The Boy Hotspur

Thomas Frank’s position as Tottenham Hotspur manager is under significant pressure following a dismal run of form, particularly after the 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on January 17, 2026. In that match, Spurs conceded a last-gasp winner to Callum Wilson, leading to toxic scenes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where significant sections of fans booed Frank off the pitch and chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning.”

This came after eight defeats in their last 14 Premier League games, leaving the team struggling in the bottom half of the table. One only has to look at the data as displayed here by Sky Sports to see the size of the task ahead of Frank.

Multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail and others, report that the board is weighing up his future following the “toxic atmosphere” against West Ham, with some describing it as a point where the hierarchy is seriously considering dismissal after just seven months in charge.

Sami Mokbel of the BBC posted the morning on X:

“Thomas Frank losing internal support at Tottenham as the club considers calling time on his seven-month reign. At least one club executive has actively recommended his dismissal.”

Transitional period

The ownership (including the Lewis family) and CEO Vinai Venkatesham (who has experience supporting Mikel Arteta through tough times at Arsenal) appear to want to break Tottenham’s cycle of frequent managerial sackings.

There is an internal acknowledgement that Frank inherited a squad far from Champions League-ready, with ongoing cultural and structural changes at the club (e.g., recent appointments like John Heitinga as assistant and shifts in the sporting director role).

Articles from The Telegraph and others emphasise that while pressure is mounting, the board still backs him for now, viewing this as a transitional period.

Frank himself remained defiant in his post-match comments, insisting results will improve and highlighting positive aspects from Venkatesham’s open letter to fans (which called for patience but notably avoided direct mention of the manager).

The mood is dire—fans protested before the West Ham game, and the defeat has amplified calls for change—but no decision has been announced as of today (January 18, 2026). If form doesn’t turn quickly, especially with upcoming fixtures, his seven-month tenure could indeed be nearing its end.

This saga feels all too “Tottenham”, with high expectations, rapid toxicity, and board hesitation.

Spurs versus West Ham sees us sat in 14th place in the Premier League table. We’ve won just two of our ten league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, ranking us near the bottom for home form in the division.

We’ve been winless in 2026 so far, including a recent FA Cup exit to Aston Villa and a 3-2 league defeat to Bournemouth. However, we did dominate the reverse fixture earlier this season with a convincing 3-0 win at the London Stadium.

West Ham themselves are in even deeper trouble, languishing in 18th place, seven points from safety, and on a ten-match winless run in the league (their longest since the 2006/07 season). They’ve lost all six of their London derbies this season and have struggled defensively, conceding a league-high 11 headed goals and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 19 matches across all competitions.

Tottenham are dealing with a lengthy injury list:Out: Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring surgery), Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski.

Doubts: Richarlison (hamstring, sidelined for around seven weeks), Lucas Bergvall.

Away: Pape Matar Sarr (AFCON)

Boost: New £34.7m signing Conor Gallagher is available and could make his debut in midfield.

Plausible Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Palhinha, Gallagher; Simons, Tel, Kolo Muani.

West Ham are also struggling defensively and have not recorded a clean sheet in recent months, making them vulnerable to Spurs’ set-piece threat, as they lead the league in goals from corners.

We are clear favourites according to most analyses – currently around 60% chance of victory per supercomputer models, thanks to their superior recent record in this fixture, new signing boost, and West Ham’s dire form. However, Tottenham’s shaky home record and injuries mean it’s not a foregone conclusion — West Ham could nick something if they exploit set pieces.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 West Ham — a hard-fought win would ease the pressure on Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

The 21-year-old is one of the Premier League’s finest young talents and has attracted the attention of multiple clubs. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are now prepared to step up their interest in the player, and they could submit a very significant offer for him at the end of the season.

Adam Wharton is a promising player

It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace is willing to sanction his departure. He is an important player for them, and he has been described as “incredible” by his former teammates.

Wharton is an elite talent who deserves to compete at the highest level. The move away from Palace would be ideal for him at the end of the season. Tottenham have an ambitious project, and they could be the ideal destination. They could offer him regular football at a high-level, and he would be able to push for trophies with them.

Spurs could use Wharton

Meanwhile, Tottenham need more control and composure in the middle of the park. He will help them control the tempo of the game from the deep. In addition, he is excellent at reading the game, and he will help protect Tottenham defensively.

Crystal Palace will not want to lose one of their best young players easily. They are likely to demand a premium, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham are prepared to break the Bank for him.

Wharton is on the radar of multiple clubs, and the Eagles will hope for an auction in the summer to recoup as much as possible from his departure.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of Jonathan David from Juventus.

The Canadian International has struggled at the Italian club since joining, and he has not lived up to expectations. He was outstanding during his time with Lille in France. David has five goals in 26 appearances for the Italian club.

Jonathan David could be useful

He was a prolific goalscorer for the French outfit, but he has not been able to adapt to Italian football properly. Naturally, he is being linked with a move away from the club. According to Sports Boom, Tottenham would be prepared to provide him with an exit route. However, they have been told to submit an “impossible-to-refuse” offer.

It will be interesting to see if they are ready to pay. They need more quality in the attacking unit, and David could be an interesting acquisition. He has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be an important player for Tottenham.

David needs a fresh start

A fresh start would be ideal for the striker as well. It could help him regain his form and confidence.

There is no doubt that he is a quality player who is struggling in Italy. His move to the Premier League could unlock his true potential. The international prefers a direct style of play, and a move to the Premier League could be ideal for him. David has previously been labelled an “excellent” player by Zinedine Zidane.

Given his situation at the Italian club, Tottenham will hope to sign him for a reasonable fee. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Juventus signed him on a free transfer, and they cannot expect to recoup a premium from his departure.

Richarlison is sidelined for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury.

Richarlison has been a key player this season, leading Spurs’ scoring charts in the Premier League with 7 goals (plus 3 assists) in 21 games, and he’s been far more reliable fitness-wise under Frank compared to previous injury-plagued years.

This comes at a tough time for Spurs, who are already dealing with a mounting injury list (including long-term issues for players like Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison) and a poor run of form (just one win in their last seven across all competitions).

On the brighter side, Frank noted some positives in his press conference: Cristian Romero returns from suspension, Lucas Bergvall is hopefully available, and Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are building up minutes after their own absences. New signing Conor Gallagher could also help in midfield.

Lucas Bergvall could be available for the game.

Bergvall has been a regular in the squad this season, often featuring in midfield, and his potential return would provide valuable depth in what has been a challenging period for the team. This London derby will be crucial for both sides—Spurs are looking to end a winless start to 2026, while West Ham are struggling near the bottom.

Yves Bissouma is back in contention.

Thomas Frank confirmed this in his pre-match press conference on January 15, 2026. Bissouma has returned to the club after Mali’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he unfortunately picked up a red card in one of their matches. Despite not featuring in any competitive minutes for Spurs this season under Frank (due to prior injuries and other issues), he’s now fit and part of the squad options.

Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are getting closer to returning

Udogie picked up a hamstring issue during the closing stages of the match against Newcastle in early December 2025, which initially ruled him out until January. He missed the rest of the festive period but has been building back strongly.

Solanke has been out since late August 2025 with a recurring ankle problem that required minor surgery in October, making his absence one of the longest for Spurs this season.

Damola Ajayi primarily plays as a right-winger (though versatile in attacking roles), standing at 176 cm (about 5’9″) with a right-footed preference.

Early Career and Youth Development

Ajayi began his youth football journey at Bromley FC, where he featured at U13 level in the Kent Youth League. In 2022, he joined the Tottenham Hotspur academy as a promising young forward. He progressed quickly through the ranks:

He was a regular and lively presence in Tottenham’s Under-18 side.

In the 2022/23 season, he contributed to the squad that won the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cup double.

He stepped up to the Under-21s in Premier League 2.

In January 2024, he signed his first professional contract with Tottenham and was promoted to the U21 side.

Breakthrough and Senior Tottenham Involvement

Ajayi trained with the senior Tottenham team during the 2024 preseason. He made his first senior match day squad appearance on October 3, 2024, in a UEFA Europa League match. His standout moment came on January 30, 2026, when he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 3–0 Europa League win against IF Elfsborg, scoring the team’s second goal.

He was part of the Tottenham squad that won the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League — his first major professional title — though he was an unused substitute in the final against Manchester United. In January 2025, he extended his contract with Spurs until June 30, 2028.

Loan Spells and Recent Moves

To gain first-team experience, Ajayi went on loan to Doncaster Rovers (League One) on June 24, 2026, for the 2025/26 season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 win against Middlesbrough on August 12, 2026. However, limited playing time (e.g., only one league start in the first half of the season, totalling around 250 minutes in the league) led Tottenham to recall him in late December 2025/early January 2026.

On January 15, 2026, Ajayi joined Bromley FC (League Two) on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. This move is seen as a positive step — Bromley is local to London (closer to Tottenham), and he’s familiar with the club from his youth days. Bromley is currently pushing for promotion, offering him a better chance for regular minutes.

Current Status Club: Tottenham Hotspur (on loan at Bromley FC)

Market value estimates range from €25k–€75k (per sources like FotMob and Transfermarkt).

He’s represented by Two Touch Agency.

Ajayi is viewed as an exciting, tricky winger with an eye for goal and the ability to create chances. As a young academy product, his career is still developing, with fans and experts hoping these loans help him build experience and potentially break into the Spurs first team in the future.

Chelsea’s dissatisfaction with Robert Sánchez keeps the search for a goalkeeper alive. Svilar fits the modern profile with sharp reflexes, strong command of his area, and good distribution. Even so, investing €60 million in January doesn’t look realistic given financial priorities and FFP balance. A summer approach with a more flexible payment structure or bonus-heavy package is more likely.

At Tottenham, Guglielmo Vicario’s inconsistent form has opened the door to the idea of adding an elite-level second goalkeeper. Svilar’s athleticism and focus suggest he could adapt to Premier League tempo and suit Spurs.

However, €60 million is a steep figure when weighed against other priorities in defence and attack. Any January move would depend on Roma lowering their demands or accepting an offer with instalments and performance-related bonuses.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old has done quite well for the Championship club, and his performances have attracted the attention of the North London outfit. They need more creativity and control in the middle of the park, and they have him as a potential target.

Tottenham and Man United want Hayden Hackney

According to a report from Team Talk, they will face competition from Manchester United. It remains to be seen whether they can secure his signature. They have already signed Conor Gallagher this month, but it appears that they are looking to add more quality in the middle of the park.

Hackney has been linked with a move to the Premier League before. He has consistently impressed in the second division of English football, and this could be the right time for him to take the next step. Joining Tottenham would be ideal for him. He will want to prove himself at the highest level, and moving to the Premier League will be hard to turn down.

Hackney could be tempted to join

The midfielder is unlikely to need much convincing. However, Tottenham will have to agree to the selling club’s demands. Middlesbrough value the player at £30 million, and they are unlikely to accept any less. It remains to be seen whether the London club is willing to break the Bank for him.

Hackney is still only 23, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. He could justify the £30 million investment in future. Tottenham need to improve the squad if they want to compete at the highest level. They are currently in mid-table positions, and they will look to bounce back strongly. They need the right signing in January in order to turn things around.

After a turbulent stint as head coach of Ajax, John Heitinga returns to English football. John Gijsbert Alan Heitinga, born November 15, 1983, is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He has recently joined Thomas Frank’s coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur as a First Team Assistant Coach, with the appointment confirmed on January 15, 2026.

Coaching Career CV

Heitinga transitioned into coaching immediately after retiring, primarily building his experience at Ajax before moving to the Premier League:Ajax Youth/Academy Roles (starting ~2016–2021): Began in the Ajax academy, progressing through youth levels and gaining foundational coaching experience.

Jong Ajax (Reserve Team) Manager (June 2021 – January 2023): Managed the U23/reserve side in the Eerste Divisie. Record: 59 matches, 23 wins, 17 draws, 19 losses (≈39% win rate).

Ajax First Team Interim Head Coach (January 2023 – June 2023): Stepped up during a turbulent period. Achieved strong results initially (14 wins in 22 matches, ≈64% win rate), guiding Ajax to 3rd in the Eredivisie (Europa League qualification) and the KNVB Cup final (lost on penalties). Not made permanent.

West Ham United First-Team Coach/Assistant (September 2023 – May 2024): Joined under David Moyes (his former Everton manager). Left following Moyes’ departure.

Liverpool Assistant Coach (July 17, 2024 – ~May/June 2025): Worked under Arne Slot; contributed to Liverpool’s 2024–25 Premier League title win. Briefly took interim charge in February 2025 (won 2–0 vs. Newcastle during suspensions).

Ajax Head Coach (appointed May 31, 2026; started 2025–26 season – dismissed November 6, 2026): Returned to Ajax on a two-year deal. Lasted under 6 months (≈15 matches: 5 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses; 33% win rate). Sacked after poor Champions League results (0 points from 4 matches, bottom of league phase).

Tottenham Hotspur First Team Assistant Coach (appointed January 15, 2026 – present): Joins Thomas Frank’s staff. Frank praised Heitinga’s “ability, personality, and character,” highlighting his defensive expertise (as a former centre-back) and experience across top levels.

Heitinga’s CV shows rapid progression from youth/reserve roles to high-profile Premier League and Champions League environments, with a mix of assistant and head coaching experience.

His time in England (West Ham, Liverpool, now Tottenham) has focused on first-team coaching in the Premier League, where he’s worked under successful managers like Moyes and Slot.

Thomas Frank described the appointment as a “great addition” to enhance the staff both on and off the pitch. This comes just months after his Ajax dismissal, providing a quick route back into top-level coaching.

Carlos Raphael Moersen (commonly known as Rafi Moersen) is a highly regarded football executive who was appointed as Director of Football Operations at Tottenham Hotspur on January 15, 2026. This is a newly created role as part of the club’s restructuring to build a modern, high-performance football structure following significant boardroom changes, including the departure of Fabio Paratici.

Professional Background and CV Summary

Moersen brings extensive experience from the City Football Group (CFG), where he spent over 10 years (since around 2015). CFG is widely regarded as the gold standard in modern football administration, managing a global network of clubs with Manchester City as the flagship.

Most Recent Role at CFG: Director of Football Transactions — a senior position where he was responsible for negotiating player contracts (both for current players and new signings), handling high-profile deals, and supporting the director of football in key negotiations. He stepped up significantly after departures like Omar Berrada (to Manchester United) and Txiki Begiristain.

Career Progression

Started in football with D.C. United (MLS) after graduating from George Washington University.

Joined New York City FC (a CFG club) in 2015, holding various roles there and at Manchester City.

Moved into the wider CFG global operations in 2020, rising quickly through the ranks in the “global football” division (previously led by figures like Brian Marwood and now Riccardo Bigon).

He is described across reports as a “highly-rated executive” who has honed his skills in operational excellence, player transactions, and multi-club management.

At Tottenham, Moersen will lead football administration, player care, and training ground operations. He joins the club’s Executive Leadership Team and will report primarily to Sporting Director Johan Lange (with women’s football reporting to CEO Vinai Venkatesham). His appointment aligns with other hires, like incoming Performance Director Dan Lewindon, and increased focus on the Academy and women’s football.

Official Announcement Highlights

Tottenham Hotspur’s statement: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Raphael Moersen as Director of Football Operations, a newly created role as part of the Club’s approach to build a modern, high-performance football structure to drive long-term success.”

Sporting Director Johan Lange added: “Rafi was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation. His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.”

This move is seen as a significant coup for Spurs, aiming to emulate CFG’s operational efficiency. Moersen was on gardening leave from CFG before joining.