TBR Football

TBR Football can reveal the extent of Thomas Frank’s transfer demands to Daniel Levy before accepting his offer to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a relatively slow window so far, with Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha and Kota Takai the only new additions.

Kudus for £55m looks excellent business from Spurs and Palhinha will bring great experience to the squad, but supporters will be eager for more to get done.

Time is running out, though, in the summer transfer window as there are now just 25 days until the September 1 deadline.

Thomas Frank requested three to four signings before joining Tottenham

Thomas Frank is believed to have requested just three to four signings before joining Tottenham, sources have told Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.

The Dane made it clear to Spurs’ hierarchy that he did not feel the squad required a dramatic overhaul and just a handful of new additions would suffice.

TBR Football understands that Frank made it clear to Daniel Levy he wanted a number six, an attacking midfielder and another forward option.

Bailey told TBR Football: “When Frank was speaking to Levy, he made it clear: ‘Give me two, three, maybe four players, and we can really challenge’.

“He wasn’t coming in demanding a complete overhaul; he wasn’t saying, ‘I need two centre-backs, a full-back, two wingers, a striker…’ Nothing like that.

“And Levy isn’t going to appoint someone who’s asking for a full rebuild; that’s not how he operates. Frank was very clear about needing a genuine holding midfielder.

“He’s been clear about that need. He wanted a proper number six. And before Maddison’s injury, he also wanted another central attacking midfielder. Even now, that’s something he’s still keen on. I think he’d also like another forward. We’ve seen Tottenham linked with Randal Kolo Muani again; he’d fit in well.”

The 51-year-old’s ability to improve players and get the best from them at Brentford will have stood out to Spurs when deciding who will replace Ange Postecoglou.

Now, Frank will be tasked with getting the most from the players in Spurs’ current squad, which feels like a daunting task after last season’s 17th-place finish.

Three big winners from Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham

Archie Gray will be one of the big beneficiaries of Frank’s arrival, particularly because the Dane was eager to sign him at Brentford. Gray had a medical at Brentford before instead opting to join Spurs.

The 18-year-old should also get minutes in midfield, and against Newcastle United in pre-season, he played and impressed in that role.

Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel could also win big from Frank’s arrival, given his strong work with attacking players in the past.

The Danish coach has helped improve the likes of Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa, Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo.

Frank is excited to work with Tel and will have signed off on him being signed permanently for £30m, meaning he is likely to get plenty of support.

Destiny Udogie could be the final winner from the arrival of the former Brentford boss, with less demand for Spurs’ full-backs to invert.

The Italian defender is at his best when he’s allowed to maraud down the touchline, and under Frank, he will be given plenty of chances to do so.

One former Tottenham Hotspur man has given a detailed explanation as to why Daniel Levy is the best chairman in the Premier League.

Despite success in Europe, Spurs struggled in the Premier League, and Daniel Levy made the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou and appoint Thomas Frank.

Levy has commented on sacking Postecoglou recently, explaining it was a collective decision, but he had the final say.

Tottenham fans were left unimpressed with their chairman earlier in the summer, but one ex-player has now showered the club chief in praise.

Andros Townsend praises Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy

Andros Townsend began his senior career with Tottenham under Harry Redknapp.

He played 50 games for Spurs before eventually securing a permanent exit to Newcastle United in 2016.

Now, the 34-year-old has been discussing his ex-club and their chairman during an interview with talkSPORT.

Townsend was asked if Levy gets enough credit and went on to label him the best in the Premier League.

He said: “I’ve said it before and I’m not afraid to say it. I’ll get some stick, but I think he’s the best chairman in the Premier League by far.

“Where he’s taking Spurs from to where they are today, it’s chalk and cheese.

“I remember 10 years ago, Spurs were a mid-table club playing in front of 25,000, not generating enough funds to be able to compete at the top level.

“Brand new training ground, brand new stadium, and now season in, season out they’re competing at the top level, they’re in the Champions League, they won the Europa League, and they’re considered a big six side, whereas before Spurs, it was the big four.

And now, Spurs have broken into that, not because of their achievements on the pitch, but [because] what Daniel Levy has created, the brand he’s created off the pitch.”

Daniel Levy’s transfer message to Tottenham boss Thomas Frank

So far this summer, Spurs have completed six signings, the latest being Joao Palhinha.

Levy has sent a message to Thomas Frank this month, confirming he will support the former Brentford manager in the market.

He said: “We will support him to the best of our ability. If you look at transfer fees, we’ve been in the top four since the stadium opened. I think we’ve spent close to £700m net on new players.

“This isn’t just about money, this is about some luck, having the right balance in the team, having the right coach – there are a lot of things that have to come together.

“So I very much hope that Thomas will bring all the right ingredients and bring this team to where it belongs, which is right at the top.”

Tottenham are now looking to Nico Paz after the extent of an injury to James Maddison was discovered.

It is bad news for the England international, who has now been confirmed to have torn his anterior cruciate ligament during a friendly against Newcastle in South Korea last week.

Tottenham were looking for a new No.10 anyway after trying to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, so Thomas Frank now has an even greater need for an attacking midfielder.

A €40m (£35m) bid for Nico Paz has now been rejected – according to Gianluca Di Marzio – but who is he?

Spurs are pursuing a genuine wonderkid in Nico Paz

Di Marzio believes Como are demanding €70m (£61m) to sell the 20-year-old, and you can see why the Serie A side value him so highly.

Paz is already a full Argentina international with three appearances to his name, and can also already boast a goal for Real Madrid – where he made eight senior outings before a €6m (£5.2m) move to Como in August 2024.

Real Madrid have not – however – given up on the South American, and inserted an €8m (£6.9m) buyback clause in the agreement due to the Argentine’s vast potential.

Paz was used primarily as a No.10 in a central attacking midfield role by Cesc Fabregas at Como last season – the first full senior campaign of his career – and impressed, scoring six goals while also providing nine assists in 35 Serie A appearances.

Nico Paz is statistically similar to Bruno Fernandes

Tottenham famously came close to signing Bruno Fernandes back in the summer of 2019 before his £47m move to Manchester United in January 2020.

Now – however – Spurs could land a clone of the Portugal international.

Data site FBREF have Fernandes down as the most similar player to Paz, with the pair both ranking highly when it comes to shots per game and chances created.

Paz registers 3.65 shots every 90 minutes on average, and performs a shot-creating action for teammates 4.82 times per game.

FBREF interestingly also have the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze – who Tottenham looked at earlier this summer – and Dominik Szoboszlai on the list of players similar to the Como No.79 at the moment, which reflects very well on his ability.

It will undoubtedly be a tough deal to negotiate given the fact Real Madrid have a buyback clause, although Tottenham clearly feel a move is possible after submitting an opening bid.

Eberechi Eze is expected to dominate headlines in the final few weeks of the transfer window, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both keen on him.

Arsenal remain favourites to sign Eze this summer, but could still face competition for his signature from Tottenham Hotspur.

James Maddison’s ‘brutal’ injury means that Thomas Frank’s team are now desperate for an attacking midfielder, and Eze could be the perfect fit.

But after another underwhelming display in pre-season, Mikel Arteta could demand that a move for Eze is accelerated.

Jermain Defoe has been discussing the possibility of the 27-year-old moving to North London this summer and whether he would actually be a solid fit.

Jermain Defoe backs Tottenham to sign Eberechi Eze

Defoe believes that Eberechi Eze is the ideal ‘Tottenham player’ given the freedom with which he plays on the pitch.

The former Tottenham striker believes that the club need to replace Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, who are both struggling with long-term injuries.

The 42-year-old has backed his ex-club to make a move for Eze, despite Arsenal being heavily linked with a move for the England international.

Defoe told TalkSPORT: “Eze is someone who, if this makes sense, is a Tottenham player, someone who plays with freedom, and you look at the great players over the years that the players have had.

“Technically, how good he is and how confident he is and another special footballer. If that can happen, then it will be only good for the team, because when you get the injuries, you need to replace these players.”

TBR Football understands that Eze’s £60m release clause has now expired, meaning clubs will need to negotiate with Palace over a deal.

Eze has been telling friends he’s joining Arsenal, which would now make a move to Spurs rather tricky.

Other Tottenham targets if Eberechi Eze joins Arsenal

Leicester City attacker Bilal El Khannouss has been linked with Tottenham and he could be landed for a bargain fee.

The Moroccan international has a release clause of around £22m, which could entice Spurs to make a move for the 21-year-old.

Tottenham moving for Jack Grealish appears to be unlikely at this stage, given that Spurs have opted against pursuing him. Everton are pushing to sign Grealish.

Rafael Leao has been offered to Tottenham, but his heart seems to be set on staying at AC Milan for at least another season.

Time is running out for Spurs to make moves in the transfer window, with just 25 days remaining until the September 1 deadline.

TBR Football can exclusively share that Brennan Johnson is one of the Tottenham Hotspur players who have already seriously impressed new manager Thomas Frank.

So far this summer, Tottenham have made Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel’s loan moves permanent, as well as finally welcoming Luka Vuskovic to the club.

New faces Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have also joined, but Thomas Frank will still mostly be working with the players who were already in N17.

Of course, Brennan Johnson is one of those, a big money signing who arrived under Ange Postecoglou from Nottingham Forest.

The 24-year-old left his boyhood club to join Spurs in 2023, but after 83 appearances for the club, there’s still a feeling that there’s a lot more left to come.

Exclusive: Thomas Frank already likes Brennan Johnson and Pape Matar Sarr

Johnson has been impressed by Tottenham signing Kudus this summer, a fellow attacking player who should thrive under Frank.

But when it comes to making the most of the talent already in north London, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Frank already really likes Johnson as well as Pape Matar Sarr.

Asked about Frank’s early favourites, Bailey replied: “I actually thought Richarlison would be one of them, it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out, because there are a few Spurs players worth watching here.

“Kulusevski, for example, we’ll have to see how he fits in…and then there’s Maddison.

“I’d heard that Maddison was kind of on the fringes even before Frank arrived at Spurs.

“I’ve also heard that Frank really likes both Johnson and Sarr, he’s been impressed by them. But to be fair, when he first came in, he already liked a lot of the squad.

“That was actually part of the reason he got the job – in his conversations with Daniel Levy, he went through the whole squad and wasn’t negative about anyone.

“He showed he had a strong understanding of the group and was genuinely positive about what was already there.”

Jamie O’Hara called Brennan Johnson ‘frustrating’ last month

Whilst Sarr continues to make steady progress at Spurs, opinions on Johnson’s output have been a bit more divided over the course of the year.

And when speaking on TalkSPORT last month, former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara labelled the Welshman ‘one of the most frustrating’ players he’d watched.

Explaining why, O’Hara said: “Brennan Johnson had a really good return last year, a really good return. He scored a lot of goals. He gets on the end of things and that is an art.

“But, I’ll tell you what, he is one of the most frustrating football players to watch. He’s so frustrating to watch, because he can, I think, give more, and he doesn’t.”

Clearly Frank must have an opposing view, and it’ll be interesting to see how he fits Kudus and Johnson in the same side.

Tottenham Hotspur cult heroes Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen are among the many players who have sent messages to Son Heung-min after his official Spurs farewell.

Son confirmed that he would be leaving Tottenham last week and, on Wednesday, Spurs announced that the South Korea captain would be moving to MLS side LAFC.

In wake of the news, Son and Tottenham both shared farewell posts, including Son’s final interview for Spurs and the player’s own farewell message to the club and fans.

Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele were just a few of Son’s former colleagues who paid tribute to the forward on social media.

Outpouring of emotion as Son Heung-min bids farewell to Tottenham

Son Heung-min posted a heartfelt message on social media in which he spoke of his early days at Tottenham, his achievements at the club and his desire to leave on his own terms “when our mission was accomplished together”.

Son continued: “And so, to all of you, the supporters reading this. Thank you for your love, your support, and your trust that you’ve had in me for the last decade.

“To everyone at the club, the chairman, my managers and all who have been alongside me each day in training, in the canteen, travelling, playing, hurting, recovering, winning… thank you.

“To everyone, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I hope I made you all proud.”

Dele, who played alongside Son 204 times, posted a message in which he wrote “my brother” and included a number of purple hearts.

Eriksen, meanwhile, posted a hands-up emoji along with a red heart, while Mousa Dembele posted a red heart and an applause emoji.

Others who paid tribute to Son include Steven Bergwijn, who wrote “legend thanks for everything”, and Robbie Keane, who posted three blue hearts.

Who could replace Son Heung-min on the left side of Tottenham’s attack

Tottenham now have to think about who could be Son’s successor on the left wing, and Thomas Frank recently spoke about who is in line to take on the role.

Brennan Johnson was the first name Frank mentioned to step in, while Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel are also in the picture.

“Brennan Johnson is a player who could play on the left,” Frank said ahead of the Newcastle United friendly.

“Also I think that Wilson Odobert did well against Arsenal and can play on the left and also Mathys Tel is a flexible player.

“I think we have some young promising players that hopefully can step up and take over from Sonny in the future.”

TBR Football understands that Richarlison now has huge potential to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Thomas Frank once called Richarlison ‘very good’, but now the new Spurs boss could look to sell him this summer.

The Danish head coach is keen to bring in another attacker, and that means the former Everton man is the player who makes way.

The Brazilian international’s future is expected to be clarified very soon, with the new Premier League campaign now just a few weeks away.

Exclusive: Richarlison has ‘huge potential’ to leave Tottenham

Richarlison could well be a late mover in the transfer window, depending on his position in Frank’s team at the start of the season, sources have told Graeme Bailey, Chief Correspondent at TBR Football.

The Brazilian international was one of the players whose future under Frank was uncertain, and the manager’s plans for him should be clarified in the coming weeks.

The 28-year-old is having to compete with Dominic Solanke for the number nine role in the team. He can also feature on the left, but Spurs seem keen to sign a replacement for Son Heung-min.

Ahead of the World Cup next summer, Richarlison will know that he needs to be playing regular minutes to stand a chance of making Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.

Speaking about the forward’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “I think there’s huge potential for him still to leave by the end of the window. Richarlison is an interesting one. I was always told, when Frank came in, that Richarlison’s one of those players who needs to see where he stands.

“So next week, when the Premier League starts, I think he’s one of the players we might see a reaction from, depending on whether he’s starting or not.

“I think he believes he’s got a chance of getting in there, and that’s why we haven’t seen him massively pushing for a move. If he’s not in the mix at all, then yeah, I think we could see him leave.

“He’s someone we could be talking about in the last week of the window. But again, could he start for Tottenham? I think there’s every chance. I think he actually suits Thomas Frank in a lot of ways.”

Everton wanted Richarlison earlier this summer, however, the Toffees are yet to firm up their interest in their former player.

Palmeiras have also been linked to Richarlison, but a return to Brazil would be very tricky considering the costs involved.

Richarlison’s injury record should concern Thomas Frank

Richarlison’s injury record since his move to Spurs is likely one of the key reasons why Frank would be open to his departure.

As he proved in the Europa League final, the attacker can be a real threat, although he missed 37 games last season due to injury.

The Danish coach will be wary of counting on him as his backup option in case he were to lose Solanke to another injury.

Tottenham Hotspur are now lacking in creativity after losing James Maddison to injury.

Maddison suffered a ‘brutal’ injury against Newcastle United, and the midfielder is now likely to be sidelined for quite some time.

Thomas Frank is already without Dejan Kulusevski, and after Spurs missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White, the Dane has been left short in the number ten department.

Tottenham’s transfer plans could well change following the 28-year-old’s injury, and Jack Grealish is one of the names being discussed by supporters.

Jack Grealish could still emerge as a Tottenham target

Grealish could yet emerge as a target for Tottenham Hotspur following an injury to James Maddison, according to Ben Jacobs.

Several weeks ago, Spurs internally discussed the possibility of signing the 29-year-old, but opted against most likely due to the costs and his wages.

But after losing Maddison to an injury, the winger could suddenly reemerge in Tottenham’s thinking, especially if Man City open up to loan offers.

Jacobs told the Last Word On Spurs: “Yeah, I think the injury to Maddison is the key point, because two, three weeks ago, Tottenham were ruling it out. They discussed it internally, and at that point, they were also deciding whether Garnacho might be a market opportunity too, because their aim was Mathys Tel plus one.

“I guess reading between the lines now, we understand now for a number of weeks that Son was going to depart, so therefore you do need two on that left-hand side or one left-wing specialist and another more versatile attacker.

“Grealish has never been a name that Tottenham were that keen on, some down to wage and the fact that a permanent exit overall would be very costly, but as the window ticks away, you might see Man City decide to do a loan.

“When it was put to Tottenham after it was clear they’d been discussing it internally, they were very much steering away from a move for Jack Grealish, but I don’t think we can shut the door entirely simply because of the fact Maddison is now injured, late this window, Grealish may become a market opportunity.”

Everton are leading the race to sign Jack Grealish

TBR Football understands that Everton are leading the race to sign Grealish, having done a lot of work to bring him to Merseyside.

The Toffees at this stage are the winger’s most likely destination, with City now open to sending him out on loan.

Grealish remains on very high wages at City, so a loan deal will still be very expensive, but with less than a month remaining in the window, Pep Guardiola’s side may become more desperate to offload him.

Last season, Grealish managed just eight goal contributions, and for the potential costs of the deal, Spurs should steer clear of this move.

Leeds United have had a massive transfer window upon their return to the Premier League.

Indeed, the Whites’ spending has already eclipsed the £100m mark as the Yorkshire club look to give Daniel Farke the backing he needs to keep Leeds in the Premier League.

Leeds have spent big this summer, and more help could be on the way.

Daniel Farke still wants another striker, while a creative midfield option could also be in their sights.

Speaking on Last Word on Spurs, Ben Jacobs has now claimed that Leeds have made a formal enquiry about signing a very exciting player.

Leeds have enquired about Bilal El Khannouss

Jacobs spoke about Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Bilal El Khannouss.

The journalist says Spurs are keen on the Leicester City star, but, as things stand, Leeds are the only team to have formally asked about a deal so far.

“I hear one is Bilal El Khannouss, Leeds are the only team in the Premier League to have made a formal enquiry,” Jacobs said.

“West Ham and Tottenham have considered doing so, it’s a relatively easy deal to get done. You’ll see reports out there saying Leicester want a fee in excess of £25m. That’s not true to my understanding, Bilal El Khannouss has a relegation release clause that can be triggered €26m, which is about £22m.”

Bilal El Khannouss stats last season

Jacobs notes that this is an easy deal to do given the £22m release clause in place, but there’s a question to be asked about whether that would represent good value.

Indeed, El Khannouss has just been relegated with Leicester City, and his stats last season were hardly impressive.

As an attacking midfield player, two goals and three assists is a poor return, and Leeds will need more than that if they’re going to kick on.

El Khannouss has been admired by Arsenal too, but it feels as though there may be more style than substance with this player as his end product hasn’t quite been there since arriving in England.

Curtis Jones has named who he believes is the greatest English footballer of all-time.

Debating who the greatest English player of all-time isn’t easy. Wayne Rooney believes Paul Gascoigne is the best Englishman ever, while Diego Maradona loved Bryan Robson as a player.

England have had some truly amazing players over the years, from Steven Gerrard to Wayne Rooney, but speaking to Goal, Jones has named a former Tottenham star as the greatest English player of all-time.

Indeed, Jones took part in a challenge where he had to stay silent until he heard the best English player of all-time’s name and he snubbed some greats before ultimately deciding on Harry Kane.

Harry Kane named as the greatest English player ever

Curtis Jones was asked to stay quiet until he heard the name of the greatest English player ever.

The Liverpool star was presented with a long list of English icons, from his idol, Steven Gerrard, all the way to World Cup Winning captain, Bobby Moore.

However, Jones didn’t jump in until he heard the name of Harry Kane, claiming that the Three Lions’ all-time record scorer is indeed England’s greatest player ever.

Kane has scored more goals than any other player for England, and it’s hard to make a convincing argument against the former Tottenham star being the best player this country has ever produced.

Harry Kane’s England record analysed

Jones says Kane is the greatest English player ever, and it’s very difficult to disagree.

Indeed, while Kane wasn’t one of the World Cup winners in 1966, he has achieved incredible things for England that eclipse the achievements of many of his peers.

Kane may not have won a trophy with England, but he’s taken his country to three finals as well as two solid runs at the World Cup too.

You could pick Bobby Moore or Bobby Charlton over Kane but, since 1966, it’s fair to say that Kane is the best player who has ever pulled on an England shirt.