TBR Football

Thomas Frank could be quite frustrated to see that one of Tottenham Hotspur’s former players is in talks over a move to FC Barcelona.

Tottenham and Frank have agreed terms over a deal to bring the Danish manager across London and to make him the next manager after Ange Postecoglou.

Daniel Levy sacked Postecoglou following a shocking Premier League campaign and now Frank is the man tasked with helping Spurs climb the table next season.

The 51-year-old will be eager to add to his squad during the summer transfer window, although he will be disappointed to see a player the club got rid of last summer now set for a big move to Spain.

Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic holds talks with Barcelona

Ivan Perisic has held talks with FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick about joining the Spanish champions on a free transfer, according to Santi Aouna.

The Croatian international was ready to commit to PSV Eindhoven for another season, however, the Catalan giants have now entered the race.

The 36-year-old is now holding out for a move to La Liga in what could be his final swansong at the top level.

Perisic has had quite the career playing for clubs like Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.

Last season, the winger was excellent as he helped PSV to win the Eredivisie title and reach the Champions League Round of 16.

Across all competitions, the forward managed an impressive 16 goals and 11 assists as he showed he still has it despite his age.

During the 2022/23 season under Antonio Conte at Spurs, the winger produced 12 assists as he impressed in a wing-back role.

Ivan Perisic could have been perfect for Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Perisic could have been a perfect fit for Frank’s system at Tottenham, especially playing in the left-back role.

Frank tended to use Keane Lewis-Potter as his left-back at Brentford having converted him from playing as a winger.

Lewis-Potter flourished in that role at the G-Tech Community Stadium, playing as an attacking full-back, and Perisic could have fit the same role perfectly.

Thomas Frank looks set to get the Tottenham job as Spurs move quickly to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Frank was adamant he’d stay at Brentford at one point, but when a team as big as Tottenham come calling, it’s hard to say no.

Spurs will be moving onto their sixth permanent manager in six years, and Thomas Frank will be hoping to do a better job than many of his predecessors.

Luckily, Frank has the chance to get off to a great start at Tottenham as his first competitive game will be in the UEFA Super Cup.

Of course, this isn’t the most high-profile competition in world football, but Frank could, theoretically, win a trophy in his first ever game as Tottenham manager – a feat that only three other gaffers in Premier League history have achieved.

Thomas Frank could win a trophy in his first Tottenham game

Thomas Frank could win a trophy in his first game for Tottenham as he’s set to face off against PSG on August 13th in the UEFA Super Cup.

Of course, a UEFA Super Cup isn’t a season-defining piece of silverware, but it is a trophy nonetheless, and Frank would love to get his hands on a bit of silverware to kickstart his Spurs career.

Inevitably, there’d be a huge morale lift that would come with beating an all-conquering PSG side too.

Interestingly, three managers in Premier League history have managed to achieve this feat of winning a trophy in their very first game at a club – David Moyes, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

Unfortunately, an early trophy win doesn’t necessarily guarantee you success at your new club, as these three managers can attest to.

How managers fared after winning trophy in their first game

Winning a trophy in your very first match, in theory, should be a great way to start your managerial career at a new club.

However, as Moyes, Mourinho and Ancelotti have all shown, it doesn’t quite work out that way.

Indeed, all three managers were sacked within three years of getting their respective jobs.

David Moyes lasted less than one season at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho would win two further trophies before being dumped mid-way through his third season in charge at United, while Carlo Ancelotti was sacked after two years, despite the fact he won the Premier League and the FA Cup in his first season.

Ancelotti was brilliant at Chelsea, but even that couldn’t save him.

Football can be a fickle game, and as Frank steps up into a job at one of the ‘Big Six’, he must be cautious about how quickly things can turn at this level.

Tottenham Hotspur are about to appoint a new manager, and it looks like Thomas Frank is set to get the job.

Indeed, Thomas Frank is in line to become the new Spurs boss, and if he makes this move, he may well look to bring a few players with him from Brentford.

Frank has always had a big say in Brentford’s transfer business – hence why so many Danish players have been signed over the years, and while that may not be the case at Spurs as Fabio Paratici looks set to return, he’ll undoubtedly have some influence.

Of course, Brentford’s crown jewel at the moment is Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo is a wanted man, and Manchester United are very keen on Mbeumo at this moment in time.

Speaking on The United Stand, Ben Jacobs has been discussing the idea of Mbeumo heading to Spurs instead of United, but the journalist maintains that a hijack is unlikely.

Tottenham unlikely to hijack Bryan Mbeumo deal

Jacobs shared what he knows about Mbeumo as he gets set to leave Brentford.

According to the journalist, Mbeumo has his heart set on Manchester United, and it’s unlikely that Spurs would be able to hijack this deal or influence the player’s decision.

“Regarding the Spurs part in all of this. You can never say definitively that Thomas Frank won’t influence Tottenham’s transfer business,” Jacobs said.

“My understanding is very clear as of now, Tottenham know Mbeumo’s preference is Manchester United, as do all other suitors.

“Just because a new manager comes in, especially under Daniel Levy, it’s very unlikely they’ll turn around to Thomas Frank and say ‘is getting Mbeumo a deal breaker and can you hijack Manchester United’s plans.’

“I’m not expecting Thomas Frank’s expected arrival at Tottenham to hugely influence the Mbeumo situation, the most important thing is that Mbeumo wants to join Manchester United and if the clubs agree the fee, regardless of the Tottenham situation, Mbeumo will still pick Manchester United.”

Bryan Mbeumo’s record under Thomas Frank

Bryan Mbeumo has his heart set on joining Manchester United, but, for the good of his career, perhaps he should consider Spurs as an option.

Indeed, Tottenham may well be the better landing spot for Mbeumo at the moment.

Not only can Spurs offer Champions League football next season, they can offer a manager who knows and trusts Mbeumo in a way Ruben Amorim simply can’t at the moment.

Mbeumo’s record under Thomas Frank speaks for itself.

The attacker has averaged a goal contribution every other game under Frank while playing for, with all due respect, a mid-table Premier League side.

Mbeumo could thrive at Tottenham at the highest level under a manager who adores him, so, if this opportunity comes up, he’d be a fool not to take it.

Thomas Frank looks like he’s set for the Tottenham job after Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties at Spurs.

Indeed, Frank is the clear frontrunner for the Spurs job at this point, and there’s plenty of reason to be excited about the Brentford boss’ arrival in north London.

Frank has proved himself to be a tactically astute manager in recent years, and he has a real knack of helping players improve.

Bryan Mbeumo has improved massively under Frank, so much so that Manchester United now want Mbeumo.

Meanwhile, Ivan Toney was an Arsenal target after flourishing under Thomas Frank.

The Brentford boss will hope to have a similar effect on a number of players at Tottenham. Archie Gray could seriously improve under Frank, while Dominic Solanke could become brilliant under the Dane too.

However, there is one player who may actually begin to look less impressive under Frank at Spurs.

Micky van de Ven could go backwards under Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank’s tactics will hopefully take Tottenham to a new level, but one player who may not shine as brightly under Frank is Micky van de Ven.

Indeed, the Dutchman is one of few players who came away with any huge credit from the Ange Postecoglou era.

Van de Ven earned huge praise for his performances under Ange Postecoglou, and for good reason.

The centre-back suited Postecoglou’s extreme tactics as his incredible pace was so useful when Postecoglou played his ridiculously high line.

Van de Ven is absolutely rapid, and that showed when he was playing in such an extreme system.

However, under Frank, that may not be the case.

The Dane plays a much more conservative style of football, with a deeper line that tries to protect slower defenders rather than highlighting quicker centre-backs, and that may, in a way, take some of the gloss off of Van de Ven.

Thomas Frank’s Brentford defenders analysed

While Van de Ven’s incredible pace in Postecoglou’s high line made him stand out at Spurs, he may not have that same platform under Frank.

Indeed, Frank likes to use a deeper defensive line, and that means Van de Ven will not be able to showcase his speed with those lung-busting last-ditch runs as often.

The £45m man will have to play a much more traditional defensive role where speed will still be important, but it won’t be as noticeable as it has been for the past two years.

Just look at Frank’s preferred defenders at Brentford and you’ll see how unimportant pace at the back has been for the Brentford boss in recent years.

Ben Mee and Pontus Jansson certainly weren’t the fastest players in the world, while Ethan Pinnock, Nathan Collins and Kristoffer Ajer aren’t renowned speedsters either.

Frank doesn’t need his defenders to be like Van de Ven, he’s much more conservative than Postecoglou was, and while that may lead to fewer goals being conceded, individually, it may make Van de Ven look a little bit less flashy and exciting.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are keen for the North London club to spring into life in the transfer market with Thomas Frank now close to taking charge.

Frank and Tottenham have agreed terms for the Danish coach to take over from Ange Postecoglou who Daniel Levy sacked last Friday.

But there is some fear amongst Spurs fans that the club are getting left behind in the transfer market with Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City all making moves.

The Tottenham faithful are now hoping that Frank will be allowed to make his first summer addition and they already know exactly who that player should be.

Tottenham fans urge Thomas Frank to sign Eberechi Eze after his performance for England vs Senegal

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been urging Thomas Frank to sign Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze after watching his performance for England against Senegal.

The Three Lions were beaten 3-1 in Nottingham, however, the 26-year-old was the standout performer for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Tottenham want Eze this summer and have done for many years now having been chasing him since his time at Queens Park Rangers.

TBR Football understands that Eze is open to leaving Palace and now Spurs supporters believe that now is the time for the club to finally make their move.

Last season, the winger helped Palace to win their first major trophy as he scored 14 goals and produced 11 assists in 43 games for the Eagles.

Frank will likely be wanting to add to his attack at Tottenham ahead of next season and Spurs fans have told him on X to sign Eze.

One fan said: “I need Eze in a Spurs shirt, man. Has the creativity of Madders but with more explosiveness. Can also fluidly play wing and as a ten.”

Another claimed: “I’ve only watched the second half, but this game has convinced me… We need Eze at Spurs.”

There were further shouts for Eze to join Tottenham: “Praying Spurs and Base finally get the Eze deal done this summer. All well and good, being confident, but time to actually make it happen. Golden boy.”

Finally, another fan stated: “Ebere Eze should be our priority signing this summer. He’s a special talent. I would love to see him play for Spurs.”

Tottenham have easy route to sign Eberechi Eze

Tottenham know exactly what they must do to sign Eze as the winger has a release clause in his contract with the South Londoners.

This summer, Eze’s release clause is £60m rising to £68m, which really isn’t bad value considering his importance to Palace and how good he was last term.

Tottenham Hotspur will soon begin a new era under the guidance of Thomas Frank, the manager tasked with replacing Ange Postecoglou.

In truth, some Tottenham fans are still angry at Postecoglou’s dismissal, a manager who ended their long wait for a trophy.

However, that ill-feeling won’t be directed at Thomas Frank, a manager who arrives at Spurs with an excellent CV.

Frank has already sent a request to Daniel Levy regarding the club’s transfer business this summer, and it seems as if a harmonious relationship is on the horizon.

At Brentford, Frank often spoke so well publicly, an honest and relatable character, and one who should settle very well in N17.

Thomas Frank can fix Ange Postecoglou’s biggest error at Tottenham

That being said, Frank did an extended interview with Gary Lineker for Football Focus back in January, while the Dane was still in charge of Brentford.

And whilst Postecoglou was often criticised for failing to adapt to the situation in front of him last season, it doesn’t seem as if that will be an issue under Frank.

Postecoglou stood by his demanding philosophy despite Spurs’ injury crisis, a decision which wasn’t standing up in the Premier League.

But when speaking to Lineker, Frank spoke about being aware of how he needs to keep changing and evolving, as well as getting the best from his players.

Frank said: “It’s my voice that is the main voice at the training ground, and then I think, can I develop a little bit?

“So sometimes, can we get a new coach into the coaching team, also come with a new drill, so it’s always a little bit refreshing things — so I’m aware of that.

“The style, I need to change things to also keep myself on it.”

Lineker replied: “Hence the shift this season [at Brentford].”

Frank: “Yeah so that’s a little bit back to my mindset, I always wanted to play offensive football and we started last season, it’s a combination of what’s best for the players we’ve got, we have this style, but what kind of players, because I can’t pick all the best players in the world.

“So that’s one thing, but to also keep developing the team, so this season for example we’ve got Mikkel Damsgaard in the team — give something different to the team, add something, and I think it added a good layer.”

Lineker: “Yeah he’s got real quality, technically.”

Frank: “We’ve got Sepp van den Berg, also changed the dynamic a little bit, so I think that way is also a part of developing the team.”

Spurs should avoid signing a host of Brentford players

Of course, after hearing Frank’s comments on Damsgaard in particular, some Tottenham supporters might wonder if he would be a good player to join with him from Brentford.

However, with Man United pushing to sign Bryan Mbeumo, it might be best for Spurs to avoid any temptation to cherry-pick players from Frank’s old club.

Tottenham have been linked with Yoane Wissa, another excellent player who scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season.

But with Wissa turning 29 in a few months time, a big-money move for the forward might be one to avoid.

Tottenham are interested in Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace and that is the exact calibre of signing they should be aiming for.

Frank can be a huge success at Spurs, but Levy needs to back his ambitions on the transfer front.

Micky van de Ven scored his first for the Dutch national team as they thrashed Malta 8-0 in World Cup qualifying.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender played an unusual role for Ronald Koeman’s team, but he still managed to impress for the national team.

Meanwhile, Van de Ven spoke about Postecoglou’s sacking, admitting that he was surprised by the club’s decision to move him on. Spurs are now closing in on the appointment of Thomas Frank, who has agreed personal terms with the North London club.

The Dutch media now believe that the 24-year-old is pushing for a starting spot in the team following yet another solid showing for Oranje.

Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven impresses at left-back

The Dutch media were full of praise for Micky van de Ven as he scored and assisted from left-back in the Netherlands’ comfortable victory against Malta.

The defender set up Donyell Malen after 74 minutes, before also getting on the scoresheet late on with a thumping volley from close range.

The 24-year-old replaced Man City’s Nathan Ake on the left-hand side of the defence, and he staked his claim to start there more often.

Football Oranje handed him an 8/10 and wrote: “A very positive performance from the left-back who capped it with a wonderful volley late on. Looks more rounded and offers more in the position than Ake.”

There was also big praise from VoetbalPrimeur who rated his display 8/10: “Van de Ven was never really tested defensively. This allowed the Tottenham Hotspur player to create danger with his unparalleled speed.

“This was beautifully demonstrated in the 1-0, which was largely achieved by his impressive rush. One After Deep in the final phase he also scored his first and also very beautiful international goal. One thing is clear: Van de Ven is definitely knocking on the door for a starting place.”

New Spurs boss Frank might also be taking note of his performance in the left-back spot, as he showed an impressive ability to be a threat in the final third.

Micky van de Ven has no issues playing at left-back

Van de Ven admitted that he has no issue playing at left-back, and it is a position where he has played previously for his former clubs.

The Dutch international has played there on three occasions for Tottenham and 18 times across his career, perhaps it’s a role he should feature in more often.

It’s clear he has a lot more to offer than just being a central defender given his incredible athleticism and technical ability on the ball.

He told the media: “Fortunately, it is a position I have played more often. I also played left-back at Volendam and Wolfsburg, so it’s just that I know what I have to do. So it’s not something that I think, ‘Oh I have to play a whole different place now’, it’s just a familiar place to me.”

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy sacked Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after Spurs won the Europa League.

The Australian became the first manager in over 17 years to bring silverware to the club, and the feeling among the fans following that night in Bilbao was the best in a long, long time.

But, Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League last season did not sit well with Levy, who decided to dismiss Postecoglou.

Now, one Tottenham star has had his say on the decision.

Micky van de Ven says Tottenham sacking Ange Postecoglou is a ‘strange’ decision

Ange Postecoglou was the manager who brought Micky van de Ven to Tottenham.

The Dutchman became an instant fan favourite at Spurs, and he has produced several exceptional performances for the club over the last two seasons.

Van de Ven even made a tremendous goal-line clearance in the Europa League final against Manchester United – that played a big part in helping them win the game.

Now, the centre-half has finally broken his silence in front of the media on Postecoglou’s dismissal, and he has admitted that it was a ‘strange’ decision from Daniel Levy.

He told Voetbal Zone: “That was ultimately a choice from the club. We, as players, have little to say about that. Of course, he is the first coach in a long time who has won a prize and has had success at Spurs. So if you look at it that way, it is of course a strange choice.

“It is a choice from the club about which we have little to say, so we will see what happens now. Of course, we see some rumours about the coach of Brentford (Thomas Frank), who it will probably be. So yes, a choice from the club about which we have little to say.

“I think a lot of players were good with him (Postecoglou). And of course, what I say, he is the first coach who has brought success to Spurs in a long time. That also shows that he has a certain quality. That also means that he has a winning mentality. 100 per cent.

“From that, you would of course say that it is strange that he was fired. What we have shown in the Premier League is, of course, unacceptable. That would, of course, have multiple factors, but that would not only have been the coach.”

The message Micky van de Ven sent to Ange Postecoglou right after he was sacked

Postecoglou clearly shared a great relationship with many of his players at Tottenham.

Many Spurs stars wanted Postecoglou to stay at the club, but Levy had made up his mind before a ball was even kicked in the Europa League final.

Postecoglou was shown the door, and a number of Spurs players, including Van de Ven, expressed their love and gratitude to the Australian.

Van de Ven wrote on Instagram: “Gaffer, thank you for everything! You believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club.

“Many ups and downs in the last two years, but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us. You are a big part of the success of the club this year, and I’m forever grateful that you made me part of it.

“All the best!”

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur hold a genuine interest in Antoine Semenyo, however, Bournemouth’s price tag is a major barrier.

Thomas Frank has agreed personal terms with Tottenham and the Danish manager looks set to become the man to replace Ange Postecoglou following his sacking.

Frank wants some control at Tottenham in terms of transfers, with Spurs’ squad in need of a refresh this summer, especially in the forward areas.

Semenyo is a player whom the Lilywhites admire, but there is now a genuine risk of them missing out on him due to the South Coast club’s firm stance.

Tottenham unwilling to match Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo asking price

Bournemouth value Antoine Semenyo in excess of £60 million which Tottenham Hotspur are unwilling to pay, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Chelsea and Manchester United also hold an interest in the 24-year-old but are unlikely to push for him at this stage.

The Cherries now believe that Semenyo will remain at the Vitality Stadium this summer as they prepare to lose Milos Kerkez and potentially Illia Zabarnyi.

Bailey told TBR Football: “On Semenyo, there is an element of truth to Tottenham’s interest to a certain extent. They do like him. They always have. So, there is an interest there.

“But Bournemouth value him above £60m, the precedent has been set in the market for those wide players to go for a lot.

“I understand as of today, Bournemouth, they’re not expecting Semenyo to go, they’re not actually expecting Tavernier to go either. They’re obviously going to be losing Kerkez, as we know, and they might even lose Zabarnyi.

“Man United and Chelsea’s interest in Semenyo was genuine, I don’t like to say he was a backup to Mbeumo (at United), but he was in reality.”

The North London club would have to surpass the fee which they paid Bournemouth last summer to sign Dominic Solanke, Bailey added: “There is genuine interest from Spurs, but at the current price tag, they’re not about to give them the same fee as Dominic Solanke and the same money.”

How do Antoine Semenyo’s stats compare to Tottenham’s attackers?

Semenyo managed more goals than Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min last season, as he netted 13 goals in 42 matches under Andoni Iraola.

Solanke and Brennan Johnson both scored more than him though, with the latter having a brilliant season in front of goal, netting 18 times.

Son Heung-min’s future at Tottenham Hotspur could be plunged into further doubt following the imminent arrival of Thomas Frank.

The South Korean forward has just had a mixed campaign in North London, as despite having a poor season by his own standards, he became the first Spurs captain since Ledley King to lift a major trophy.

Son’s performances were questioned across the season by many supporters and pundits, which has led to question marks being raised over his future at the top level.

The 32-year-old is being linked with a possible move away from North London and those talks could be further accelerated by Thomas Frank.

Son Heung-min might not fit Thomas Frank’s system at Tottenham

Son Heung-min has been warned that he might not be such a good fit for Frank’s system at Tottenham Hotspur by journalist Tom Barclay.

Barclay told his YouTube channel: “Sadly, I’m almost dismissing Sonny and that might be really disrespectful, and maybe Thomas Frank does have him in mind, but I think with the speed that Frank likes to play with, I’m not sure exactly where he fits in.

“I really wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs receive an acceptable bid, he’s obviously such a legend and commercial dream, to see him leave.”

As he reaches the latter stages of his career, Son just seems to have lost a yard of pace which saw him struggle last season at times.

This could be a concern for Frank, who tends to enjoy playing wide forwards who are quick, and this is an area of Spurs are well stocked.

Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel and Mikey Moore could all benefit from this, whereas the Tottenham captain may well struggle to fit into the Danish coach’s demands.

Tottenham want to sign Tel permanently and are still in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for the 20-year-old. The Frenchman’s arrival could be another reason to move on Son.

Will Tottenham actually sell Son Heung-min this summer?

Son has an offer from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal being the club to approach the forward about a move to the Middle East.

Reports suggest Tottenham are open to selling Son should the right offer arrive, but that would likely need to be quite substantial money given his commercial value to Spurs.