Thomas Frank has a complicated and unique job should his proposed move to Tottenham eventually go through.
It’s not every day a manager takes over a struggling club that’s just won a European trophy. It’s not every day a manager takes over a team that finished 17th in the Premier League and lost 22 games – the most without being relegated. But it’s also not every day a manager takes over a team that adored their previous manager and were furious that he was axed.
So, it could be a peculiar and sensitive task for the Dane when he arrives at Spurs – and the pressure will be on him to get the players onside quickly, given how popular – and successful – his predecessor was.
Now that Tottenham fans have had a taste for silverware, they’ll be hungry for more – and so will the players. Frank will quickly discover that the squad is lacking in a few areas that will need strengthening if he wants to build on Postecoglou’s trophy win, and get Spurs challenging consistently for honours.
Squawka has taken a look at how Tottenham could line up under the former Brentford boss.
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Goalkeeper and defence
This is an area that Frank shouldn’t have to tinker with too much – only add to and secure more depth in case Spurs suffer another injury crisis.
In goal, Guiglielmo Vicario is a super shot-stopper on his day, but allowed a few mistakes to creep into his game at the end of last season. You can be certain Frank will back him as his No.1, while Pedro Porro should fit in as a quality attacking right-back.
At centre-back, Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven are the undisputed first-choice pairing and Frank won’t want to veer from that, unless the former ends up going to Atletico Madrid amid reported interest from the Spanish club. He’ll also hope the pair can stay fit, after they played just 11 times together in the 2024-25 season.
Destiny Udogie is also the standout option at left-back at Spurs, though after the exit of Sergio Reguilon, Frank may want to secure some cover on that side after Djed Spence was forced to fill in at times last season.
Midfield
Frank was on record as saying Tottenham have one of the best midfields in the Premier League last season, calling it “very, very, very good” and highlighting Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma.
However, it needs some urgent cover – especially someone who can play more defensively, dictate play and allow others to roam forwards. Adam Wharton has been linked with a move to Spurs after his dazzling displays for Crystal Palace. He has impressed with his ability to sit in front of the defence, screening the backline and maintaining the tempo in midfield.
He would be a perfect foil for someone like Bentancur or Tottenham’s player of the season Lucas Bergvall – with Bissouma’s performances slipping in recent seasons, while Pape Sarr has put in some indifferent displays.
(Credit: Craig Mercer/ Alamy Live News)
Postecoglou had a big dilemma over whether to play James Maddison or Kulusevski in the No.10 role during his time at Spurs, but Frank may seek to go after a new player altogether.
Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been linked with a move to north London, and Football London have suggested he would be open to joining the club. He has a £60m release clause this summer and could slot straight into Frank’s side as an exciting playmaker in the No.10 role, with Kulusevski on the right.
On the left wing, Spurs are short of options – with captain Son Heung-min ageing and both Timo Werner and Mathys Tel set to return to RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich respectively after their loans. That means Tottenham could sanction another loan – and why not swoop for Manchester City outcast Jack Grealish? The winger is out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and was of interest to Spurs in the past. According to talkSport, Spurs have “genuine interest” in the player, but are rivalled by Everton.
Attack
Dominic Solanke arrived for £60m from Bournemouth last season with mixed success. He scored 16 goals in all competitions and was an important player in their Europa League journey, being named in the Team of the Tournament.
But in the Premier League, he struggled, scoring just nine times and also suffering his fair share of injuries. In fact, Brennan Johnson outscored him with 18 in all competitions and 11 in the league, despite playing as a winger. So, Frank may want to add more competition for Solanke – though the ex-Cherries star looks to be a perfect fit for his high-pressing style.
Other forwards that might interest Tottenham are Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick, who scored 27 times last season, while Frank could also be tempted to bring Yoane Wissa with him from Brentford. Wissa had a terrific season last term, as he netted 19 times in the Premier League.
