Football FanCast

Tottenham are making plans to sign a new striker in 2026 amid concerns surrounding Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, with the Lewis family's recent £100 million cash injection potentially about to be reinvested into the transfer market.

Tottenham dealt Solanke and Richarlison worries as new striker targeted

Solanke is expected back soon after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle problem, but the England international's goalscoring proficiency has been marred by fitness issues since his club-record £65 million move from Bournemouth last year.

The striker missed over 12 games last season with a combination of thigh, knee and ankle issues, with Solanke already sitting out eight matches this term and hasn't managed to play more than 20 minutes in a single one of his appearances under Thomas Frank.

Understandably, some supporters have grown slightly frustrated by Solanke's lack of availability, even if he finished 24/25 as their second-top scorer in all competitions behind Brennan Johnson with 16 goals.

Richarlison, meanwhile, got off to a flying start this season with a brace against Burnley on the opening Premier League weekend, including a sensational bicycle kick and early goal of the season contender, but the Brazilian has largely failed to convince on-lookers since then.

“Richarlison for me, big money, £60 million he cost. He started the season on fire, two goals against Burnley, then scored a tap-in against Brighton,” pundit Gabrile Agbonlahor told talkSPORT recently.

“Then you’re like, this could be the season Richarlison kicks on and becomes the main man, but the same thing happens season after season with Richarlison.

“He will have a couple of good games, he’ll have three or four games where he will give absolutely zero, and if he’s leading your line, with Solanke’s injury problems, that’s a scare for me for Spurs.”

Taking this into account, Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the new-look Lilywhites board have already been linked with a few intriguing centre-forward targets.

Frank has reportedly reached out to Ivan Toney over a potential loan move to Tottenham in January, coming after the Englishman dazzled under him at Brentford with 20 Premier League goals in 2022/2023.

As Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic's contract ticks down towards expiry next summer, Spurs have also been touted with a swoop for the Serbian.

Vlahovic could replace Kolo Muani after Tottenham approach made

Reports suggest that Vlahovic's camp have spoken to Tottenham as they reach out to various suitors, and Italian news outlet Sport Quotidiano now have an update on the 25-year-old's situation.

They claim that Tottenham have "tested the waters" for Vlahovic, suggesting an approach has been made, and the ex-Fiorentina star could even replace summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, who's only on a dry loan from PSG and yet to establish himself due to injury.

Quotidiano adds that Vlahovic, who they claim earns around £202,000-per-week, is "increasingly likely" to depart Turin with no fresh terms in sight.

The international hitman is poised to become one of next year's most in-demand free agents at the very least, if Juve don't opt to sell him for a cheap fee in the winter.

The number nine boasts a fairly impressive track record, consistently finding the back of the net in Serie A with Fiorentina and Juventus — scoring at least 14 goals in every season since his breakthrough campaign at La Viola in 2020/2021.

Tottenham have struggled at times to convert chances, lacking a reliable, clinical finisher to lead the line amid Solanke and Richarlison's problems.

Vlahovic’s attacking record in one of Europe’s toughest leagues speaks volumes, and his physical presence adds another dimension too.

It's generally felt across the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase that Thomas Frank has made a solid start to life at the helm.

Contextualising the Danish tactician's early months in the hot seat: Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League last season, malfunctioned under Ange Postecoglou. Still, they won the Europa League and salvaged a pathway into the Champions League, but all was not well, and Ange probably did need to leave.

Tottenham are more stable under Frank's wing. Gone is the fevered energy that the previous system was defined by, with a smoother and calmer approach in its place.

This, however, has had offensive ramifications. The Londoners are third in the Premier League after seven matches, 13 points on the board. They have scored 13 goals, but boast an xG (expected goals) total that leaves plenty to be desired.

Still, context. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, two key sources of creativity, have not touched a blade of grass this season as they recover from injuries.

Using this statistical thread, we can observe the biggest winners and losers from the early months of the Lilywhites' campaign.

Biggest winners & losers of Frank's tenure so far

Maddison and Kulusevski aside, who are losers in that they are incapacitated, there have been plenty of differing fortunes down N17 this season.

To a lesser degree, Dominic Solanke has also been beset with injury issues this term. Arriving from Bournemouth for an initial £55m fee in 2024, the striker has struggled for consistency ever since his arrival, regarding both form and fitness.

After joining Tottenham on a permanent basis this summer, having spent the second half of last term on loan, Mathys Tel is struggling to find his footing, although the versatile French forward scored before the international break and has bundles of ability. He has started only two top-flight fixtures and was excluded from the club's Champions League squad.

However, Mohammed Kudus has been flying since making a cross-London switch from West Ham United. The snappy winger, 25, has one goal and four assists across seven Premier League outings thus far. Squawka confirm he has attempted (57) and completed (30) more dribbles than any other player in the division.

Plenty of promise across the frontline. Defensively, Tottenham look stronger too. In midfield, loanee Joao Palhinha has made a strong start, and Sky Germany suggest a permanent deal with Bayern Munich could be struck before long.

However, the fact remains that Spurs need more impetus up top, and there's one forward who might have scored a few since the summer, but could be on borrowed time all the same.

Spurs forward is already on borrowed time

With Solanke's fitness levels failing him and Tel yet to earn Frank's trust on the big occasions, Richarlison has been the focal frontman at Tottenham this season.

The opening weeks of the season promised much, but Richarlison has struggled to impress over the past month; the goals have dried up and, as per Sofascore, he has averaged only six passes per match in the Premier League.

TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor even acknowledged the Brazilian was "on fire" in front of goal at the start of the campaign, with a brace on the opening day against Brighton & Hove Albion, but that one goal from nine appearances since underlines the issues with the 28-year-old leading the line.

While Agbonlahor's comments might be somewhat incendiary, there's a truth underlying the argument. Richarlison is a fierce striker on his day, and is more than capable of stringing together a purple patch, but consistency across the span of a season has long been his enemy, and is something he has yet to demonstrate at Tottenham.

"The same thing happens season after season with Richarlison. He will have a couple of good games, he’ll have three or four games where he will give absolutely zero, and if he’s leading your line, with Solanke’s injury problems, that’s a scare for me for Spurs."

Given that he cost such a hefty sum when moving from Everton in 2022 for £60m, there's a sense Richarlison may indeed be on 'borrowed time', especially since the board were open to cashing in this summer, with a return to Everton mooted before David Moyes' side explored other options.

At the start of the season, the fearsome forward had his manager's trust; however, having been benched during the win at Leeds United before the break, it's fair to suggest that mindset might have shifted.

Richarlison has entered the penultimate year of his £90k-per-week contract at Tottenham, and given the obvious need for something more in attack, it's not out of the question that he will be sold before his deal in north London expires.

Whether this enacts sustainable and positive growth in the final third for Tottenham remains to be seen, but Frank is a manager worth his salt, and while he has publically named Richarlison among his most trusted lieutenants at number nine, it's likely he harbours tacit uncertainties around his ability and how this will affect Tottenham as they look to build on last year's success and challenge both domestically and out on the continent.

Across 101 matches for Tottenham, Richarlison has posted 23 goals and 11 assists. This isn't good enough to warrant a prominent position at the front, and Frank and co are likely to move for a new centre-forward with a more impressive track record in front of goal to keep the momentum moving forward and take this team to an even higher sphere.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has led the Lilywhites to a pretty promising start so far this season, but one internal decision has sparked some debate.

Thomas Frank averaging close to 2 points per game at Spurs

Following their gritty 2-1 win over Leeds United just prior to the international break, Frank has averaged close to 2 points per game over his first 11 games at Spurs so far.

Ex-chairman Daniel Levy's controversial decision to axe former boss Ange Postecoglou, who guided them to their first major trophy in 17 years last season, looks vindicated as the Australian endures a torrid time at new side Nottingham Forest.

As Postecoglou struggles to chalk up his first Forest win after replacing Nuno Espírito Santo, with reports suggesting that Tricky Trees owner Evangelos Marinakis is considering his unceremonious sacking already, Frank's tenure in North London has been very positive by contrast.

While some concerns surrounded their performances against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, with Tottenham rescuing dramatic draws against the two teams they were expected to beat comfortably, Frank has certainly solidified what was a fragile-looking Spurs side.

Only Premier League leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace over the first top flight games of 25/26, and Spurs' performance at Leeds was built upon their newly-found resilience as a unit.

Tottenham ended the Yorkshire side's year-long unbeaten run at home in the league by overcoming Daniel Farke and co at Elland Road, whilst also ending their torrid record of seven consecutive defeats in games just before an international break.

Frank is undoubtedly making his mark at N17, with the Dane also deciding his leadership group to spearhead Spurs through a long campaign where they'll be competing on multiple fronts.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who have been called one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football, are among the chosen leaders, with long-serving defender Ben Davies, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison making up rest of the five.

However, pundit John Wenham has been left shocked by a key omission from the group.

Pundit "surprised" by key Thomas Frank decision at Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham believes that right-back Pedro Porro should be in there.

The Spaniard, who's played the fifth most league minutes out of any Tottenham player under Frank, has also made more clearances per 90 on average than all of his teammates in the top flight this season (WhoScored).

The 26-year-old has attracted criticism at times, but he was a solid candidate for the leadership group, with Wenham left "surprised" by Frank's decision not to include Porro given the defender was captained for the very first time against Doncaster Rovers.

“I was slightly surprised that Porro was omitted from the leadership team,” Wenham said.

“He had captained Tottenham, I think it was against Doncaster, and then the announcement was literally a week later, when he wasn’t in a group of five.

“Joao Palhinha naturally is a leader, and he’s only on loan, so it’d be a bit of a disappointment, maybe to the other players that are permanently here, if he came in and was instantly part of that. But I think he knows that he’s a leader already.

“The other one is probably quite disappointed, is Rodrigo Bentancur. Looking at his age and where he is in his career, but he can’t have otherwise, we’d just say we’ve got a leadership team and it consists of nine players or something. It’s madness.”

The former Sporting CP star, who was originally signed to slot into former boss Antonio Conte's wing-back system, has gone on to make 116 appearances in all competitions.

His flair as an attack-minded full-back has seen Porro rack up 22 total assists for the club, including a sumptuous cross for van de Ven to head home against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League most recently — which eventually helped to prevent a humbling defeat in Norway.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race for a "fantastic" midfielder, as they believe he would be a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Spurs looking to sign new midfielder amid Bissouma uncertainty

Yves Bissouma was widely expected to leave Tottenham during the summer transfer window, given the central midfielder's well-documented fall-out with Thomas Frank, but the Malian ultimately remained at N17 following an injury blow.

Since then, Bissouma has managed to return to action, but he was recently stretchered off after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge during Mali's 4-1 victory over Madagascar in World Cup qualifying.

It remains to be seen whether the north Londoners are able to get the midfielder off the books in the January transfer window, but it doesn't seem like he stands much chance of getting back in the side, given the fantastic start Joao Palhinha has made.

With an average SofaScore match rating of 7.21 in the Premier League, Palhinha is ranked as Spurs' joint-second best-performing player so far this season, which suggests bringing in a new defensive midfielder will not be necessary anytime soon.

However, Tottenham have now joined the race for a central midfielder, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have taken an interest in FC Porto's Victor Froholdt, who is also being targeted by Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Atletico Madrid.

The Lilywhites believe Froholdt's energy and physical attributes mean he is perfect for the Premier League, and with Porto open to offers, a move could be possible in 2026, although any deal is likely to be on the expensive side.

The Portuguese club are looking to receive a fee of around €50m - €60m (£43m - £52m), with the race for the midfielder's signature heating up following several scouting missions.

"Fantastic" Froholdt impressing for club and country

The Danish maestro, who is represented by the same agent as Frank, only arrived at FC Porto in the summer, joining from FC Copenhagen, but scout Jacek Kulig has been left very impressed by the way he has adjusted to life in the Liga Portugal.

Not only has the 19-year-old caught the eye for Porto, but he has also impressed for Denmark in the current international break, chipping in with one goal and two assists across games against Belarus and Greece.

It is still very early days for Froholdt, with the youngster yet to prove himself in a major European league, but if he continues to develop at his current rate, Tottenham should undoubtedly consider a move in 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong start to life with Thomas Frank as their new head coach since they brought him in from Brentford in the summer.

The Danish tactician was snapped up after Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a dismal 17th-placed finish in the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign.

Postecoglou, of course, won the Europa League with Spurs, beating Manchester United in the final, but his team's performances in the top-flight were not good enough.

Frank was then brought in from Brentford to improve the team, particularly defensively, and the early signs are that he has done exactly that in North London.

As you can see in the table above, Spurs have been significantly better defensively in the first seven matches of this season than they were last term under Postecoglou, conceding less than a goal per game on average.

Frank has done a terrific job so far since his move to North London at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and several players have starred under him this term.

Ranking Tottenham's best performers this season

It would be hard to look past Joao Palhinha when looking at the best performers on the pitch, as he has excelled since his move to the club on loan from Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

The Portugal international has won 64% of his duels, made 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game, and scored two goals in the Premier League, per Sofascore, in his seven appearances in the division.

These statistics show that the defensive midfielder has been incredibly reliable defensively, hence why Spurs are conceding less than a goal a game on average, whilst also carrying a threat in front of goal.

As you can see in the table above, Richarlison also stands out in the Premier League for Spurs this season, outperforming his xG of 1.63 to score three goals.

With Palhinha in first place and Richarlison in second place for top performers at the club this season, Vicario may take last place on the podium.

The Italy international has prevented 2.84 goals in seven appearances, per Sofascore, which makes him the second-best shot-stopper in the Premier League, only behind Dean Henderson (2.89). This shows that his performances have been crucial to Tottenham's defensive record, saving the team with his fantastic shot-stopping skills.

Palhinha, Richarlison, and Vicario, for varying reasons, could be considered the top three performers for Spurs this season, but there have been other stars for Frank.

For example, the Lilywhites appear to have hit the jackpot with the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, as the forward has been an instant success in North London.

Why Spurs have hit the jackpot with Mohammed Kudus

The left-footed star has not quite had the consistency in his performances to make it into our top three performers for Spurs ahead of the aforementioned players, but he has shown several flashes of real quality.

Kudus has lost possession 19 times per game on average in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which suggests that he needs to improve his reliability and efficiency with the ball at his feet.

The 25-year-old star, who was signed from West Ham for £55m, has also only scored one goal and missed three 'big chances' in the top-flight, which further speaks to his need to improve his efficiency.

Moving away from the areas for improvement, Kudus' dribbling skills and his creativity on the right wing show that Spurs have already hit the jackpot with this big-money signing.

The former Ajax wizard, who was dubbed a "dribbling demon" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, currently leads the club in dribbles (30), chances created (13), and assists (four) in the Premier League this season, which shows that he has hit the ground running as a key player for Frank.

As you can see in the table above, Kudus also ranks at the top of the entire division for dribbles completed and assists among wingers in the 2025/26 campaign, further illustrating how effective he has been in those two aspects of his performances.

Such has been the impressive nature of his displays for Spurs, the former West Ham winger was compared to former Tottenham star Mousa Dembele by football.london journalist Alasdair Gold.

The reporter wrote: "There's a more advanced and goal-threatening Mousa Dembele vibe to Kudus with his ability to twist and turn with the ball at his feet. He's going to become a Spurs star because there's even more to come."

Dembele was, of course, known for his ability to turn away from players under pressure in a central midfield position, which made him a joy to watch at times with the way that he evaded opposition challenges.

Kudus, as shown by his exceptional dribbling numbers, has the ability on the ball to get fans off their seats in the same way that the Belgian star did, whilst also delivering five goal contributions in seven matches in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, Tottenham have already hit the jackpot with this 25-year-old Dembele-esque star, who still has more gears to find if he can improve his efficiency on the ball and as a goalscorer.

Tottenham Hotspur swooped to appoint Thomas Frank as their new head coach ahead of the summer transfer window after they opted to remove Ange Postecoglou from his post.

The Australian manager won the Europa League at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, beating Manchester United in the final, but that was not enough for him to save his job.

Daniel Levy, who has since moved on from his role as chairman, parted ways with Postecoglou and snapped Frank up from Brentford, where he had won promotion to the Premier League and established the Bees in the division.

Four wins, two draws, and one defeat in the first seven matches of the top-flight campaign suggest that Spurs made a good decision when they changed managers this summer.

In his unveiling, the club's official website noted that one of the reasons why Frank landed the job was that he has a proven track record in developing players.

Tottenham will now be hoping that he can work wonders with the plethora of talented young players at his disposal in North London, as he did with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa at Brentford.

Ranking Tottenham's most valuable U21 players

Whilst Frank could develop players of any age, the powers that be at Spurs may hope that he can develop the U21 players at the club to help them grow in value.

Tottenham have a rich history of developing and selling players. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, both sold to Real Madrid, are notable examples, whilst Harry Kane came through the youth ranks before moving on to Bayern Munich in 2023 as the club's all-time record goalscorer.

The Lilywhites may not have their next Kane in the making at the club at the moment, but they do have several impressive young stars who could have bright futures under an outstanding coach like Frank.

Spurs have four players aged 21 or under in their squad who are currently valued at £17m or more by Transfermarkt, which shows that several impressive young talents are waiting to explode in North London.

As you can see in the table above, Lucas Bergvall is the joint-most valuable U21 player in the squad, and he has emerged as an early favourite under Frank.

The Sweden international has started four of his six appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist, which shows that the manager has taken a liking to him.

Spurs will be hoping that Bergvall benefits from this exposure to regular starts in the top-flight to emerge as a star for Frank in the middle of the park.

Archie Gray is currently valued at £33m, the same as the Swedish starlet, but he has only made two appearances and started once in the Premier League so far this season.

Whilst Bergvall is seemingly Frank's favourite U21 player at the club at the moment, the England U21 international has the potential to develop into a Bukayo Saka-esque talent for Tottenham if he gets more game time in his favoured position.

How Archie Gray can become Tottenham's Bukayo Saka

At the start of Saka's Arsenal career, Mikel Arteta played the English star at left-back 21 times, in central midfield five times, and at left midfield 29 times, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the left-footed youngster had to play in several roles before nailing down a regular spot in his favoured position on the right flank, where he has scored 47 goals and provided 40 assists in 137 starts.

Gray has suffered through his versatility throughout his senior career to date. 30 of his 49 starts for Leeds came at right-back. 34 of his appearances for Spurs have come at right-back, centre-back, or left-back. Meanwhile, he has started just 13 matches as a central midfielder, his favoured role, in that time, per Transfermarkt.

Gray finally had the chance to play in central midfield for England's U21s against Moldova last week and caught the eye with an impressive and well-rounded display in the middle of the park.

As you can see in the table above, the 19-year-old star put in a sublime performance in and out of possession, as he was effective as a passer and a dribbler, whilst also being almost perfect defensively.

This shows that he has the potential to deliver quality displays as a midfielder, despite playing so many other positions ahead of his best one at senior level to date.

Gray, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed was "born to play football", could realise his potential at Tottenham if Frank plays him in his best role for an extended run of matches.

Analyst Ben Mattinson once claimed that the England U21 international is a "future £100m CM", and it is not a crazy prediction when you consider that he is currently valued at £33m, having barely played in his natural position.

Gray has 30 matches of Premier League experience under his belt and has won the Europa League with Spurs, but the next step is for him to nail down a regular spot in the XI in the middle of the park.

Frank could, then, unearth his own Saka-type player as the former Leeds starlet could follow in the Arsenal superstar's footsteps by transitioning from playing out of position at full-back to being a star in his natural position.

Tottenham Hotspur are now battling north London rivals Arsenal for the signature of a young French defender who has a "rare quality".

Spurs looking defensively solid since Frank's arrival

Despite leading Tottenham to Europa League glory, Ange Postecoglou received widespread criticism for his inability to make his side defensively sound, conceding a whopping 65 goals in the Premier League alone last season, which resulted in a 17th-place finish.

Since Thomas Frank's arrival, however, Spurs have looked much more solid at the back, according to former midfielder Danny Murphy, who said: "He’s fixing the main problem that Tottenham had last year, which is why they finished 17th. They conceded so many goals and they were wide open.

"He’s gone in there and gone, ‘We’re going to be better defensively, first and foremost, and we’ll sacrifice the looking great and creativity for a little while."

It has been an impressive start to the season for Frank's side, having collected 14 points from their opening seven games, and their improved defensive record suggests the Dane may not need to bolster his options at the back anytime soon.

However, according to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham have now joined the race for a new centre-back, namely FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, who is also being targeted by Arsenal, and a number of Europe's top clubs.

Tati is a versatile player, also capable of slotting in at left-back and defensive midfield, and he has caught the eye of Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool, with scouts being sent to watch the 17-year-old in action.

Born in Paris' eastern suburbs around 11km from the birthplace of current French sensation William Saliba, if the teenager is able to continue his current rate of development, there is a feeling he could be ready to move to a Champions League side in 2026.

Tati has one "rare quality" that sets him apart

The French youngster has emerged as a key first-team player for Nantes this season, which is no mean feat at just 17, and Stéphane Ziani, director of the training centre, believes the starlet has one key strength that sets him apart.

Ziani said: "Tylel has this rare quality of reading the game before the others. And he has a good head on his shoulders."

Perhaps the youngster's most impressive performance to date came in a 1-0 defeat against Strasbourg back in August, winning every duel he contested and making a number of other important defensive contributions.

Tati is clearly a very talented young player, but signing a new centre-back should not be Tottenham's priority heading into the January transfer window, given their improved defensive performances since Frank's arrival.

Just five days after the transfer window slammed shut the shock news emerged from Tottenham Hotspur that Daniel Levy would be leaving the club.

It's the end of an era and whatever you say about the former chairman's stint at Spurs, he did deliver success. Under his watch, a remarkably impressive new stadium was built, they reached a Champions League final and won the Europa League. Not bad, really, eh?

Sadly, the Lilywhites have largely always been the bridesmaid rather than the bride. They've failed to soar to the next level but under Thomas Frank they will hope things change.

Perhaps a big £100m investment could help? Last week, it was announced that ENIC, which, before this transaction, owned nearly 86.91% of Spurs, have provided £100m in new funding to Spurs. The sum has been provided to ENIC via the Lewis family trust which did own 70% of ENIC and 61% of Spurs.

Essentially, ENIC have provided the cash in exchange for shares, increasing its ownership stake in the club, increasing its percentage in Tottenham Hotspur to 87.62%.

The Athletic understand that the £100m may not be added to a transfer war chest, but extra investment can't he a hindrance. Perhaps there will be some extra room for manoeuvre in the transfer window anyway.

Will a Harry Kane return come about as a result?

Could Harry Kane return to Spurs?

When Kane left north London behind in August 2023, he did so with the blessing of the fanbase.

The club could not provide him with the silverware he craved and so he departed for Bayern Munich having scored 280 times in 435 outings, making him the club's all-time record goalscorer.

Since heading to Germany, he has taken his game to a whole new level and is now in the conversation to win the Ballon d'Or next year, currently ranking as the fourth favourite to take home the award.

Why? Well, the England skipper has been in remarkable form during 2025/26. He has scored a mind-boggling 18 goals in just ten fixtures, cementing himself as the most prolific forward on the planet.

Despite that, there is a hope that one day he will return to Spurs. Reports in recent months have suggested that they were ready to launch a bid to re-sign their former striker if given encouragement by the player.

Kane's currrent deal in Germany ends in 2027 and there is a release clause of £56.7m that could reportedly be activated next summer.

Sadly for Spurs supporters, the player could look to extend his terms. Speaking to the press last week, the centre forward commented: "In terms of staying longer I could definitely see that. I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet but if they were to arise I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation."

It's safe to say Frank could certainly do with Kane. While the former Brentford boss has made Spurs look like a more organised and defensively sound outfit, they are struggling to score goals.

Four players hold the honour of being the club's top scorer this term, with Joao Palhinha, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison and Micky van de Ven all level on three. That rather says it all, really.

That being said, by the time Kane's deal at Bayern ends, he will be 34. Younger legs will be required.

The Harry Kane alternative Spurs must sign

Bringing back their record scorer to the club would be an incredible way for ENIC to begin the post-Levy era but it's perhaps not the smartest use of their funds.

A striker will likely be signed within the next year but they must not neglect the flanks either. That's where Bournemouth talisman, Antoine Semenyo, comes in.

Far-fetched? Quite possibly, but reports emerged last week indicating that Spurs were preparing a move to sign the winger in January, with Frank allegedly making it clear that he is "the perfect fit" for his team.

Few would find a reason not to sign Semenyo in 2026. Erling Haaland aside, he has been the best player in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and registering three assists in his seven outings to date.

The wide forward has taken his game to a whole new level. In 2024/25, he exited the campaign having scored 13, 11 of which came in the league. He's currently on course to obliterate that record, rubberstamping precisely why every top side in the division, Spurs included, should be looking to sign him next year.

In the words of former Spurs and England star, Chris Waddle, Semenyo is now "definitely the best winger in England right now".

Predominantly preferred off the right flank, Mohammed Kudus may not be too pleased about this signing but the summer arrival has the skillset to play off the left and through the middle too.

One has to say; the thought of Kudus, Spurs' "player of the season" in the words of reporter Alasdair Gold, linking up with Semenyo is a scary thought indeed.

It would, of course, be scary to see him linking up with Kane but that feels like a pipe dream right now. Semenyo is certainly more realistic and he could use Kudus' marvellous creativity to take him to even greater heights.

Both representing Ghana at international level, there is a pre-existing relationship there both on and off the field.

Kane is every supporter's dream but Semenyo would be an incredible signing. There is a reason both Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in his services.

Tottenham Hotspur return to action at the end of this week with a clash against Aston Villa at home in the Premier League after the international break.

The Lilywhites are currently third in the table, with one loss in seven matches, and Thomas Frank will be hoping that his team continues to thrive in the top-flight.

He may, however, look for more from certain players in the coming weeks. Xavi Simons, for example, is yet to score a goal since his move from RB Leipzig in the summer.

The Netherlands international, as shown in the graphic below, hit double figures for goals in the 2024/25 campaign for the German outfit before his move to England.

These statistics suggest that there is more to come from the attacking midfielder, who played in a central midfield role against Leeds United last time out, as a goalscoring threat.

Frank needs the Dutchman to step up with more goals and assists this season because the Danish tactician will be without James Maddison for some time yet.

Why James Maddison's injury is a big blow for Spurs

The England international suffered an ACL injury in pre-season and is set to be out for the majority of this season. He recently revealed that his target is to return before the end of the campaign.

This means that the former Leicester and Norwich star will not be available for selection to Frank until near the end of the season at the earliest, which is a big blow because of the quality that he can provide at Premier League level.

Maddison, who has 107 goals and assists in his top-flight career (Transfermarkt), ended the 2024/25 league campaign with a return of nine goals and seven assists in 21 starts for Spurs.

The English attacking midfielder proved that he is worthy of wearing the number ten shirt for Tottenham with his performances in the Premier League, with a consistent stream of goals and assists at the top end of the pitch.

As you can see in the table above, Maddison ranked as one of the most effective attacking midfielders in the Premier League last season when it came to scoring and creating goals per 90.

The likes of Rafa van der Vaart, Harry Kane, Robbie Keane, Teddy Sheringham, and Glenn Hoddle all donned the number ten shirt before the Spurs star inherited it from Kane in the summer of 2023.

Maddison's impact at the top end of the pitch, with goals and assists, shows that he is worthy of being a number ten for the club, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to get back to his best after an ACL injury.

If the England international does not get back to his best in an attacking midfield role for Spurs, that number ten shirt could be up for grabs in the not-too-distant future.

Whilst some may look to Xavi Simons as a potential successor to Maddison's number ten shirt, there is an exciting young star in the academy system who could steal the number ten from the vice-captain.

Luca Williams-Barnett made his first-team debut for Tottenham off the bench against Doncaster in the League Cup earlier this season, and could have a bright future in North London.

Why Luca Williams-Barnett can steal the number ten shirt for Spurs

Per Transfermarkt, the 17-year-old starlet has worn the number ten shirt for Spurs at U18, U19, and U21 level so far, which shows that he is a fan of the number.

This suggests that his dream would be to wear the number ten shirt for Tottenham at first-team level in the future, but he currently has Maddison in his way and will need to emerge as a star for Frank's team to have a shot at claiming it.

Williams-Barnett's form for the club's academy so far this season suggests that he is well on his way to breaking into the senior side, which would then put him into contention to steal that shirt number.

The teenage talent, who was hailed as "special" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored eight goals and provided five assists in ten appearances in all competitions this season, per Transfermarkt, which includes a three-minute appearance for the first-team.

Williams-Barnett, typically deployed as an attacking midfielder, has delivered consistent performances at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals in his number ten role.

As you can see in the table above, the 17-year-old starlet's form since the start of last season has been breathtaking, with a goal or an assist every hour or so on average.

Not only is Williams-Barnett an output machine who can score and create goals at an exceptional rate, but the Spurs sensation also "scores bangers", per analyst Ben Mattinson on X.

That comment from Mattinson is backed up by the two goals from the attacking midfielder in the video above, as it shows that he is an effective finisher from range.

However, it is now down to Williams-Barnett to prove that he can score and create goals at an impressive rate for the senior team, as he has done at U18, U19, and U21 level so far.

If Frank provides the England U18 international with a chance to play regular minutes for the first-team, the impressive attacking midfielder may just steal Maddison's number ten shirt in the future.

A "world-class" forward is now a top attacking target for Tottenham Hotspur, alongside AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Spurs vying to sign Son Heung-min replacement

Son Heung-min has proven he still has plenty left to give since making the move to LAFC in the summer, with the South Korean picking up eight goals and three assists in his opening nine MLS games, so Tottenham may be ruing the decision to sanction a sale.

Initially, Xavi Simons featured at left-wing in Son's place, but the Dutchman has since moved into a more central role, with Wilson Odobert being given the nod against Leeds United, but the young Frenchman is still yet to register a Premier League goal contribution this term.

On the opposite flank, Mohammed Kudus has made a more impressive start, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Leeds, but Thomas Frank may feel he is a little light on top-quality options on the left.

As such, it is no doubt exciting news that Spurs are preparing a January move for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with Frank of the belief the 25-year-old would be the "perfect fit" in his squad.

With nine goal contributions to his name in the Premier League already this season, a move to a Champions League club could provide the platform for Semenyo to become one of the best wingers in the world.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Semenyo is one of Tottenham's top targets to replace Son, but so is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, with the north Londoners expected to spend a significant amount of money on a new left-winger.

Spurs came close to signing Lookman in the summer, at which point he was valued at £43m, but the deal fell through, as the Italian club were unwilling to sanction a loan move and wanted a permanent sale.

Since then, however, the forward has worked his way back into first-team contention, starting against FC Como last time out, and the Nigerian's previous exploits suggest he could be a fantastic addition to Frank's squad...

"World-class" Semenyo could flourish at N17

BBC reporter John Bennett hailed the Atalanta forward in light of his remarkable performances across 2024, perhaps most notably scoring a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League to lead his side to victory against Bayer Leverkusen.

Since leaving England for Italy, the London-born attacker has also maintained a very impressive goal and assist record in the Serie A.

There may be some concerns over the fact Lookman hasn't set the world alight in England in the past, scoring just four goals in 48 games for Everton, but he has clearly developed since then, and at 27-years-old, the ex-Fulham man may now be in his prime.