Sports Mole

The first marquee arrival of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur should be announced imminently, as Mohammed Kudus will soon complete his £55m switch from West Ham United to the Europa League champions.

The two capital counterparts are understood to have agreed on a fee for the Ghana international on Wednesday after the player made it clear that he only had eyes for Tottenham, also turning down interest from Chelsea in the process.

Such is Kudus's versatility that the ex-Ajax man could operate anywhere across the frontline - even as an auxiliary number nine - but a role in Dominic Solanke's supporting cast is more likely.

The 24-year-old could potentially inherit Son Heung-min's left-wing spot, compete with Brennan Johnson for starts on the right, or rival James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the right to act as Spurs' most advanced midfielder.

With all that in mind, Sports Mole takes a deeper dive into how Kudus statistically compares to Johnson, Kulusevski, Son and Maddison, using data from FBref from the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Kudus comparison: Goalscoring/shooting

First and foremost, all of Kudus, Maddison, Son, Johnson and Kulusevski made between 30 and 33 Premier League appearances last season, although the former played the most minutes with 2,590 and Maddison the fewest with 1,809.

However, the man who spent the most amount of time on the field found the back of the net the fewest times, as Kudus managed just five Premier League goals in the 2024-25 season, down from eight in the 2023-24 campaign.

Johnson leads the way in this five-strong list with 11 strikes, while Maddison managed nine, Kulusevski seven and Son seven for a Spurs side who had no problems creating and finishing chances, but it was a different story entirely at the other end of the pitch.

Kudus's quintet of strikes came from 75 shots last term - none of the Spurs quartet had more attempts in the league - and he only found the target with 21 of those efforts, a shots to shots-on-target ratio of 28%.

That percentage is the worst of its kind on this list - Son and Maddison are joint first with 43.6% each - and the latter pair's ratios are even more impressive considering their shots were the furthest distance from goal on average.

While Kudus is more than happy to let fly and can produce a spectacular or two from time to time - see Manchester City on the final day of the 2023-24 season - improving the Ghanaian's ruthlessness in front of goal should be a priority on Frank's agenda.

Kudus comparison: Assisting/playmaking

The face-value numbers do Kudus little good here either, as the 24-year-old set up just three goals in the 2024-25 Premier League season, having previously registered nine assists in the 2023-24 campaign.

Meanwhile, Son led the way with nine helpers in the top flight, while Maddison set up seven goals, Kulusevski four and Johnson just three alongside his soon-to-be teammate - although individual assist numbers also say a lot about the quality of a side's overall finishing.

While Kudus only managed a trio of assists, the £55m man sits third in the list for shot-creating actions with 107 to his name - even more than Maddison - and his 10 goal-creating actions also trump Kulusevski's nine.

However, Maddison still has the edge when it comes to shot-creating actions per 90 minutes with an average of 4.73, while Kudus sits second-last in that category with 3.72 per 90, only above Johnson's 1.9.

Unsurprisingly, a greater proportion of Kudus's SCAs and GCAs than the Tottenham quartet came from shots; 12 of his efforts led to another attempt, while three of them preceded a goalscoring strike.

Also ranking lower than Maddison, Son and Kulusevski for progressive passes and key passes, Kudus should leave the bulk of the playmaking to one of Spurs' designated number 10s while he attempts to wreak havoc with the ball at his feet.

Kudus comparison: Passing/possession

Kudus may not match up to some of his soon-to-be Spurs colleagues in pure goals and assists, but there is one area where the former Ajax man sits head and shoulders above the rest - unless your name is Jeremy Doku.

Indeed, the 24-year-old completed a staggering 92 successful take-ons from 208 attempts in the 2024-25 Premier League season, by far and away the most in this comparison and the second-most in the top flight behind the Manchester City winger's 107.

All together, Kulusevski, Son, Johnson and Maddison 119 successful take-ons between them, and Kudus also boasts the highest success rate out of the five with 44.2%, despite more attempts naturally also leading to more failures.

Kudus will evidently bring a new dimension to Tottenham's attack in that regard, but he is not as extraordinary a ball carrier; his 98 progressive carries in the 2024-25 Premier League is some way behind Kulusevski's 120, while Son's 44 carries into the penalty area slightly trumps the Ghanaian's 42.

Furthermore, Kudus was dispossessed on more occasions than any of the Tottenham four, losing the ball 93 times in such scenarios, which do not include attempted take-ons either; for comparison, Johnson was dispossessed on just 17 occasions.

However, Kudus can also help Spurs retain possession through winning free kicks, having drawn 64 fouls in the league in 2024-25, level with Maddison at the top of this five-man column.

The African's overall passing success rate of 83.6% is the best out of the five, although he did attempt the second-fewest passes with 855; Maddison, meanwhile, tops the charts with 1,256.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is adept at picking out a teammate from a distance; he also leads the way in completed passes between 15 and 30 yards with an 88.9% success rate, as well as an unrivalled 68.2% success rate for long passes travelling 30 yards or more.

The latter category is boosted by Kudus's 13 switches of play - Kulusevski, Maddison, Son and Johnson registered just 11 between them - and such numbers suggest that Kudus's assist statistics will almost certainly be on the rise from next season.

Kudus comparison: Defensive actions

This category will certainly not make or break Kudus's transfer to Tottenham, but for what it is worth, the former Ajax playmaker won a respectable 23 tackles from 38 attempts in last season's top flight, the joint-second most on this list behind Johnson's 26.

However, Kudus also made two mistakes that directly led to an opponent's shot in the 2024-25 Premier League; Maddison, Son and Kulusevski each made one such error, while Johnson was not guilty of any.

The Ghanaian was also the only one to be sent off in last season's top division - seeing red for his violent outburst against none other than Spurs - although he was only booked twice, the second-fewest on the list above Son's solitary yellow card.

That is in spite of Kudus committing the second-most fouls out of the five - bringing down an opponent 39 times - and his 21.6% aerial duel win rate puts him bottom of that list too.

Then again, the 5ft 10in attacker did attempt significantly more battles off the ground than the rest - contesting 51 and losing 40 of them - while none of the other four competed in more than 27 aerial duels.

Kudus also recovered more loose balls than Son, Maddison, Kulusevski and Johnson with 138, and with the necessary tweaks to his attacking game, Spurs will have a very exciting and unique talent on their hands.

No Bryan Mbeumo? No problem for Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly on the verge of bringing versatile West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus to the home of the Europa League winners.

While Chelsea were prepared to rival Spurs for the Ghana international's signature, potentially with the promise of a seven or eight-year contract, Kudus only had eyes for a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

The 24-year-old's wish is about to be granted, as West Ham are now understood to have accepted a £55m bid from Frank's side, and Kudus will undergo his medical in the coming hours ahead of an announcement, which could potentially come as early as Thursday.

Ahead of Kudus's unveiling, Sports Mole takes a look at the shirt numbers that the former Ajax man could take at Tottenham.

Throughout his three-year spell at the London Stadium, Kudus has donned the '14' on his back for West Ham, a jersey which was memorably worn by Luka Modric and David Ginola at White Hart Lane.

However, defensive prodigy Archie Gray is currently in possession of that shirt at Tottenham, although the Lilywhites' number two and number three jerseys are vacant following Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon's departures.

Such shirts would be more traditional for a full-back, but Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie may be given first refusal on those given their standing in the pecking order, so Gray will likely retain the '14' for now.

Before earning his Premier League stars, Kudus was Ajax's number 20, and the adaptable attacker has almost always donned the same shirt for the Ghana national team, as well as a brief stint as their number 10.

James Maddison is in no position to relinquish the '10' jersey, but Tottenham's number 20 shirt is awaiting its next taker after the exit of its previous incumbent Fraser Forster.

Kudus could emulate Dele Alli with Tottenham shirt number

It would be somewhat fitting if Kudus was to take on the number 20 shirt at Tottenham, as that is the same jersey that fellow playmaker Dele Alli donned for seven years in North London between 2015 and 2022.

Kudus taking the number 20 may therefore be written in the stars, although there are a plethora of other unattached shirts that the Ghana international could select from this summer.

The number 12 that Gary Lineker once wore is also without an occupier, although that shirt has been exclusively worn by defenders and goalkeepers in the 21st century at Tottenham; Emerson Royal was the last to wear it.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of highly rated Japanese centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale in a deal worth £5m. The 20-year-old has penned a contract with the Premier League side until June 2030.

Takai becomes Spurs’ third arrival of the summer window, following a breakthrough campaign in the J League, where he had established himself as a regular starter for Kawasaki since 2023. His consistency and aerial prowess caught the attention of the North London club, who acted swiftly to finalise the move.

The defender bolsters a backline that came under heavy criticism last season, having suffered from a string of injuries. He will now compete for a place alongside Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso and Luka Vuskovic.

Who is Kota Takai?

Takai rose through the youth ranks at Kawasaki Frontale and was promoted to the first team in 2022, making his senior debut at just 17 in an 8-0 AFC Champions League victory over Guangzhou. He went on to make 81 appearances for the club, winning the 2023 Emperor’s Cup and the 2024 Japanese Super Cup.

Standing at 1.93m tall, the centre-back was named the J League’s Young Player of the Year in 2024, with his dominance in aerial duels seen as a key asset in both boxes.

Internationally, Takai was a standout performer in Japan’s triumph at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup and also featured at the Paris Olympics, where Japan reached the quarter-finals. He made his senior international debut later that year in a World Cup qualifier against China and has since earned four caps for the Blue Samurai.

Takai impressed against Cristiano Ronaldo

Takai made headlines in May for his performance against Cristiano Ronaldo during Kawasaki’s 3-2 victory over Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League semi-final. The young defender impressed with his physicality and composure, limiting Ronaldo to just two shots on target.

Despite Kawasaki falling to Al-Ahli in the final, Takai’s displays throughout the tournament underlined his potential and further justified Tottenham’s investment.

Spurs will now hope the Japan international can adapt quickly to English football and help provide much-needed depth in Ange Postecoglou’s defensive unit ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa in the summer transfer window.Â

Despite finishing 17th in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, Spurs will participate in the Champions League, having won the Europa League last season by beating Manchester United.Â

Thomas Frank, the new Tottenham boss, wants to add depth and quality in the attacking areas, and Spurs have already reached an agreement to sign West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus.Â

According to a report from BBC Sport, Brentford have been made aware of Tottenham's interest in the 28-year-old, who is open to a move across the capital.Â

Nottingham Forest previously failed to sign the DR Congo international in January, but Wissa could be reunited with his former boss once again if Tottenham can reach an agreement.Â

How Brentford are feeling about Tottenham's interest in WissaÂ

The report claims that Brentford are reluctant to lose Wissa, who scored 20 goals last season.Â

The Bees have already lost manager Frank, captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal and goalkeeper Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen, and they are likely to make it difficult for any club to take their key players away.Â

What should encourage Spurs is that Wissa's current contract expires next summer, and although they have an option to extend it for another year, a tempting offer could prompt them to sell one of their prized assets.Â

Will Spurs scupper Man Utd's transfer plans?

An interesting transfer situation could develop involving Manchester United if Spurs manage to strike a deal for Wissa.Â

The Red Devils are keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo, but Brentford have rejected two offers for the Cameroon forward.Â

While they are still in talks to reach an agreement, the London outfit are unlikely to sell both Wissa and Mbeumo at the same time.Â

Frank initially wanted to bring the 25-year-old winger to the north London club, but he has made it clear that he would only move to Man Utd or nowhere.Â

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly struck a total agreement to sign West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus, beating Chelsea to the signature of the Ghana international.

The two London clubs have been locked in a battle to prise Kudus away from the Hammers, although Spurs have always been considered the top contenders for the former Ajax player.

The Europa League holders are believed to have failed with one £50m offer for Kudus, but they were not deterred by that rejection and quickly formulated a second offer for the 24-year-old.

That bid has seemingly done the trick, as The Athletic claims that Spurs and West Ham have now agreed on a fee for Kudus, who will cost Thomas Frank's side £55m.

Despite interest from Chelsea, Kudus has supposedly been prioritising a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and there are therefore not expected to be any roadblocks in discussions over personal terms.

Kudus contract length, medical date 'revealed' ahead of Spurs move

The versatile attacker is reportedly set to sign a six-year contract in North London until the end of the 2030-31 campaign, and his medical has already been scheduled for Thursday.

Kudus's West Ham contract is understood to contain a release clause for the first 10 days of July, which is set at £85m for Premier League sides, £80m for teams elsewhere in Europe and a mammoth £120m for Saudi Pro League outfits.

However, West Ham have not demanded the full value of that clause, as the Irons are desperate to raise funds for their own summer business and were not prepared to stand in Kudus's way of an exit.

The Ghana international is set to become Spurs' fourth senior signing of the summer after Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Kota Takai, and just the second new face at the club following the latter.

Kudus will depart West Ham having registered 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances for the club in all competitions, netting five goals and setting up three more in 32 Premier League games in 2024-25.

What Kudus will bring to Tottenham ahead of £55m transfer

Above all else, Kudus will bring exceptional versatility to the Tottenham frontline, having excelled in multiple wide and central positions throughout his career in European football so far.

The 24-year-old can expect to compete with Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson on the right, cover James Maddison in the number 10 role, or even succeed Son Heung-min as Tottenham's new first-choice left-winger.

If Dominic Solanke is ever out of action, Kudus could even operate through the middle for Spurs, who are statistically picking up one of the trickiest wingers in the land.

Kudus completed a staggering 92 take-ons in the 2024-25 Premier League season - only Manchester City's Jeremy Doku (107) managed more - while also drawing 64 fouls, the fifth-most in the top flight.

Improving on last season's goal and assist output should be a priority aim for Kudus and Frank, but the Ghanaian will bring a refreshing sense of excitement and unpredictability to their frontline.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is reportedly keen to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa this summer.

Frank ended his long stint as Brentford boss last month to take over the reins at Spurs following Ange Postecoglou's sacking.Â

The Dane has already been linked with a potential reunion with Bryan Mbeumo, although the Cameroon international appears to have his heart set on a move to Manchester United.

While Frank may not be able to recruit Mbeumo, he is looking to sign another player he knows well from his time as Brentford head coach.

Frank pushing for Wissa signing

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Frank is the driving force behind Tottenham's interest in signing Wissa this summer.

The update claims that Spurs are currently weighing up a move, with Wissa believed to be keen to reunite with his former manager.

As per Sky Sports News, Tottenham have already 'explored the conditions' of a transfer, although they are yet to make contact with Brentford over a potential move.

There is a belief that Brentford will ask for less than the £65m they are demanding to part ways with Mbeumo.

They are unable to request a similar asking price due to the fact that Wissa will be available as a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season.

How could Wissa's future impact Mbeumo?

Man United have already failed with two bids for Mbuemo, but they are still confident that they can reach an agreement with the Bees.

However, their pursuit could be affected by Wissa's future, with Brentford reluctant to sell both of their two key attackers during the same transfer window.

Wissa and Mbeumo scored 39 Premier League goals between them last season, making up 59% of Brentford's overall tally in the top flight.Â

With that in mind, the Bees will recognise that it will be extremely difficult to replace that level of output if Wissa and Mbeumo both depart before the September 1 deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Alejo Veliz has rejoined former club Rosario Central on a season-long loan deal, the Lilywhites have confirmed.

The Argentine youngster arrived in North London from Rosario for just under £13m in 2023, but he is yet to have a breakthrough campaign in England, making just eight appearances for Tottenham in all competitions.

Veliz has only found the back of the net once in that time, registering in a 4-2 away defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2023, shortly before being loaned out to Sevilla in La Liga.

The 21-year-old played just 31 minutes across six matches for Los Palanganas in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, and his time with Espanyol last term was underwhelming too.

Veliz managed a mere four goals in 29 appearances for the Catalan side in all competitions, three of which came in the first round of the Copa del Rey in a 4-0 thrashing of minnows San Tirso.

In La Liga alone, the 2003-born striker scored a paltry one goal in 27 appearances, and he will seemingly not be given a chance to prove himself to Thomas Frank in pre-season.

Tottenham, Rosario reach agreement for Veliz loan

Instead, Veliz has been sent back to his homeland to further his development, and TyC Sports claims that there is no permanent option or obligation included in the deal.

The report adds that Spurs were looking for a permanent exit for the striker, whose contract with the Europa League winners runs for another four years, but they had to settle for a loan deal in the end.

Rosario are believed to have beaten Argentinian rivals Racing and Boca Juniors to the signature of Veliz; the former club apparently submitted a €7m (£6m) offer to Tottenham, which was rejected.

However, Veliz's preference was always to play for Rosario thanks to presence of Argentina legend Angel Di Maria, who has just returned to his boyhood club on a one-year deal after leaving Benfica.

Veliz came through the youth system at Rosario Central and scored 19 goals in 63 games during his first spell at the club, who banked a club-record fee by selling him to Spurs two years ago.

Which other players could Tottenham sell this summer?

Barring Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's Marseille move becoming permanent and a few players departing on free transfers, it has been quiet on the outgoings front for Tottenham during the summer window.

However, a few more sales are anticipated between now and the September 1 deadline, and Son Heung-min - who is now in the last 12 months of his deal - is a candidate for the chop.

The 33-year-old has supposedly rejected the chance to join one MLS club, but he retains interest from Saudi Arabia, and Spurs are not expected to stand in his way of an exit if the conditions are right.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the arrival of Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale in a deal worth a reported £5m.

The 20-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the Europa League winners until the summer of 2030 and is expected to be integrated into Thomas Frank's first team straight away rather than be loaned out elsewhere.

Takai is the third player to sign for Spurs' senior squad this summer, although he is the first true new face, as Tottenham's first two arrivals were Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel on permanent deals following their loans.

Takai heads to North London on the back of making 81 appearances in all competitions for Kawasaki Frontale, scoring four goals and setting up one more for the Japanese giants in that time.

The 2004-born defender played a key role in Kawasaki's run to the final of the AFC Champions League earlier this year, helping his team to a statement 3-2 win over Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the semi-finals.

The 6ft 3in defender has also won four caps for the Japan national team and is expected to be in contention for a spot in their 2026 World Cup squad.

When could Takai make his debut for Tottenham?

Takai's £5m transfer is not 100% complete just yet, as Tottenham have confirmed that his arrival is still subject to the player receiving international clearance and a work permit.

However, there are seemingly few concerns about Takai being granted the necessary documentation, and he will almost certainly be at Frank's disposal for the start of the Premier League campaign.

Before the competitive season gets underway, Tottenham will take part in at least five friendlies, firstly facing League One outfit Reading at the Madejski Stadium on July 19, where Takai could make his unofficial debut.

The Lilywhites then meet Luton Town seven days later before embarking on a pre-season tour of Asia, where they take on Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and Newcastle United in South Korea on August 3.

One final friendly is scheduled for August 7 against Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in Germany, before a tantalising UEFA Super Cup showdown versus Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, where Takai may make his first competitive appearance for Spurs.

The 20-year-old should then be part of Frank's selection for the opening weekend of the Premier League season, where Tottenham host Burnley on August 16.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for yet another off-field clash as both clubs reportedly target the same player in the transfer market.

Just two months ago, Spurs defeated United 1-0 in the Europa League final, securing Champions League qualification at their rivals' expense. Since then, United, now managed by Ruben Amorim, have been determined to strike back in the market, with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo a key target — though Tottenham are also in the race for the forward.

The two clubs now appear set to lock horns again, this time over Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to TBR Football.

Douglas Luiz keen on Premier League return

The Brazilian is reportedly eager to leave Juventus just one year after his arrival in Serie A, having failed to fully establish himself in Turin. Luiz made 27 appearances last season but has struggled to cement a regular starting role.

The 27-year-old is believed to favour a return to the Premier League, where he previously played for Manchester City and Aston Villa between 2017 and 2024.

Juventus are open to parting ways with the midfielder and would prefer a permanent sale, though a loan move has not been ruled out. According to Transfermarkt, Luiz's market value is estimated at around £25m.

In addition to United and Spurs, TBR Football reports that Nottingham Forest, Everton, Fulham and West Ham are also monitoring the situation closely.

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to make a serious effort to re-sign Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

The former Lilywhites youngster - who played 24 times for the Europa League champions from 2013 to 2020 - is officially unattached following the expiration of his contract with Southampton at the end of June.

During his five seasons at St Mary's, Walker-Peters made over 200 appearances for the Saints, banking seven goals and 12 assists and performing competently on both sides of the backline.

Shortly before Walker-Peters entered the free agent market, Tottenham were reported to have been giving consideration to bringing him back to North London, and the right-back would "love" to return to his boyhood team.

The two-cap England international would also qualify as a club-trained player for Tottenham's Champions League squad, having spent at least three years at Spurs between the ages of 15 and 21.

Spurs unlikely to re-sign Walker-Peters despite 'internal talks'

The prospect of a free transfer for a homegrown player in the prime of his career could therefore be a particularly appealing one for Thomas Frank, but according to The Telegraph, a reunion this summer is not expected to materialise.

The report claims that Tottenham have internally discussed a move for the 28-year-old, but it would be a surprise if he went back to North London for a second stint in the Spurs kit.

That is in spite of Spurs' lack of club-trained players in their squad, as Frank only has one such man at his disposal at present - third-choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin.

Tottenham do boast seven 'association-trained' players, who must have represented another club in England or Wales for at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21, but they can only have four such players in their UEFA squad.

As clubs must have a total of eight club and association-trained players in their 25-strong Champions League ranks, Spurs ideally must include another three club-trained players, otherwise their squad size will be reduced.

Where else can Spurs find a club-trained player?

While Tottenham have a few academy products in their ranks - Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett and Alfie Devine - the trio instead qualify for Tottenham's UEFA B list.

List B is reserved for players born on or after January 1, 2004 who have been eligible to represent the club for an uninterrupted two-year period at any time since their 15th birthday, of which Scarlett, Devine and Moore all qualify.

Instead, Tottenham will have to turn to the market to search for club-trained List A players, and Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin would fit the bill.

The 2002-born defender came through the Tottenham academy system before leaving for the Stadium of Light in 2021, but he meets the criteria for a club-trained player.

Spurs are understood to be considering a deal for the 23-year-old, although Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League will make any move considerably more difficult.