£68m “superstar” & new Mbeumo sign, Maddison axed: Dream XI Frank could build at Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 season was one of extraordinary contrasts—European triumph coupled with domestic despair. Ange Postecoglou delivered a long-awaited trophy by guiding the club to Europa League glory, breaking a 17-year silverware drought.
Yet, that success proved insufficient to secure his future. A catastrophic Premier League campaign, culminating in a dismal 17th-place finish, ultimately led Daniel Levy to make the painful but, in his view, necessary decision to relieve Postecoglou of his duties.
The message was clear: silverware is cherished, but league performance remains non-negotiable.
Postecoglou will rightly be remembered for lifting a major European trophy, an achievement only two managers before him at the club had accomplished.
However, his domestic record painted a grimmer picture. Tottenham’s erratic performances, frequent defensive collapses, and lack of consistency cast a shadow over the high points.
Spurs now stand at a pivotal crossroads, faced with the challenge of maintaining their continental status while rebuilding for long-term Premier League stability.
Among the list of managerial contenders, the likes of Marco Silva and Mauricio Pochettino were quickly dismissed as either lateral or regressive steps. Brentford’s Thomas Frank, however, is a name that excites both fans and the board alike.
The Danish tactician, admired for his methodical style and team-building expertise, has expressed his intent to leave Brentford, giving Spurs confidence in sealing the deal.
Frank’s pending arrival signals the beginning of a new era, with Daniel Levy already maneuvering behind the scenes to reshape the squad in line with the incoming manager’s vision.
Tottenham’s expected tactical evolution under Frank may bring more structure, discipline, and reliance on versatile players. The foundation is already in place, but improvements are essential to compete on multiple fronts.
Below is a projection of how Frank might line up his side, along with potential signings that could shape the club’s fortunes.
| Position | Player | Current Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Guglielmo Vicario | Endured a rough league season but was heroic in Bilbao; likely to remain first choice with minimal challenge from Antonín Kinský. |
| RB | Pedro Porro | Showed flashes of brilliance; Frank’s structured defensive system may help him improve consistency and mature defensively. |
| CB | Marc Guehi (Target) | Targeted as a potential replacement for Cristian Romero. More reliable and less injury-prone. Stats show he’s ready for a top club. |
| CB | Micky van de Ven | A mainstay in defense, his athleticism and progressive passing align perfectly with Frank’s style. |
| LB | Destiny Udogie | Injuries hampered his season; still among Europe’s most promising full-backs. Could thrive under Frank’s player development acumen. |
| CM | Lucas Bergvall | Just 19 but already a regular contributor. His maturity and game sense make him a rising star with vast long-term value. |
| CM | Morten Hjulmand (Target) | Tenacious and natural in the defensive midfield role. Could address Spurs’ need for a reliable No. 6. Estimated cost: £50 million. |
| RW | Leroy Sané (Target) | Potential marquee signing. Despite a slight decline in pace, remains a lethal forward. Could become Frank’s new talismanic winger. |
| AM | Dejan Kulusevski | Recovering from injury but still vital. Offers work rate, pressing, and possession retention—qualities Frank values immensely. |
| LW | Eberechi Eze (Target) | With Son potentially departing, Eze represents an elite, dynamic replacement. His 14 goals and 11 assists prove his end-product quality. |
| ST | Richarlison or New Signing | Richarlison has been inconsistent, and Spurs may look to upgrade here depending on budget and Frank’s system preference. |
Frank is known for emphasizing team cohesion, tactical flexibility, and maximizing player output. His work at Brentford saw him elevate under-the-radar talents into key contributors, and there’s reason to believe he can replicate that in North London.
Names like Rico Henry and Ivan Toney flourished under his stewardship, and the same development arc could be applied to young talents like Bergvall, Udogie, and Kulusevski.
On the transfer front, Tottenham appears ready to be proactive. Guehi’s robust defending and availability make him an ideal replacement for the oft-injured Romero, while Hjulmand could bring bite and balance to the midfield.
Meanwhile, potential bids for Eze and Sané reflect an ambition to blend youth, flair, and proven experience—a formula that aligns well with Frank’s tactical ethos.
Even though Postecoglou’s departure came on the heels of European triumph, Tottenham’s need for consistency and structure is pressing.
With Champions League football returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Supporters will expect better domestic results, smart recruitment, and a clear identity on the pitch.
If Frank signs on and the board backs him with the right tools, Spurs could begin writing a new chapter—one defined not by fleeting highs, but by sustained excellence.
Dream Spurs line-up in full: (GK) Guglielmo Vicario; (RB) Pedro Porro, (CB) Marc Guehi, (CB) Micky van de Ven, (LB) Destiny Udogie; (CM) Morten Hjulmand, (CM) Lucas Bergvall; (RW) Leroy Sane, (AM) Dejan Kulusevski, (LW) Eberechi Eze; (CF) Dominic Solanke.