.

He frequently faced criticism from fans and pundits alike for what many perceived as a cautious approach to spending in the transfer market. While other top clubs splashed out on marquee signings, Levy's Tottenham often operated with financial prudence, leading to frustrations about a perceived lack of ambition in assembling a squad capable of winning silverware.

This tight control over Tottenham's pursestrings seemed at odds with the club’s on-field aspirations, sparking debates about whether Levy prioritized financial growth over footballing success.

However, was this strictly true?

Tottenham's £337m problem which vindicates Daniel Levy after revelation

As highlighted by GiveMeSport, some of the numbers contradict the narrative.

Right now, Tottenham carry £851 million in financial debt, and owe around £337 million in deferred transfer payments — which is actually the highest combined figure in England.

This £337 million revelation sheds new light on Levy’s reputation for strict spending, potentially suggesting the long-held perception may be somewhat misleading.

For years, Levy had been criticized for being overly cautious in the market, with critics accusing him of reluctance to back managers with big-money signings. However, the reality appears more complex, as Tottenham’s financial commitments tell a different story.

The club’s substantial transfer debt reflects a significant level of investment spread across multiple seasons, balancing the need to strengthen the squad with the off-field pressures of managing one of the Premier League’s most ambitious projects.

That being said, while Levy did start to splash out more on new recruits during the latter years of his tenure, it is clear to see why he did gain a reputation for frugality.

In 2018, much to the bewilderment of Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham became the first Premier League club to make no summer signings since 2003 - when the current transfer window format was introduced - and this definitely didn't help to elevate Levy's standing.

In January 2019, Spurs also became the first Premier League side to go two consecutive windows without bringing in any recruits, with Pochettino somehow guiding them to a Champions League final that year regardless.

Tottenham co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange appear to already be working on the club's recruitment drive in unison, with Thomas Frank and the pair reportedly eyeing a new centre-back.

Spurs transfer plans amid Paratici and Lange appointments

Spurs announced on Wednesday that Paratici has returned to N17 as a sporting director, over two years after he was forced to resign amid his worldwide ban from football.

Paratici's comeback to the club is a major boost for the Lilywhites, with the Italian's extensive contact list and reputation as a fearsome negotiator already paying dividends at Tottenham in the past.

The 53-year-old worked as an advisor to Frank, CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Lange and ex-chairman Daniel Levy over the summer window, but Paratici will now take up an official full-time role once again as he spearheads the club's transfer strategy.

He will work alongside Lange, who's been promoted to the same role, though the pair have very different responsibilities.

Paratici is seen as the dealmaker, tasked with securing high-profile signings and using his influence to get transfers over the line, while Lange is described as the talent spotter who'll work mostly on Tottenham's date-driven recruitment plans, scouting and the academy (Sky Sports).

Amid reports Tottenham want to sign another centre-half in January to back up star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, a report from CaughtOffside suggests that Paratici and Lange have identified an intriguing option.

Tottenham expected to move for Lazio defender Mario Gila

As per their information, that man is Lazio defender Mario Gila.

Tottenham are seriously considering a January move for Gila, with the club emerging as a “serious candidate” to land the defender. His contract at Lazio runs until the summer of 2027, and while the Italians are not in a rush to sell, they value Gila at roughly £39-43 million.

It is claimed that Spurs aren't afraid to meet this price, showing a willingness to pay, with Paratici and Lange expected to make an approach for Gila once the window reopens.

The 25-year-old, who was once a Real Madrid youth player, has attracted serious interest from other Premier League clubs, like Brighton and Bournemouth, who've both held talks with the player's representatives this year.

However, Tottenham’s openness to meeting Lazio’s valuation could give them an edge.

Gila's knack for ball progression, which Frank seriously desires from his backline, is apparently a key reason why Spurs are keen on the Spaniard.

It is also worth noting that Gila has already suggested he's open to offers, expressing his commitment to Lazio last year but also refusing to rule out an exit in the near future.

Just over two and a half years after stepping down from the Sporting Director role, Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham Hotspur to once again oversee operations in North London.

The Italian previously spent two years in the role, before stepping down in April 2023, but looks set to pick up where he left off to help the club in their quest for Premier League glory.

However, this time around, he will be working alongside new boss Thomas Frank, with the Dane needing to strike up a key partnership with the 53-year-old to bring success to the club.

With the transfer window shut until January, the boss won’t get the opportunity to see the fruits of the Italian’s labour for a couple of months, but no doubt work will be ongoing behind the scenes.

Numerous players will likely be lined up by the duo to help strengthen the side after their impressive start to 2025/26, which has seen them lose just once in the first nine outings.

However, this is the dream XI the Sporting Director could build for the Lilywhites over the next couple of months…

The Italian has been Spurs’ number one over the last couple of years, but not without questions from the fanbase over his ability in the role.

However, he’s managed to keep four clean sheets in 2025/26 to date, with faith needing to put in the 29-year-old to keep his number one shirt.

No Spurs fan would’ve anticipated the rise of the full-back in recent months, with the 25-year-old going from the brink of being sold to being a consistent England international.

His rise could see Pedro Porro tumble down the selection in the months ahead, potentially even being sold should Spence’s form continue.

The Dutch international is no ordinary defender, subsequently possessing a huge amount of pace that often gets the backline out of trouble.

His left-footed ability also makes him a rare commodity in the modern game, with the 24-year-old needing to be a regular starter for the foreseeable future.

The second half of the Spurs centre-back partnership is Cristian Romero, with the duo being an unbreakable partnership - one that helped transform the defensive record this season.

The Argentine international has acquired the captain’s armband in recent weeks, further showcasing the trust shown in him by Frank.

Like many players last season, the Italian struggled massively with injuries last season which restricted him from making a huge impact in North London.

However, this season, he’s already featured in eight games across all competitions and has nailed his place down as the club’s first-choice left-back.

The Portuguese international only joined the Lilywhites on loan this summer, but has already wasted no time in impressing - already netting two goals for the club.

His ball-winning ability is another huge positive, with Paratici needing to trigger the buy option in his temporary contract at the end of the campaign.

In years to come, Swedish international Lucas Bergvall may become one of the club’s best-ever purchases after joining for just £8.5m from Djurgarden last summer.

Despite being 19, he’s already racked up over 50 appearances for the club, with the youngster demonstrating talents way beyond his tender years.

The Dutch international was one of two £50m+ additions during the summer window, but has got off to a slow start in North London - only one assist in his first seven outings.

However, sympathy will need to be handed his way, with boss Frank needing to utilise the youngster in a more central role during his time in the Premier League.

Mohammed Kudus has been a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, already hitting the ground running in 2025/26, with one goal and four assists in the league.

At just 25, he has bags of time to develop further, with the Ghanaian likely to play a key role in any future success during Frank’s tenure.

The centre-forward position has been a tricky one for Spurs since Harry Kane’s departure, but that could be solved with a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz.

Thomas Frank has made an impressive start to life as Tottenham Hotspur manager, subsequently only losing one of his first nine competitive matches in the role.

The Dane has already masterminded the Lilywhites to impressive victories over Manchester City and West Ham United - with the defensive unit deserving huge credit for the recent efforts.

Spurs conceded a staggering 65 goals in the Premier League last season, an average of 1.7 per game, which undoubtedly led to the 17th-place finish and Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

In 2025/26, their tally of just five goals conceded in England’s top-flight is the joint second-best in the division, with Frank’s men being a real tricky outfit to break down at present.

However, Fabio Paratici’s return as Sporting Director in North London has already seen attention being directed towards the January window, which is rapidly appearing on the horizon.

Spurs’ hunt for new attackers in January

Whilst the window remains shut for another couple of months, Spurs now look set to draw up plans to further strengthen the first-team squad to aid Frank in the Premier League and Champions League.

It remains to be seen how much money the hierarchy will hand the recruitment team in the upcoming window, after spending upwards of £110m in the summer alone.

However, TBR Football have recently reported that the Lilywhites and Paratici are “extremely keen” on a winter deal to land Bournemouth star man Antoine Semenyo.

They won’t be alone in their pursuit though, with the report also claiming that defending Premier League champions Liverpool are also looking to land the Ghanaian international.

Such an article states that it’s thought the 25-year-old’s deal at the Vitality does have a release clause, but it’s unclear how much it would cost to prise him away from the Cherries mid-season.

Why Spurs’ latest target is even better than Kudus

After taking the reins in the summer transfer window, Frank made a beeline to making reinforcements within the final third to try and make his Spurs side a force to be reckoned with.

Mohammed Kudus arrived in a £55m transfer from West Ham United during such a period, offering the Dane the option he desired off the right-hand side of his attack.

The Ghanaian caused controversy with his transfer across the capital after stating he only wanted to join the Lilywhites during his first interview after his big-money transfer.

However, he’s backed up his huge words, scoring once and registering four goals in his first seven top-flight appearances in Frank’s new look Spurs outfit.

There’s no denying that the former Hammers star has nailed down his place in the starting eleven, but he could be trumped by Semenyo in North London if the winger completes his own move. After all, in the words of former Spurs and England star, Chris Waddle, Semenyo is "the best winger in England right now".

When delving into their respective stats during the early stages of the new season, the Bournemouth talisman has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas.

Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “incredibly unique” by Jamie Redknapp, has posted a higher tally of combined goals contributions to date, along with a better goal per shot on target rate (0.6).

Such numbers highlight the Cherries star’s ability to torment the opposition, whilst also being able to put the finishing touches on any chance that falls his way in dangerous areas.

He’s also averaged more progressive passes per 90 (4.3) and completed more passes into the opposition box per 90 (1.7) - subsequently highlighting his ability to create endless chances for those around him.

The Ghanian’s dominance over his compatriot is further showcased in his higher tally of aerials won per 90 (2.3), with such a figure undoubtedly making him a more all-round threat in forward areas.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Semenyo’s signature would cost the hierarchy in January, but it’s clear they would be landing themselves yet another top-level attacking option.

Given the interest from elsewhere, Paraciti and Co will have to pull out all the stops to avoid missing out on his signature and subsequently preventing a rival from strengthening further.

Tottenham co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange have been told a key signing that Thomas Frank wants to make at N17, with Spurs also having made contact over a France international star.

Paratici and Lange set for Tottenham transfer partnership

On Wednesday, Spurs announced Paratici's long-awaited return to North London, following the Italian's spell as managing director between 2021 and 2023.

Paratici, after being forced into resigning due to a worldwide FIFA ban from football, worked as a consultant/advisor for ex-chair Daniel Levy thereafter, and took up that unofficial role during the summer window to assist Lange, CEO Vinai Venkatesham and Frank.

Once his FIFA ban expired, Paratici was repeatedly tipped to return to Tottenham as a director, but Levy's departure after 25 years did briefly throw the move into doubt (talkSPORT).

Venkatesham eventually decided to appoint Paratici regardless of Levy's exit, with the 53-year-old now partnering Lange as one of Tottenham's two sporting directors.

As explained by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, Lange and Paratici will have two very different roles, with the former overseeing scouting, the academy and data-driven recruitment analysis, while the latter operates as Tottenham's proven 'dealmaker'.

"It's the same job title, but also two different roles," Bridge explained on Sky.

"In terms of Paratici, he'll be trying to bring the players in, senior players.

"He's an influential figure, he will be a big figure in getting the deals done, that's what I think here in terms of Paratici. In terms of Lange, he'll have a focus on the academy, an eye for talent, scouting...one real success, Lucas Bergvall.

"He'll look at performance data, analysis...the message is 'coming together'. Led by Venkatesham and the sporting directors, and head coach, Thomas Frank, it's a collective, that's the message from Tottenham Hotspur."

With Paratici and Lange set to back Frank in separate capacities, it is believed the Spurs boss has made one transfer wish crystal clear.

Frank wants new midfielder at Tottenham after approach for Khephren Thuram

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, via The Boot Room, Frank wants Tottenham to sign a new midfielder.

Despite already boasting Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr in the engine room, midfield misfit Yves Bissouma is out of contract at the end of this season and very likely to leave.

The Mali international, partly due to injury, is yet to make a single competitive appearance under Frank and was left out of both their UEFA Super Cup squad and 22-man Champions League list.

Bissouma clearly doesn't have a long-term future under Frank, with the Dane eager to bring in another player who can potentially replace the African in 2026.

Bailey adds that Tottenham made an approach to sign Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram in the summer, but he's going to be very hard to obtain now, with the Old Lady deeming him "untouchable" alongside Kenan Yildiz after an excellent start to 2025/2026.

With Spurs told to move on from the Frenchman, who's worked his way into Didier Deschamps plans ahead of the World Cup next year, other reports suggest that Rangers star Nicolas Raskin has emerged as a Lilywhites target.

The Belgian is by far their standout player, and Premier League sides are taking note of his exploits, with Raskin's contract also due to expire in under two years.

The 24-year-old would cost around £20-25 million to prise away from Ibrox — a surely doable price for Paratici and Lange — with a bid in and around that mark poised to make Raskin the Gers' biggest ever sale.

Whether they go for Raskin or reach out for Thuram again, Frank personally wants to add another midfield technician to his ranks next year.

After joining Tottenham Hotspur as a 15-year-old, very few people would have heard of Harry Kane, but nearly two decades on, he’s now one of the most talked-about talismen in world football.

He emerged through the youth system in North London, before nailing down his place in the first team squad and subsequently breaking a whole host of long-standing club records.

There’s no doubt that the most impressive is his tally of 280 goals for the Lilywhites - a figure that makes him the highest goalscorer in the club’s 143-year history.

However, he’s since moved to Bayern Munich and carried over his incredible record to Germany, netting 103 goals in his 106 outings across all competitions after his £82m transfer in 2023.

Everyone knows Kane for his remarkable efforts in front of goal in the present day, but many aren’t aware of his tremendous rise as a youngster, which has led him to his world-class status.

Harry Kane’s youth record at Tottenham

Unlike a lot of footballers in the present day, Kane’s journey to stardom was not a straightforward one, with numerous bumps and transitions appearing throughout his journey to professional success.

He once played for bitter rivals Arsenal as a youngster, but was released by the Gunners for being “too chubby” - but he was given a golden opportunity to further his career by Spurs at 15.

His rise was rapid for the Lilywhites, earning a scholarship just a year after his arrival - a feat that is often unheard of given the sheer competition for a career in professional football.

However, his success was all the more remarkable considering he transitioned into a centre-forward from his original central midfield role, but such a decision would prove to be an immediate success.

Tangible success was seen as a result in his first year at U18 level, as Kane netted a phenomenal return of 18 goals in just 22 outings, which in turn led to his first appearance in a first-team matchday squad in 2009/10.

There’s been no looking back for the England international since, but who will be the next player to make a name for themselves out of the Lilywhites’ impressive academy setup?

The player who could be the next Kane for Spurs

After the return of Fabio Paratici at Spurs this week, it would be a surprise to no one if the Italian tried to delve into the market to land a new talisman in the months ahead.

Richarlison has shown early glimpses of promise over recent months, scoring three times in the Premier League, but he’s struggled to meet the expectations demanded on him by Thomas Frank in recent weeks.

The Brazilian is now without a goal in his last four outings, with fellow striker Dominic Solanke also unable to make the desired effect due to his constant struggles with his ankle.

The aforementioned duo have cost the club upwards of £115m combined, but ultimately have failed to deliver the goods on a constant basis - with Paratici needing to rectify such business.

He could easily save the club millions in the years ahead should he put trust and faith in academy star Ashiah Haughton-Sinclair, with the teenager a player with a huge future in North London.

At just 14, it may appear as though he will have to wait a while for his first-team opportunity, but there’s no reason why he can’t force himself into the reckoning, given his staggering record.

It’s been claimed that the teenager has already racked up over 400 goals at various academy levels, with his name now one of the biggest talking points behind the scenes in North London.

He’s been featuring above his age group for the last few seasons, with Haughton-Sinclair often featuring for the U15 and U16 sides during the early months of 2025/26.

Last season alone, he netted 65 goals, but he’s continued his incredible goalscoring feats this time around, already finding the back of the net on 30 separate occasions.

He’s also laid on ten assists for his teenage teammates, taking his tally to 40 combined goal contributions - a simply remarkable feat given it’s only October.

As a result of his tremendous form, Haughton-Sinclair was recently named in the England U15 squad, capping off what has been a sensational few months for the youngster.

There’s little denying that he has a long way to go before making his mark in the professional game, but he’s already been handed a scholarship two years ahead of schedule, which highlights the faith shown in him by the club.

Should he continue on his current development path, there’s no reason why he can’t be the next big star to emerge out of the Lilywhites academy and potentially reach the levels achieved by Kane.