TBR Football

Thomas Frank replacing Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham could open up many a door for Spurs in terms of transfers.

Tottenham have already been linked to Bryan Mbeumo as they close in on appointing the Dane, who helped the Cameroon international score 20 Premier League goals last season.

Some already at Spurs may also thrive, as Frank has previously praised Richarlison whilst at Brentford.

There was also a player Ian Wright backed to end up at Tottenham even before Thomas Frank moved into the frame to replace Ange Postecoglou in Mikkel Damsgaard, somebody who could quite feasibly join the 51-year-old in N17.

Ian Wright tipped Mikkel Damsgaard to end up at Tottenham, and here’s why he could be spot on

Speaking on his Wrighty’s House Podcast back in October, Wright said he could see Damsgaard joining Tottenham soon.

The 61-year-old claimed: “You know who I’m going to go with, Damsgaard at Brentford. That five-year deal he signed is starting to look really good now.

“I remember he scored that freekick against England, and at the time I think Barcelona were all over him, the two Milan teams were all over him, Spurs. Yeah, with the form he has now, you could see him (going) somewhere like Spurs.”

Tottenham almost signed Damsgaard from Sampdoria after his electric displays at UEFA EURO 2020 – according to Fabrizio Romano – but it was Brentford who eventually secured his signature, sealing a £13m agreement in August 2022.

Given the fact Spurs are long-term admirers of the Denmark international, and the man who signed him for Brentford is now close to becoming manager of Tottenham, this is definitely a deal we can see materialising soon, either this summer or in 2026.

Thomas Frank managed to turn Mikkel Damsgaard into one of the best creators in the Premier League

It took Damsgaard – who has been likened to Kevin De Bruyne – some time to adjust to English football.

The 24-year-old’s first 54 appearances under Frank yielded just four assists and not a single goal.

However, the Brentford No.24 impressively scored two goals and provided 11 assists in 38 Premier League appearances last season, making 34 starts as the Bees finished tenth.

Only Jacob Murphy and Mohamed Salah assisted more goals in the Premier League last term with 12 and 18 assists respectively.

Therefore, Damsgaard is clearly on an upward trajectory, and with Tottenham already firm admirers of his talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise whatsoever to see Frank take his fellow countryman to north London with him.

There were ‘quite a few people’ at Tottenham Hotspur who were left ‘surprised’ by Daniel Levy’s response to the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.

After two weeks of deliberating, Levy sacked Postecoglou as manager of the North London club despite the Australian winning them their first major trophy in 17 years.

Ultimately, it was the performances in the Premier League which cost Postecoglou his job as the team ended up with their lowest ever finish in 17th place.

Finishing just one place above the relegation zone was deemed unacceptable and following a review, the club announced Postecoglou would be leaving.

But, in their official statement, there was a key detail missing, which left many inside the club quite shocked.

Daniel Levy not included in Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou statement

Daniel Levy’s failure to give his thoughts on Ange Postecoglou’s sacking in Tottenham Hotspur’s official statement left ‘quite a few’ people at the club ‘surprised’, according to Alasdair Gold.

The Spurs chairman almost always gives his take on why the club made a certain decision, however, he was not included in the official statement.

Earlier this summer, Levy gave his thoughts on Donna Cullen stepping down as Executive Director and then Ryan Mason departing for West Bromwich Albion.

The Tottenham journalist also admitted to being surprised at Levy not taking ownership of the decision to sack the manager who delivered just his second major trophy.

Gold told Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham: “It’s just madness, isn’t it really? But yeah, from what I understand, there were quite a few people within the club that were surprised that Levy didn’t put his name to it because it kind of wasn’t taking responsibility for the decision, which to be fair, he has done in the past. I looked back and all of the Pochettino, Conte, Mourinho ones, it all had his kind of name with quotes under it.

“And as you said, you know, Ryan Mason, Donna Cullen, this week are the most recent examples of, you know, not just thanking the manager as well for giving you your first or biggest trophy, only the second trophy, his entire quarter of essentially tenure as chairman. I thought it was all a bit like, ‘Really?’ Take ownership of it. I was quite surprised at that.”

How Daniel Levy actually felt about hiring Ange Postecoglou originally

Another interesting detail from the situation has emerged as Paul O’Keefe has revealed that Levy didn’t want Postecoglou in charge, initially.

His new chief football officer, Scott Munn, selected the 59-year-old, and the Spurs chairman felt he had to ultimately back the call to appoint the Australian coach.

O’Keefe told the Last Word On Spurs: “Daniel Levy didn’t want Ange, it was Scott Munn’s pick. He had reservations putting Ange Postecoglou in charge of Tottenham.

“He felt he had to back his new guy (Munn) and his new regime. He wasn’t keen and had to be convinced, I think he’s probably thinking to himself, ‘I knew I was right all along’.”

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!”